THE QUARREL WITH ALBA

Romans first buried their dead, then began burning bodies. Numa was buried in a stone coffin; a farmer later found ancient books with his laws, but foolishly burned them. People said the nymph Egeria wept so much the gods changed her into a fountain. Having no son, Numa was succeeded by Tullus Hostilius, a proud, quarrelsome patrician. Tullus quarreled with Alba, Amulius's old city. Rather than fight to the death, both sides agreed to settle the dispute with three champions each. Alba chose the three Curiatii brothers; Rome chose the three Horatii brothers. The families were friends—one Curiatius was engaged to Camilla, the Horatii's sister. Despite Camilla's tears, all six prepared to fight.