Caesar’s Civil War Threatens Marc and His Family  

The thought of Caesar’s Civil War was taking a toll on Marc and his family. They were part of the elite class and strongly supported Caesar’s policies because they were loyal Roman citizens and saw him as a powerful leader and hero. Marc was still upset and obsessing over his lost love Julia when he becomes distracted at his potential involvement in the military. As a young male Roman citizen, Marc is expected to fight for his country against the Optimates, which were the politically conservative and socially traditionalist group of the Roman senate and supported Caesar’s rival, Pompey.

After Marc is drafted to the military, he is ordered to carry a sword, javelins, and a target like other young males his age. He is fearful that he will not be strong and brave enough to live up to his family’s expectations by earning rewards and becoming an honored and respected centurion. After he is settled at camp, his superiors tell his legion, Legio XIII Gemina, that they are planning to cross the Rubicon the following morning. Marc knew that this was forbidden and was the final straw that marked the act of war on the Roman Republic by Caesar. Marc reflects back on a previous war that his centurion grandfather fought and died in. Confused and terrified at the thought of killing a fellow Roman or dying in battle Marc decides to run away. He planned to leave when the night guards were leaving their posts, however, the cavalry caught him just outside of camp. He is tried and found guilty and will now face the punishments of being beaten and stoned by the other men at the camp along with the humiliation he has brought to his family’s name.

By: Taylor DeLeo