Setting the Scene

            He awakens earlier than the rest. Quietly, he exits the impressive stone house. He turns back, admiring the large two-story dwelling and catches himself, only for a moment, imagining owning such a grandeur residence. The thought quickly evades him and he is once again consumed by the chores he must complete that day.

            He walks carefully down the gradual slope of Palatine Hill and admires the large, stone, Republican Walls that surround and protect the great city of Rome. He moves towards the Roman Forum, the Temple of Vesta on his left and the Regia on his right. The circular temple stands strong, supported by tall, thick columns. He gives silent reverence to the Goddess Vesta as he turns right, towards his ultimate destination, the Basilica Aemilia. Though it is still early, the ground level of the basilica is busy, bustling with merchants, selling their various goods, and slaves, buying the day’s necessities for their masters. He quickens his pace and feels the uneven gravel through his thin sandals. Looking up, he notices clusters of men conversing on the second level of the basilica, each group framed by the repeated arches that form the basilica’s open walls. He travels up the stone steps, past the merchants, and through the large archways, into the great basilica hall. He marvels at the decadent mixture of cipollino and africano columns – with bases made of white marble – that support the massive hall. Knowing he has wasted enough time already, he hurries out of the hall and back down the steps into the mayhem of merchants and slaves.

-Jillian Roberts