Assignment 4

Marius rested outside his master’s house, thinking about how much had changed since he was a child. His attention was suddenly diverted as trilling laughter floated down the road. He raised his head to see who was laughing so joyously and his breath caught in his chest as he sighted Antonia, the love of his life. She was talking with a friend who failed to compare to Antonia’s beauty. Today, her willowy silhouette was clad in a creamy stola with crimson borders. Her dainty feet peeked out from beneath and he could see she wore a new pair of soleae with beaded decorations. Around her graceful neck hung the lunula her father had given her years ago, her most cherished possession. Her long luscious brown hair fell in gentle waves down her back and waved gently in the breeze. Her arms jingled with her many golden bracelets as she enthusiastically gestured to her friend and wished her farewell. Antonia turned eyes as grey as a stormy sea to Marius and smiled for she knew that he wished to speak to her—so she went to him, swaying her hips gently as she approached.

Antonia could see why all the slave girls brandished their attention on Marius. At well over 6 feet in height, he was a commanding presence. His body was tan and well muscled from all his hard labor but his face was that of a god: it was a square face with a strong jaw and patrician nose, thin lips that curved into a ready smile and eyes so green they were almost black. Although his clothing was cut from the cheapest cloth and his feet were bound in untanned leather sandals, he looked like nobility. Antonia smiled and thought Oh, how I love this man!

They spoke quickly for they knew that if anyone saw them, Antonia would be in trouble, as would he. They arranged a time to meet for a tryst, and with the briefest and lightest of kisses, departed. They would await the cover of darkness before they could meet again and truly enjoy each other’s company.

Cicero and Aelia

Cicero was born in Arpinium to a fairly wealthy equestrian family. Although they did not struggle financially, he was not given opportunities for political power the same way that senator families did, without earning it on his own. He decided to dedicate himself to being a scholar and used this tool to climb up the social ladder. He was proficient in both Latin and Greek philosophy, poetry and history. His education was his biggest tool for advancement. In 45 BCE he was living in a hut on the Palatine Hill. At this time, he was living alone because he had recently divorced both his first wife Terentia and his later wife Publilia. His appearance had begun to decline since he was stuck in a major depression after his daughter died. He had a scruffy beard and needed a shower.

Aelia was a plebe woman who was born into a slave family. Despite Cicero, she did not have any opportunities to work towards social advancement. She worked along with her mother and father for a wealthy Roman politician and his family. Daily she would walk down to the Roman Forum to supply her owners with food, and to catch up on what was happening in her community. Aelia had dark olive skin and her hair was long and deep brown with a healthy shine. She was thin and athletic and although she dressed in tattered clothing she was extremely beautiful. This actually made her life more difficult because on multiple occasions she had to fight off her owner's sexual advances. Even though she lived a rough life, she considered that to be her strength and she carried herself tall and proud. 

Introduction of Characters

Introduction of Characters

Aurelia received word from the messenger that her husband would be returning home in two days time. Immediately her heart was filled with excitement. He had spent too many nights away from home while he was off attending to business matters with the other high-powered men. As soon as the messenger left her presence, she walked to the other corner of her room where their clothing was kept. She reached her hand out to touch the fabric of his senator tunic, and the stripes that ran down it. She continued on to the set of toga splendēns hanging next to the tunic, which she then straightened and smoothed out. She did this often while her husband Appius was away. It was the only thing she had to remind herself of him on the days she felt like she was spending too much time alone.

She then shifted her eyes to the floor where their sandals were neatly organized. There she only saw his house slippers, or soleae, because she knew he was wearing the calceus senātōrius pair, or the shoe for senators. It was then she imagined what he would be wearing the moment she would see him next. Complete with the single iron ring, which he wore on his left hand.

She then took a look at the stola she was wearing, which wrapped around her body and fell all the way to the ground. She was grateful for such nice clothing, and the brooch that her husband gave her, which held her fabric together for her sleeves. She knew her husband loved her and took good care of her. After her family was broken up during the civil wars during Caesar’s rule, she felt like she had nothing left. Appius found her in the market selling bread just to get by and took her into his household as his wife. She felt very blessed to be with a man of great wealth, and living in a house with slaves that were ordered to tend on her at every moment. She also knew there was a price to pay for it all, and that was having her husband gone for weeks, and even months, at a time.

Assignment 4

Titus Marcus Cassius is the son of a former Roman senator and freed slave women. His dream was to leave the central home of Rome and join the national Army. Titus was a man on the taller side, however he was not the strongest of men but he was very persistent and very intelligent. Since his father was a former senator that had money and connections Titus was able to learn from tutors all through out his childhood. Titus is well know in the town since he is the son of a former senator, many people describe him as being loyal, hard working and protective. Titus is always standing up for people in the town that get pushed around by the bigger and wealthy people. Even though Titus is of the wealthier up class he spends most of his time with people of the lower classes, helping them as much as possible. In the rest of  his spare time Titus thinks of and develops military strategies hoping to implement them one day once he joins the army. Titus’ only fear is telling his mother and father about his ambitions, he fears that they may disown him if he chooses to join the military instead of staying in Rome and tending to their estate.

            Claudius Marcus Cassius, the father of Titus, was a former senator of Rome. He was removed of his position when Julius Caesar came back from war and proclaimed himself dictator. Claudius now to this day despises Caesar and does not like the way he runs Rome. Claudius is an older man who is very intelligent; he is married to a Helena who was once a slave but was freed many years ago when Claudius’ father set her free. Claudius wants Titus to stay in Rome and tend to their estate and then eventually take it over and become the owner of the estate and all the slaves. Claudius knows this is not what Titus wants but since Claudius is the paterfamilia Titus really has no choice, unless he disobeys his own father.     

Will Watson Assignment 4

William Watson

            Lucius Peronicus was a tallish man, with slender limbs and a rather flimsy build. He walked with a hunch, and though he was not exceptionally skinny his frame always gave the impression that it was about to collapse in upon itself. He did not naturally tan, and his pale pallor helped to create a sickly feel about him. His complexion was greasy and his nose had a hook, and his eyes were sunken deeply into his face, creating a natural shadowing around the eyes that furthered the sickly look. His hair was black and shiny, no doubt a result of numerous applications of scalp oils. Thin-lipped, sharp-tongued, and with a propensity to criticize everything and anything, Lucius was not a pleasant man: in looks or in character. In essence, he did not look like a soldier, much less a soldier of Rome.

            Marcus Julius was a captain who at the time was in charge of the unit Lucius belonged to. After the death of Gauis Artulius he was promoted to commander of the left cavalry flank. He was of medium height, but of a strong medium height, the kind that commands respect from his peers. He was muscular and had many scars testifying to his battle prowess. His skin was almost an olive tone of the Mediterranean peoples, and his features were defined and handsome. In short, he was everything that Lucius was not: a legionary, a warrior, a fierce patriot, and a man who was respected and loved. He was the head of the investigation of the murder of Gauis Artulius for the 4^th-6^th battalions, and he was faced with the task of identifying possible suspects for the crime. He approached this task with an open mind, trying to set aside any preconceived notions or prejudices that he may have against any soldier. However, his mind kept gravitating towards a certain decidedly un-soldier like individual, who had a known dislike for the commander of the legion.

Assignment 4

In 50 BC, Julius Caesar and his legion are about to fight their final battle of the Gallic wars. Faustius Aemilius Galeo (whose third name ironically means “helmet”) is a young, novice soldier who hails from the equestrian class. However, he has not experienced the taste of battle, nor has he wielded a weapon. To him, his lorica squamata (scale armor), scutum (shield), and galea (helmet) were just decorations. They were meant to protect him, but that meant nothing if he never tasted battle.

 Galeo knew that holding a position in Caesar’s legion that eventually he would have to unsheathe his blade, or draw his spear to end another’s life. That moment eventually came when a collection of Gallic tribes ambushed General Caesar’s legion, and killed off several members of the army. Faced with near death, Galeo had to choose between being killed or becoming a murderer himself. As an enemy soldier readied his weapon, Galeo quickly drew his gladius and impaled the soldier. Galeo stood transfixed at the sight of his blade which ran through his attacker’s abdomen. As he retracted his arm with his sword, the enemy soldier fell on the ground. Galeo then realized that he had reached the point of no return. He had killed a man, and, as a soldier, he would have to repetitively kill more for the “good of his country”. Little did he know, the upcoming battles would challenge his mental resolve.  To seek guidance, he turned to the aged general, Lucius Scribonius Ducitius.

                Ducitius always looked at Galeo, and saw a younger version of himself. Naïve, eager, and inexperienced. However, he was quite envious of his high status, and how his family owned land and was in consistently good relations with the senatorial class. While Ducitius is a general, he had not one ounce of patrician blood in him. Rather, he was a former plebian who improved his social standing along with his military rank. Galeo admired Ducitius because of his experience in Caesar’s legion for the eight-year long campaign against the Gallic tribes. He had everything Galeo ever wanted: experience, fame, and military status. These views Galeo and Ducitius had of each other led to a mentor-pupil relationship between the general and the novice.

                As the Civil War approaches, Galeo and Ducitius must face the trials and tribulations brought to them by war against their fellow countrymen. 

Introducing the characters

Walking down the Palatine Hill, Terentia, Cicero’s ex-wife, gazes over the Forum and the far off Tiber River. Allowing her palla to drape over her shoulder, flowing near her feet, she looks down at her calceus senatorius’, which were wrapped perfectly around her feet, looking eloquent as usual. Terentia rolled up the sleeve of her tunica interior, which was snug against her figure underneath her stola, and admired her gold jewelry. Of all of her jewelry her favorite was the golden bracelet that took a form of a snake. It looked as if it were curled around her arm. It had a warm place in her heart because it was a gift she had received from her father years ago before he had passed away. Terentia was in a solemn state, Cicero had just divorced her a year ago, and prior to that, lost her only daughter due to mishaps while she was giving birth. In such a sensitive state, she could no longer live alone. Moving in with her friend Clodia made life easier, with the help of two slaves available.

As Clodia walked her daughter Spuria down to the Forum for her daily tutoring session, the sleeves of her stola flowed in the wind. The sun was at its peek, glistening among Clodia’s golden hair along with the broaches, which fastened her stola on her shoulders. Spuria began to skip down the hill, and as she did so, the sun caught the buttons that loosely clasped onto the sleeves of her stola. As Clodia began to skip, she realized that she had forgotten to change out of her soleae’s and into her calceus’. In which case they had to stop, for the soleae’s are not made for the outdoors. As Spuria slowed down, she bent down to retie the laces of her new calceus’, which she could not wait to show off to the other girls in her tutoring session. When she stood back up, so began to run down the hill in order to catch up with her mother. While doing so, the cresent moon pendant that her father, Spurius, had given her as a baby sparkled in the sunlight. He had given her this amulet to protect her while he was away at war. Spuria never took it off, always dreaming of the day her father would come home from the civil war.

Clodia is a warm-hearted woman, always open to help her friends in need, and is always there for her loving daughter, Spuria. When she heard that her friend Terentia had gotten divorced shortly after her daughter had passed away, she undoubtedly invited her to stay at her home, where she tried to keep the spirits high. She put others feelings before hers, even though she was scared for the life of her husband, for he is gone, fighting in the civil war. She put her feelings aside, giving her daughter the happy life that she deserves, and trying to brighten Terentia’s life, attempting to keep her mind off of the horrid past couple of years. 

Character Introduction

           Servius has been a slave of the well-respected Lucceius family for 8 years, and felt very fortunate for his living situation.  After all, many of his friends and family that were taken prisoner following the Roman victory at the Battle of Alesia did not have a chance to live at all.  Caesar and his army were particularly brutal in regards to many of the Gallic captives.  At the tender age of 14, Servius saw first-hand what might have become of him at the hands of the executioner.  He gave thanks in prayer each day for his head’s continued attachment to the rest of him, and what a fine head it was.

            An unexpected growth spurt that accompanied Servius’s late teen years had transformed him into what Achaicus Lucceius called, “a particularly wise investment.”  Standing over six feet tall with a barreled chest and arms chiseled from years of service, Servius’s impressive stature was matched by his kindness and loyalty.  His dark brown eyes were earnest and true, never suggesting anything but the noblest intentions toward his master family.  Despite his lack of formal education, Servius possessed a quick, yet respectful wit.  He was appreciated and enjoyed mightily by the entire Lucceius family.  The promise from Archaicus of one day acquiring the status of a freed man provided incentive for Servius, though his fine character did not require it.

            Adelia had been a slave all of her life, born into the custody of the Praetor of Rome, Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger.  Although both of her parents were also slaves serving Brutus in his impressive senatorial estate, Adelia could never help but notice the lips and eyes of her master.  When he smiled, she often saw glimpses of herself.  A striking beauty, it was against the nature of humans to treat Adelia as a subordinate.  Her unblemished olive skin, raised cheekbones, and sun-streaked, light-brown hair suggested regality not present.  Her slave life was hardly that, as her delightful demeanor, coupled with her beautifully feminine physique, frequently granted her the pleasantest of jobs.  Although Adelia enjoyed these privileges, she was by no means weak in spirit.  She dreamed of freedom, and had faith that one day, somehow, the illusive right that so many took for granted would be hers at last.

            

Introduction to Characters

Caesar’s armies are preparing to fight their final battle against several Gallic tribes. The young Faustius Aemilius Galeo prepares for his first fight. Against his equestrian family’s wishes, he had enlisted into Caesar’s armies at the beginning of the Gallic Wars for adventure and heroism. He wanted to know what it is like to taste the blood of the enemy, to conquer the world, to be a man.

If only his best friend, Titus Horatius Catilina, were with him to enjoy it. Calitina chose to stay behind and honor his family’s wishes; but the two childhood friends thought about each other often. Galeo hopes to share his adventures with Catilina once he returns from Gaul. For the time being, Galeo must confide in the revered, mature centurion Lucius Scribonius Dulcitius. Dulcitius, a Plebian who enlisted in the Roman army a few years before the Gallic Wars, worked his way up to centurion and earned his reputation as a fierce, ruthless fighter with his armor against the enemy. Dulcitius also had the reputation of surrogate father to the new soldiers, such as Galeo, mentoring them in physical and mental combat. However, Dulcitius longs for one thing — the end of the war so he can be reunited with his wife, Aurellia, and his now eight-year-old son and work on his land on the Palatine Hill.

When Caesar was declared “enemy of the state” igniting the Pompeic Wars in 47BCE, Galeo faced his worst fear — fighting his best friend Catilina who has enlisted in Pompey’s army. Galeo turns to Dulcitius for advice, but Dulcitius breaks the news of his return home to the life he wanted and wishes him well with his decision. Galeo defends his pride and honor in Africa by defeating Catilina and Pompey’s army fighting as profusely as Dulcitius that earned him the rank of centurion with his more elegant armor near the end of the Pompeic Wars in 46BCE.

But, the return of Dulcitius near the end of the Pompeic Wars in 46BCE threatens Galeo’s rule as centurion because of Dulcitius’ reputation causing them to disagree often before Caesar’s final battle in Spain. The two men appear friendly, however, after their victory in Spain. But, upon returning home to Rome, their legion is ambushed and they are the only survivors to be captured. They seek help from other ragged looking captives, Celsus and Varius in an attempt to escape. The question now is, will they succeed?

 -Jordanne Pascual

Assignment 4: Introduction of Characters (Pius the thief)

The market Boarium was throbbing with activity in anticipation of the games. All the merchants loved it.

Pius Aeilus Cinna sat hunched over on a small wooden stool, at his usual spot, next to his display of wares. From his shady perch, his eyes darted back and forth, as he watched the daily rush of slaves, citizens, brothel-keepers and priests. He seemed statue-like in his immovable pose and stillness.  Again, he glanced at the troupe which was comically reenacting one of Caesar’s battles. A standing crowd laughed when the Pompeian opposition leaped off their low platform, in their silly mock-battle uniforms. Coins of approval were tossed on the stage. Others booed.

Over his drab tunic, Pius wore a grey toga with soiled edges that floated above the floor. His head was shiny and bare when he had time to shave, but most days there was black and silver stubble that crowned his tanned head. Besides his leather sandals, he had on his left index finger an ebony ring with the insignia of Mercury, the patron deity of trade, and theft.  He dressed like any other Roman citizen. Still, native Romans, self-dubbed Latins, would see Pius’ features as vaguely foreign.  Pius himself wouldn’t be able to define where his ancestors were from, being born a slave of a slave of a slave. “We are from Somewhere”, his mother would say.

“Pius!”. A shout came through the crowd. “Where are you today?”

Pius sat up in his chair and searched for the source of the voice calling his name. At the moment, a litter, carried by four large Gallic bearers, passed directly in front of Pius and then moved out of the way, revealing the man who was shouting his name; a very confused and large man, with his stomach pushing his glossy green toga outwards . The fat one discovered Pius first, then noticed the retreating litter. He continued walking towards Pius with an expression of disgust souring his chubby face. With his neck turned, he hatefully stared at the litter, and its occupant, rolling his eyes and puffing.

“Something wrong, Trimalchio?”, asked Pius.

Trimalchio sighed and turned to Pius. His hair was cropped short, and thereby proudly displaying his former life as a slave. He had multiple rings of gold and silver studding his fingers and his green toga lavishly stuck out in the crowd.

“My friend”, said Trimalchio , “I have a job of a lifetime. When can you talk in private?”

Character Development - Gina Duggan

From afar Aemillia appeared to be the very image of Arachne working at her loom.  Her fine white wool tunic fell gracefully against her budding womanly figure.  Beautifully carved crescent moon buttons stitched together the cloth along the top of her shoulders, creating open oval shapes where one could see the smooth paleness of her skin peek through.  She appeared at ease sitting on the engraved wooden bench in front of the standing loom with her sandaled feet crossed at the ankle and tucked beneath the bench.  

On closer inspection, a slight protruding of a plump lower lip could be seen as a pout.  Her hair had been curled such that there was graceful waving light brown hair pulled into an intricate bun.  Small pieces of hair had escaped and dangled behind her right ear, due to her frequent unconscious tugs.  Her soft delicate hands awkwardly moved the rich yellow, wool yarn through the forest of vertical strings.  Due to pulling the string alternately too tight and too loose, the previous four rows of cloth already had a wobbly appearance that caused her pout to deepen whenever her blue-grey eyes landed upon it. 

Occasionally, Aemillia glanced at her slave who was in charge of weaving the family’s clothes.  The slave bit her lip and anxiously watched her mistress’s attempt at weaving.  Unsure how to teach the girl the traditional Roman art of weaving, without giving unwanted advice, she decided it best to sit and wait until she was asked for help. 

Hearing brisk footsteps, Aemillia straightened her slouching shoulders and quickly smiled at her father, while hurrying to give the impression of quick efficient weaving.  In her rush, the wood used to guide the wool through the loom bumped into a vertical string and bounced loudly to the floor.  Due to the fall, the string still attached to the wood pulled the partial row on the loom, making the woven fabric look even more misshapen.  “How is the weaving coming along?” He asked brightly, fondly smiling at his daughter.  Without pause he looked at the thin tangle of yellow on the loom and declared, “Looks marvelous.  Publius Crassus will be proud to have a true Roman wife; one that wove her own palla.  I will buy you the finest matching īnstita to beautify the bottom of your first stolla, mea dulcis Aemillia.” 

Cheered by the thought of herself in the fine gown (though inwardly cringing at the thought of Publius Crassus), she thanked her father sincerely, reclaimed the fallen piece, and gave weaving another try.

Richard Corlett 7326853 Assignment 4

Richard Corlett

7326853

2/3/12

Assignment 4: Character Description

Appius abruptly woke from a night’s rest; images from his dreams were still fresh and burned into his eyes. Death, destruction, and the scent of burning villages slowly faded away as the room came into focus. He stumbled across the room to a wooden bucket full of rain water and rinsed his face. As the water dripped from his chin he saw an old man in the water. Appius was 25 years old, but scars from battle and tired eyes seemed to add decades to him. It had been 9 years since Crassus was defeated and killed by the Parthians at Carrhae, but Appius would not soon forget the brutal images of battle.

 He had once been a young man free of scars training with other legionary soldiers of Caesar’s army. He was youthful and energetic and at the time could barely feel the weight of the chain mail over his undergarments. His brass helmet focused his vision on the task at hand. Whether he was using a sword or spear, he quickly gained the upper hand on the competition. It was this natural ability that ultimately positioned him with Caesar’s elite soldiers.

Appius shook his head in attempt to rid his mind of his bloody past. Although it was early in the morning and the sun was not up yet, he felt that it was best to get dressed and begin with the day’s tasks. He put on his sandals and reached for his work clothes only to realize they had been moved. He had a toga which he wore when preparing Brutus’s meals, but he did not want to risk getting it dirty while he did his morning labor. Luckily, in the corner he found a bed cloth which was about 5 meters by 2 meters in size and quickly folded it into an appropriate toga.

Richard Corlett 7326853 Assignment 3: Plot

Richard Corlett

7326853

1/27/12

Assignment 3: Plot

In 44BCE Rome, Austinio is a slave for the senator Brutus working as a head chef. Little does Brutus know, Austinio is part of an elite group of soldiers posing as slaves hired by Julius Caesar. Caesar, in paranoia, distributed them to the houses of the senators in 45 BCE so that he could keep watch over them. During the time that Austinio is “employed” by Brutus, he begins a relationship with another of Brutus’s slaves, Accalia, and falls in love. Accalia works as both a seamstress and a helper in the kitchen with Austinio.

Over time, Austinio becomes aware of Brutus’s unhappiness with Caesars dictatorship. After watching and listening carefully, he builds a case against Brutus and other senators which were collaborating against Caesar. He had mentioned to Caesar that Brutus may be a threat, but had not yet presented him with the evidence.

Austinio had worked loyally for Caesar for over a year, but one day, while Austinio is out getting meat and seasonings for Brutus’s dinner that night, Caesar deployed his private troops to Brutus’s house on Palatine Hill in attempt to intimidate him. During this gesture, Accalia is severely hurt from a sword wound.

Austinio returns to Palatine Hill only to find a dying Accalia. A short while later Accalia is dead. Austinio is enraged and tells Brutus the truth about Caesar’s spying. Austinio plans to kill Caesar himself but Brutus convinces him that Caesar must be killed in public way, for the good of the future of Rome. Brutus asks Austinio to help in the assassination which he believes will quickly gain support with other senators.

In 44BCE Julius Caesar was assassinated on the lower steps of the portico.

Assignment #4 Character Intros

Austin Moita

HW#4:Character Introduction

Tiberius, as described by Tullia and narrator

            Tullia, an equestrian herself, was amazed at the sight of Tiberius. While it was a very short moment of sight, the sheer gaudiness of Tiberius’s muscles was breathtaking, bulging outwards from the white, raggedy toga that gave away his public class.  

            Tiberius had always been in the business of blacksmithing. He had spent long, brutal days being taught the ways of smelting swords and shields by his since deceased father. The persistence Tiberius had in pursuit of becoming a great blacksmith was evident by the marks on his arms, cuts and burns long past scarred, strategically located on his arms to give them the look of a war veteran. Still an apprentice, the constant work had kept Tiberius youthful, but also took much of his time, and at 21 was getting old for finding a wife.

            He was tall for a Roman as well, easily standing taller than any man Tulllia had met. His long brown hair flowed down to his broad shoulders, but what Tullia noticed most were his eyes. They were jet black, wide and piercing, almost like he was taking in and understanding everything around him seamlessly. And then, as quickly as she was stunned by his appearance, she was ripped away from his figure. Gagged and pushed from behind by two men, the only hope Tullia had at that moment was a man she had never met; Tiberius.

Tullia, as described by Marcus Junius Brutus and narrator

            Marcus looked in the corner at Tullia, at a crossroads from hell with what to do with the girl. She was 16, ready to take the next step in her life in marriage but torn by the recent murder of her brother, Appius. Her simple toga she had worn to the Fourm had been ripped off during her kidnapping and lay off to the side. She had used it to hide the elegant, purple palla she wore over a fine, silk stola. She wanted to leave Rome in stealth, but her family’s well-being left her with no clothing that could hide her evident wealth and importance.

            He looked at her face, her eyes closed since being knocked unconscious. Marcus felt guilty seeing the makeup she applied, knowing she was constantly trying to further the best men Rome. He had to kill her if he was to keep his plan a secret. She had seen the argument between her brother and himself, arguing over the planned assassination, and ending with Marcus stabbing Appius to death. She had offered a variety of rare pieces of jewelry she had tried to smuggle away with her, like pearls and emeralds, but Marcus knocked her out to silence her pleading. “She needs to die” he whispered aloud. He was running out of time.

Character Descriptions

Fictional Characters:

Gaius Lentulus Caepio is one of the most renowned lanista’s in the city of Rome. He was born and raised in Capua, into a family of farmers who dealt primarily in the trade of onions. Caepio grew up dreaming of more than the pleb status he had been handed in life and thus on the eve of his 18^th birthday moved to Rome with the money he had saved and set up a small lanista at the top of the Palatine Hill. He carries himself with an air of pride, knowing he has come a long way in life and moved up the social ranking, reaching the reputable rank of equestrian by the age of 25. Since then, time and time again, he has tried to push forward his family name, attempting to run for the senate. Once he came close, but then fell out with a number of people in the senate, including the influential member; Quintus Marcus Solonius, who would then make it his life’s work to make sure Caepio would never gain entry to the senate. Standing at 5 foot 3 inches, his friends and family joke that he has a small man complex, and it is this that fuels his ambition to propel as far as he can in life.  He wears a ring of iron proudly as it is a reminder of where he has come from. Of late he has come into some money troubles as victories in the arena have been few and far between, but he hopes his luck will soon change for the better, which he hopes will not only ignite his career, but his marriage to.

Varro is of Greek decent and Caepio’s personal slave. His very wise and philosophical character is often a voice of reason for Caepio who is not averse to quick decision-making. Although Caepio was the paterfamilias for his family and would set up meetings with his siblings to ask for advice and consul, it was often Varro he would go to for his most pressing and personal matters as he saw Varro to be not only extremely intelligent, but immensely loyal.

Clodia is the beautiful wife of Caepio. Her long, shiny red hair, which sits upon her supple white skin, contrasts with her piercing green eyes. She always wears the finest jewelry, which are part of the dowry that Caepio received upon marrying her. She would never be seen without the finest stola and her palla was always of the most ornate quality, and she would love to show it off when she would rarely venture to the Forum Boarium. At first her marriage to Caepio enjoyed a fiery passion, however in recent years the flames have burnt out, leaving feelings of resentment. She longs to once again feel a man’s touch upon her skin and love the way she used to in her younger years.

Quintus Marcus Solonius is very high up in the Roman senate. He slithers around the curia like a snake, manipulating things the way he wants them. His long tunic of the senate, with two thick red stripes running vertically down it, clutches to his bony body which looks almost skeletal in some lights. He despises Caepio and goes to great lengths to make sure he is not allowed to climb the political ladder.

Until Caepio came to the city of Rome Decimus Aulus Didius was known all over the city for producing the finest gladiators and having the best doctore. He would walk around the city with an air of arrogance, looking down on anyone that was below him in status. However the arrival of the much younger Caepio turned Didius’ life upside down. People were drawn to Caepio’s kind, amicable and humble nature, something that Didius certainly lacked. Didius’ reputation began to dwindle and nearly all was lost when Caepio beat him in an auction for Bonifatius at the Basilica Aemilia. Gaining the services of the gladiator Bonifatius would have put Didius back on the map and for this he would forever hold a grudge against Caepio. Unlike Caepio, Didius is not scared to revert to more dubious and sinister means to get his own way.

Non Fictional Characters:

Marcus Tullius Cicero is a good friends with Caepio and meets with him upon many occasions at the Forum Romanum to discuss life and business. He acts as somewhat of a role model and sees the world in a different way to Caepio, which makes for an interesting relationship.

Terentia is the ex-wife of Cicero and Clodia’s best friend. She frequently meets up with Clodia to discuss her marriage and her options such as divorce. 

Character Description

Marcus –We first see a man as he walks from his home. He walks up the hill behind his home to think. The sun has just started to rise and he is relieved to see the light. He was tossing and turning all night because of the stress of the mounting tensions in his country. He is trying to organize his thoughts and emotions about the conflict among the people. He cares very much for his children and wife. His father was a senator but he has never wished to be part of political system. His family doesn’t come from much money but they do have significant political influence. He has been raised to value his country and is a true Roman citizen. With his father as an example he saw at young age the importance of serving in the military however his father was killed in battle. With the loss of his father at a very young age it makes him understand the importance of being involved in his own children’s lives. As he continues his walk he is trying to determine if his need to serve in the military and his need to be a good Roman citizen is worth the risk of his children growing up without a father.

Julia – She awakes and realizes that her husband is gone. It doesn’t faze her at first but then realizes that he must be worried about something and has gone for a walk in the morning light. She rises and selects a beautiful stola with particularly expensive and beautiful brooches. She emits a grace in her manor and behavior that only a daughter of a senator could. She has been raises to be the perfect mother wife and daughter at all times. She was never allowed to misbehave or create a scene, she has to be the picture of perfection at all times. She has learned and come to respect the role that she has to play in public but at home she is very out spoken and wishes to be involved in the decision making. She selected her own husband and convinced her father to make him an offer by pointing out the how much of an asset his family would be. She would never allow anyone outside of her husband and children to know that she selected him and that she was involved in the decision making, it was very unorthodox for women to have any sort of power even over her own family.

Character description:

A man walked into the palace as if he owned the place, not giving any explanation to anyone who approached him. As soon as everyone saw that he was walking in they all bowed down in respect. The man was in deed the one who owned the palace. He was a Senator, one of great popularity around all of Rome; know for his strong and strict attitude. He was not a talk man, or strong in physical strength. He was only about five feet seven inches but what he did have was a mind of a politician. In that matter, he was extremely smart who got everything he wanted through his charisma. The man was not attractive, his bushy eyebrows, balding head, and hunched back could probably scare anyone away but he didn’t. His wealth and tremendous ability to influence others made him someone you would want to develop a friendship with. The man had a short temper and was driven by ambition who did not take no for an answer.

On the other hand, Titus was the total opposite when it came to physical appearance. Titus was of tremendous stature with a height of more than six feet tall.  He was a man born into slavery who was sold from place to another. Being born into slavery and doing hard work growing up gave Titus a physique others can only wish for. With a broad shoulder, big chest, arms and legs that seemed to be made of steel, Titus was not one to be messed with. Being under the sun everyday gave him a dark colored skin. He dad dark hair and dark looking eyes and wore nothing but raggedy clothes that were falling apart. On the right side of his face laid a mark that came to be through punishment by his masters for not obeying an order. Ever since then his pride was crushed and only dreams of the day when he would get revenge and gained freedom. 

Introduction of Characters

 Lucius Claudius Valerius is a wealthy landowner and businessman with his hand in many pockets. He was rather odd looking, about five feet five inches, a receding hair line that seemed to be running away from the constant angry expression on his face, the hair above his ears and the back of his head remained, and just a round everything else. The man was practically a circle, puffy feet that exploded from his calceus patricius, an ever tightening toga praetexta that extenuates his belly that no doubt owed its existence to drinking, a head that resembled a lop-sided drachmae, short snuff nose with a little shine at the tip and a peculiar pointy chin. But appearance is of little concern when you have money and power. He is not only a patron to merchants of cattle, but owns some merchant sea vessels and even got involved in money lending to collect interest. In his mid fifties, he makes a very good living and many would think that would be enough, to be a wealthy Roman citizen, but it wasn’t for Lucius. The Claudius Valerius name comes from a long line of censores and he is bitter about the fact that he has yet to hold that position due to the civil war between Caesar and Pompey.  When the war is over he can finally assume his rightful position and his goal is to help this process along any way he can.

Marcus Antonius, Master of the Horse and Julius Caesar’s right hand man was a great military commander and an even better companion. He had a bold masculine look, square jaw, thick neck, a fleshy face and a determined stare to reflect on it. His relationship with Julius Caesar would suggest that he would do anything Caesar asked of him and not just because they were distant relatives (his mother was cousin to Caesar). They have great history starting in 54 BCE with the war against the German’s and Antonius was made staff officer, their friendship solidified after the success of the Gallic Wars. Because of his keen military skills and close political connection, he was made Master of the Horse during Caesar’s second dictatorship. Even though they had a few estranged years after Marcus was released from his duty (because he had acquired property unlawfully), they were reunited in 44 BCE and Marcus Antonius was asked to be partners during Caesar’s fifth consulship. A bond like that is not easily broken and anyone who threatens it will be dealt with.

Character Introduction

Introduction of Characters

Caecilius- Was a bright man, he was of Greek origin. He however found himself in slavery. As degrading as this was for man whose ancestors had been wealthy he didn’t have the personality to settle for anything less than he could achieve. He was a handsome man with golden brown hair and tanned skin to match. He stood at more than 6 feet tall and had broad shoulders that made him an imposing figure. His years of labour as a teenager had led to a strong physique. His piercing brown eyes showed a glimpse into the intellectual and extremely driven man that lay within. Though he started as a labourer he had risen becoming the most trusted slave of his master Marcus. He was now so close to his master that he even dreamed of freedom. Since his rise his clothing had greatly improved. When a boy he whore no more that rags he could scrap together. However now that he accompanied Marcus on many trips to the forum he needed to look respectable. His master Marcus out of his own pocket paid for his toga and perones. They were not the finest but Caecilius could easily have been mistaken for an equestrian member when he made the walk from the house on the Palatine hill down to the forum accompanying his master while he spoke outside the Curia.

Julia- Was a stunning woman. From one of the wealthiest family in Rome but no money could buy such beauty. She had jet black hair and the most deeply soothing brown eyes anyone could wish to gaze into. With a father in the Senate she had never gone wanting. She was lavished with the finest education jewellery and clothes. Her stola and tunic were all hand made for her and fit her perfectly. As she walked around the gardens she almost seemed to glide as her tunic flowed gently with her as she moved. To make her stand out from other woman of upper class she wore jewellery. As many women of the time did, she wore and lunula amulet around her neck. In addition to this she also had many different gold bracelets that she had accumulated over the years. She was easily one of the most well dressed and beautiful woman in ancient Rome.

Assigment 3

Nero had seen Julia, the daughter of a senator, walking about with her slave. She was wearing an elongated toga with the calceī and a palla. The palla wrapped around the girl’s body, defining her shape. In addition to her toga, she was wearing a necklace with a crescent moon pendant given by her father to ‘protect’ her. Julia walked around the horrea looking for different garments and jewelry to add to her collection. Nero had seen Julia several times before at his house when his father, a senator, had other politicians over for a dinner party. However, he had never spoken to her before but had always wanted to converse with her. As he tried to gain courage to speak to her, he clenched his fists together so hard that he bruised his middle finger where Nero’s iron ring was worn. Nero had been given this ring from his father the day he reached manhood and Nero always tried to remember that the ring symbolized his courage to overcome any obstacle.

Nero then decided he would go talk to Julia. Nero, along with his slave Avitus, walked up to the jewelry stand in the horrea right next to Julia. He noticed that she was reaching for a precious gold necklace and decided to reach for it as well. Their hands met on the necklace and Julia looked up to see who else wanted the necklace. Julia looked into Nero’s eyes and asked, “excuse sir, I reached for this first and I would appreciate it if you would let me have it.” Nero simply replied, “why of course, a beautiful woman such as yourself should have this necklace in order to only magnify your beauty.” Nero then introduced himself and told her that he had seen her several times before at the horrea shopping around for goods. Julia was surprised that she had not seen him before and apologized for not introducing herself earlier. After Julia bought the necklace from the vender, she walked with Nero around the marketplace and back to the Forum Romanum with their slaves following behind them. 

Assignment #4: Character Description

Marcus Terentius has knot-prone chestnut brown hair which is kept short. His lively eyes change from hazel when he is calm and contemplative to a deep forest green when he is angry.  Standing at a little over 1.8 meters tall, Marcus is hard to miss – people always joke that one of his ancestors was a Giant. His stature and strong build are akin to that of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War, or perhaps those who faced the Gauls. However, Marcus is not a soldier but rather, a simple farmer. His muscular body was formed through years of tough labor in the fields – wielding a scythe and plowing the ground had given strength to the once lanky farm-boy. Marcus’s daily focus is farm-work, which yield profits that are sufficient but would not be considered prosperous. Thus he does not indulge in luxury items. He dresses in simple, practical garb that suits his farming lifestyle as well as his financial status. Simple soleae are all he needs to match his tunics when he is at home and his soleae are only worn when necessary. Marcus believes it is more comfortable to walk his farm barefoot, in tune with Terra Mater. But custom decrees that when he goes out in public, he must pair his plebian toga with calceí. Though he hates the restricting nature of footwear, proper decorum is important for his social reputation – as well as his sponsor’s, Plubius Severus. After all, Marcus does not wish to be mistaken for a beggar or take his citizenship for granted. As a Roman citizen, he is proud to wear his woolen toga and iron ring; if this means he must pair his toga with calceí, so be it – citizenship is worth a little discomfort in his feet. Marcus’s dislike of footwear stems not only from his love of communing with Terra Mater, but also the uncomfortable chafing that occurs between the calluses on his feet and the leather used to construct the soleae and calceí. Matching calluses formed from demanding farm toil are found on Marcus’s hands. Every time Marcus runs his rough, callused hands against the smooth fabric of his toga, he wonders at how something so soft can adorn his hard body. The contrast between his tanned, leathery skin and the pale wool of his clothing adds to his already striking figure. 

Appius

Cicero and Tiro approached Appius who was resting on the steps of the temple of Concordia. Immediately Appius rose a bit embaressed that Cicero caught him slouching on the steps for their first meeting. Tiro introduced the two. When Appius rose Cicero studied him up and down carefully. Appius was a tall man, much taller then most men maybe six foot four. He stood with a slender but hard muscular physique. It was obvious to Cicero that Appius was a soldier and from the looks of his proud stance and battle hardened body he saw much action in the civil war. He seemed older then most men that fought that war though, and was starting to show. It was hard for Cicero to determin Appius’s age because you could tell that life had been hard on him, his skin was un healthy dark and starting to leather. It was clear that he spent many years doing labor of some kind under the beating sun. Cicero then slowly looked up to Appius’s face and neck. The first thing he noticed was a scar coming from under Appius’s tunic and ending up his neck. It looked as if it had been sealed by a hot dagger probably in hast by unqualified hands. The end of the scar was partly concealed by Appius’s scruff, well, Cicero thought too long to be scruff but to short to be a beard. His hair was matted down and curly and looked like not much upkeep was involved with it. Appius’s face was dark and wrinkled but his calm look and wide blue eyes gave him away. He could not have been over the age of thirty. His smile gave Cicero the impression that he was much smarter then he lead others to believe. Cicero immediately respected the man for it seemed that he was a valiant and strong warrior but something about his eyes and smile worried Cicero he could tell this was a man of dark secrets. 

Assignment 4

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Assignment 4 – Introduction of Characters

Sophia Wildwood

Arsinoe stood on the banks of the Tiber, the smell of the wet air mixing with the exotic scents of the Forum Boarium. Usually this combination excited her, but today it only filled her with dread. She had been instructed to wait for him, and her dominus had emphasized the importance of this meeting with his whip. She could still feel the sharp, cruel, stinging welts brushing against the rough linen on her back. Yet, this meeting held a secret meaning for her as well and, as the black bile rose in her mouth, she remembered. Shivering despite the heat, Arsinoe pulled her rough tunic around her and stared at her worn sandals, dusty from the summer roads. Her black hair was tightly bound with a leather strap and she was unadorned except for the hard metal slave collar that told the world what she was. Suddenly, she looked up, noticing a figure walking along the docks. Is this him? He is so young… I would have expected someone older. The young man approached her, all at once apprehensive and yet so apparently accustomed to his station. A station made clear by his piercing eyes and long toga, woven from wool so fine it looked like silk. Arsinoe took a step back, shaken by this young man who had come suddenly and was clearly a member of the elite – perhaps of an even higher status than her master. Mustering her courage, she stepped out of the shadows.

            “Are you Gaius Portius Caepionis?” Arsinoe was surprised at the clarity of her own voice.

            “I am. You must be the one I sent for. Good, we have much work to do and night is nearly upon us. Come.” Gesturing, the young man, led the way past the docks. As he turned the light hit him and Arsinoe saw that his toga was bordered by a purple stripe, a Toga Praetexta. He is a consul or senator, she thought. This goes much deeper than I had anticipated and I had better be prepared.

Introduction of Characters - Jillian Roberts

           He watched Julia as she walked from the house to the bench in the gardens. Though she was outside, he noticed she still wore her leather soleae and admired the way the pearls decorated the sandals that hugged her petite feet. Appius, her husband, would not appreciate how she walked, without thought, through the dirt in the sandals he had just purchased for her. Sitting there, gazing in the direction of the Tiber River with her piercing green eyes, she looked more peaceful than he had ever seen her before. There was a slight wind and she pulled the cream-colored palla tighter around her body to keep warm. He could see the ornate crimson pattern woven into the long-sleeved stola she wore and thought to himself how well the color matched her golden red hair. Today she wore her hair down, flowing around her shoulders in perfect ringlets, only a small piece pulled back and secured by a jeweled hairpin behind her ear.

            Not wanting anyone to catch him staring at Julia, Decimus reluctantly went back inside the house. As he passed by a perfectly shined metal mirror, his own figure caught his attention. He examined himself for the first time with the eyes of a slave. He was tall and built, towering over most men at 6’4.” He had bright blue eyes and he noticed sadness in them he had never seen before. He missed his beloved county of Greece. His dark brown hair was cut short and his face was rough from not shaving in the past two days. He gazed over his plain, linen colored tunic and tried to remember the beautiful and intricate togas that used to adorn him. The sandals he wore now were old and tattered, the leather almost to the point of breaking. It was a sight that Decimus was not used to and was not yet comfortable looking at. He quickly turned away from the mirror and continued on his way to the study.