On the Human Figure. Page 39

In this mission, before he left, the Senate erected a statue in his honor in the most prominent location at the speaker's square. History also records a statue was decreed for the vestal Taracia Caia, or Suffetia, to be placed wherever she wished: a circumstance no less honorable for her, as she was a woman honored with a statue. Here, in the words of the annals, is what earned her this: "for having made a present to the people of the Tiber field". Pliny, Chapter VI.

I find that statues were erected for Pythagoras and Alcibiades at the two corners of the Comice square, during the war against the Samnites, when the Oracle of Apollo of Delphi ordered that statues be consecrated in the most honorable place to the bravest and wisest of Greeks. They remained until Dictator Sylla built the Senate in that location. I am astonished that the Senators of that time preferred Pythagoras over Socrates for wisdom, who, by the Oracle of the same God, was declared the wisest of men; and that for valor they favored Alcibiades, to the prejudice of many others, particularly Themistocles, in whom both valor and wisdom were united. Statues were placed on columns to elevate them above other men. This is also what the new invention of triumphal arches signifies. However, this honor began with the Greeks; and I believe no one had as many statues erected in their honor as Demetrius of Phalerum in Athens, for whom three hundred and sixty statues were erected.

Translation Notes:
- Comice: translates to a public or ceremonial area, likely a significant social location.
- Oracle of Apollo of Delphi: a historical religious institution known for its prophetic declarations.