Metus

vol. XV p.1507

Metus

1) Metus refers to a psychological pressure from threats or violence, instantis vel futuri periculi causa mentis trepidatio Dig. IV 2, 1. With this in mind, intimidation is the goal of the criminal act, <20> especially in cases of abuse of authority, illegal levies, and coercion (eg. into taking over monetary payments). Intimidation can also serve to coerce somebody else to carry out criminal activities themselves, eg. forging documents; in this case the person who was coerced can be acquitted through metus, but vani timoris iusta excusatio non est Dig. L 17, 184. Mommsen Röm. Strafr. 363. 364. <30>

[Kleinfeller.]

2) metus, the Etruscan form of the name Μέδουσα. Körte Etr. Spr. V 67. The image on the mirror which comes from Chiusi portrays Perseus (φerśe) about to attack the sleeping Medusa (m.). Athene (menrva) is present as an advisor. The name m. is only encountered here; linked thematically to this is the account in Gerhard Etr. Spr. 383. cf. Körte 86f. Fiesel Art. tarsu. On the loss of the ending in m., which otherwise forms the phonetically correct link to the Greek name, cf. Fiesel Forsch. z. griech. u. lat. Gram. VII 35. Devoto Studi Etr. I 258. <40>

[Eva Fiesel.]