Marcus crossed the threshold of his humble home atop
Palatine Hill and began to walk the descending path towards the Roman Forum. As
he reached the Velia, he wondered if he should take a moment to go inside
and pray to Ceres about the crops since they had not been doing well this year.
But he had many errands to run today and did not want to delay himself any
further.
Reaching the outskirts of the Roman Forum, Marcus saw his
friend Lucius Veronis with a wagon of produce and stopped to greet him. They
exchanged news of politics and unstable market prices. As they conversed, a
soldier passed by, reminding them about Caesar’s law regulating when wagons
could enter and exit Rome. Lucius Veronis sheepishly bid farewell to Marcus and
began to drive his wagon home. Lucius needed to pick up his son before embarking
on a trip to Ostia.
Marcus continued on his way to the marble walls of the Basilica
Sempronia. He needed to meet with a judge to discuss farming business. Taking a
deep breath, Marcus entered the Basilica and bowed his head, trying to ignore the
contrast of his simple garb and callused, tan skin with the luxury of the
marble edifice. As he passed white pillar after white pillar in the rectangular
building, he searched for his soon-to-be benefactor, Pontius Severis. Unable to
find him, Marcus sighed, knowing that today would be a long day.
