Graecus was returning from his daily chores when he heard
cheers coming from the courtyard. “I have found a husband for my beloved sister
Tullia” Lucius Claudius Valerius exclaimed. As the pater familias he has many duties including arranging and
dissolving all marriages. This will be his sister’s second marriage to a man
named Aemilius Caecilius Marcus, a rich patron and profitable moneylender. This
will be his second marriage after losing his first wife to childbirth and then
exposing the child because he desired a son. This is a more than fortunate
marriage because Tullia has two sons from her previous marriage that Marcus is
more than willing to adopt as his own. “All I need to do now is consult the
Augur for a proper wedding date”. Lucius’ excitement fades as if he had lost
interest but his enthusiasm is restored when he sees Graecus is back from the
market. “Aha my good boy back so soon with the mask for tomorrow’s festival”
then grabs the sack and pulls out what looks like a wolf’s face.
“Good heavens is it the 15th of February
already?” says Clodia, the matron of the house.
“Yes mother, the Lupercalia festival is tomorrow finally!”
Young Lucius was hoping to be apart of the festivities this year and walks over
to his father to receive his mask.
“Make sure to not be beaten by those hide strips, I have no
desire to have more children” laughs Lucius.
“Look at this,” he motions to his son “I am to run as
Lupercci tomorrow on team Romulus,” then realizing the true reason for his
son’s interest explained, “my dear boy you are not to participate in the
festival just yet, you are only 14 and these activities are for men”.
They family moved inside the house while discussing the
highly anticipated festival, Graecus followed closely behind listening
intensely. “But father at your age you can not make it one lap around the villa
let alone all of Palatine, I would be a fine representation of the Lucius
Claudius household”.
In a scolding tone Lucius answers “you have forgotten that
they will not see your face,” Lucius points to the mask in his hand and
continues, “ do not bring it up again”.
As a last attempt to get his fathers attention Young Lucius
yells, “a mask will not hide that physique,
anyone with eyes could tell it was you” he smiled slyly as if he had won for
getting the last word. His father was practically a circle, he had puffy feet,
an ever-tightening toga that extenuates his belly, and a head that resembled a
lop-sided drachmae.
But the pater familias’ word is law in his house and he knew
it however, he had a plan. While they were entertaining each other with stories
of the years passed Lupercalia madness, he will sneak out and purchase a mask of
his own. He understands the risk but figures if he wins the race he can prove
that he is ready to officially participate. He then turns down the corridor out
to the courtyard towards the market.
