Horatii, the three brothers selected by Tullus Hostilius, king of Rome, to fight against the three brothers Curiatii, the champions of Alba Longa, when it was agreed to decide the quarrel between the two cities by the issue of single combat by three warriors chosen from either side. The legend goes that two of the Horatii were speedily slain; the remaining brother, yet unscathed, by a simulated flight, succeeded in engaging each of his wounded opponents singly, and in overcoming them all. As he entered the gate of Rome in triumph, bearing the trophies of the slain, he was met by his sister, whose beloved was one of the dead champions of Alba. She cursed his slayer, her victorious brother, and was by him thereupon stabbed to the heart. Horatius, condemned by the duumviri to be scourged to death, was afterwards saved by the people, and lived to destroy Alba Longa and carry its inhabitants to Rome. This story, although containing a very large admixture of mythical elements, points to the close relationship that existed between Rome and Alba Longa, as well as to the fact of an internecine struggle having taken place before the latter was incorporated in the political organisation of the former.
It was a descendant of the survivor of the three Horatii, named Horatius Coeles, who in 507 B.C., along with Titus Herminius and Spurius Lartius, formed the 'dauntless three,' who 'kept the bridge so well in the brave days of old,' against the army of Lars Porsena, king of Latium, whilst their compatriots broke down the Sublician bridge behind them. Horatius escaped by swimming the 'yellow Tiber,' was received with jubilant shouts by his fellow-citizens, and overwhelmed with honours and rewards.