Controversia I BC
Cic. - Inv. (Cic.Inv.2.96-97)
Text
Cum Lacedaemoniis lex esset, UT HOSTIAS NISI AD SACRIFICIUM QUODDAM REDEMPTOR PRAEBUISSET, CAPITAL ESSET, hostias is qui redemerat, cum sacrificii dies instaret, in urbem ex agro coepit agere. Tum subito magnis commotis tempestatibus, fluvius Eurotas, is qui praeter Lacedaemonem fluit, ita magnus et vehemens factus est, ut ea traduci victimae nullo modo possent. 97. Redemptor suae voluntatis ostendendae causa hostias constituit omnes in litore, ut qui trans flumen essent videre possent. Cum omnes studio eius subitam fluminis magnitudinem scirent fuisse inpedimento, tamen quidam capitis arcesserunt.
Translation
The Lacedaemonians had a law that visited capital punishment on a contractor who did not furnish the animals for a certain sacrifice. When the day for the sacrifice was at hand, the man who had taken the contract began to drive the animals from the country to the city. Then suddendly a great storm cape up, and the river Eurotas which flows by Lacedaemon became so high and rapid that the victims could not by any possibility be driven across at that point. The contractor to show his intent placed all the animals on the bank so as to be seen by those across the river. Althogh every one knew that his efforts had been thwarted by the sudden rise of the river, neverheless some citizens put him on trial for his life.
Main Characters
Contractor
Characters
Lacedaemonians
Issues
Concessio - status venialis per imprudentiam
Accusations
Capital punishment, Respect of the contract
Narrative themes
Flood, Sacrifice, Storm, Vis maior
Legal references
Ut hostias nisi ad sacrificium quoddam redemptor praebuisset, capital esset