Julia,
a young Senator’s daughter, is tired of having her father’s stress from the Civil
Wars inflicted upon her. He is going through a difficult time, as Caesar clearly
has the upper hand in the power struggle between the Roman Senate and Caesar’s army.
One
morning, Julia leaves her home for the Roman Forum marketplace. On the way down
the hill, she passes a mother who is morning the loss of her son Tibius. Tibius
had died nearly three years ago in the Egyptian battles. Julia comforts her, as
she too knows the feeling of losing loved ones in battle. Many of her extended family
has also perished in the African wars. The woman appreciates the sentiment and says
something rather interesting to Julia. She tells her that “it must be great to be
poor or a slave, at least you will never lose someone dear in battle.” Julia agrees
with the factual merit of the woman’s statement, however, she believes that there
is nothing worse or more shameful than being a slave. Therefore, she immediately
terminates the conversation. Although the woman calls out, “don’t you agree?” Julia
just keeps walking away.
As
she reaches the Forum, news is spreading about Caesar’s imminent dictatorship. Frustrated
at his power play and fearful of a repressive regime, Julia breaks down and cries
near the Curia. A couple of passing Senators notice her sadness and try to comfort
her, but she says to them “how could you allow such a maniac to conquer us?” They
have no response. She continues to the Forum Boarium, and tries to take her mind
off of the issues at hand by shopping for meats. The merchants immediately recognize
her and put on gentlemanly facades to impress her. She meanders from cart to cart,
looking for adequate portions to feed her entire family back at home. Suddenly,
she notices someone special. She hopes that he will distract her from all of her
disappointment. His name is Eli, a slave.
