Assignment 6
The day is February 15 and it is a perfect
day for Tironius. Today’s festivities are going to be full of excitement and joy;
it is market day and the Lupercalia. Tironius plans the beginning of his day to
attend market day early in the northern part of the Roman Forum and then to
travel to Palantine Hill to watch the Lupercalia. Tironius is overjoyed, this
will be the first time he will be able to attend the Lupercalia. Being a slave
to Gaius Cassius Longinus, he
was not allowed attend festivals in honor of Caesar; but today was different,
Cassius proclaimed that “our days will be changing for the better.” Tironius
did not understand what he meant by that, but he did not care, today he was
allowed to be a part of the special festivities.
Tironius, was full of energy, he
knew today would be great. He put on his worn tunic and sandals and got an
early head start on his chores for the day. Today his assignment was to clean
Cassius Togas and then to wash the floors later that night. Tironius finished
the cleaning and began the start of his day outside.
Tironius left his house on Palantine Hill and traveled down through the
Velia and then into the Forum. The atmosphere was majestic; everyone was so
excited and cheerful for the upcoming festivities. Tironius proceeded on the
Via Sacra until he got to the northern part of the Forum, where market day was being
held. His plan was to buy a new tunic and foot wear, since his attire was so
warn out. Tironius also bought lunch for later, when he was going to watch the
event.
After finishing his shopping, Tironius headed back to Palantine hill,
following the crowd mostly. As he arrived, the event had just begun. He noticed
Marc Antony was in the race. As he watched, the crowd cheered but he quite
confused on why women were getting in harm’s way. He spoke aloud in his confusion and a nearby
fellow responded, “They hope to become fertile or to ease child birth.” Tironius
did not understand the meaning of it, but it was entertaining. Once the race
came to a finish, Marc Antony went to Caesar and tried give him a golden crown
but he refused. The crowed was overjoyed, Tironius did not know what to do but
follow with the crow around him. Once this part of the festival was done, it
was time to feast but Tironius could not stay for that. He had to head back up
to Palantine Hill to finish his chorus for the day, cleaning the floors.
