Duncan Long
From Palatine Hill
Felix had just finished tending to
the garden as the sun was rising above the horizon to light up the marketplace
for another busy day. Being a slave, Felix worked in the garden every morning
and then ventured down to the market to complete a few more tasks. As the warm
Mediterranean sun grew higher in the sky, Felix marched down Palatine Hill
towards the Forum Boarium and its cattle market. Today he carried a vase to be
given to Alexa, his master’s sister, as a birthday present. The farther Felix
walked down the hill, the closer he was to the noise and commotion of the
market place. It was always busiest before high noon as barters and slaves
stormed the crowded streets.
Passing the
Round Temple, Felix headed for the Horrea to drop off the present he carried.
He wandered through the congested building in search of Alexa. She and her
husband sold wool from a rented room in the Horrea. After delivering the gift,
Felix wandered once more through the warehouse seeking more pottery materials
for his master. The Horrea was always crowded of people and supplies, but Felix
managed to find pottery goods. However, he struggled to communicate with the
Greek- speaking vendor as Felix only spoke Latin. After an attempt to barter
and much miscommunication, he was able to purchase the supplies and escape the
overcrowded building.
Now he was
down to his last task. Before leaving the market he had to purchase two pounds
of beef and then he was headed back home up the hill. First Felix wanted to
stop to find a drink of water. The hill was a tall climb and the sun was only
getting warmer.
