Plate 36: Civilis and Cerialis Meet on a Broken Bridge to Reach an Accord, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611 - 1612

This etching by Antonio Tempesta, titled "Plate 36: Civilis and Cerialis Meet on a Broken Bridge to Reach an Accord, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas)," depicts a pivotal moment in the Roman-Batavian War (69-70 AD). The etching is one of a series of plates published in 1611-1612 that detail the conflict. The scene shows Roman general Cerialis, standing on a partially destroyed bridge, negotiating with the Batavian leader, Civilis, who sits on horseback on the opposite side of the river. This meeting between Roman and Batavian forces represents an attempt to establish peace between the two sides after a period of conflict. Tempesta's detailed depiction of the scene, including the broken bridge, the figures' expressions, and the surrounding landscape, conveys the tension and complexity of the situation.