The
sun rises over Rome on the dawn of March 15th, 44 BCE. As the residents of Palatine Hill begin to
stir, there is a buzz among slaves and Equestrians alike about the upcoming
military march in honor of Mars that afternoon.
But a young slave, Atticus, feels particularly excited about this Ides
of March. Atticus, working in the home
of a wealthy family on Palatine Hill, has been hearing rumors in the market of
a rebellion against Caesar. He did not believe
the gossip until he had questioned Quintus, his close friend and slave in the
home of Mark Antony. Quintus had
overhead his master and several others, whose voices he could not distinguish,
discussing the plot the night before.
Ever
since his father died serving in Caesar’s Civil War just three years ago,
Atticus has felt nothing but animosity towards the ruler. He has also been influenced by his master’s
family and wealthy companions’ disapproval of Caesar. Aware of Mark Antony’s support Atticus knows
that Mark will try to prevent the assassination if he can. Despite the possible danger, Atticus has
decided to try and delay Antony from warning Caesar.
Hoping his master will not notice
his absence in the bustle of the festive day, Atticus sneaks out of the house
and hurries towards the home of Mark Antony.
Having taken the path to Antony’s home with Quintus a few weeks earlier,
Atticus quickly finds the large dwelling and hides in the brush to await Antony’s
emergence. Atticus prays to the Gods
that he can stop Mark Antony from preventing the assassination and revels in
the thought of Rome free from the Caesar’s reign. Predicting Antony will try to intercept and
warn Caesar by the steps of the forum, Atticus tries to think of a way to
distract Antony without being too obvious about his plan. His heart pounds as he plots his next move…
