🟡 FILIAL AFFECTION

“Of filial affection there have it is true been unlimited instances all over the world, but one at Rome with which the whole of the rest could not compare.

A plebeian woman of low position and therefore unknown, who had just given birth to a child, had permission to visit her mother who had been shut up in prison as a
punishment, and was always searched in
advance by the doorkeeper to prevent her carrying in any food; she was detected giving her mother sustenance from her own breasts.

In consequence of this marvel the daughter's pious affection was rewarded by the mother's release and both were awarded maintenance for life; and the place where it occurred was consecrated to the Goddess concerned, a temple dedicated to Filial Affection being built on the site of the prison, where the Theatre of Marcellus now stands, in the consulship of Gaius Quinctius and Manius Acilius.”

Pliny the Elder