The Roman historian Livy tells us that Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of the Seleucid Empire, was preparing to make war against Egypt. Four miles away from Alexandria, he was met by Popillius, who had come to present Roman demands that Antiochus withdraw immediately. Antiochus read the demands, and said he would need time to consider his response.
Popillius drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus and said, "Before you step out of that circle give me a reply to lay before the Roman senate."
Antiochus had his entire army behind him. Popillius had a stick with sand on one end, and a tired horse.
After a moment of hesitation, Antiochus backed down and agreed to do everything the Roman Senate asked of him.
And that. my friends, is why history remembers Popillius as a badass.
Copyright © 2019 by David Learn. Used with permission.
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