Austin Moita
Assignment 6
While
the Forum wasn’t exactly going anywhere, Tiberius wanted to finish with his
morning meal quickly so he could have as much time as possible at the shops.
Today, Tiberius would purchase his own slave, a decision that had major implications
for himself. This slave would not only help him with his blacksmith work, but
being the sociable critter he was, Tiberius also looked forward to developing a
friendship and eventually allowing his slave manumission. He made sure to say
his grace, thanked Vesta for Rome’s continued military dominance that allowed
him to live such a blessed life. With that, he devoured his meat and eggs
before throwing on his tunic and heading out in the direction of the Via Sacra.
On
his walk down from the Palatine Hill, Tiberius realized that something was
going on in the city. There were large groups of people heading in the
direction of the Forum just like him, and Tiberius found himself lost in the
excitement that seemed to resonate amongst the others. Then he heard the
rumbling a thousand footsteps, and the stupendous cheers from what seemed like
thousands of frantic fans confirmed the thought forming in Tiberius’ head:
Caesar was back from another assault in Gaul!
Now
understanding the excitement and joy boiling over in his fellow Romans,
Tiberius hurried down the road and skipped the Forum in favor of joining the
crowds at the Campus Martius. Being as tall as he was, Tiberius easily saw the
march proceeding. He wanted to make sure Caesar had survived..and he was
confirmed when Caesar drove by in a gilded chariot, waving the scepter
signifying victory in war as he rolled by. Quickly becoming uninterested,
Tiberius decided the progressing festival in celebration of Caesar’s victory at
the base of the Capitoline Hill would be more enjoyable. Already, a variety of
large animals were being roasted over open fires, and the smell of wine was
only trumped by the sheer quantity of people and their foul smelling odors.
Finding
himself some wine, Tiberius decided to watch the race around Capitoline Hill,
marveling over some of the more beautiful women who were participating in the
race. Even though festivals such as the one he was at weren’t very often, and
even understanding that six other days out of the week he needed to work, Tiberius
was happy to be a Roman for festivals like this one. He grabbed another goblet
of wine and approached a woman who was watching the race still in progress. “Hail
Caesar” he said to the woman, offering her the goblet of wine, “…and thank
Vesta that I’ve found you.”
