Horatius Cocles

Publius Horatius Cocles was an officer in the army of the early Roman Republic who famously defended the Pons Sublicius from the invading army of the Etruscan king Lars Porsena of Clusium in the late sixth century BC, during the war between Rome and Clusium. By defending the narrow bridge, he and his companions were able to hold off the attacking army long enough to allow other Romans to destroy the bridge behind him, blocking the Etruscans' advance and saving the city.