Life was hard for a slave on Palatine Hill. Lucius was
sleeping in his den before awaking to get his day started. The sun was barely
visible in the morning sky. He knew he would have to get to the market early if
he wished to successfully complete his master’s demands for the freshest meat
of that morning. Lucius was freezing, but he forced himself out of bed in fear
of what may happen if he didn’t have his master’s items ready before he woke
up.
Lucius starts making his way down to the market. He is walking slowly enough to enjoy the morning scenery, but fast enough so that his trip doesn’t take more time than his master allows. His thin sandals glide across the loose rocks on the path down the hill. He is able to see the view of the Tibet River, as he starts to daydream his past life before he was sold into slavery. Lucius finally arrived at Forum Boarium, the cattle market, which is already packed with other slaves and civilians doing that days trading.
When he arrives back to his master’s stone house on Palatine
Hill, the other slaves tell Lucius that his master is already awake and looking
for him. He knows he will be punished for not having his chores done on time.
