On This Day in Ancient History

On this day in ancient Rome, in 55 B.C., Pompey built the first permanent Roman stone theater. [See Theater Ruins Pictures.] Further back in Roman history, a temple was dedicated to Hercules following the legendary hero's slaying of the cattle-rustling monstrous son of Vulcan, Cacus. While Hercules was resting, Cacus stole some of Hercules' cattle. These cattle had been stolen, but that's another story. The sound of the lowing of the cattle Cacus stole caused the animals left behind to low in response. The back and forth noise enabled Hercules to locate the thief. In the ensuing fight, Hercules killed Cacus.

Steven Saylor, in his historical fiction Roma presents a vivid picture of the importance of this legend to the Roman people.

• People in the Life of Hercules