Appius Titus Scipio was raised as a slave in the northern Etrurian region of the Italian peninsula. As a youth he displayed an advanced level of intelligence and his master soon began educating him on all subjects of Roman thought. Although his upbringing as a slave was tough he became well learned and educated through the teachings of his master, a fairly high-ranking military general in the Roman army. Appius stood out from the other slaves, distinguishing himself as dedicated and trustworthy, yet intelligent and well learned. His master eventually even allowed Appius to tutor his own children. As his master’s most trusted servant, when it came time for war Appius accompanied his master to the battlefield. It was in battle where the true heart of Appius’ character emerged with heroic acts of bravery and valor, saving his master and several others from certain death. Upon their return to Rome Appius was granted freedom for his heroic acts in the civil war and so he adopted Appius Titus Scipio as his given freedman name.
His newfound freedom granted him liberties previously unknown to him and although gracious, Appius was dissatisfied with the social structure of Roman society and his position within it. His entire way of life had experienced a dramatic change. Not quite a respected citizen and no longer a slave, the personal toil that Appius experiences drives him to search for some sort of personal gratification. Throughout this self-reflecting period of thought Appius’ appearance begins to change as well. His clean-shaven face gives way to a shaggy unkempt beard while his toga gathers dirt and grime, as it remains unwashed for weeks. His dark brown hair has grown to touch his broad defined shoulders and his dark green eyes clearly display a level of complex pondering. Appius eventually finds gratification in the form of public speaking and he begins to speak in the various forums around Rome about his opinions of political philosophy and the structure of Roman social culture. Appius’ upbringing instilled in him modesty and humility that bodes him well in his speaking to those willing to listen to his preaching. Appius begins to form a following and his teachings gain him notoriety in Rome’s circle of political philosophers. Emerging as a dusty footed philosopher, Appius has undergone a dramatic transformation as he finds himself at the forefront of a symbolic revolt in roman social culture and society. No longer a slave, he has become a both respected and despised well-known figure in the culture surrounding Roman political philosophy.
