On
this gloomy afternoon, Clodia Minor sits by Palatine Hill recalling
the battles that have taken place within past six years. Although she
tries to make the best of each day, her
life has not been
one of happiness and is full of past pains that plague her to this
day. As a slave, she recalls sleeping with countless individuals who
either took part in the past civil wars or were unhappy with the
decisions being made. Some returned, but others lost their lives in
the battle field.
What
she recalls:
In
the Battle of Pharsalus, Gaius Julius Caesar and his allies fought
against Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus for Rome. Each night she met with
Aulus
Julius Gracchus, he discussed his disappointment with the battle that
was taking place. Julius Caesar's ambition had apparently reached its
peak and Aulus Julius as well as other senators were too afraid that
he would sooner or later control Rome.
For
months, Clodia Minor heard this story from each senator who asked for
her services. Even though, she did not have much of an opinion, she
had grown accustomed to each and every one of their rants and had
learned that it was best to remain silent. She would forever remain a
slave; drastic changes like those did not imply that she would one
day be free.
At
last, the results of the battle were known. Roman citizens were in
disbelief and were afraid for what was to come. Many mothers had lost
their children and did not want to continue fighting battles that
would not bring the changes they hoped for.
Despite
the lack of support from the senators, Julius Caesar named himself
dictator of Rome soon after the Great Roman Civil War. That night
Tibius came to find comfort in Clodia's arms. Although, Tibius was
willing to share his emotions with her, they would never share the
same sentiment. She was a slave and he was a senator.
