The Attic Nights of Aulus Gellius, Vol. 2

CHAP. VII.

Of Acca Larentia and Caia Tarratia. The origin of the priesthood of the Fratres Arvales.

THE names of Acca Larentia and Caia Tarratia, or as she is sometimes called, Fufetia, are famous in ancient annals. To the one, after her death, but to the other whilst alive, the most distinguished honors were paid by the Roman people. The Horatian law proves that Tarratia was a Vestal virgin, which law was enacted on her account; and by it the greatest honors were paid her, among which, the power of giving her testimony was allowed her, she being the only woman permitted to be testabilis (competent to bear witness). This word occurs in the Horatian law. In the Twelve Tables we find intestabilis (incompetent to bear witness). "Let the dishonest man be incompetent to bear witness."1. Intestabilis.] Thus Horace says, as of a profligate and detestable character: "He is infamous and shall be incompetent to bear witness." Moreover, if at the age of forty

Arnobius, in his tract Against the Gentiles, remarks that cities of the greatest splendor and power were not ashamed to pay divine honors to prostitutes.

"In the greatest cities and among the most powerful peoples, sacred rites are publicly performed for those who were once high-priced prostitutes, and who were prostituted to common lust; the gods feel no shudder of indignation at this." See on this subject also Lactantius, Macrobius, and Plutarch’s Roman Questions. By Plutarch, the story, which is not a very delicate one, is related at length.