Once the battle was engaged, the left wing began to falter and Decius Mus called upon the Pontifex Maximus, M. Valerius, to tell him the means by which to save the army. The pontifex prescribed the required ritual acts and a prayer (see devotio).
The battle's onset led to a weakening of the left wing, prompting Decius Mus to seek advice from M. Valerius, the Pontifex Maximus, on how to save the army. The Pontifex prescribed specific rituals and prayers (see devotio) for this purpose.