Eponina, 40-78 CE

Eponina was a Gaulish woman born sometime around 40 CE. She was married to Julius Sabinus, a chieftain of the Gallic tribe, Ligones. During the Year of the Four Emperors in Rome (69 CE,) Sabinus attempted to remove his people from Roman rule, a battle he lost. Eponina hid him in a cave or cellar for nine years, until they were caught and taken to Rome. In Rome, they were both executed by Emperor Vespasian for rebelling against Rome all those years ago, despite Eponina’s pleading for mercy. Plutarch states that the gods themselves were so displeased with Vespasian’s “cruel and unfeeling act” that his entire family died with his sons. Eponina was held up by the women of Rome as a symbol of marital fidelity and loyalty.