History in 150 Words

Where does ‘Fortune Favors the Bold’ come from?

The volcano Vesuvius with unearthed Roman ruins in the foreground (Photo by D Jonez on Unsplash)

“Fortune Favors the Bold” is a popular quote. As it turns out, the story behind this saying has an ironic twist.

The phrase was uttered by Pliny the Elder, Roman navy commander, during a rescue mission as Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 ACE. His advisors suggested greater caution, but his only retort was: “Fortune favors the…