The Sibyl’s Prophecy…a Curse? – The Great Enigma of Ancient Rome (Part 1)

Tarquinius Superbus and the Sibyl

“Long ago before the time of the Roman Republic, Rome was being ruled a series of kings (Romulus being the first King of Rome), the last of whom was the haughty Tarquinius Superbus (AKA Tarquin the Proud). One day, as he was in his palace, he heard a void of an old woman calling out to him. In her arms were nine books. When she offered these books to Tarquin at a ridiculous price, he laughed at her and refused. The old woman turned and left without a word, burnt three books, and reappeared before Tarquin to offer the remaining three volumes at the same price. The King again refused. Another three books went into the fire. By now, Tarquin was seriously doubting and afraid of what he might be rejecting, bought the remaining three books without delay at the original price offered! The old crone took the money and disappeared, never to be seen again”.  

    

This story about the acquisition of the Sibylline Books by Tarquin is among the most famous legends of Roman History. The books were found to contain prophecies so potent that their authorship could only be traced back to the Sibyl, who was widely believed to have foretold the Trojan War. However, who is she? Did she even exist? Is it rather a group of prophetesses or immortals?   Two things are, however, certain. First, in the three books Tarquin had purchased were inscribed complex antique Greek, which could be deciphered to interpret the events to come. Second, they actually existed.

Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome

Ironically, none of the prophecies assisted Tarquin. In 509 BC, he was deposed. With Tarquin’s expulsion, came the end of the 200 years of monarchy in Rome. In its place, a free republic was proclaimed. The title of ‘king’ would be utterly despised by the Roman people, and liberty would be consecrated as the birthright of its every citizen. Now saw the beginning of the careful and prudent division of power. No longer would any one person hold the sole power to rule in his hands. 

Tarquin’s books of prophecies remained, however, after his exile. From now on, they will act as Rome’s window to the future. Indeed, so sensitive was the information they provided that they had to be strictly guarded. Only when looming catastrophe was threatening could the books be consulted. Once every alternative has been exhausted, a special magistrate would be appointed to climb the temple of Jupiter where the books were kept under the tightest of security. Scrolls would be spread, and ancient Greek language would be deciphered to determine how best to appease the wrath of Gods. Most of time, advice was found. 

A famous occasion where the Sibylline Books were consulted is during the Second Punic War. Rome was fighting her nemesis, Carthage, the latter being led by our famous Hannibal. His army went through Spain, southern Gaul, and crossed the Alps, and defeated three Roman armies. In his third victory at Cannae, the Roman Republic faced the worst military disaster in its history. Nonetheless, rather than submitting to Hannibal and suing for peace, the Romans resorted to consulting the Sibylline Books for guidance. The prophecies advised that two Gauls and two Greeks be buried alive in the marketplace. The advice was duly followed, and the act of barbarism was condoned, demonstrating the Romans’ determination to stop at nothing to preserve their freedom, the only alternative of which is death. The result? Defeat was ultimately inflicted on Hannibal. The Republic was saved.

The Sibyl

Hannibal’s defeat set in motion a series of Roman’s victories all over the Mediterranean world. Kingdoms after kingdoms fell prey to Rome’s might even Carthage. After a few years, the Republic’s territory vastly expanded.  Nevertheless, the Sibylline Books remained stacked away in a dark corner of the temple of Jupiter waiting to be consulted, their dark prophecies constantly looming the seemingly prosperous and peaceful Republic.

As treasures and gold were heaped upon the city of Rome, something else precious was being destroyed piece by piece – ancient customs – the essential element of the Republic, without which it would surely crumble. Disorientation, vice and complacence that are often symptomatic of one kingdom’s rise to power were now plaguing the Republic itself. Nor dark and foreboding portents were lacking. Monstrous abortions and ominous flights of birds continued to unsettle Rome. Once again, the books were consulted. Once again the advice was followed, the customs were preserved and reaffirmed, and the Republic was saved. 

Nonetheless, Rome had already undergone a permanent mutation beyond salvage, and with it a decline of the Republic. It has now become so blatantly obvious that not all ancient customs or the Sibylline Books can save the Republic forever. With the streets of Rome tirelessly seething, the only remaining question now is how long will the Republic last.   

To be continued in the next blog