Jacob Armstrong
5366711
Assignment 7
Entertainment/Leisure
Time
Even
from outside the Circus Maximus the roar of the crowd was almost overwhelming. In
spite of his attempt to remain passive in front of his brother, inside Nemo was
filled with excitement. Walking beside him, his brother, wearing blue raiment’s
to represent his chariot team of choice, smiled at the cacophony.
“Oh
Nemo, it is a fine day for chariot races indeed!” Marcus said with a chuckle.
They walked through the great stone corridors many entrances to the great
arena. Seeing his confusion Marcus said, “We won’t be sitting with the masses
today dear brother.”
As
they walked they passed by several soldiers sitting around a small wooden table
playing a game of dice. Much to their dissatisfaction, a stable boy who had
joined their game seemed to be doing quite well for himself. Another roll of
the dice and the boy cried out in glee once more, oblivious to the glares and
scowls of the guards. Soon they reached a stairway and, following his brother’s
lead, they went up.
The stairway led to a private viewing box.
Inside several people sat, all wearing blue enhanced garments.
“Good
day, my fellow Romans!” His brother said in greeting. “This fine example of a Roman
is my brother Nemo.” Many nodded and said their hellos before he and Marcus
found seats.
“The
name is Octavius Flavum,.” Sitting next to him the aging man extended his hand.
“Nice to meet tyou lad.”
“You
as well sir.” Nemo answered, clasping the man’s arm in greeting.
“I
hope you anticipate today’s race as eagerly as I do.” Smiling fiendishly the
man added. “Yellow just got in a new team of Arabian stallions. Carried by
reputation, they are all but guaranteed to win, or so the odds say… but if I
may share a secret with you, the lead horse has a bad hoof! I have 50,000
against!
Smiling
sympathetically to the man’s cackling, Nemo looked out at the track. “To be
honest sir this is my first chariot race in a while, I don’t quite remember the
fine points.”
“First
race!?” Octavius asked incredulously. “How can that be my young Roman? Games
are the blood of Rome, whether they be races or gladiator battles or betting games
like dice. Indeed we Romans love our entertainment: Hunting, Theatre, the
baths. Why, just the other day Septum was telling me…”
It
was then that Octavius was interrupted by loud trumpeting. The chariot teams
were emerging onto the field. The games were about to begin.
