There are two primary classical Latin sources that record the sudden death of the Roman consul Manius Juventius Thalna (often spelled M'. Iuventius Thalna) in 163 BC. Both accounts detail how he collapsed and died abruptly from overwhelming joy during a religious sacrifice upon learning that the Senate had decreed public thanksgiving honors in his name. [1, 2, 3]

1. Valerius Maximus, Factorum et Dictorum Memorabilium (Book 9, Chapter 12, Section 3)

Valerius Maximus provides the most detailed anecdotal narrative, using Thalna's death as a cautionary moral tale about the fatal dangers of excessive emotion. [1]

• The Original Latin Text:

“Iuventius Thalna consul, collega Ti. Gracchi consulis iterum, cum in Corsica... sacrificaret, receptis litteris decretas ei a senatu supplicationes nuntiantibus, intento illas animo legens caligine oborta ante foculum conlapsus mortuus humi iacuit. quem quid aliud quam nimio gaudio enectum putemus?” [1]

• English Summary: Valerius Maximus describes how Consul Juventius Thalna, while sacrificing in Corsica, received news of his senatorial honors, only to collapse and die instantly from the overwhelming, joyous shock. [1]

2. Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia (Book 7, Chapter 53, Section 182)

Pliny the Elder offers a more concise account, listing Thalna among Romans who died suddenly, noting he perished while performing sacrifices. [1, 2]

• The Original Latin Text:

“M'. Iuventius Thalna consul, cum sacrificaret...” [1]

• English Summary: Pliny’s brief account focuses on the timing of the death, noting the consul expired while offering sacrifice. [1]

For a full translation, please see the cited sources. Would you like help with a grammatical analysis of either Latin passage, or perhaps more context on Juventius Thalna's military campaign in Corsica? [1, 2, 3]