AN URBINO MAIOLICA ISTORIATO FOOTED DISH

Livy recounts an heroic episode that took place during the siege of Rome by Lars Porsena, King of Clusium. A Roman nobleman, Gaius Mucius Scaevola, disguised himself in order to get behind the Etruscan lines in an attempt to kill Lars Porsena. Unfortunately by mistake he killed Porsena's richly dressed secretary instead. Mucius held his right hand in the fire in order to demonstrate his resolve and contempt for the torture which he thought would inevitably follow. Porsena, impressed by his endurance, released him and he was allowed to return to Rome, where he became known as Scaevola (left-handed).