Julius Caesar and his legion had
just finished defeating the last of General Pompey’s forces at the Battle of
Munda near what is now present-day Spain. Now, they are starting their
triumphant return home towards the now-Cesarian city, Rome. While Galeo and
Ducitius were on their ship sailing across the Mediterranean , they wondered
what kind of welcome awaited them. Would they be commended for their safe
return in battle, or would they be scorned for taking the lives of their fellow
countrymen?
Ducitius’s wife, Aurelia, dressed
in her stola, asked her son Quintus to make a run to the market, while passing
through the main Roman Forum to see if there has been any news concerning
Caesar and his legion. Quintus, along the way down Palatine Hill, heard the
same words from every passerby—words that indicated that Pompey’s son was
defeated, and that Caesar emerged victorious. Upon reaching the market, Quintus
saw numerous trades in which pigs, rams, and bulls were purchased for the
purpose of sacrificing to the gods. However, he was content with the cattle
meat he purchased for the simple homecoming feast being prepared for his
father. However, Aurelia knew her
husband was alive. After what felt like years, she received a letter from him
that told of his imminent arrival.
When news of Caesar’s victory
reached the ears of Galeo’s father, he was excited to hear that his son
formerly a shepherd, after being at war for a number of years, would be coming
back as a soldier under the great general Caesar. In Galeo’s absence, his
father continuously prayed at the temple that the gods would accompany him. It
would only be appropriate to throw a feast to celebrate both his son’s
triumphant return and Mars, the war god who lent Galeo his strength. Quickly,
Galeo’s father had ordered his scribe to write and send out numerous
invitations to have other equestrians and a few senators join in on the
occasion. The slaves who were at the temple, praying for the souls of soldiers
of both armies, were also invited.
Galeo and Ducitius stood at the
edge of their boat, continuing to ponder what their arrival will be like. Soon
enough, a small landmass in the distance appeared to approach them. It was
their homeland, which they haven’t seen in almost eight years.
