It is uncertain how these women poisoned the several men they did and high ranking men as indicated in the
translation “leading citizens.” Was this a political mass murder? An organized stance against men or husbands? Is Livy correct to say all these women were “mad” and not acting from malicious intent?
Probably not – a group of women would not be so organized if they were truly mad – but at least that would hush up the idea of rebellion or chaos among women.
The type of poison is not disclosed – but it is assumed it would be have been some sort of vegetation.