# Mucius Scaevola — The City of God character guide

> Mucius Scaevola in The City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mucius, Scaevola

**First appearance:** 0002-part-i-book-i

## Who they are

Roman hero who demonstrated courage by burning his hand to prove his resolve.

## In the story

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix)

Cited as an example of virtuous Roman ancestors whose virtue is perfected by true piety.

### [Of the victory of Sylla, the avenger of the cruelties of Marius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii)

The pontiff slain at the altar of Vesta, his blood nearly extinguishing the sacred fire.

### [A Comparison of the Disasters of the Gothic and Gallic Invasions with Those of the Civil Wars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix)

Mucius Scaevola, a citizen, senator, and pontiff, was killed by the Marian faction while clinging to the altar.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi)

Referenced as having sought sanctuary in a temple in vain.

### [Chapter XX: Concerning Virtue and Faith, Which the Pagans Have Honoured with Temples and Sacred Rites](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx)

Cited as an example of fortitude for thrusting his hand into flames.

### [Concerning the eradication of the love of human praise, because all the glory of the righteous is in God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv)

Mentioned as a Roman hero surpassed by Christian martyrs in true virtue.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii)

Roman who burned his hand to intimidate King Porsenna, demonstrating courage for the republic.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/characters/mucius_scaevola
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/characters