It is the beginning of the year 45 BCE in
the city of Rome. With the Julian calendar in effect, the civil war against the
Pompeian’s’ led by Julius Cesar is continuing as Cesar travels the world to
complete his mission of killing every last Pompeian. Cesar’s army consisted of many faithful
soldiers. One of the bravest of the men was named, Decimus. Decimus, like all
the other soldiers in his legion, lived a rather basic life style compared to his
accustoms to a more lavish life back in Rome. More than a lifestyle, Decimus
had a family back in Rome and although they could very well be cared for in his
absence, nothing could replace Decimus when it came to being a great husband,
father and pater familia. The general rule of the army was that no soldier was to
marry until after the completion of twenty years of service but Decimus was a
skilled leader of his legion and with Cesar’s blessing made the decision to
enter war for Cesar whom he admired greatly. Before departing Rome, Decimus
purchased new slaves that were stronger and more able to assist his wife around
the house with the children and the farm.
Once a week, Decimus received a letter from his family with an update on
what was going on in the city and on Palatine hill where his home sits. They
often wrote requesting permission from Decimus to make certain decisions he
would generally make if he were home in Rome. Each day that the war continued
on grew harder for the soldiers but the spoils received from battles won made
the lifestyle a profitable one. Decimus received much land and many valuables
to return home with but nothing to him would be a better spoil than returning
home to his wife and children but not until victory could be reached.
