Cacus The Monstrous Thief of Roman Mythology

### Cacus: The Monstrous Thief of Roman Mythology Cacus, a formidable and fearsome figure in Roman mythology, is best known for his encounter with the hero Hercules. Described as a monstrous fire-breathing giant, Cacus lived in a cave on the Aventine Hill in Rome and became infamous for his cunning thefts and brutal nature. His story, immortalized in Virgil’s “Aeneid“ and other classical texts, highlights the clash between brute force and heroic virtue. According to legend, Cacus was the son of the god Vulcan (Hephaestus in Greek mythology), inheriting some of his father’s fiery traits. He resided in a cave near the future site of Rome, where he terrorized the surrounding area. His cave, littered with the bones of his victims, served as a grim testament to his savagery. The most famous tale involving Cacus is his encounter with Hercules. After completing one of his Twelve Labors, Hercules was driving the cattle of Geryon through Italy when he decided to rest near the Tiber River