Cacus
Fire-breathing giant slain by Hercules on the Aventine Hill.
Cacus is a figure in Roman mythology, described as a fire-breathing giant and the son of Vulcan (or Hephaestus, according to Plutarch). He is known for terrorizing the Aventine Hill before the founding of Rome and was ultimately killed by Hercules.
- Mythology
- Roman
- Known for
- Fire-breathing giant, son of Vulcan, killed by Hercules
- Location
- Cave on the future site of Rome, Aventine Hill
- Parent
- Vulcan (or Hephaestus)
- Killed by
- Hercules
Lore & Background
Cacus lived in a cave in Italy on the future site of Rome, where he terrorized nearby inhabitants by living on human flesh and nailing the heads of his victims to the doors of his cave. According to Solinus, his cave was located in a place called Salinae, later the site of the Porta Trigemina. The story of Cacus is recounted by Evander of Pallantium in Virgil's Aeneid, where Hercules, after taking the cattle of Geryon as his rightful prize, pastured them near Cacus' lair. While Hercules slept, Cacus stole eight of the cattle—four bulls and four cows—by dragging them backward by their tails to create a false trail. When Hercules awoke, the remaining cattle lowed toward the cave, and a cow inside replied, revealing the theft. Hercules stormed the cave, and after Cacus blocked the entrance with a boulder, Hercules tore at the top of the mountain to reach him. Cacus attacked with fire and smoke, but Hercules eventually leapt into the cave, grabbed Cacus, and strangled him, causing his eyes to pop out and leaving his throat bloodless.
Reader's Guide
Cacus holds significance in Roman mythology as a symbol of barbarism and chaos overcome by the civilizing hero Hercules. His story, particularly as told in Virgil's Aeneid, serves to explain the origins of the Ara Maxima, an altar Hercules founded after killing Cacus, which later became the site of the Forum Boarium, Rome's cattle market. The myth also appears in later literature, including Dante's Inferno, where Cacus is depicted as a centaur guarding thieves, and in works by Cervantes, where his name is used as a byword for thievery. In modern Spanish, the derived term 'caco' colloquially means 'thief.' The tale underscores themes of cunning versus strength and the establishment of order, and it has been referenced across centuries as a foundational myth of Rome.
Did You Know?
- Cacus was the son of Vulcan, though Plutarch called him the son of Hephaestus.
- He stole cattle from Hercules by dragging them backward by their tails to leave a false trail.
- The Ara Maxima, an altar founded by Hercules after killing Cacus, was located within the already-existing Forum Boarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cacus in Roman mythology?
Cacus is a fire-breathing giant in Roman myth, identified as the son of Vulcan. He terrorized the Aventine Hill during the era before Rome was founded.
What powers does Cacus have?
His signature ability is exhaling fire, a trait he inherits from Vulcan, the god of the forge. This made him a fearsome predator to anyone in his territory.
Where does Cacus live?
He takes up residence in a cave on the Aventine Hill, which later becomes part of Rome. His presence there dates to the pre-founding period of the city.
How does Cacus die?
Hercules kills him, putting an end to the giant's reign of terror on the hill. This slaying is counted among Hercules' legendary feats.
Why is Cacus important in Roman mythology?
He represents a monstrous pre-Roman threat that must be cleared before the city can be established. His lineage under Vulcan also connects him to the divine smith tradition.
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