A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

was praetor or dictator of Alba in the reign of Tullus Hostilius, third king of Rome. After the combat between the Horatii and Curiatii had determined the supremacy of the Romans, Mettius was summoned to aid them in a war with Fidenae and the Veientines. On the field of battle, from cowardice or treachery, Mettius drew off his Albans to the hills, and awaited the issue of the battle. The Etruscans, mistaking his movement for a design upon their flank, took to flight, and Mettius fell upon them in their disorder, intending probably to regain the confidence of his Roman allies. But on the following day the Albans were all deprived of their arms, and Mettius himself, as the punishment of his treachery, was torn asunder by chariots driven in opposite directions. (Dionys. A. R. 3.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28. 29, 30; Liv. 1.23, 26, 27, 28; Varr. Fr. p. 240, Bip. ed.; Flor. 1.3.8; V. Max. 7.4.1; Frontin. Strat. 2.7.1; Polyaen. Strat. 8.5.)

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