There was a sense of uneasiness in the streets of Rome. Atticus had been preaching about the injustices in Roman society so much so that his political movement began to spread in popularity. Nearly everyday for years he preached upon the rostra in the forum Romanum and by doing so gained many followers in his quest to rid Rome of social injustice. With popularity however he also garnered the somewhat unwanted attention of significant political figures, such as Caesar, who seemingly desired to crush the potential threat of rebellion. Caesar had heard of Atticus and his teachings and did not condone the potential overthrow of the social order. Just as Spartacus met his demise, Caesar was planning a similar fate for anyone in support of Atticus and his desire for equality among all of Rome’s inhabitants.
It all happened extremely fast and quite unexpectedly. Atticus was at the forum Boarium when he first heard the news from his close friend Marcus. There had been a bounty put on Atticus’s head and he was to be captured and sent to Caesar immediately! His fate was not clear but Atticus knew he must take action at once if he were to have any chance of fulfilling his goal of social change. He sent Marcus with a message to Cicero that explained the pressing matter of the situation and arranged to meet him that night on the outskirts of the city. Cicero was an extremely valuable accomplice who had significant political clout and power. His distaste with Caesar also served Atticus well as a partner in spurring the rebellion. Atticus could not return home in fear that soldiers would be waiting there for him, so he fled to a mutual friend’s estate where he could take refuge until the night.
By the time night had fallen Rome was abuzz with the newfound decree. The entire city seemed to be in disillusion as Caesar was sending troops to conduct raids on every part of the city in search of Atticus. He had remained hidden and stealthily made his way to the meeting point where Cicero was already waiting. Their plan was hastily constructed due to the surprising nature of Caesar’s aggression but they knew this would be their one chance to finally overthrow the consul himself and usher Rome into a new era of social change. After refining their plan and waiting patiently deep into the night Cicero and Atticus made there way to the secret meeting place, an old abandoned warehouse, where supporters of all social classes had assembled. Although severely underpowered and undermanned the citizens knew the consequences of the actions they were about to commit and devoted themselves fully to the cause of Atticus. As they opened the warehouse doors with torches flaming and spears raised, it seemed the revolution had just begun.
