Meaning: The quote you provided comes from Lactantius, a Christian author and theologian who lived during the early 4th century AD. The quote refers to a historical event that occurred during the early days of the Roman Republic, specifically during the period when Rome was besieged by the Gauls in 390 BC.

The context of the quote is a significant event in Roman history known as the Siege of the Capitol. According to the ancient Roman historian Livy, the Gauls, a Celtic people from what is now modern-day France, invaded and besieged Rome in 390 BC. As the Gauls laid siege to the city, the Roman citizens took refuge in the fortified Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. The Gauls managed to breach the defenses and occupied the city, while the Romans sought safety within the walls of the Capitol.

During the siege, the Romans faced severe shortages of food and supplies. According to the ancient accounts, the Romans, in a desperate attempt to defend themselves, repurposed the hair of the women of Rome to create slings for their military engines. This act of sacrifice and resourcefulness in the face of adversity is what Lactantius refers to in the quote.

The dedication of a temple to the "Bald Venus" mentioned in the quote is a reference to the goddess Venus, who was widely venerated in ancient Roman religion. The significance of the term "Bald Venus" is not entirely clear, but it likely reflects the desperate and austere circumstances of the siege. The dedication of a temple to Venus during the siege serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Roman people in the face of adversity.

Lactantius, the author of the quote, was a Christian writer who lived several centuries after the events of the Siege of the Capitol. His mention of this historical event in the context of dedicating a temple to the Bald Venus may have been intended to illustrate the pagan rituals and beliefs of the ancient Romans, contrasting them with the Christian faith that he espoused.

The Siege of the Capitol, despite being a devastating event for Rome, ultimately ended with a negotiated settlement between the Gauls and the Romans, leading to the withdrawal of the Gauls from the city. The Romans, inspired by their survival and resilience during the siege, went on to rebuild their city and eventually establish an empire that would dominate the Mediterranean world for centuries.

In conclusion, the quote from Lactantius captures a moment of historical significance during the Siege of the Capitol, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination of the Romans in the face of adversity. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Roman people and their ability to overcome challenges, ultimately shaping the course of their history.