Vittorio Carvelli

The Story of Gracchus

LIBER IV
The Fourth Book

Chapters 29-32

XXIX. Finis et Novum Initium
29. The End and the New Beginning

Noctem Meminisse
A Night to Remember)

"Petronius!… Petronius!… I think something really terrible has happened!"

"Why? What's the problem?

It's only a little storm, and it seems to be over now," Petronius answered calmly, smiling.

Inwardly, however, Petronius was worried, thinking that this might be some sort of continuation of Marcus' problem with his previous illness.

"I saw you – but it wasn't really you, – out in the garden, and another figure in a black cloak," Marcus babbled. "And you asked me what I was doing in the garden, and you said it was dangerous, and then something about an owl, and the you fired an arrow over to the villa, and then disappeared! Do something!" Marcus begged.

"Adonios!" Petronius called.

"Go down to Terentius, and ask him to check that there is no problem for the Dominus, and get the guards to check the villa gardens. Tell him that the Iuvenis Dominus has concerns about our security."

Adonios obediently ran out of the atrium.

"Now calm down Marcus, I am sure that all will be well," Petronius said gently, knowing all the time of an overwhelming tragedy, but trying his best to calm Marcus. Petronius took Marcus by the hand and guided him to a couch.

As he did so there was a tremendous flash of lightening, and moments later, a deafening roll of thunder. Marcus looked up at Petronius, obviously not convinced.

"Now listen, Marcus, if there is a problem, then you must get hold of yourself and be strong. So I will get you some wine, and remember that you are the son of the Dominus, and we all look to you for an example."

Aurarius looked puzzled. He still thought that the people in the villa were very strange.

"It's only a storm, master, and I'm not frightened," he said, encouragingly.

There was then a frantic banging on the door.

"Where are the guards?" Petronius shouted, running over to the large, bronze doors.

One of the doors the opened suddenly, nearly hitting him in the face.

It was Adonios, looking terrified.

"Petronius, the Dominus! He's dead!" Adonios spluttered.

"Where are the guards?" demanded Petronius, a second time.

"They are with Terentius, preparing to find whoever did this," Adonios replied, tearfully.

"And how do you know the Dominus is dead?" Petronius asked, trying to get to the bottom of the story.

"I saw him!" Adonios shrieked. "In his study, there was blood! … blood!…" the sobbing boy continued.

"Alright,… you go and sit down quietly, and Marcus and I will deal with this," Petronius said, trying to calm the trembling boy.

"I know who did this!" Marcus said, coldly.

"Maybe,… but let's get to the study, and see Terentius," Petronius said, ignoring Marcus' odd statement, and moving towards the half open door.

As Petronius and Marcus moved through the corridors there seemed to be guards everywhere, checking doors and rooms. Eventually they arrived at the doors to Gracchus' study. The guards there bowed respectfully to Marcus.

Novus Dominus
The New Dominus

Marcus entered the room, thinking of the first occasion, so long ago, when as a frightened slave-boy, called Markos, he had his first nerve wracking interview with the Dominus. Now, to his horror, he saw Gracchus sprawled, face down on the marble topped table, which was drenched with blood.

Terentius was standing by the table looking gaunt.

"We must do this quickly!" he said, in a strained voice.

He took from the folds of his tunic a large, heavy gold ring. As he did so Adonios and Aurarius crept into the room. Terentius began speaking slowly and carefully. "This is the seal ring of the House of Gracchus, passed on to each dominus for hundreds of years. As the most senior servant of the House of Gracchus it is my duty to place this ring on your finger, and confirm you as Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, true heir and son of the deceased Dominus, Gnaeus Octavianus Gracchus, and to pronounce you from this moment as Dominus of the Noble House of Gracchus."

He placed the ring on Marcus' ring-finger, bent down on one knee, and kissed the ring.

"I am always, and ever will be your loyal and honoured servant."

"And friend," Marcus added.

After Terentius, Petronius swore his fealty, followed by Adonios and Aurarius. And at that point, Marcus took command, as if he had been born to it.

"Adonios and Aurarius go back to my apartments and prepare for my return later!"

"Yes Dominus!" they both replied, and ran off to what were now the Dominus' apartments.

"Terentius, send a carriage to Novius. I want to speak to him," Marcus then said.

"But Dominus, it is so late, and there is a storm," Terentius said, forgetting himself for a moment.

"I want to speak to him now!" Marcus insisted.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius replied, and hurried off to make the appropriate arrangements.

"So… How do you feel now?" Petronius asked.

"Lost without Gracchus, but I still have you!"

"But you are Gracchus, now!" Petronius reminded Marcus.

"Yes, I suppose so," Marcus said sadly.

"And what did you mean by saying that you knew who had done this?" Petronius asked intrigued.

"Well, it's Servius, of course, he was the only one who had a real motive," Marcus replied.

"You are almost certainly right, but there is one other who could have a motive, but I think is too young to have done this," Petronius said, mysteriously.

"And who could that be?" Marcus asked.

"My answer to that question must wait until we have had time to talk to Terentius and Novius," Petronius replied.

"So, is there something important that I haven't been told?" Marcus asked.

"Yes!" Petronius replied, "But first you should attend to the matter of Servius, if you will forgive me for suggesting it."

"Of course!" Marcus said.

Now today, if we came across someone who had obviously been murdered we should immediately contact the local police force, who would investigate, and hopefully arrest a suspect, who would be prosecuted by the state. In Roman times (as has been stated before) there was no police force as such, and no public prosecutor, no state run law courts, and no long term prisons for murderers. Normally individuals and families would rely upon a patron to deal with the matter, usually in the form of rough justice. Marcus, however, now that he was Dominus, was a patron himself, so he was expected to deal with such matters, using his retainers and slaves.

Marcus reaction was simple. He ordered a group of villa guards to ride out to Servius' villa and find Servius. He gave express orders that Servius was not to be harmed, and that Servius was to be taken to the Ludus. Any of Servius' slaves found at the villa were to be 'disposed of'.

"Dominus," Petronius interrupted, "Servius had a boy with him, one of your slaves, what should happen to him?"

"Just bring him back to the villa, Terentius and Nerva can sort that out later," Marcus replied, not knowing of the significance of the boy.

Meanwhile, slaves carefully removed Gracchus' body, while other slaves cleaned the study of all traces of blood. Gracchus' body was then taken to his private apartments, to be washed and prepared for the funeral.

Consiliarius
Councellor

Eventually Novius arrived at the villa.

"My dear Marcus!" he exclaimed, "I am devastated!" the old man said. "How could this have happened?"

"This, my dear Novius, is what we plan to find out," Marcus replied.

"But first I have something important to do.

I am appointing you my Consiliarius (a counsellor, one who participates in the decisions, a trusted adviser), and I require you to pledge your fealty to myself as Dominus, and to the House of Gracchus," Marcus stated, with the new sense of authority that he seemed to have acquired.

"I am an old man, Dominus, but if you think that I can be of help I will serve you as best as I can," Novius replied.

Marcus then held out his right hand, and Novius bent low, and kissed the seal ring of the House of Gracchus.

"I am grateful," Marcus said, "and I have work for you tonight."

"Of course, Dominus," Novius replied.

Γλαύξ
Glaux

As Terentius came into the study, a small owl flew in from the open door. It fluttered once round the room, and then settled, rather unsteadily at first, on the back of the beautifully inlaid chair where Gracchus usually sat.

"That, Dominus, is an omen," Novius whispered.

"I know," Marcus replied.

Petronius look strangely at the bird, which was fluffing it's feathers, and then at Marcus.

"You mentioned an owl, when spoken to in the garden," Petronius said.

"Yes," Marcus said.

"The owl of Athena, Athene noctua" ('Athena's owl has taken flight'). Don't disturb it," Novius said.

"Let it stay here… It will bring you wisdom," Novius quietly added.

And they all watched the cute little bird, wondering.

"We should call him Glaux (Γλαύξ), and invite him to stay," Novius said.

"But isn't he an evil omen of death?" Petronius asked, eying the bird nervously.

"According to the Greeks and the Etruscans he can be, when he perches on the roof of a dwelling. But this little fellow has already done his warning of death and now I feel he is a gift from Minerva. to bring this House, and it's new Dominus wisdom," Novius explained.

Athenian coins bore and image of the owl of Athena (Roman Minerva) and in daily use the Athenian drachmas were called glaukes (γλαῦκες, owls), as Marcus well knew.

"And what did you say Dominus, about an owl in the garden?" Novius asked.

"Well, it's a strange story, Novius. When the storm cleared for a short while, I went out into the garden. I thought I saw Petronius standing in the garden, with a bow and a quiver full of arrows, stupid I know. Then he spoke to me, but it didn't sound like Petronius' voice. He said something like: 'What are you doing out late – this is a night to remember – a dangerous night – Thanatos hides in the shadows, and arrows fly' and then he said 'Athena's owl takes flight – so take care, and remember – Deus veniet cito!'"

"So the prophecy, Deus veniet cito, and the figure, I think was the God himself – Apollo."

You are a strange young man, Dominus, and the Gods show you such favour, as I have never seen before. Be grateful!" Novius concluded.

"I am grateful, Novius, but often fearful also," Marcus replied, shaking his head.

"But no problem, you have fine friends, and now you have little Glaux to guide you," Novius said, smiling.

Conferens
The Conference

"But enough of this," Petronius interjected. "We have some important matters to discuss."

"Terentius, you and I spoke at length yesterday, and now that our late master is no longer with us, and we have a new Dominus, we need to make him aware of certain facts." Petronius stated, taking a lead well above his station.

"You are right, Petronius, let us all be seated."

Marcus, sitting in the chair on which Glaux was perched, and Novius and Petronius seated on other chairs, drawn up round Gracchus' marble topped table, now clean and shining (thanks to the work of some slaves) prepared for a momentous discussion.

"To begin with, Dominus, and gentlemen, everything that is said round this table is confidential, and we must swear by Athena's owl, little Glaux there, that we shall not reveal anything that we hear tonight to any other person without the permission of our Dominus. Is that agreed?" Terentius said.

They nodded in agreement, while Glaux awkwardly stepped off the back of the chair, and settled himself on Marcus' shoulder.

"The matter concerns a boy called Demetrius," Terentius began.

"Excuse me, Terentius, but why are we discussing this 'Demetrius', rather than Servius, who has just committed murder?" Marcus asked, somewhat confused.

"This is the whole point of our discussion. The motive for the murder may well be Demetrius, but information about Demetrius was withheld from you by the late Dominus," Terentius replied.

"And why was that, Terentius?" Marcus asked, slightly angered.

"That, if you will excuse me, Dominus, is what I am coming to," Terentius replied.

"The late Dominus, when he was somewhat younger, had a child by a slave girl, here at the villa," Terentius explained.

"Did you know about this, Novius?" Marcus asked, looking completely perplexed.

"I'm afraid that I did, but the late Dominus forbad me to discuss the matter with anyone, even, and maybe especially you."

Marcus stood up, obviously angry, and Glaux nearly lost his balance, and looked at Marcus, with a hurt expression, having almost lost his dignity.

"So the late Dominus had a true son… so am I, or am I not the Dominus?" he demanded, looking particularly at Terentius.

"Of course you are the Dominus. The boy Dimitrius is just a slave," Terentius answered quietly, trying to calm Marcus.

"And where is this boy?" Marcus asked, resuming his seat.

"The boy to whom you refer, Dominus, was the boy who was with Servius," Terentius replied, waiting for another explosion from Marcus.

Marcus just sat, numbed and shook his head in disbelief.

"The boy is probably now at this villa, locked in a cubiculum, under guard, and awaiting your pleasure."

"I take no pleasure in this boy!" Marcus said coldly. "It were better that he were still-born!"

"I agree, Dominus, but he is here, and I fear he may be involved in another conspiracy against you and the House of Gracchus," Terentius said, wearily.

"So what's this new conspiracy?" Marcus asked, not entirely convinced, as Glaux nibbled gently on his ear.

"What's this stupid bird doing?" Marcus said, tickling Glaux's head.

"I think it's his way of saying that you should listen carefully," Novius said, smiling.

"Now you're not telling me that this crazy bird knows what we are talking about?" Marcus said, incredulously.

"Oh yes," Novius replied. "Athena's owl is very, very intelligent, that's why he's been sent to you."

"Well now I've heard everything." Marcus said in resignation.

"But what's this conspiracy, Terentius, and yes, Glaux, I am listening," Marcus continued, humouring Novius.

"As I think that you know, Servius and Petronius went to Rome to collect your new pugio, which I have here with me, incidentally, but they also went to arrange for the assassination of Marcus Sabinus. Now the only proof that we have that Marcus Sabinus is dead is a seal ring that Servius brought back in a wooden box. It is a cheap seal ring, low quality gold, marked with the letter S. I could have had one made for next to nothing here in Baiae, let alone in Neapolis or Rome."

Terentius pushed the box over to Marcus. Marcus opened it, and took out the ring.

"I see," Marcus said.

"So we have to take the word of Menelaus," Terentius continued. "A man who seems to be, according to myself and Petronius, too well informed of matters in this villa. Now Menelaus, whom I know, and Petronius met, was the person who selected Demetrios, of all people, to guide Servius and Petronius round Rome, and Demetrios is the boy who is not supposed to exist. Now Demetrios is very handsome, and I gather that Menelaus knows that Servius has an insatiable lust for attractive boys, and it appears that Demetrios was encouraged, one assumes by Menelaus, to make himself available to Servius. Petronius, for example, knows that Servius and the boy had sex in Rome on at least one occasion. And it also seems that Menelaus encouraged Demetrios to get Servius to take him back to this villa, and presumably the boy escaped from the villa with Menelaus' connivance."

"Well that is all making sense, but to what purpose?" Marcus interrupted.

"To the purpose of creating a problem between Servius and the late Dominus, a possibly murderous problem, or perhaps Servius was given gold to kill the late Dominus. Then it was simply a matter of presenting Demetrios as the natural son of the late Dominus, and ensuring that the inheritance did not go to you, but the boy, to be possibly shared by Menelaus, his guardian (Menelaus had looked after the boy for many years), and Servius, his lover, enabling Marcus Sabinus, whom I do not believe is dead, to take his revenge on the House of Gracchus," Terentius concluded.

Novius, Petronius and Glaux all nodded in agreement.

"Well, it's complicated, but makes sense," Marcus agreed.

"So what should we do?" Marcus asked, looking obviously worried.

"If I may make a suggestion," Petronius said, "I think it might be wise to send some guards to Rome to escort Menelaus back here, on the pretext that he should meet the new Dominus, and attend the funeral of the late Dominus, then we can question him, and if required, deal with him."

Marcus looked to Terentius and Novius. "Do we agree?" he asked.

Both nodded.

"So do I, then we are all in agreement! Right, Terentius. When we finish this meeting please attend to that!" Marcus briskly ordered.

"Yes Dominus," Terentius replied.

"And Terentius, is there another Freedman at the Domus?" Marus asked.

"Yes Dominus, there are a number," Terentius replied.

"And who is the best and most trustworthy?" Marcus queried.

"A boy called Nicander," Terentius said, after thinking for a moment.

"Good, get Quintus to draw up papers appointing him as magister domus, but do not have the papers handed to him until Menelaus leaves."

"Very wise, Dominus," Terentius answered.

"And the Magister equorum, who arranged the killing, Dominus?" Terentius asked.

"We don't have time to waste on him, have him disposed of," Marcus said, coldly.

"You mean killed?" Terentius asked, surprised.

"Yes," Marcus replied.

"As you say, Dominus."

"Now what about Servius?" Marcus asked. "Should we torture him to get the truth about Menelaus and Demetrius before we have him killed?" Marcus asked, somewhat brutally.

"There is another way, which Terentius has knowledge of, and which I used on Petram and Glykon, with the permission of the late Dominus, to good effect," Novius interjected.

"Indeed, Dominus," Terentius added.

"It is a method of obtaining the truth, that uses no torture, and which those who are subjected to it do not even have a recall of the information that they have given away."

It gave the late Dominus all the information he needed from Petram and Glykon, and I am sure that Novius could make it work with Servius to good effect," Terentius said.

"You intrigue me. So Novius, what is this method?" Marcus asked.

"All we do is give the subject a special, and harmless potion, and then send them into a half-sleep, and open their thoughts and memories to our inspection. At the end they are commanded to forget all that they have been asked and all that they have said, and if all goes well, we have the information that we desire," Novius explained.

"That sounds excellent, Novius," Marcus said enthusiastically.

"And when can we do this? Marcus asked, eagerly.

"I think it may be possible tomorrow evening." Novius replied.

There was a pause.

"And so finally, gentlemen, we must decide what to do about the boy," Marcus stated.

"Well may I suggest that that will depend on the boy's knowledge of his origins, and previous life, and his knowledge of any possible 'conspiracy', and also what Menelaus has told him, and what passed between him and Servius," Novius suggested.

"And then, when we know that, can you, in some way manipulate his memories so that he no longer poses a threat?" Marcus asked.

"I have no affection for the boy, but I see no reason to eliminate him if we can effectively simply turn him into a harmless slave-boy, to work here in the villa," Marcus continued.

"It may be possible," Novius replied, thoughtfully.

"He is young, and I would imagine that he could be easily influenced."

"Before we do that," Petronius interjected, "maybe, as I know him, I could go and speak to him and try to discover what he knows and understands, in, what shall I call it, his normal mind."

"Yes, Petronius, I would be interested to know what you could discover," Novius replied.

For some time Glaux had been stamping around on Marcus' shoulder.

"I think our little friend is getting restless, so perhaps we could draw this meeting to a close," Marcus said, looking at the little bird and smiling.

"So, Petronius, go and see this boy Demetrios, when you have time, but also I want the scaffolding removed in the Amphitheater, and appropriate preparations made for the funeral and the munera," Marcus said.

"Novius!" Marcus then said, and the old man, now Consiliarius to the House of Gracchus, looked up expectantly, "I hope to see you tomorrow evening."

"Of course, Dominus!" Novius answered obediently.

"And Terentius!"

"Yes Dominus!" Terentius replied.

"Have Quintus prepare papers granting freedom and citizenship to Petronius," Marcus ordered, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Petronius jaw dropped, and Terentius, and Novius smiled broadly.

"And about time!" Novius said, patting Petronius on the back.

"What can I say, Dominus?" Petronius mumbled.

"Nothing needs to be said," Marcus replied.

Itaque dormitum
And so to Bed

"What's wrong with this stupid bird?" Marcus exclaimed, as he walked down the corridor to his private apartments, with Glaux still sitting on his shoulder.

"I think that you are stuck with Glaux, like you are stuck with me," Petronius said, carefully avoiding mentioning the unexpected instruction that Marcus had just given to Terentius.

"Very likely," Marcus replied.

When Marcus arrived in the atrium of his apartments, Adonios and Aurarius ran up, waiting for orders. Immediately they saw Glaux. Adonios reached up to Marcus' shoulder, and Glaux, in a most dignified manner, stepped off Marcus and onto Adonios' hand.

"He's beautiful!" Aurarius exclaimed.

"Where did you get him from?" Adonios asked.

"From Mount Olympus," Marcus replied with a smile. "Now Novius says that we must look after him, so be good to him, but show him respect, he stands very much on his dignity, as he is very wise," Marcus explained to the two entranced boys.

Immediately Adonios and Aurarius sat down together on a couch, tickling and fussing over the little owl. Glaux appeared to be enjoying every minute of the attention, but Marcus found that he had to go and get his own goblet of wine, as his two slaves seemed to have forgotten all about him.

"I think Petronius, that in the end I will have no slaves. They will either be freed men, or the slaves of little Glaux!" Marcus joked, as he poured some wine for Petronius.

Strangely, the horror of the night seemed to have faded away, and an odd kind of peace and serenity had enveloped much of the villa. Novius, of course would have seen it as the work of the God, protecting his chosen ones from the violence and horror of death and separation, by the simple expedient of a sweet, fluffy little bird. Marcus, after taking a drink from his goblet, lay back, and was lost in the oblivion of sleep. Petronius laid a silk coverlet over Marcus, and gently kissed his sleeping friend goodnight. Adonios and Aurarius snuggled up together on the couch, and Glaux, rather peeved that no food had been provided for him, flew off noiselessly into the peristyle garden to do some hunting. Petronius left the atrium, and went to his apartment, to snatch some sleep before going to the Amphitheater in the morning.

Nova Aurora
A New Dawn

As the sun rose, Glaux fluttered back to his new home, landing somewhat awkwardly on Marcus' pillow (owls are designed to land on tree branches, and not soft pillows). Marcus stirred from his sleep, and as he awoke the enormity of the previous night's events hit him hard. If Adonios and Aurarius hadn't been up, and preparing a light breakfast, Marcus would have certainly given in to uncontrollable sobbing, but he remembered that he was now the Dominus, and never again should he give in to the ordinary weaknesses that were permitted to most people.

He rose from his bed, and dressed. In deference to the death of the late Dominus, he dressed, like everyone else of any standing in the villa in black, but his tunic was decorated in heavy gold bullion embroidery. As he straightened his tunic, and prepared to greet Adonios and Aurarius, Glaux fluttered up, and took his place on Marcus' shoulder. Normally, Marcus would have flicked the little bird away, but taking note of Novius' advice, he allowed the small owl to sit by his ear.

It was obvious that the two boys had been crying, but Marcus was not prepared to indulge them, and sent them off to find out what was Petronius was doing.

As it happened, Petronius was, at that moment, riding into Amphitheater, having already travelled all the way to Neapolis to order the endless yards of black embroidered material that would be required for the decoration of the Amphitheater, for the funeral ceremony, and later the munera, for the late Dominus. The wagon carrying the cloth, and other essentials was further back down the road, following Petronius.

Already the slaves were working on the removal of the scaffolding, and making good the final refurbishments of the Amphitheater.

As soon as Petronius arrived, he supervised the unloading of the cloth. He then went to his office in the ludus, and quickly prepared some sketches, indicating to his foremen how he wished the cloth to be draped over various parts of the structure of the amphitheater. While he was doing that, Adonios and Aurarius arrived, closely followed by Marcus.

All the slaves stopped working as Marcus entered the arena, staring in surprise at little Glaux sitting on his shoulder. Owls were known to be omens, particularly when they appeared in the daytime (unusual, as they were nocturnal birds, so owls usually sleep during the day, but they are only 'half asleep' so they don't fall off their perch, and are partly aware of what is going on around them). The slaves, realising this, looked upon their new Dominus with a certain awe, and even more respect. Soon the rumour spread round the villa that the owl was a personal gift from the goddess Minerva to the new Dominus, which he had received on Mount Olympus.

Terentius, wisely did nothing to discredit this rumour.

They all obediently lined up, and bowed to Marcus. Marcus decided that some words were required.

"As you probably know our beloved Dominus was cruelly murdered last night by his own tribune. That tribune will be punished as is required at the next Games. Meanwhile we must prepare for the funeral of our beloved, late Dominus. As your new Dominus I expect you all to show your devotion to the late Dominus, and the noble House of Gracchus by giving your best efforts to making the funeral, and the subsequent munera the finest ever seen in Baiae. Now return to your work!"

The slaves all applauded and cheered their new Dominus, and swiftly returned to their duties. Hearing the noise, Petronius left the Ludus, and walked over to the arena. Once in the arena, Petronius and Marcus looked over the drawings that Petronius had made, and then started supervising gangs of slaves to put up the curtains and swags of black material. At the same time, Marcus was able to admire the newly completed Propylaeum (Gateway for the Pompa, see right of image), which now bore his name, and the also inspected the enlarged Pulvinus. In addition, the top, marble columned arcade also bore an inscription of dedication to Marcus and the God Apollo.

As the middle of the day was approaching, Petronius left Marcus to continue the supervising of the funeral decorations, and rode back to the villa.

The previous evening he had offered to speak to the boy Demetrius, on behalf of Novius, so he went to the partly disused wing of the villa, where the boy's room was locked and guarded. The guard had been previously told to allow Petronius access to the room.

Sermo cum Demetrio
A Talk with Demetrios

As Petronius entered the room where Demetrios was being held, a young slave-boy came rushing up the corridor.

"Petronius!" he shouted. "I have a message for you from Terentius!" the boy said breathlessly.

"Don't be too long in there!" the young guard said gruffly to Petronius.

The boy messenger passed Petronius a rather bulky scroll, and stood waiting obediently in the corridor. Petronius took the scroll, and broke the seal. It was no ordinary message, Petronius recognized the handwriting. It was Quintus, writing in Latin, and then a very formal Greek translation, below.

It had been sealed by the Dominus, Marcus, and it was notice that Petronius, as a 'libertus' and a Roman citizen, now held the position of M. tribunus et dominus amphitheatri, which is very formal Latin for 'Tribune to Marcus and Master of the Amphitheater'.

"Do you read, young man?" Petronius asked the rather officious guard.

"Yes, as it happens, I do," the young guard said casually.

"Then read this!" Petronius said.

The guard slowly read the text, then stiffened to attention.

"My apologies!" he said nervously.

"I didn't realise who you were."

"Be sure to tell your friends!" Petronius said grinning.

"Of course, Tribune!" the guard said, stiffly.

"Boy!" Petronius called to the young messenger.

"Tell Terentius that I am very grateful!" Petronius said, and then shut the door, and concentrated on Demetrios.

"Well hello Demetrios!, Do you remember me from our time in Rome?" Petronius asked, trying to be friendly.

"Yes sir," Demetrios answered nervously.

"Now the Dominus has asked me to come and have a chat with you, because he wants to know a little more about you," Petronius explained.

"From what I have been told, you have lived in the Domus Gracchi in Rome, and it seems that you have met Terentius before. Is that correct?" Petronius probed gently.

"Yes sir. Terentius sometimes came to the Domus. I saw him, but he never spoke to me," the boy answered.

"And what did you do at the Domus Gracchi?" Petronius asked.

"I was personal slave to Menelaus," Demetrius answered.

"Did that mean that you were expected to let Menelaus fuck you!"

Demetrios looked decidedly uncomfortable and squirmed on the stool he was sitting on.

"Yes sir," Demetrios replied, and then added, "Quite often."

"Was he rough with you?" Petronius asked, gently.

"Yes sir, he whipped me sometimes."

"Because you had done something wrong?" Petronius asked, intrigued and concerned.

"No," the boy relied, "because he enjoyed it."

"So why did you leave the Domus and go with Servius," Petronius then asked, getting down to the important questions.

"I went because Menelaus told me to, and because Servius was Tribune to the Dominus, and anyway I wanted to get away from Menelaus," Demetrios answered.

"I thought the Dominus wanted me to come here, and that was why he sent Tribune Servius, but then, when Terentius was angry with me, and had me locked up, I didn't know what to think," Demetrios mumbled, almost close to tears.

"And then Servius took me on horseback to his villa, and later men armed with swords came, killed the slaves in the villa, and put me and Servius, tied up, in a waggon, and brought us here, and I have been in this room ever since," Demetrios continued.

"Tell me, Demetrios, where were you born?" Petronius asked, changing the subject.

"In Rome, I think," the boy replied, vaguely.

"And how did you become a slave?" Petronius asked.

"I think that I always was, probably born slave," Demetrios replied.

"Well, you have been very helpful," Petronius said, smiling.

"And tonight there is a kind old gentleman, a friend of the Dominus, who would like to have a talk to you, so just answer him clearly and truthfully, like you did for me, and I think that things will turn out well for you."

"Thank you sir," Demetrios said, obviously relieved.

Petronius knocked on the door for the guard. The door opened, and a very nervous looking guard appeared.

"Move him to a good cublicum, in the guest wing, and get him a good meal and some wine, with plenty of water in it, and tell Terentius where he has been moved to. I want him bathed and dressed for early this evening, as he is to see the Dominus," Petronius ordered.

"Yes Tribune!" the guard smartly replied.

Essentially, Petronius felt sorry for Demetrios, assuming that the boy was telling the truth. Puzzling over the lad's story, Petronius walked back to the main wing of the villa, to Terentius' study. There, not surprisingly, Petronius found Terentius up to his eyes in scrolls and papyrus, and in the middle of an argument with Quintus, (now Marcus' secretarius, secretary, and apparitor Gracchi).

This was nothing unusual.

Quintus, who was just a slave, however, was a stickler for detail, and was always nitpicking with Terentius.

"Thank the Gods you're here!" Terentius said in relief.

"Quintus is driving me crazy with his obsession with perfect Latin grammar."

"So… did you get time to speak to the boy, and also, how are preparations going in the amphitheater for the funeral ceremony and oration?" Terentius asked, trying to get his table cleared of rolls of papyrus.

"Well, Marcus seems to have everything sorted out in the amphitheater, and yes… I did speak to the boy… and a messenger boy also brought me your scroll, beautifully written, may I say, by Quintus," Petronius added, trying to placate Quintus, who calmed down when he realised that at least someone appreciated his work.

"Yes, and Quintus, now please don't take this the wrong way, but I need to speak to Petronius privately for a moment, so could you leave us, just get on with writing some of your scrolls."

Quintus, realising that Terentius had some difficult business to deal with, picked up a bundle of scrolls and left the study, muttering under his breath about Horace

Quintus Horatius Flaccus (December 8, 65 BC - November 27, 8 BC), an associate of Maecenas and renowned for the superb style of his Latin verse. Gracchus had named his slave 'Quintus' because of his obsession with Latin style and grammar.

"Petronius, this business about you being granted your freedom. I want you to understand that the late Dominus dearly wanted to do this for you, but he also knew that Marcus needed your help and support," Terentius paused for a moment, to work out what he was going to say next.

"So he transferred ownership to Marcus, and you became Marcus' slave, and then he was unable to free you, but had to leave that decision to Marcus. Marcus felt then, that if he freed you, he would appear to be ungrateful to the late Dominus, and it was only with the tragic demise of Gracchus that he then felt able to give you your freedom. Then, when Servius betrayed us, it seemed obvious to both Marcus and myself that, as dominus amphitheatri, responsible for the secure management of gladiators and condemned prisoners, it would be appropriate for you to also be Tribunus (commanding officer), responsible for the villa guards, and the security of the Dominus himself and therefore for the two positions to be merged. Just to make things clear to you, legally you are now a 'client' of the Dominus Marcus, as I am, and your legal name will include the name of the Dominus, so, Petronius Marcus Octavianus (Gracchi libertus), as my legal name is Terentius Gnaeus Octavianus. I hope that makes everything clear to you."

Petronius nodded.

"Quintus is probably now preparing papers allocating to you the salary for both your positions, and also complete ownership of the villa, previously used by Servius, although I would imagine that you will probably want to sell it, and I can arrange that for you also, but I will take no fee, as you are my friend," Terentius continued.

"I am grateful," Petronius replied.

And so it seemed that the slight breach that had occurred between the two men, with the appearance of Demetrios was now healed, as they worked together to help and support their new Dominus.

Novius operat Incantationem
Novius Works his Enchantment

Marcus had returned from the Amphitheater, and had managed to get Glaux to stay with Aurarius. Marcus then bathed and changed his clothes. As soon as he came back into the atrium, Glaux abandoned Aurarius, and fluttered over to Marcus, and perched on his shoulder.

"Damn this bird!" Marcus said, looking at the now wide awake owl, who looked back at him defiantly. Deciding it was easier to give up on the matter, he then went down to the Officium Domini (as Gracchus' study was now called). There Novius and Terentius were waiting for him.

"Ah, I see Glaux has brought you with him!" Novius said, with a mischievous grin.

"Greetings, dear friend!" Marcus said.

"Yes, I can't get rid of the damn bird! He sat on my shoulder, fast asleep all day, while I was at the amphitheater, sat with Aurarius while I bathed, and then was back on my shoulder as I came here," Marcus continued.

"Well, that's not surprising. They don't like water. But remember, you should start worrying when he flies away, and doesn't come back," Novius warned.

"Now I have a few things that I would like you to do for me, Dominus," Novius began.

"Go on…," Marcus said.

With that Novius placed onto the marble topped study table a thin necked, stoppered jug, a small scroll and a gold Etruscan pendant. Glaux immediately fluttered down, and paced warily around the jug, striking it with his beak a couple of times. Satisfied that it was harmless, he then went over to the scroll and nibbled at it.

"That's enough Glaux!" Novius said firmly. "That scroll is very valuable!"

Glaux cocked his head to one side, and gave Novius a suspicious look, and then decided to stand guard over the objects, on the table. Presumably the pendant, in the form of an Etruscan spirit, was a little too intimidating for him to investigate.

"The first thing is for the slaves to curtain off one corner of the study, so that you can hear all that is said, but not be seen," Novius said, returning to his theme, after the interruption by the inquisitive owl.

"Well that's easily done, and very sensible," Marcus said. "Can you arrange that, Terentius?"

Terentius nodded, and left the room momentarily. Novius turned to Marcus.

"Now the jug contains 'kykeon' (κυκεών), Dominus, which is a potent narcotic that is able to open the 'gates of the mind'.

The barley used in kykeon (from κυκάω, 'to stir, to mix'), is parasitized by ergot, and the psychoactive properties of that fungus trigger an experience of depersonalisation which intensifies the hypnotic trance associated with it. The use of hypnotic states originated in ancient Egypt, and the knowledge was passed on to the Greeks, and by them to the Etruscans. Such states were exemplified in the ancient practice of oracles, individuals employed by temples to divine the future. Like 'Sleep Temples' in Egypt and Greece, individual expectation and 'overload' were essential ingredients for both the oracle and the subject.These were accomplished through preparatory processes including the drinking of herbal mixtures (kykeon). The result of this process was a heightened suggestibility in the mind of the subject, creating a receptive environment for a profound emotional experience.

"The scroll contains a powerful 'invocation', which demands that the God Hypnos, the son of Nyx ('The Night') and Erebus ('The Darkness'), whose brother is Thanatos ('Death'), assist us in our endeavours. The pendant is simply an attractive, glittering object, which, if concentrated on, can steal away a person's control and mastery of their thought and memories."

Marcus listened and looked at the paraphernalia, fascinated.

"Now we need to have exactly half the kykeon taken to Servius. He must drink it, and then, after it has entered into his system, he must be brought into this room, where I shall 'steal' and expose his thoughts and memories, for your benefit, Dominus," Novius concluded.

"Terentius. Can you attend to that?" Marcus demanded.

"Of course, Dominus," Terentius replied, taking the flask from the marble topped table, and getting pecked by Glaux for his trouble

"And Terentius, a little later, give the other half to Demetrius, so that he is ready when I have finished with Servius," Novius added.

Terentius nodded, and then left the room with the flask, while Novius unrolled the scroll. Novius burned a small pinch of incense, and read, in Oscan, from the scroll. The room seemed to become strangely dark, and a very timid owl, flew up onto Marcus' shoulder. Marcus then went behind the temporarily hung curtain, to await developments.

Servus Loquit
Servius speaks

Terentius and a guard then brought Servius into the room. Terentius then, unobserved by Servius, stepped behind the curtain to join Marcus in the alcove, while the guard left the room.

Servius looked somewhat emaciated (presumably he had not been well fed since having been brought to the villa some time previously) and was only wearing a brief loincloth. His eyes looked strange, and he had a vacant expression.

"Come and sit down," Novius said, guiding the young man to a couch. "You have nothing to fear… I just want to have a little talk with you," Novius continued, reassuringly.

Servius sat down. He looked around the room, where presumably he had possibly committed the murder, but didn't seem to recognise it. Novius then picked up the pendant, which was attached to a long gold chain, from the table.

"I have something here, very special, that I would like you to look at."

The glint of gold immediately caught Servius' eye.

"It's very old, from the time when Rome was founded. Very…very… very old," and as Novus said this, he began to swing the pendant in front of Servius' eyes.

"Very… very…very old," and each time he said 'very' he swung the pendant.

Then as Servius' eyelids fluttered, there was an audible rumble of distant thunder, just as had happened on the night of the murder. In a matter of moments Servius's eyes had glazed over and, it seemed, he was seeing nothing.

Novius then read, in Oscan, a second brief invocation from the scroll.

"That's good, Servius." Novius said, and paused, to make sure that Servius was fully affected by the kykeon, and the invocation.

"And where are you now, Servius?" Novius asked.

"I don't know," Servius replied, sleepily.

"Well… I want you to go back to when you first came to the villa, and met Gracchus. Tell me what happened."

"It was Tribune Marcellus, he was a client of Gracchus, and recommended me to him. I was serving with the Legio XIII at the time. Gracchus interviewed me, and said he had a slave-boy, called Markos, who needed a coach to build him up, physically. It all sounded very odd to me, but I presumed that this man had a 'thing' about muscular young boys, and wanted his 'favourite' to put on some muscle. What was also strange was that this slave-boy had a Latin, and a Greek tutor. Anyway, Marcellus had arranged it, somehow, that I still got my centurion's pay, and also got a ridiculously high salary from this Gracchus, who seemed to be enormously rich, at least he had a huge villa, hundreds of slaves, and his own amphitheater. I was to live in the villa, which was in a really high class town on the coast, so I couldn't believe my luck," Servius said, enthusiastically.

"And what about the slave-boy?" Novius asked, gently moving the story on.

"I could understand why he might be this rich man's favourite," Servius continued. "He was quite attractive, very well spoken but had a funny accent, like a Greek. He had a thing about training naked, which it seems he picked up in Athens, where he used to live. I didn't mind, but it did turn my mind to fucking him," Servius said.

"And did you fuck him?" Novius asked.

"Yes, on the beach, in a place we thought was hidden, but Gracchus' guards saw us, and reported us," Servius replied.

"And what happened?" Novius asked.

"Gracchus spoke to me, but he didn't do anything, and then later he made me Tribunus. But he also adopted this slave-boy, Markos, so eventually Markos, then became Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, would you believe, and was above me, and I had to call him iuvenis dominus, so I had this position, but no power, me a Roman citizen, being ordered around by a slave-boy!"

"So why didn't you leave your post?" Novius asked.

"Well, by then I had some rather heavy gambling debts from by dealings in Baiae and Neapolis, and so I needed the position for the salary, but with this slave-boy Marcus taking over everything, I was looking for a way to lessen his power," Servius continued.

"And did you find a way." Novius asked.

"Yes. I got friendly with two slave-boys Glykon and Cleon, who had connections with Rome, through a young gladiator called Petram, and were planning to get rid of Marcus. The two boys were very jealous of Markos. Apparently Markos had 'dropped' both of them, haveing a new boyfriend, Petronius. My part in their plan was to let Cleon escape, weaken the guard around Marcus, and generally not pursue any investigations into the matter, for which I was to be well paid."

"And what happened next?" Novius said, continuing his questioning.

"The attempt to get rid of Marcus failed, Terentius killed Cleon, and the other two boys were locked up in the Ludus. I was responsible for their interrogation and torture, but I didn't pursue the matter very vigorously, especially when Petronius was there, as I didn't want them to implicate me in any way.

"Then Gracchus sent me and Petronius to Rome, it seems to arrange for the killing of Marcus Sabinus, the senator who had helped in putting the boys up to getting rid of Marcus. He had a problem with Marcus because of the murder of Nymphidius. It was there that I met Menelaus – who was working secretly for Marcus Sabinus, and it was through Menelaus that I discovered about the boy Demetrios, who was supposed to be the real son of Gracchus, but was really just another slave. Sabinus wanted Menelaus, who was a sort of guardian of Demetrios, to put the boy up as the real heir of Gracchus and so get rid of Marcus. Menelaus therefore faked the death of Sabinus – who is now in Antioch – and told me to take the boy Demetrios to the villa in Baiae.

"The problem was that as soon as I saw the boy Demetrios I got obsessed with him, and wanted him for myself, and forgot all about Menelaus' plan and I got this idea to buy the boy off Gracchus, which was crazy, as it seems the boy really was Gracchus' real son.

"When I went to see Gracchus about the boy Demetrios, we quarrelled, and I lost my temper. He was holding the pugio that we had brought him from Rome, and when I grabbed hold of him, he fell forwards onto the table, and the pugio went into him, but I didn't kill him!

"So I panicked, got the boy, and rode back to my little villa in Baiae, where the villa guards found me, and took me and the boy back to Gracchus' villa," Servius concluded.

"Well that is all very interesting, but now I am sure that you are very tired," Novius said, very quietly.

Servius nodded.

"Now, when I click my fingers you will forget everything that has happened since you sat down in that chair. Is that clear?" Novius said forcefully.

"Yes!" Servius answered obediently.

Novius then clicked his fingers, and Servius opened his eyes and looked around, a little confused.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Servius asked.

"Oh, nothing in particular!" Novius answered, calmly.

"You may go now!"

Terentius then emerged from the curtained off area, took Servius by the arm, and guided him to the doorway of the study.

***

Marcus then pulled the curtains to one side, and emerged to speak to Novius. Novius was smiling.

"What's amusing you?" Marcus asked, seeming somewhat annoyed.

"Well in case you haven't noticed, you have a sleeping owl sitting on your shoulder. At this time of night he should be wide awake, so I do hope he has not become 'enchanted', like Servius," Novius replied.

"Well at least I might get a bit of peace if he stays like that for a while," Marcus said, looking at his sleeping companion.

"So… what did you think, Dominus?" Novius asked.

"I found it very disturbing," Marcus replied.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realise that my methods might displease you, Dominus," Novius replied, rather taken aback.

"No… Don't misunderstand me. Your methods I find fascinating. What disturbs me is what Servius told us. I first met Servius shortly after I arrived at the villa, and for a long time I thought of him as my friend. Now I learn, from his own mouth, that for most of the time that I have known him he has resented me, and has plotted against me, and deceived the late Dominus," Marcus said angrily.

"Do you believe him when he says that he did not murder the late Dominus?" Novius asked.

"Yes… I think that he is probably telling the truth. I don't think that Servius is a cold blooded murderer," Marcus replied

"So, Terentius, let's hear from the boy Demetrios now!" Marcus said as Terentius re-entered the study.

"At once, Dominus!" Terentius said, turning on his heel, and disappearing to get Demetrius.

Demetrios Loquit
Demetrios speaks

Some moments later Terentius returned with a very frightened looking Demetrios, wearing a beautiful, newly cleaned, white Greek tunic.

"Come and sit down, young man." Novius said, guiding Demetrios to a couch.

"You have nothing to fear… I just want to have a little talk with you," Novius continued, reassuringly.

Demetrios sat down, and looked nervously round the room. Novius then picked up the pendant, which was attached to a long gold chain, from the table.

"I have something here, very special, that I would like you to look at. It's very old, from the time when Rome was founded. Very…very… very old," and as Novus said this, he began to swing the pendant in front of Demetrios' eyes.

"Very… very…very old," and each time he said 'very' he swung the pendant.

But before the pendant had been swing more than a few times, Demetrios mouth dropped open, and his eyes stared, apparently unseeing, at Novius.

"That's good, young man, very good. Now just relax."

Then Novius began the questions.

"Tell me, where do you live?" Novius began

"In Rome, sir," Demetrios answered, in Greek (because of the effects of the enchantment, as his mother was Greek, and had brought him up speaking Greek and Latin)

"And how long have you lived in Rome?" Novius asked.

"All my life," Demetrios replied.

"Do you remember your parents?" Novius continued.

"Yes, I remember my mother, but she's dead now," Demetrios said, with a touch of sadness in his voice.

"And your father?" Novius queried.

"No, I don't know who my father was," Demetrios replied in an emotionless manner.

"And when were you bought as a slave, Demetrios?" Novius continued.

"I think that I was always a slave, domine." Demetrios said.

"Where did you live in Rome?" Novius asked.

"In a very big house, more like a palace, called the Domus Gracchi. It was named after the rich man who owned it, but he didn't live there. He just visited, sometimes, and when he came I was not allowed to see him," Demetrios replied, providing far more information than Novius has asked for.

"So tell me, why weren't' you allowed to see him, Demetrios," Novius asked becoming very curious.

"I think it was because he didn't like little boys," Demetrios replied.

"And Terentius, the man who gave you a drink, and later brought you into this room. Did you ever meet him at this big house?"

"I saw him, but he never spoke to me. I got the feeling he didn't like me," Demetrios said sharply.

"If the owner of the big house wasn't there very often, then who was in charge?" Novius asked, probing more deeply.

"That was a man called Menelaus, but he treated me badly, beat me, and did other things," Demetrios replied, bitterly. "He used me as his personal slave when I was older, and always took me with him when he went around the city," Demetrios continued.

"And on these trips round the city, did Menelaus ever visit a man called Marcus Sabinus?" Novius asked.

"Yes, I remember that name, because the man had a very big house, and was always very nice to me," Demetrios innocently replied.

"Now tell me," Novius continued, "did Menelaus ever take you to a very big villa in a town called Baiae, by the sea?"

"Yes, quite a few times," Demetrios replied.

Novius paused.

"So, recently there were two visitors who stayed at the big house in Rome. How did you get on with them?" Novius asked, bringing his questioning to recent events.

"The one called Petronius I really liked. He was kind and friendly. The other, called Servius, was more like Menelaus, but younger, and he and Menelaus got on well," Demetrios explained.

"And what happened between you and Servius?" Novius asked.

"Well, I didn't like Servius much, but Menelaus said that I should get friendly with him, and do whatever he wanted, as it was possible that Servius could arrange for me to be given my freedom," Demetrios replied.

"And did you believe him?" Novius asked, incredulously.

"Well… it was a chance, sir," Demetrios replied.

"Did this Servius want to have sex with you?" Novius then asked.

"Yes, he was like Menelaus, he liked fucking boys," Demetrios replied, apparently unaware of the language he was using.

"So how did you come to be here in Baiae?" Novius asked.

"Menelaus told me to go the the Forum Romanum, where Servius would meet me, to take me to a place where he could buy me from my owner. He said that after he had bought me he would give me my freedom. But then I found myself in the big villa by the sea, where I had been before, and with Terentius shouting at me, so I thought that Menelaus and Servius were making a fool of me," Demetrius replied, bitterly.

"So what happened next?" Novius asked.

"Then Servius came to the room where I had been put, and took me on horseback to a little villa in the nearby town. Later men with swords came to the villa, killed all the slaves, tied up Servius, and took us both back to the big villa by the sea. I was locked in a room, and the only person I saw was Petronius, who came to talk to me, but he looked odd, because he was all dressed in black and gold, and looked very important, not like in Rome," Demetrios explained.

"Well… that was a very nice talk, Demetrios, but now I expect that you are very tired, so just sleep for a while," Novius said gently.

Demetrios visibly slumped and his eyes closed completely. For a moment the only sound in the room was Demetrius, breathing deeply.

"Demetrios! Can you hear me?" Novius asked quietly.

"Yes, sir!" Demetrios replied, sleepily.

"When I click my fingers you will forget everything that has happened since you sat down in that chair. Is that clear?" Novius said forcefully.

"Yes sir!" Demetrius answered obediently.

Novius then clicked his fingers, and Demetrios opened his eyes, shook his head, and looked around, a little confused.

"So what about the talk?" Demetrios asked.

"Oh, that, it's nothing," Novius answered, calmly.

"Go with Terentius. He will take you back to your room."

Terentius then emerged from the curtained off area, took Demetrios by the arm, and guided him to the doorway of the study.

***

Marcus then emerged from the curtained off corner, with a now bright and perky Glaux on his shoulder.

"I must congratulate, my dear Novius!" Marcus said, shaking the old man's hand.

"I can see now why you were such a good friend of my father!" Marcus continued.

"Your father?" Novius said, surprised. "I was wondering when you would make that slip, and show how you really felt."

Marcus, with a single tear running down his cheek, looked closely at Novius. "You are very clever at getting the truth from people, my friend," he said, carefully controlling his emotions.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Novius said.

"He was a good father to you, and you were a very good son, and that's the way it should be," Novius concluded.

"Yes, you maybe right, at least about him being a good father," Marcus said, as Terentius returned to the room.

"So, Terentius! Now we know, thanks to Novius," Marcus said, trying to put a brave face on the last few moments.

"Yes, Dominus. It seems to be very much as we suspected. The boy Demetrios I think can be trusted. His account, given to Novius, matches almost exactly the answers that Petronius reported to me, after he had questioned the boy," Terentius said, reassuringly.

"And what about Servius? Do we believe what he said about the murder?" Marcus asked.

"Does it matter, Dominus?" Novius questioned, shrugging his shoulders.

"For what he has done, regardless of whether his hand was on the pugio or not, I cannot see that he can be allowed to live," Novius continued.

"That's all very well, and I agree, Novius, but we must remember that Servius is a Roman citizen, and was previously a centurion," Marcus said.

"Well, we can't let him live, so I suppose the answer may lie with Tribune Marcellus, who is now, apparently, a Legatus Legionis."

From the time of Octavian Augustus, the emperor gave the title of Legatus Legionis to senior commanders (former military tribunes) of a legion, except in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where the legions were commanded by a Praefectus Legionis of an equestrian rank. The Legatus Legionis was under the supreme command of Legatus Augusti pro Praetore, of senatorial rank. A Legatus Legionis could order capital punishment.

"And who is this Marcellus?" Marcus asked Terentius.

"Well, Dominus, he was a close friend, and a 'client', of the late Dominus, and the sponsor and 'patron' of Servius. You may remember him… he came to the villa for the munera ad Augustum. He almost certainly would know about the boy, and his family, and undoubtedly, once he knew of his friend and patron's death, we could 'lean' on him, as he is a Legatus Legionis, to ease the situation regarding the execution of Servius," Terentius explained.

"That sounds good, Terentius… And would it be appropriate to arrange a meeting with him?" Marcus asked.

"I don't see why not, Dominus. My informants tell me he is stationed close to Rome, and it would be appropriate to invite him to the funeral ceremonies, and use that as an opportunity for you to be formally introduced to him, as he is one of your inherited 'clients', so that he could renew his vows of loyalty and service to you. Then it would be difficult for him to refuse any requests, regarding Servius, that you might make," Terentius suggested.

"That sounds excellent, Terentius. Get Quintus to send him one of his excruciatingly polite and formal invitations." Marcus said.

"I will get that done, Dominus," Terentius replied.

"And now, if you will excuse me changing the subject, Dominus, I think that our next problem is Menelaus," Terentius said.

"Yes… and this interests me. Now, Terentius, do you know why the late Dominus chose Menelaus to be the Magister Domus in Rome and Tibur?" Marcus asked, looking puzzled.

"I don't think it was really a matter of choice," Terentius replied. "Menelaus was originally a Greek slave. He was very good and efficient at his work, and soon became the indispensable assistant to the Magister Domus of the time, an old but experienced freedman, who subsequently died. At the time, the late Dominus had started to spend many months here at Baiae, away from his wife, and decide to free Menelaus, in thanks for his support of his elderly Magister Domus. Obviously Menelaus filled the vacant post of Magister Domus. Unfortunately, the late Dominus, being so wealthy, had little understanding of the real value of coin, and was inclined to overpay, or more often underpay, those around him. Fortunately he always paid me well, and he was extremely generous to you when he first freed you, but Menelaus always felt undervalued an underpaid. Because of this, I felt that he was lax at his work, and he looked to others to help his financial position, which was always compromised by his tastes in expensive boys, drink and gambling. I think that in that way he fell in with Marcus Sabinus," Terentius explained.

"Well he should be here tomorrow, and then, if Novius agrees, I think that we might try some Etruscan enchantment on him, and get at the truth of the matter," Marcus said, looking to Novius.

"That would be no problem, Dominus," Novius replied.

"So,… gentlemen, I think that we have done well today, and now I am going to retire, to dine with Petronius, and hopefully this very alert bird will fly off to do some hunting, and leave me alone for a while," Marcus said to Novius and Terentius.

"And Novius!" Marcus called as he was leaving. "There is a carriage for you at the main entrance or, if you prefer there is a suite prepared, so that you can stay the night."

"Thank you, Dominus, but I would prefer to go back to my villa. I will see you in the morning, tomorrow, if that is convenient?" Novius said, as the large bronze doors were opened, and he left the study.

Marcus turned to Terentius. "Things are going well, my friend, but we are running out of time. Have the guest invitations for the funeral celebrations been sent," Marcus said.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius replied. And with that Terentius left the room to go to his study, and Marcus left for his private apartments.

After a pleasant meal with Petronius, Marcus retired to his bed. Previously, during the day, an artist from Neapolis had offered, for his approval, a death mask of the late Dominus. It was a fine piece of work, and Marcus had given his approval, and instructed Terentius to make an appropriate payment, at the same time ordering three more copies.

Noble Roman families (like the House of Gracchus) often displayed a series of imagines maiorum ('images of the ancestors') (sing. imago, pl. imagines) in the atria of their villa or domus. These 'images' were usually funeral masks. The 'images' could be arranged in a family tree, with a title (titulus) summarizing the individual's offices held (honores) and accomplishments (res gestae), a practice that might be facilitated by hanging masks. Funeral masks were usually made of wax, and possibly molded as death masks directly from the deceased. They were also copied from wax masks and created in ceramic or painted bronze. They were often worn in the funeral procession by slaves or appropriate members of the family, and displayed during the funeral rites. The display of ancestral images in aristocratic houses of the Republic and the public funerals are described by Pliny, Natural History 35, 4-11.

That night however, the mask came to haunt Marcus' dreams. He found himself by the river Στύξ, Styx.

In Greek mythology, Στύξ, Styx is a river that forms the boundary between Earth and the Underworld. The rivers Styx, Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, and Cocytus all converge at the center of the underworld on a great marsh.

There, by the river, was the same figure that Marcus had seen in the garden, the night that Gracchus was murdered. This time he took it to be Thanatos, the beautiful young God of Death. He then saw, superimposed on this vision of the River of the Dead, the death mask of Gracchus, along with the live face of a boy, who he took to be Demetrius, but then, it could equally have been Gracchus when he was a boy. The boy was smiling at him, but the mask of Gracchus was eyeless, and without expression.

Marcus woke up in a cold sweat, wishing that Glaux was snuggled up beside him on his pillow, but Glaux was far away… hunting in the night.

Alius Dies
Another Day

And so preparations for the funeral of the late Dominus were frantically put into effect, with invitations being sent out to all those with significant connections to the House of Gracchus. The funeral was an important social event, as many of those attending the funeral would have their first chance to meet the new Dominus, and his circle of advisors. In addition, most of those attending would be clients whom the new Dominus had inherited, and the funeral would be the occasion on which they could offer their oath of fealty, loyalty and service to Marcus as their new Dominus.

Funerals usually took place soon after death, as bodies were not normally embalmed. The Roman funeral was a rite of passage that signified the transition between the states of life and death. It was very important to conduct the proper ceremonies in order to avoid having a malicious spirit rising from the underworld.

The more wealthy and famous the deceased was in life, the more elaborate were these ceremonies, and Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus was undoubtedly wealthy and famous. Freedmen and clients of the deceased, also participated in the procession as a way of showing respect to their patron. After cremation, the ashes and remaining fragments of bones and teeth were interned in a funerary urn. It was believed that until the funeral rites had been completed, the 'shade' (spirit) had not crossed the River Styx (see above) yet (the river that takes one from the World of the Living to the World of the Dead). Thus, there was a sense that the psychic impression of the deceased still lingered around friends and family, and the spirit would become angered if anything negative was said about it. The Eulogy (laudatio funebris) was a formal oration or 'panegyric' in praise of the dead, which followed the cremation. It was one of two forms of discourse at a Roman funeral, the other being the chant (nenia). The practice is associated with noble families. On the ninth day after the person died, the funeral feast and rites called the 'Novendialis' were held. A libation to the Manes was poured onto the grave, or for the wealthy, into a trench in front of the mausoleum. Also, in the case of the very wealthy, the Novendialis could include a munera, as was being arranged for the funeral rites of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. The Novendialis then concluded the period of full mourning.

Later in the day, Menelaus arrived from Rome, by carriage, at the Villa. He was instantly led through the newly decorated atrium magnum, and escorted by guards into the Officium Domini.

Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, complete with his inevitable companion, Glaux, was standing at the large marble topped table. Behind him, and to either side stood Terentius, Novius and Petronius and Quintus.

Marcus, before offering any greeting to a rather overawed Menelaus began very formally.

"This gentleman, who I believe you have met before," indicating Terentius, "is the Excelsus Procurator ad nobilium domum Gracchi (High Steward of the Noble House of the Gracchus), and this gentleman," indicating Novius, "is the Consiliarius ad nobilium domum Gracchi (Counsellor to the Noble House of Gracchus). This young man, who you have also met in Rome, is the Tribunus et Dominus Amphitheatri ad nobilissimum domum Gracchi (Commanding Officer and Master of the Amphitheater to the Noble House of Gracchus)."

Finally Marcus indicated Quintus.

"This is the Domini Secretarius ad nobilium domum Gracchi (Secretary to the Lord of the Noble House of Gracchus), and he will record all that is said at this meeting."

There was then an embarrassed silence.

Menelaus had looked surprised, but had tried to hide his concrn, when Petronius was named as Tribunus ad nobilissimum domum Gracchi, as he presumably believed that Servius still held that post.

"Salutem Dominus!" Menelaus then said, suddenly realising that Marcus had finished, and that he was expected to speak next. "I wish to convey my deep condolences, and those of all at the Domus in Rome, and the villa in Tibur, for your tragic loss."

Marcus nodded, but said nothing, while Glaux, who had woken from his doze, sensing something interesting was happening, decided to try to look menacing (but not very successfully).

"I have heard so much about you Dominus, and now I am able to finally meet you, but not, unfortunately, in the best of circumstances," Menelaus continued, stuttering occasionally.

Petronius watched Menelaus closely, and he was very much surprised to see the rather arrogant and blustering individual that he had met in Rome, now reduced to the level of a stuttering slave.

"I think perhaps you have heard a little too much, and not all of it true," Marcus replied, enigmatically.

Menelaus looked puzzled.

"With respect… I do not understand you, Dominus," Menelaus said.

"I have been informed that your work in Rome and Tibur has left much to be desired, and that you have been involved with individuals who have not had the best interests of the House of Gracchus at heart," Marcus stated coldly.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Dominus. I have always done my best to serve the House of Gracchus," Menelaus replied.

"I think not," Marcus replied.

"Terentius received a letter from you recently, saying that the slave-boy, Demetrios had run away from the Domus in Rome. I know, however, that you arranged for him to be taken from Rome by the young man called Servius, and brought to this villa, for reasons which I am not prepared to discus at the moment. Well… you may be interested to know that the young man Servius, now no longer my Tribune, is chained naked in a cell in the Ludus here, awaiting execution," Marcus continued.

Marcus then turned to Petronius.

"Tribune…have this man taken to the Ludus, under guard!" Marcus ordered.

"No!… Please Dominus!… You don't understand!… It was all a mistake!…," Menelaus begged, but within moments he was hustled out of the door by Petronius' guards, his protests no longer audible.

As Menelaus was led away, Novius warned Marcus against letting Menelaus see Servius. "Firstly they may communicate in a way that might interfere with your investigations. Secondly if he sees what has happened to Servius, he may be too fearful for us to extract the truth from him. Terror does not always loosen a man's tongue, or at least make him speak the truth." Novius said carefully.

"That is true," Marcus replied.

"I suggest that Menelaus is only stripped to his lorum (thong), and chained up," Novius added

Servius had been stripped completely naked, chained to a metal frame, and impaled through his anus on a large iron phallus. Servius had then become immediately 'priapic' [highly sexually aroused], and the guards punished his erotic response by painfully binding his penis, and hanging a heavy weight from his scrotum. They were careful, however, not to make the weight too heavy, as Petronius had ordered that Servius was to have his balls and cock cut off while he was being publicly executed during the Ludi, in the arena.

The phallus was ubiquitous in Roman culture, particularly in the form of the fascinum, a phallic charm. Statues of Priapus, a phallic God, guarded Roman gardens. Roman boys wore the 'bulla' (which features in this story), which is an amulet that contains a phallic charm, until they formally came of age. A sacred phallus was among the objects considered vital to the security of the Roman state, which were in the keeping of the Vestal Virgins in Rome. Sexuality in ancient Rome is characterized as 'phallocentric' (see 'Preface' and 'Sexuality in Ancient Rome').

"So go and speak to Petronius now, and then return to me, as I want to spend some time learning about the correct way to celebrate the rituals connected with the funeral." Marcus said, as Novius left the room to join Petronius. "I will leave you now to make arrangements, with the help of Quintus with regards to the funeral," Marcus then said, turning to Terentius.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius dutifully replied, and he and Quintus went off to Terentius' study.

Marcus then sat and mulled over the recent events, and pondered on his disturbing dream of the previous night, while he awaited the return of Novius.

Menelaus Loquit
Menelaus speaks

That evening, after Novius had carefully explained to Marcus the complex rituals involved in celebrating the funeral of a man of wealth and renown like Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus (which would include an eulogy, to be composed by Lucius, and read by Marcus), Novius, Terentius and Petronius, (along with a wide awake Glaux), met in the Officium Domini, so that Novius could 'work his magic' on Menelaus, and maybe finally unravel the conspiracy masterminded by Marcus Sabinus, and the mystery of young Demetrios.

Menelaus had been brought over from the Ludus.

Then, Menelaus was brought into the Officium Domini, clad in only a tiny thong, and Petronius, being unsure of Menelaus' reaction to Novius, had taken the precaution of keeping the suspect bound. Petronius, however, didn't take into account the effects of the κυκεών, kykeon, which not only acted as a hallucinogenic, but also as a sedative.

So, Menelaus sat quietly as Novius recited the incantation in Oscan, and gently swung the ancient pendant, and in a very short time Menelaus was amenable to answering any questions put to him.

"So you are the Magister Domus of the 'Domus Gracchi' in Rome, and at the Villa at Tibur?" Novius began, with an obvious and simple question.

"I am," Menelaus replied.

"Let me take you back many years, there was a young boy born to a slave-girl, a slave-boy called Demetrios, is that correct?" Novius continued.

"That is correct!" Menelaus answered.

"And who was the father of that slave-boy Demetrius?" Novius asked.

"The father was Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, the owner of the house, and the owner of the slave-girl, and the slave-boy, and my patron," Menelaus answered, succinctly.

"And what happened to this slave-boy?" Novius continued.

"Well… the father did not repudiate him, publically at least, did not do away with him, or sell him, but rather hid him away, never seeing him, or even meeting him," Menelaus answered.

"And why was that?" Novius asked, arriving at an important point in his questioning.

"I really don't know. Perhaps he feared public ridicule, or problems with his wife, he was married at the time, or he just couldn't face the boy…, I don't know…" Menelaus trailed off, seemingly baffled.

"So who cared for the boy?" Novius asked, pursuing a different line.

"At first the mother, but then she died, and then it was put to me to be his guardian, as no one else wanted to care for him," Menelaus answered.

"So why did you decide to look after the boy?" Novius asked, curious.

"Well as Gracchus, his owner, didn't want him, then I could have him as my own, personal slave. At the time I didn't have any slaves, and I thought that when Gracchus died, there was always a possibility that he, as Gracchus' son, even if he was a slave, and he could always be freed, might inherit, and I could well benefit."

"I see," Novius said, reflectively.

"So tell me, how did you meet Marcus Sabinus?" Novius asked, getting to the nub of the matter.

"Well… I have many friends in Rome, some freedmen and some patricians, whom I count as patroni. When I would visit in the mornings I would take Demetrios, when he was older, as he was a very handsome boy, and popular with many of my friends. One of my friends introduced me to Sabinus, who took a fancy to Demetrios. He wanted to know about the boy, and eventually persuaded me, over much wine, to tell him of the boy's origins. At that point Sabinus asked me to become his cliens, and I could see that as a great advantage to me."

Patronage (clientela) was the distinctive relationship in Roman society between the patronus and his cliens. The relationship was hierarchical, but obligations were mutual. The patronus was the protector, sponsor, and benefactor of the client; the technical term for this protection was patrocinium. Typically the client was of inferior social class (as in the case of Menalaus and Sabinus), From the emperor at the top to the local municipal man at the bottom, the bonds between these groups found formal expression in legal definition of patrons' responsibilities to clients. Benefits a patron might confer include legal representation in court, loans of money, influencing business deals or marriages, and supporting a client's candidacy for political office or a priesthood. In return, the client was expected to offer his services to his patron as needed. A freedman became the client of his former master.

"So how was Demetrios involved in this relationship between you and Sabinus?" Novius said, probing more deeply.

"I later learned that Sabinus was a cliens of the familia Nymphidii, and had an obligation to avenge, in some way, the House of Gracchus, who, they claimed, had been a cause of the murder of Nymphidius. He wanted, through me, to place, as the head of the House of Gracchus, the boy Demetrios, who was the true heir, displacing Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, on the death of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. As his cliens I was obliged to assist him in this, and set about arranging matters with the Tribune Servius to have Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus killed, his so-called heir 'Markos', discredited as a common slave, and his freed son Demetrius instated as his true heir."

"And what were you to gain by arranging this with Servius," Novius asked.

"For this I would be well paid, by Sabinus, and given the position of Senior Steward and Freedman of the House of Gracchus," Menelaus replied, a little boastfully.

"And to aid in this I believe that you sent Demetrios with Servius to the villa at Baiae?" Novius asked.

"That is correct," Menelaus answered, very formally.

"Well… that was an informative session, Menelaus, but now I expect that you are very tired, so just sleep for a while," Novius said gently.

Menelaus slumped forwards, as far as his bond would allow him, and his eyes closed completely.

"Menelaus! Can you hear me?" Novius asked quietly.

"Yes!" Menelaus replied, sleepily.

"When I click my fingers you will forget everything that has happened since you sat down in that chair. Is that clear?" Novius said forcefully.

"Yes, that is clear!" Menelaus answered obediently.

Novius then clicked his fingers, and Menelaus opened his eyes, shook his head, and looked around, a little confused.

"So what about these questions?" Menelaus asked.

"Oh, that, it's nothing," Novius answered, calmly.

"Go with the guard. He will take you back to the Ludus!" Novius concluded.

Conclusiones
Conclusions

Marcus, Terentius and Petronius then emerged from their curtained off area. They were silent, obviously very disturbed by what the had heard.

"I don't think that we need to hear any more," Marcus said, with a note of resignation in his voice.

"Terentius, you have heard all these sessions, and I would be grateful if you and Quintus, between you, with the help of Novius and Petronius, could write up all this information for me to witness, sign and seal," Marcus asked.

"Of course, Dominus, that will be done tonight," Terentius replied.

"So gentlemen, I think that, as Dominus of the House of Gracchus, I have no option, kill them all!, except for the boy," Marcus said, grimly.

"Agreed!" Marcus' three advisors said, in unison, and Glaux nodded and blinked.

'and the story continues - The Funeral of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, And we meet Titus Flavius Vespasianus, and later witness the planning of the Colosseum by Titus and Petronius.

Marcus gives a funeral oration over the funeral pyre of Gnaeus, establishing his position as Dominus of the House of Gracchus.

The munera is prepared for Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus.

XXX. Funus Gracchi
30. The Funeral of Gracchus

Nocte Conventus
A Late Night Meeting

Glaux was puzzled. His two humans were strangely quiet, and he was unable to penetrate their thoughts, as if a dark veil was thrown over their feelings.

Petronius and Marcus said a quiet, reserved bonum nocte (good night). Marcus then entered the vast atrium of his private apartments. Adonios and Aurarius, as if anticipating their master's reserved mood, stood quietly.

"Good evening boys!" Marcus said quietly, as Glaux fluttered over and perched on Aurarius' shoulder, and pecked gently at his ear.

"It has been a difficult day," Marcus said sadly.

He then turned to Adonios. "Find me Novius, he should be in the small guest suite, and ask him to come and see me!"

"At once, Dominus!" Adonios replied, and ran off.

Glaux, sensing that something interesting was happening, flew off in pursuit. Some moments later Novius appeared with Adonios and a perky looking Glaux.

"You wanted to see me, Dominus?" Novius queried.

"Yes! I'm sorry to disturb you so late, but there's one thing on my mind," Marcus said, hesitantly.

"And that is, Dominus?" Novius asked.

"It's about Demetrius," Marcus said.

Adonios and Aurarius looked at one another, puzzled. At least, so far, they had not heard anything about a person called Demetrius.

Marcus turned to Adonios and Aurarius. "Boys, please leave us now… Go and get some food and wine for myself and Novius, but knock before you enter!" Marcus said, wishing his conversation with Novius to be private.

"So what's the problem?" Novius asked.

"Well… as you know, although it was decided to execute the four conspirators, it was decided to let the boy live. What I want to know is how much you think that the boy knows about the truth, and how much of a danger is he to us!" Marcus said.

"According to Petronius he believes that he was born in Rome, has always been a slave. When he was under the effects of the kykeon, and the enchantment, he said he didn't know who his father was, and that's crucial," Novius, replied

There was a quiet tap on the door.

"Enter!" Marcus said, loudly.

Adonios and Aurarius came into the room, bearing trays with two wine goblets and a flask, and choice pieces of meat, along with cheeses and fruit, and of course, clasping the edge of one of the trays was a very inquisitive, and probably very hungry owl.

"Ah…food!" Novius said, appreciatively.

"Many thanks, boys!"

"Now Glaux…," Novius continued sternly.

"Why don't you go and get your own food?"

Glaux looked at Novius, somewhat crestfallen, blinked, and then took to his wings, disappearing out through the open ceiling of the atrium.

The atrium corinthium had an large opening in the ceiling, and below it was the impluvium, which was a shallow pool sunk into the floor to catch the rainwater. It was by this impluvium that Marcus and Novius were sitting on couches, with small bronze, marble topped tables beside them for their papers, and in this case their food and drink.

Novius waited until the two slave-boys had laid out the food and the napkins, and had then left the room, quietly closing the door behind themselves.

"If Menelaus or Servius, or anyone else, for that matter, had told him that his father was Gnaeus, then I am sure he would have told us that," Novius continued, ignoring the boys' departure and the earlier soft flutter of feathers.

"And does he know that Gnaeus Gracchus is dead, probably killed by Servius?" Marcus asked.

"That I do not know, but I don't think he does," Novius replied.

"And do you think he knows who I am?" Marcus asked.

"Well… as far as I know he hasn't met you, or seen you, and has no idea who you are. If he was told that you were the Dominus of the House of Gracchus, and his master, my guess is that he would simply accept that," Novius answered.

"I see," Marcus said, thoughtfully. "So, as Consiliarius, what do you recommend?" Marcus asked.

"Well, with all respect, Dominus, before I recommend anything, I would be interested to know why you are so concerned about the boy?" Novius asked.

"I will be honest with you, Novius. It would have been easy for me to have had the boy killed, but in the back of my mind is the constant thought that he is the son of Gnaeus, and with Gnaeus' spirit still haunting this villa, these rooms, and my sleep, I cannot just be rid of the boy, who has, after all, done nothing against me," Marcus said, and Novius nodded.

It was believed that until the funeral rites had been completed, the 'shade' (spirit) had not crossed the River Styx yet (the river that takes one from the World of the Living to the World of the Dead). Thus, there was a sense that the psychic impression of the deceased still lingered around friends and family, and the spirit would become angered if anything negative was done or said about it.

"I will now tell you my secret thoughts, which are, until I may say otherwise, for you, and you alone," Marcus said seriously.

"I understand," Novius said gently.

"There is no one to inherit from me, and I have no plans to marry, or have children. In the future, if Demetrios grows strong and true, it would be possible for me to free and adopt the boy, as Gnaeus adopted me, and then the blood of Gracchus would flow true. Gnaeus was not expecting to die, and he was still relatively young, despite what the oracle said. He adopted me just in time to ensure that the House of Gracchus could continue. Equally I do not know when Apollo's arrow might strike me, so I should look to the future, and this boy, if properly prepared, may be the answer," Marcus explained.

"Your thinking is good and right, and beyond your years, Dominus, but first I would seek permission to work my 'enchantment' one more time on the boy, to probe the boy's mind, and maybe prepare him for the plans that you have revealed," Novius said.

"I think that is wise, and I give my permission," Marcus said.

"You will do that tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, Dominus," Novius replied, taking a sip of wine.

Dormire in aurem dextram
Sleeping Easy

The night passed easily for Marcus. The main crisis had passed, and the only real challenges that now lay before him were the Funeral of the late Dominus, and the Munera, and then there would be the satisfaction he would take in the Celebration Games, when his enemies would meet their 'just deserts'.

Glaux landed with a thump on Marcus' pillow, as the first light glowed in the cool morning sky. He had obviously had a good night's hunting and Marcus ruefully reflected that he was probably condemned to a life of early awakenings.

That morning he rode with Petronius to the amphitheatre to watch the heavy carts arriving with the long logs of wood that were to be used to make the funeral pyre for the following day. Later, a carriage arrived from Neapolis bearing the exquisitely carved, painted and gilded wooden coffin that would contain the late Dominus' embalmed body, which would be smothered with piles of frankincense to produce a beautiful perfume as the body was burned. Another cart arrived from Neapolis, a little later, bearing a gilded wooden statue of 'Απόλλων ο τοξότης' (Apollo the Archer) and four gilded wooden sculptures of Roman eagles. These were to be fixed atop the coffin.

Terentius, who had by then arrived by carriage, was there to inspect the items, obtain Marcus' approval, and make the appropriate payments to the artisans. It was then the task of Petronius' assistant foremen to organise the slaves to build the pyre from the heavy wooden logs.

At the same time, the craftsmen from Neapolis were securing the eagles, and the Statue of Apollo, onto the removable top of the loculum (coffin). While the removable top was kept overnight at the Ludus, the loculum was transported to the villa in a wagon swathed in black and gold drapes, and drawn by all black bullocks with gilded horns. At the same time part of the wooden flooring under the sand of the arena was being taken up, and a raft of fire-proof granite slabs were being installed to replace the sand covered floor which would support the burning pyre.

While these preparations were being undertaken, three flamens (priests) from the Temple of Apollo at Cumae (clientes inherited from Gnaeus) came to the amphitheatre to offer their consolantibus, and to speak to Marcus about the funeral arrangements, particularly about the sacrifices.

As Marcus watched all these preparation he mused that there would be no way that his real father could have been given such a funeral, had he lived to die peaceably.

Demetrios et Novius
Demetrios and Novius

Earlier that morning a slave had awoken Demetrios and given him, along with a small morning meal, a drink of Novius' kykeon. Later a slave had escorted him to Officium Domini, which was not in use, as Marcus was with Petronius and Terentius at the amphitheater. When the huge bronze double doors were opened for him, Demetrius found Novius waiting for him.

"Servus sum!" Demetrios began, respectfully.

"Bonum mane, Demetrios!" Novius replied, smiling.

"The Dominus has asked me to speak to you once again, so sit down and relax," Novius explained

Novius then went through the ritual of showing Demetrios the Etruscan pendant, and reciting the invocation in Oscan, neither of which Demetrios seemed to remember from the previous occasion.

"Now, Demetrios… tell me where you were born," Novius began.

"As far a I know, in Rome," Demetrios answered, once again in Greek.

"And who was your father?" Novius asked.

"I don't know. I was never told," the boy explained.

"I believe that your mother died when you were quite young, and that you lived in a big house in Rome, is that true?" Novius asked.

"Yes, domine. It was a big house, like a palace, but I never saw the man who owned it. I don't think that he ever lived there," Demetrios explained.

"And were you ever told the name of the man who owned the house?" Novius asked, pursuing the point.

"He was only ever called the 'Dominus', so I thought he must be someone very important and very rich," Demetrios answered.

"Now tell me, Demetrios, is everything that you have told me the truth?"

"Yes, domine… everything." Demetrios answered.

Novius then brought the 'enchantment' to an end, and Demetrios 'awoke', unaware that he had been questioned.

"Demetrios, later we will go out to buy some things in Baiae, but first I must have a serious talk with you," Novius said.

"Now tell me, are you feeling alert and rested?" Novius asked, anxious to check that the effects of the incantation and the kykeon had passed.

"Yes domine, I feel fine," Demetrios answered, cheerfully.

"So… I need to tell you that the man who owned the large house where you lived has recently died… and I'm afraid to say he was probably murdered by the young man, Servius, who you met in Rome recently," Novius said slowly.

"Oh!" Demetrios said, obviously shocked.

"Can you tell me why he was murdered, domine?" Demetrios asked, struggling to cope with the idea of Servius having killed this wealthy and important man.

"Well… I'm afraid that I don't know, but it is of no matter for you to worry about," Novius answered, carefully dissembling.

"I see," Demetrios replied.

"That man was the Dominus of the house where you lived, and was the Dominus of this villa, and also many other houses, villas and properties. The young man Servius was his Tribune, but he and your old master Menelaus, betrayed the late Dominus, and both will be punished," Novius explained.

"The young man's son is now the new Dominus, and wants to care for you, as he believes that in the past you have been mistreated. He will meet you later today, and you must be very polite and respectful to him," Novius continued.

"Tomorrow you will attend the funeral of the late Dominus, and today we must buy you some clothes for the funeral, so until the Dominus decides what will happen to you I will look after you. Do you understand, Demetrios?" Novius gently concluded.

"Yes, domine, thank you domine," Demetrios replied, obviously relieved that at least some things had been explained to him.

Visita ad Baias
A Visit to Baiae

Novius then called for a carriage, and after a brief wait he and Demetrios rode in style to Baiae. Once there, Novius let the boy explore the sea-front as Demetrios had never seen the sea. He was also fascinated by the many expensive shops. Eventually Novius took him to a high class tailors. Novius explained that he required a tunic for the boy, and made it clear that this was being bought on behalf of the Dominus Gracchus, for the funeral the following day.

As Marcus had inherited the ownership of half the town of Baiae, and the late Dominus was well known to all the residents, the service that that and Demetrius received instantly became of the very best.

The shop owner gave his somewhat excessive consolantes regarding the recent demise of the late Dominus, and Novius selected the finest black, richly embroidered material, to be decorated with gold bullion, and made it clear that the tunic had to be ready that evening, to be delivered to Terentius at the villa, when full payment would be made if it proved satisfactory. The shop owner insisted that no payment would be required, as the item would be a funerary gift to the House of Gracchus.

Demetrios was obviously impressed as, for the first time, he realised the the nature of the respect that his new master commanded. Novius then took Demetrios to a high class thermopolium for a meal.

"So, Demetrios… how do you like Baiae?" Novius asked, as he watched his young charge happily munching his way through his meal.

"It's wonderful!" Demetrios said, with boyish enthusiasm.

"In Rome there were rich people, but too many very poor people, and it was very noisy and smelly. Here, there are some poor people, but most of the people seem rich, polite and friendly, and the sea smells so sweet, and the buildings are all clean and new," Demetrios explained.

"Well what happens, Demetrios, is that the rich people in Rome get tired of all the smelly, noisy poor people, and decide to take a holiday here, or in some cases they decide to live here, at least for part of the year, but living here is expensive," Novius said.

"So am I going to live here, from now on?" Demetrios asked, hopefully.

"That, young man, is in the hands of the Dominus, and if you are polite and respectful… then he may decide to let you live here, but you will have to earn your keep," Novius replied.

"That would be so good, and I will do anything to stay here!" Demetrios said excitedly.

"That is not a wise thing to say, Demetrios. Always think before you speak, especially when you are speaking to the Dominus, which reminds me, we must return to the villa as the Dominus wishes to speak to you, so finish your food!" Novius said reprovingly, as he paid the manager of the thermopolium.

He then stepped into the street with Demetrios, where their carriage was waiting.

Occursus cum Domino
Meeting the Dominus

The carriage rolled into the long driveway leading to the main entrance to the villa. As Novius and Demetrios left the carriage one of the huge bronze doors was opened by a young successor to Glykon. They then made their way to the Officium Domini. The double doors opened, and Novius gently pushed Demetrios forwards to meet the Dominus. Marcus was sitting behind Gracchus' large, marble topped table, with Petronius standing to his right, a little behind him. Marcus, for the sake of appearance, had managed to get Glaux to sit on Petronius' shoulder.

Demetrios stared incredulously.

"Servus sum," Demetrios mumbled almost incoherently, unable to stop looking at Glaux. "He's got an owl on his shoulder!" the amazed boy blurted out. Instantly Glaux took flight, noiselessly crossed the room, and perched delicately on Demetrius' shoulder, and started nibbling his ear.

"So… Dominus! Another omen," Novius said quietly, smiling.

"Perhaps," Marcus said, studying the boy.

"But you're too young to be Dominus!" Demetrios spluttered, while Novius tutted, and shook his head, and Petronius gave one of his famous grins.

"Again, perhaps. Maybe the boy is more clever than he seems."

Marcus stood up, and Demetrios looked suitably intimidated, while Glaux took flight again, this time landing on Marcus' shoulder.

"I am Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, Dominus of the House of Gracchus… and this is Glaux, the guardian of wisdom, a gift from the Goddess Minerva, and fresh from Mount Olympus…" Marcus said, smiling.

"I'm just Δημήτριος (Demetrios)," Demetrios said quietly, looking overawed, and a little dejected.

"I think more that just Δημήτριος (Demetrios)," Marcus said, in perfect Greek

If Glaux favours you, then you must be someone special," Marcus said, resuming his seat.

Novius took a step forward. "Forgive me, but if I may interrupt for just a moment, Dominus," Novius said.

"Of course, Novius," Marcus answered, handing a rather annoyed looking Glaux over to Petronius.

"Today Demetrios and I had a completely satisfactory discussion, and all is well," Novius explained, emphasising certain words so that Demetrios would not fully comprehend what they were talking about.

Marcus nodded.

"And then later I took Demetrios to Baiae, and ordered a fine mourning tunic for him for the funeral tomorrow, and the tunic will be delivered this evening for you to inspect. The young man likes Baiae, I am pleased to tell you. ".

Again Novius accentuated some words, this time about the funeral, so that Marcus would be alerted to the fact that Demetrios knew about the death of the late Dominus, and the imminent funeral.

"That's very good, Novius. I look forward to seeing the boy in his new clothes," Marcus replied politely.

"Now, Demetrios, as Dominus, I am going to change your name. Here we behave Romanæ modo (in the Roman way), and you must have a Roman name, so no more 'Δημήτριος' (Demetrios), you are now Demetrius, do you understand?"

"Yes, Dominus," Demetrius replied.

"So, Demetrius, how do you like the villa?" Marcus asked, feeling his way, carefully.

"It's very beautiful, but not as large as the house in Rome," Demetrius replied, somewhat undiplomatically.

"That's just because it's only my holiday home, but it's got beautiful gardens, a couple of swimming pools, one inside and one outside, a gymnasion, a private beach and views of the sea."

"Truly?" Demetrius exclaimed, wide eyed.

"Truly," Marcus replied.

"And in Baiae the Dominus has an amphitheater, and that's my job. But don't go too near the sea, unless you can swim. Can you swim?" Petronius asked.

"No domine," Demetrius replied, looking a bit dejected.

Marcus turned to Petronius. "How come you get called 'domine', and I don't get called Dominus?" Marcus asked, joking.

"I'm so sorry Dominus!" Demetrius exclaimed, panicking. "But I've never spoken to a Dominus before."

"That's alright, Demetrius, but just try to remember. Petronius, Terentius and Novius are all called 'domine', and I am always called 'Dominus'."

"Now I have limited time, so call Terentius," Marcus said.

Terentius was duly summoned.

"I believe that you met Demetrius at the Domus Gracchi in Rome?" Marcus asked Terentius.

"That is correct Dominus," Terentius replied formally, and a little nervously.

"Now Demetrius, I want you to understand that Terentius was under instructions not to make any contact with you. Do not make the mistake that he did not like you. Is that clear?" Marcus asked.

"Yes Dominus!" Demetrius replied, meekly.

"I rely almost completely on Terentius, and I hold him as a dear and faithful friend, (Terentius modestly shook his head), and I am sure that he will be a great help to you as time passes. Always feel free to ask his advice on any matter. Do you understand?" Marcus stated firmly.

"Yes Dominus!" Demetrius replied again.

"Petronius!"

"Yes, Dominus."

"I am handing this boy into your care, for the time being. Make arrangements with Lucius and Aristarchos to see him daily. In addition I hold you personally responsible for his fitness, and his ability to use weapons, and teach him to swim!" Marcus ordered.

"Yes, Dominus."

"And get Vulcan to take off the collar. Terentius has a 'bulla' which Demetrius can wear from now on, it once belonged to a very frightened little boy," Marcus continued.

Petronius smiled, knowing just who that 'frightened little boy' was.

"I want to see Demetrius in my private appartments when his new tunic arrives," Marcus concluded.

"Yes, Dominus," Petronius said, as he guided Demetrius out of the room.

"Well," Terentius quietly said to Novius, "It's just like old times."

"I heard that!" Marcus said, smiling, "But this time we'll do it right!" Marcus retorted.

Novus Puer
The New Boy

Marcus returned to his private apartments, accompanied by Glaux.

It had been a busy day, and the funeral would be the next day, but late in the afternoon, and the morning would be taken up with receiving guests.

As always, Adonios and Aurarius were waiting at the doors. As soon as he entered the atrium Glaux hopped onto Adonios' shoulder.

"Bring me wine, boys!" he ordered, too tired to even greet them properly.

They were not 'put out' however, as they could see that their Dominus was worn out. They returned with a tray containing a gold goblet and a gold flagon.

"Sit down boys, I have something important to talk to you about."

The lads sat at his feet. Marcus took a sip of wine, pondering as to how he would explain the situation.

"We have a new boy in the villa," he began. "He is not a slave, he is more like family. He's 12 year old, just as Aurarius, and he was called Demetrios, but I have named him Demetrius, as this is like a new start for him. He speaks Greek, so you will have not trouble getting to know him."

Now strictly speaking Demetrius was a slave, and it was not normal for slaves to be freed before they had 'come of age', but it was very much up to the pater familias (owner of the family estate) to make such a decision. Within the familia (which included blood relatives, freedmen and slaves), law and tradition (mos maiorum, see below) allowed the pater familias powers of life and death. In this way, slaves could be executed, sold or freed. No special ceremony was needed to free a slave, and it could be enough even to invite a slave to eat with the family, as a sign of the slave's freedom. The wearing of a bulla (which had originally belonged to Marcus), in Demetrius' case, was an indication of his free status.

"At the moment Demetrius is being cared for by Petronius," Marcus continued.

The two boys looked at one another, a little surprised, but they guessed from what Marcus had said the previous night.

" He has had a bad time in the past, and has no family, apart from us, so I want you both to take it easy with him, and not ask too many questions. He is a very pleasant young man, and I think that you should both get on well with him. It would be nice if you could become friends." Marcus paused for a moment, trying to gauge the boy's reaction.

"I am sure that you are both aware of the problems that jealousy and misunderstanding have caused in this villa recently. What's left of the mutilated remains of the slave-boy Cleon, who you knew, Adonios, hangs from trees between here and Neapolis. Glykon, who you also knew, and Petram, who you saw in the arena, are locked up in the Ludus awaiting execution. Also Servius, who was the previous Tribune is to be executed. The fates of these individuals is the result of their lack of 'self control', their jealousy and their scheming. Here, in the House of Gracchus, we abide by the mos maiorum, and those who do not will be destroyed, rather than us see infamy in the House of Gracchus. With regard to this boy you will offer him the courtesy and respect that is part of the mos maiorum. I hope that I make myself clear," Marcus concluded.

"Of course, Dominus," both the boys replied, almost in unison, and suitably affected by the intensity of Marcus' warning.

The mos maiorum ('ancestral custom' or 'way of the elders') is the unwritten code from which the ancient Romans derived their social norms. It is the core concept of Roman traditionalism, as exemplified by the 'reforms' of Octavian (the Divine Augustus). The 'mos maiorum' was collectively the time-honoured principles, behavioural models, and social practices that affected private, political, and military life. Roman society stresses the importance of disciplina and moderation as related to education, training, discipline and self-control. 'Gravitas' was dignified self-control. 'Constantia' was steadiness or perseverance. In the face of adversity, a 'good' Roman was to display an unperturbed façade. Fides encompasses trust and trustworthiness, good faith and faithfulness, confidence, reliability, and credibility.

"Thank you for listening so attentively, and now let me rest," Marcus said as he stretched out on the couch.

The boys got to their feet and went off, very subdued, to tidy up. By then the light was fading, and Glaux flew up to the rectangular opening in the ceiling of the atrium. For a moment he perched on the ornate moulding, looking down at Marcus, blinking reflectively, and then he flew off, to hunt in the darkness of the night.

Moments later there was a soft knock on the door. Adonios answered it.

It was Petronius with Demetrius.

"Dominus! Petronius and Demetrius are here to see you."

Marcus got up, and instantly noticed Demetrius' beautiful new black tunic.

"Well, young man, you do look elegant. I think Novius has very good taste, but I would hate to think of the cost of all that gold embroidery," Marcus said.

Now Marcus had hardly needed to make his long speech about jealousy, as Adonios and Aurarius had equally magnificent black and gold tunics for the funeral. The boys tiptoed into the atrium to see the new boy's finery.

"Well, what do you think?" Marcus asked.

"A credit to the House of Gracchus," Adonios said, very diplomatically, and Aurarius, equally diplomatically, agreed.

The one thing that Marcus did notice, but did not comment on, was that Demetrius was wearing his gold bulla. (It was the bulla that had been taken off him when he entered the villa, but given to Terentius for safe keeping).

"You approve?" Petronius questioned.

"Yes! Very much," Marcus replied.

"Well in that case I think that we should go now. Demetrius needs to get to bed, as it will be a busy day tomorrow, and I need to do some last minute checks in the amphitheater," Petronius said, apologetically.

So they all said their goodnights, aware that the next day was going to be extremely difficult for all of them, and especially for Marcus.

Sollemnia de Mortem
The Solemnities of Death

The day began very early, and very badly with a loud knocking on the door of Petronius' apartment. Petronius, wearing only a brief thong, answered the door. It was a young, and obviously upset slave-boy.

"It's Ariston!" the boy blurted out.

"Come quick!"

Petronius slipped on a tunic, and followed the running boy down the corridor. The boy took him to a cubiculum next to the private apartments of the late Dominus.

"It's Ariston, he's in here!" the slave-boy said breathlessly.

Petronius opened the door to find young Ariston, naked, and hanging from a rope tied to a beam on the ceiling. He was obviously dead.

"Get a guard, NOW!" Petronius ordered.

"Yes, Tribune!" the boy answered, and ran off down the corridor.

Almost immediately guards arrived, and cut down the dead boy.

Ἀρίστων, Ariston, a Greek slave-boy, who we first met at the convivium held before the munera ad Augustum, was the personal slave of the late Dominus. When the late Dominus was murdered, Ariston was virtually forgotten, and mourned alone in his cubiculum, and it seems that in the end, overcome by his grief, and seeing no future for himself, he took his own life on the morning of his dead master's funeral.

"Lay him on his bed, and cover him decently, I must inform the Dominus, and I want two guards stationed outside this door.

No one is to enter without my permission, is that clear?" Petronius ordered.

"Yes Tribune!" the guards replied.

Petronius then went to Marcus' private apartments. Adonios answered the door.

"Wake the Dominus, we have an emergency," Petronius ordered.

Marcus quickly appeared, followed by Aurarius.

"The slave-boy Ariston has hung himself in his cubiculum, next to the private apartments of the late Dominus," Petronius reported.

Marcus looked shocked.

"He's been cut down. What shall I do with the body?" Petronius asked.

"He was a good boy, and I suppose he couldn't go on after his master died. We should have helped him more, I blame myself. Adonios, get me Nerva!" Marcus ordered.

Very soon Nerva arrived.

"Ariston is dead. Get the body properly washed and prepared, and get it embalmed. I want the boy cremated the day after the munera, with a decent funeral," Marcus ordered, his face and voice strained.

"At once Dominus!" Nerva replied, and disappeared as silently as he had arrived.

"And Petronius, see that everything is done correctly, and then supervise the transport of the body of the late Dominus to the Amphitheater," Marcus concluded.

"Aurarius, get my clothes laid out, and some food and wine!" Marcus said to Aurarius.

Marcus then slumped onto a couch, wondering what else could go wrong. At that point Glaux fluttered into the atrium, and perched on the small, marble topped table facing Marcus. He then blinked, and gave Marcus one of his looks, which Marcus took, on this occasion, to mean 'stop feeling sorry for yourself, and take command'.

"Alright, Glaux, let's get to work," Marcus said to his little friend, and took a sip of wine and started getting dressed for the day's events.

Marcus selected a beautiful piece of black armour, that the late Dominus had obviously been saving for some special occasion, and probably for Marcus. The armour that Petronius and Servius had brought back from Rome, which was still wrapped, he decided to wear later. With Aurarius and Adonios, already dressed in their black and gold tunics helping him, Marcus put on the elaborate ceremonial armour, and the boys were suitably impressed.

Receptio
The Reception

So, with Glaux on Adonios' shoulder, the three of them made their way out of the atrium and down the corridor, to make a grand entrance in the huge reception hall of the villa. When they reached the hall, they were joined by Petronius and Demetrius. Petronius, for the first time, was wearing the piece of armour brought back from Rome. Appropriately it was black with gold ornamentation.

(It should be noted that only Marcus and Petronius [by the custom of the late Dominus] were permitted to wear the armour of a legatus.)

Demetrius, of course, was wearing his new black and gold tunic, with Marcus' gold bulla.

Moments later they were joined by Terentius, who was an essential member of the party. As Excelsus Procurator (High Steward), he was able to whisper into Marcus' ear the names and titles of the various guests who would be greeting the Dominus of the House of Gracchus, as he was a compendium of such knowledge.

Also joining the group was Novius, who now had the official title of Consiliarius.

The group, after a number of greetings, then took their places on the raised rostrum at the far end of the hall, which had been appropriately draped with sombre black curtaining.

Quintus, it seems, had sent out a very large number of invitations. There were of course the local magistrates, from Baiae, Cumae, Neapolis and Pompeii. Also various prominent citizens from those towns. Then there was Marcellus, now promoted to Legatus Legionis. (The last time that he had seen Marcus was when Markos was still a slave, acting as 'cupbearer' to Gracchus, at the now legendary Convivium and munera ad Augustum.

There were also the Templi Apollinis Sacerdotes, priests from the Augustan Temple of Apollo in Rome, and also the priests of Apollo from Cumae. There were inevitably Senators, and a number of Tribuni Laticlavii, Tribuni Angusticlavii, and Tribuni cohortis urbanae (tribunes commanding the security cohorts in Rome).

In addition there were various business associates of the late Dominus.

The one guest that Marcus particularly wanted to meet was Nicander, who was the new magister domus (Master of the Household) of the Domus Gracchi, who had replaced Menelaus as a result of the advice of Terentius.

"Salutem Dominus!" Nicander said respectfully.

"I am pleased to meet you, Nicander, and I wish to speak to you after the funeral. Make sure that you wait in the atriolum of the Officium Domini. Terentius will show you where it is," Marcus ordered.

"Yes, Dominus!" Nicander replied, looking somewhat nervous.

"Between now and then you are to speak to no one about matters relating to the Domus Gracchi or the 'House of Gracchus'. To put it bluntly, 'keep your mouth shut', until I have spoken with you after the funeral," Marcus said, forcefully.

"Yes, Dominus!" Nicander replied, now looking somewhat alarmed.

Terentius, who had listened approvingly to the conversation between Marcus and Nicander, continued to work well, identifying all these individuals, but then there was a murmur in the large reception hall.

Titi sessimonium
A Meeting with Titus

A Praefectus Praetorio (Praetoria Prefect), accompanied by a number of Praetorian Tribunes appeared. The last Praefectus Praetorio that had visited the villa was the infamous Nymphidius, but he was now dead.

It didn't take long for Terentius to work out who this Praefectus Praetorio was.

"You have a special guest," Terentius whispered in Marcus' ear. "This is Titus Flavius Vespasianus, the son of Vespasian!".

As a young man, Titus was dangerously like Nero in his charm, intellect, ruthlessness, extravagance and sexual tastes. Gifted both physically and intellectually, exceptionally strong, short with pot-belly, with an authoritative, yet friendly manner, and an excellent memory, he was an good rider and renowned general. He could also sing, play the harp and compose music. He was not the kind of man that Marcus would choose as a friend, but as the heir to Vespasian, and a person of enormous power and influence, Marcus had no option but to show Titus due respect and consideration.

What had happened, unfortunately, was that Quintus had left a note that the Praefectus Praetorio (Nymphidius at the time), should be invited to any important event at the villa. When Nymphidius was murdered, and his supporters became involved in a plot against Marcus and Gracchus, this note should have been amended, but wasn't, and an invitation was sent to the Castra Praetoria in Rome, which landed on the 'desk' of Titus Flavius Vespasianus, the recently appointed Praefectus Praetorio.

And why did he come?

The obvious reason was that he was fully aware of the part that the House of Gracchus had played in clearing the way for his father to become Emperor.

While Marcus was somewhat taken aback by the unexpected appearance of this individual, the appearance of the heir to the Empire at the side of the Dominus of the House of Gracchus would undoubtedly be an unbelievable boost to Marcus' reputation and standing.

Petronius, seeing the heir to the Imperium, immediately sent for a slave to give orders for the bronze Imperial Eagle, stored in the ludus since the the Ludi for Vespasian, to be hung on the front of the Pulvinar, which involved the slave in a very swift gallop to the Ludus, some frantic polishing, and the placing of the imperial insignia, and all before the guests took their places in the recently re-built Pulvinar.

Titus came up to the raised rostrum.

"Dominus, may I present the Praefectus Praetorio, Titus Flavius Vespasianus!" Terentius said in his best, formal Latin.

Titus Flavius Vespasianus was the eldest son of the Emperor Caesar Vespasianus Augustus. On the death of his father, Titus became the Emperor Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus. The fact that this family was a little unimaginative in their choices of names makes their identities rather confusing - so - to put it simply - Vespasian had two sons, Titus and then Domitian. Both sons followed their father, and each-other, as Emperor.

Marcus put out his hand, guiding his distinguished guest up the steps to join him on the rostrum.

"So you are Marcus Octavianus Gracchus that I have heard so much about…," Titus said somewhat enigmatically

"I am, but I do not think that there is much to tell," Marcus replied, somewhat taken bemused.

"Well, Marcus, my father and I are indebted to you, and the late Dominus for ridding us of certain individuals who would have only prolonged the war of succession."

"I can assure you that it was all of the late Dominus' doing," Marcus replied, modestly.

"But introduce me to you staff," Titus continued pleasantly.

"This fine young man, for example, wearing finer armour that any I possess, who is he?"

"This, sir, is Petronius Octavianus Gracchus, recently freed, and a proud bearer of the name of the House of Gracchus. He is my Tribunus et Dominus Amphitheatri," Marcus explained.

"Well in that case I need to have some discussions with this young man," Titus replied, but failed to explain why he wanted to have discussions.

"And the handsome boy standing beside him?" Titus asked.

"He is Demetrius, a distant cousin of mine, whom I am looking after, and educating," Marcus replied, hoping that Titus would not pursue the matter.

"And the owl, with your slave-boys, that is rather strange!" Titus commented, standing next to a rather intimidated Adonios.

"Well, sir, there is a story to that," Marcus explained. "Like your esteemed father, I have been, but to a lesser extent, favoured by the Gods. It was Apollo himself, in a vision, here at the villa, who told me that an owl would be given to me, the wisdom of Minerva. He's called Glaux. You must excuse him, however. As it's early he is still sleeping, but if you remain with us until the sun sets, then I am sure he will greet you, probably by nibbling your ear," Marcus said, hoping that Titus didn't think he was crazy.

"So, you are like my father, chatting with the gods. Then I think that we are all going to get on very well," Titus said, chuckling to himself.

While in Egypt Vespasian visited the Temple of Serapis, where reportedly he experienced a vision and, as the 'New Serapis', healed two men. Vespasian had spent time alone in the sanctuary of Serapis saw, in a vision, a man named Basilides,who, being detained by illness, was supposedly miles away. Basilides conferred upon Vespasian certain objects, loaves, crowns, and boughs, that were associated with Ptolemaic royalty. The experience appears to have been a kind of miraculous 'coronation ceremony'.

Exequiae
The Funeral

At that point a slave approached Petronius to tell him that the funeral cortege was ready to move off.

The cortege was led by a wagon, decorated with black drapery, and golden garlands, containing the magnificent black and gold, open wooden coffin, containing the embalmed body of the late Dominus, almost completely covered with fragrant frankincense.

It was pulled by four black oxen (castrated bulls), with gilded horns, and decorated around the neck and head with gold garlands, and led by young slave-boys in black tunics. The oxen would subsequently be sacrificed before the funeral pyre, hence their black colour and the fact that they were castrated.

Chthonic gods such as Dis pater, the di inferi ('gods below'), and the collective shades of the departed (di Manes, which would include the late Dominus) were given dark, infertile victims. Animal sacrifice usually took the form of a holocaust or burnt offering, and there was no shared banquet, as "the living cannot share a meal with the dead". Color had a general symbolic value for sacrifices. Demigods and heroes, who belonged to the heavens and the underworld, were sometimes given black-and-white victims.

There followed the numerous carriages of the various guests, with Marcus' carriage (bearing Marcus, Aurarius, Adonios with Glaux, and Demetrius) coming first, and the carriage for Titus and his tribunes coming second.

In the front to the whole procession rode Petronius, escorted by guards from the villa, on a large all black stallion, with qold equipage.

The streets of Baiae were crowded, as word had quickly spread that the day was the day of the funeral. All stood in respectful silence as the black and gold draped wagon, containing the open coffin of the late Dominus trundled down the cobbled streets. Many, who had never seen the new Dominus, thought that the young man on the huge black stallion, in black and gold armour was the new Dominus, and bowed respectfully, but of course it was only Petronius, entrancing everyone, as usual.

The wagon was guided by the slave-boys into the rear entrance of the Amphitheatrum Gracchi, Gracchus' beloved amphitheater, where the funeral rites were to be held.

The carriages began stopping at the Ingressus Magnus (Grand Entrance), in the main street. Young slaves quickly moved forward to open the carriage doors, putting in place a portable wooden steps, and ensuring that the crowded pavement was kept clear.

Marcus stepped out, and was followed immediately by Aurarius, Adonios with a sleepy Glaux, and Demetrius. As the slave-boys bowed respectfully, Marcus waited for the carriage bearing Titus.

Titus stepped out, with one of his tribunes, and the group made their way to the main prothyrum (foyer), where Petronius, who had dismounted and preceded them, was waiting for them, with his flashing smile, forgetting for a moment that it was a funeral.

They then waited in the prothyrum, taking refreshments from slave-boys, while the other guests made their way to specially allocated places in the amphitheater.

The Petronius led the special guests up the newly installed grand staircase to the enlarged Pulvinar. As they reached the Pulvinar, they heard the blare of tubas (Roman trumpets), and cornu (horns), and the thunder and roll of timpani, which sounded out across the whole town.

As they took their places they saw, for the very first time, the huge, gold plated, bronze doors of the new Propylaeum open slowly.

The Propylaeum was the late Dominus' last great work, raised in honour of his 'son', Marcus, and bearing the inscription 'MARCVS OCTAVIVS GRACCHVS APOLLINIS DEDICATA EST'.

The sound of the drums, beating out a slow, sombre rhythm, grew louder as the massive doors opened, and then the procession (pompa) began, with the coffin being carried into the arena.

The cover had now been fixed to the previously open coffin. The cover bore a wooden statue, covered in gold leaf, of the God Apollo, with his bow, (modelled once again on Petronius), and wooden sculptures of imperial eagles, covered in gold leaf, on each corner of the gilded coffin.

Slowly the coffin was brought in, and set down beside the huge pyre, built of massive logs. Then the amphitheater became silent, the drums and tubas stilled.

Marcus stepped forward, a scroll in his hands. He unrolled the scroll, and in a remarkably sonorous, slow and steady voice he read the eulogy. (the eulogy, of course, had been written for him by Lucius, his Latin tutor, in the most refined and noble Latin.)

My noble friend, Titus Flavius Vespasianus,

Senators, Magistrates, honoured guests -

This is the funeral of the renowned Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus, an honourable and noble Roman, a Senator, a dutiful son, a devoted husband and a caring father. A help to the poor and the sick, and a scourge to those who would defy the Laws of Rome, and the venerable 'mos maiorum'. Always he held the Divine Augustus in the greatest esteem, and took him as his model, and expected me to do likewise. It was not simply Augustus' remarkable success in creating the Principate, but also his restoration of the greatest traditions of Rome, the 'mos maiorum', and so I now possess one of the names of the Divine Augustus, the name 'Octavianus'.
Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus was also a benefactor to this town of Baiae, and to Cumae, Neapolis and Pompeii. This very Amphitheater is a testimony, and monument to his unbounded generosity to this town, and its people, just recently made even more magnificent and beautiful in the last weeks of his life.
To my father I owe everything, and my gratitude is unbounded. This funeral is just a poor attempt to show to you all my deep gratitude to him, and my unbounded admiration for him as a man, and my admiration of all that he has done. The tragedy of this funeral, however, is in the circumstances by which it came about. All funerals are tragic, but this funeral is the result of an infamy that cries out to the Gods for justice and retribution.
This amphitheater is dedicated to myself, by my father's wish, and also to the great God Apollo, who guided him in his later years, therefore I, as the servant of Apollo, and the true heir to my father, will bring that retribution down on the individuals who plotted and schemed to destroy the House of Gracchus. As the sweet smoke of the funeral pyre ascends to the heavens, so equally the wrath of the God will descend in this very same arena on those responsible for the death of the most noble of men, Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus."

There was an almost overwhelming stunned silence, as the guests were obviously moved by the nature of the eulogy, and Titus turned to Marcus and embraced him.

The eulogy, for a Roman eulogy, had been remarkably short, but also remarkably effective. Although in style it was the creation of Lucius, in content it was the carefully crafted creation of Marcus and Novius.

Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus was described as a 'family man', 'a devoted husband and a caring father', despite the fact that he had separated from his wife, and had an illegitimate son, whom he had repudiated, and hidden away, a fact that, in the end, almost certainly contributed to his death.

However, Marcus carefully associated Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus with Gaius Octavius, later known as 'Augustus', who was given divine status upon his death, hence 'the Divine Augustus'.

The link was also made between Augustus' apparent restoration of the Republic, and his re-establishment of the 'mos maiorum' (traditions of the ancestors) in public and private life.

Just as the patron god of Augustus had been Apollo, so Marcus indicated that there had been a special link between Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus and the God Apollo, and pointing to the dedication of the amphitheater, where the cremation and sacrifice, and later the munera, were to take place, he had established that link between himself and the God Apollo.

The final part of the eulogy centered on the theme of retribution which would be meted out to those responsible for Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus' death, a retribution that would occur in the same place, the amphitheater, as the cremation of the late Dominus, and that retribution was ascribed to Apollo, and to Marcus, who portrayed himself as a servant of Apollo, and the 'true heir' of Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus, thus negating any criticism of his actions against the conspirators, and effectively preventing any questioning of his position as Dominus of the House of Gracchus.

Once the guests had been given time to ponder on the contents of the eulogy, at a signal from Petronius the drums and tubas started again, the noise drowning out the bellowing of the four oxen, stationed at the four corners of the funeral pyre, as they were sacrificed, and their blood gushed out onto the arena sand, the first of much blood to be spilled in the arena before the end of the period of mourning.

Once the sacrifice was finished, a Polyspaston crane was wheeled into the arena, and set next to the pyre, and was used to lift the heavy coffin onto the top of the pyre. When worked by four men, at both sides of the winch, a Polyspaston crane could lift 3000 kg.

Marcus, Petronius and Demetrius then descended from the Pulvinar down to the sands of the arena. It was the Roman custom for the heir of the deceased, or closest family member to light the pyre. In this case it did not seem strange for Demetrius to take part in this ceremony, as he was known to be a blood relative (though not the late Dominus' illegitimate son, except by a few individuals close the Marcus).

Petronius was handed a flaming brand by an arena slave.

Petronius then held out the brand, and both Marcus and Demetrius took hold of the brand, and as they thrust it into the pyre, the drums sounded along with the horns.

Moments later other slaves came forward with flaming torches, and ensured that the pyre was well alight, and more slaves threw powdered incense on the blaze from large, copper craters, sending clouds of sweet smelling smoke into the air.

All over Baiae the huge cloud of smoke could be seen hovering over the amphitheater, and the sweet scent of the incense could even be smelt on the seafront.

After some time the huge pyre began to fall in on itself, sending showers of glowing sparks, and more sweet smelling smoke skyward.

Marcus Titus and the rest of the group then started to leave the Pulvinar, which was the signal for the other guests to start leaving.

In Villa
At the Villa

On arrival at the Villa, Titus asked Marcus if he could spend some time discussing matters with Petronius. This suited Marcus admirably, as he wished to speak urgently to Nicander, although he was puzzled as to what Titus and Petronius might have in common.

Marcus found Nicander waiting for him in the atriolum (antechamber) of the Officium Domini, along with Terentius. Marcus went into the Officium Domini, and sat behind his marble topped desk. Moments late Terentius brought in a very nervous looking Nicander.

"I hope that I have done nothing to displease you, Dominus!" Nicander began, hesitantly.

"Nicander, understand this. When you come into my presence, you wait for me to open the conversation, in other words, you only speak when you are spoken to. Is that clear!" Marcus said forcefully, establishing his undoubted authority from the outset.

"Yes Dominus!" Nicander replied.

"So… you are the Magister Domus in Rome?" Marcus questioned, rhetorically.

"I am, Dominus, and I am very grateful," Nicander replied.

"Don't thank me… thank Terentius," Marcus replied.

"And speaking of thanks… you should know that it can be a thankless job… especially for those who make mistakes. Your predecessor, Menelaus, is now awaiting his execution, which you are to witness, in a few days," Marcus continued.

And, of course, there was no answer to that.

"Tell me, Nicander, how well did you know Menelaus?". Marcus asked.

"Not well at all, Dominus," Nicander replied, warily.

"Most of his friends were outside the Domus, so he only spoke to me when he gave me orders," he continued.

"And did you meet any of his friends?" Marcus asked.

"No, Dominus. He usually met them outside the Domus. We only heard about them when he needed to send them messages or letters," Nicander answered, looking increasingly nervous.

"Did you ever hear of a man called Marcus Sabinus?" Marcus then asked, more pointedly.

"Yes, Dominus… once or twice, when messages were sent to him by slave-boys," Nicander replied.

"Did you ever meet him?" Marcus asked.

"No, Dominus," Nicander replied, apparently oblivious to the significance of the name.

"Now this is important…" Marcus stressed

"You have met Terentius a number of time, and also my Tribune, Petronius. Did you see anyone else today, at the funeral, that you recognised?" Marcus asked.

Nicander looked very worried.

"Yes Dominus." he answered, quietly.

"The young man on the Pulvinar, standing next to Tribune Petronius, who also held the torch with you."

Marcus allowed a short silence before he continued.

"And who was that young man?" Marcus queried.

"I knew him as Demetrius, a slave at the Domus, and a favourite of Menelaus… but he never mixed with the other slaves, had his own room."

"What else do you know about him?" Marcus asked, trying to coach Nicander to say more.

"Nothing, I was told he was born in the Domus to a slave-girl, but no one seemed to know who his father was. The slave girl died when he was very young, and Menelaus 'looked after him'."

"I see, you mean he was Menelaus' 'bed-boy?" Marcus asked bluntly.

"I'm afraid so, Dominus," Nicander replied.

"And you speak the truth?" Marcus replied forcefully.

"Yes, Dominus. Every word," Nicander answered, beginning to panic.

"So here's how it is, Nicander; You will be my Magister Domus in Rome, under the authority of Terentius. You will speak to no one about Demetrius, Menelaus or any of his friends. Is that clear?" Marcus said.

"Yes Dominus, I swear." Nicander said, nodding.

"In the future, the Gods willing, I will be spending more time at the Domus. You, as one of my senior freedmen, will have very large sums of gold pass through your hands, my gold. Always keep in your mind what happens to Menelaus, and his friends, in the upcoming games that you will be attending, and if you ever betray my trust in you, know that you will suffer the same fate," Marus concluded, threateningly.

"I understand. Thank you Dominus."

"Good, a suite has been prepared for you, and I will see you at the munera tomorrow."

And with that Nicander was dismissed.

Once Nicander had left them, Terentius began on a long and complex explanation of how Nicander, and the other freedmen under his authority, would be conducting various financial and mercantile activities, from Rome and the port of Ostia, which would be highly beneficial to the overall finances of the House of Gracchus.

Funerals, you see, have ever been the same. The dead are seemingly quickly forgotten – or at least put aside – as the living begin reorganising their world, even at the funeral, and business goes on, as ever - which is probably just as well…

Terentius had just got on to enumerating the various and vast property holdings that they managed on behalf of Marcus in the city (in a rather boring manner that reminded Marcus of his tutor Lucius), when a slave announced that Petronius was seeking to speak with Marcus.

Petronius came in, looking quite pleased with himself, accompanied by young Demetrius.

"So, Petronius, what did our friend Titus want to 'discuss' with you?" Marcus asked, suitably intrigued.

"It was the amphitheater!" Petronius said. "His father, Vespasian, wants to build a big amphitheater in Rome, and Titus was so impressed with our amphitheater here that he wanted to know all about it," Petronius continued, enthusiastically.

"So… tell me more…?" Marcus said, encouragingly.

"Well, as no one is using Nero's 'Golden House' anymore, and as Vespasian wants to gain popularity with the people in Rome, he has decided to knock most of it down. And the small lake, in the gardens of the house, he is having filled in, and there he plans to build his amphitheater. He has architects working on plans and designs, (mainly Greeks) but he really likes our amphitheater, so he would like some of his architects to come here, and make drawings that can be adapted to his own building," Petronius explained.

"Well… I can see no problem with that, afterall, we are not in competition with Rome, and as most of the wealthy visitors to the town come from Rome, then it would be good for them to find that Rome's amphitheater is based on our amphitheater here in Baiae," Marcus replied.

"Anyway, Vespasian is planning to call it the Amphitheatrum Flavium (what we now call the Colosseum), which is similar to the way that we call our Amphitheater here after Gracchus," Petronius concluded.

The site chosen by Vespasian was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalised stream ran. This densely inhabited area was was devastated by the Great Fire of Rome, following which Nero seized much of the area to add to his personal domain. He built the grandiose Golden House on the site, in front of which he created an artificial lake surrounded by pavilions, gardens and porticoes. Vespasian's decision to build the Amphitheatrum Flavium on the site of Nero's lake can be seen as a populist gesture of returning to the people an area of the city which Nero had appropriated for his own use. In addition to the new amphitheater, Vespasian also built gladiatorial schools and other support buildings, and these were constructed within the former grounds of the Golden House. In contrast to many other amphitheatres, which were located on the outskirts of a town or city, the Amphitheatrum Flavium was constructed in the city centre; in effect, placing it both symbolically and precisely at the heart of Rome. The Amphitheater of Gracchus in Baiae, however, like the Amphitheatrum Flavium, was also built in the center of the town. Construction of the Amphitheatrum Flavium began under the Emperor Vespasian in AD 71-72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, the Emperor Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of the Emperor Domitian.

"So… did our honoured guest view our amphitheater," Marcus asked.

"Yes indeed. Myself and Titus and Demetrius rode out to the amphitheater. I left Demetrius in the Prothyrum, having a snack, and Titus and I went to view the Ludus, where he caught sight of some of the condemned prisoners, in the cells. He also was impressed with some of our young fighters who will be appearing in the munera tomorrow.

I then took him round the other buildings; the Armamentarium (where the armour and weapons were stored, under heavy guard), the Summum Choragium (where the scenery and various other devices were stored), the Sanitarium (the medical facilities under the supervision of Agathon), and the Spoliarium (where the dead from the arena were stripped and the bodies prepared for disposal), I think that he was a little disappointed that there were no corpses to view.

Marcus smiled.

Petronius continued: "I also showed him the practice arena, but of course there were no fighters training as today was the day of the funeral. I then took him onto the sand of the main arena, and got some slaves to dig away some of the sand to show him the construction of the floor of the arena. The only thing that troubled him was the lack of a velarium (awning over the seating of the amphitheater), but I explained that it was not being used because of the danger of it catching fire as a result of the burning funeral pyre. What particularly appealed to him was the arched colonnade at the top of the building, which he thought was very grand, and very Roman, reminding him of a series of triumphal arches, (unfortunately this was a feature omitted from the finished building that Vespasian and Titus constructed, probably because of considerations of cost). He was also very impressed with all the Porphyry, particularly the perfume burners, and was interested to know where you had them made. I said that as that part of the renovation was your own project, you would talk to him about it later," Petronius continued.

"And what about the new Propylaeum?" Marcus asked.

"That he was not very keen on, as it was Greek style, and he would have preferred it arched, but he was very taken with the gilded bronze doors, and the large statues of Hermes," Petronius replied.

The origins of the Roman triumphal arch are unclear. To fully understand this development however it is important to understand the importance of basic arches in Roman civilization. The Romans had learned how to construct effective arches from the Etruscans, who lived in central Italy. This knowledge had a major impact on the architecture of Roman civilization. As a result, the Romans used arches for things such as aqueducts, amphitheaters, bridges, and domed temples. They had effectively used the arch in various aspects of their civilization and city structure, and the arch symbolized, for them, perfection and triumph in Roman society

"So he was generally impressed?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, Dominus, very much so," Petronius replied.

Marcus then looked to Demetrius. "You enjoyed your snack at the Amphitheater, and your ride?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, Dominus, very much," Demetrius replied.

"That's good, but now I would like you to go to Petronius' apartments and wait for him there, as I have some private matters to discuss with him," Marcus said.

"Yes, Dominus," Demetrius replied, and he left the Officium Domini.

Marcus then turned to Petronius. "I'm glad that you didn't take him to the Ludus, I'm not sure how he would react to seeing Servius again."

"Yes, that's what I thought… But I'm worried about the boy. I sometimes think that, perhaps, he's still under that 'enchantment' of Novius, as he just doesn't seem to react to anything," Petronius said.

"Yes, know what you mean. I think that I will chat to Novius about him, and maybe get Novius to talk to him again. Meanwhile, take him to the beach. Get him swimming and running around, perhaps that will help, and it should also be a break for you before the munera tomorrow. Anyway… I will see you this evening, when we dine with Titus," Marcus concluded.

'and the story continues - After the funeral of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, Titus, on behalf of his father,Vespasian, offers Marcus the position of Roman Senator, the munera, organised by Petronius, is held in the amphitheater, in the presence of Marcus, Demetrius and Titus Flavius Vespasianus

XXXI. Munera pro Gnaeo Octaviano Graccho
31. The Spectacle for Gnaeus Octavianus Gracchus

Caencenatio
The Dinner Party

On the evening of the funeral there was a quiet dinner party (what the Romans often referred to as a caencenatio, not quite as grand as a convivium) in the private triclinium (dining room) of Marcus' apartments. Marcus had invited (obviously) Titus, along with Petronius, Terentius, Novius, Nicander (who was careful to say nothing), and, surprisingly perhaps, Demetrius.

Glaux, who had just recently woken up, joined the party, and made friends with Titus, mainly because Titus was sharing little slivers of meat with the greedy, but still very polite little owl, so there would be no hunting for Glaux that night.

The talk, quite rightly, avoided mention of the funeral, but Titus was very voluble about his plans for his father's project for the great amphitheater in the centre of Rome, (which we now called the Colosseum, and was only completed some time after Vespasian's death).

He was also effusive in his praise of the Amphitheatrum Gracchi, and in particular the renovations and additions that had been made by Marcus for the Celebratory Ludi for the accession of his father, Vespasian.

Titus asked, as he had promised, about the polished imperial porphyry that Marcus had used to line the inside walls of the arena (suitably dark red, and easy to clean, to camouflage blood spatters), and the superb porphyry incense burners on either side of the Pulvinar.

Marcus explained that it came from just one site in southern Egypt, but that Terentius had managed to obtain supplies in Rome, and would be happy to pass on the name of the supplier to one of Titus' tribunes.

The talk, along with the wine, went back and forth.

Towards the end of the party, Titus asked Marcus to accompany him into the Peristyle Garden, where Marcus had his strange meeting with the young archer, (Apollo perhaps?), the night that the late Dominus had died.

"Marcus, I have something serious to propose to you," Titus began. "My father has spoken to me about you, and especially about the help that you and your adoptive father gave to the Empire during the last year of turmoil. You appear to be a young man, wise beyond your years, with reliable advisers and, perhaps most importantly, to my father at least, favoured by the Gods. For that reason, he as empowered me to offer you the position of Roman Senator."

Titus stood looking intently at Marcus, waiting for his reply.

"But sir, I am not qualified for such a position," Marcus replied, taken aback.

"Well financially you are, as you would probably be the wealthiest man in the Senate, and well above the financial requirements for membership of that august body, (1,200,000 sesterces, pocket money for Marcus), of course, since the Divine Augustus altered the age restrictions for Senators, you would need to be over 25 years of age, (previously it had been 30), but that is no problem, as the Emperor is empowered to make a decree to grant you Senatorial rank, and your help and influence in the Senate would be greatly appreciated by both my father, and myself," Titus was still waiting for the answer that he required.

"Well what can I say. I am highly honoured, and must of course accept," Marcus replied.

"Then that is done," Titus said, briskly. "After we have seen the new Ludi, a few days from now, perhaps you would travel with me to Rome, and my father could grant you the decree personally," Titus concluded.

Labor et Ientaculum
Working Breakfast

The morning dawned bright and sunny. Adonios and Aurarius came quietly into the room to check if Marcus was awake, and to ask what he wanted to eat. Glaux was unsteadily perched on one of Marcus' pillows (he really didn't like pillows, but liked to be near Marcus' ears for a little nibble), and he was looking unusually bright and alert, as he hadn't been hunting the previous night, thanks to his new friend Titus.

"Boys," Marcus said sleepily. "Stay here, as I have something that I want to tell you."

Adonios and Aurarius looked at one another, half expectant and half afraid. There had, after all, been rather too many unpleasant surprises recently.

"It's nothing to worry about," Marcus continued, "but Titus offered me the position of Senator last night, when we walked in the garden. Now keep it to yourselves for the moment, but be prepared for a trip to Rome in the near future, and, all being well, we will probably be spending more time in Rome, so you will be living, for some of the time, in my house in Rome, and the villa in Tibur."

"Congratulatio, Dominus!" (now you don't need that translated!) both boys said, almost in unison.

"So let's get ready, and Adonios, tell Terentius to meet me at the, Officium Domini, and get a carriage sent for Novius, and Aurarius, get Petronius to join Terentius."

The boys ran off the get some food and wine for Marcus, and then both ran off down the corridors on their errands.

Eventually Marcus, Terentius, Novius and Petronius all met in the Officium Domini, with Adonios and Aurarius going round providing them with wine and finger food, it was a Roman equivalent of a working breakfast.

"So gentlemen, this is a busy day with the munera, but I have called you together as Titus, last night in the Peristyle garden offered me a place in the Senate," Marcus explained.

"Congratulatio, Dominus!" they all said, standing and clapping.

Glaux, who was awake, and sitting on Marcus shoulder, fluttered his wings, almost taking off in alarm. He found it very difficult to understand his humans.

"Now gentlemen, like the late Dominus, I intend not to spend a lot of time in Rome, and not to get too involved in politics, but I need to accommodate Titus and his father, our Emperor Vespasian. This will mean that you Terentius, will have to take on the burden of running the villa without my help, taking decisions as you see fit. Also, before Nicander leaves this villa, I want you to ensure that he is fully briefed on how to run the Domus for me. Novius, I would greatly appreciate it if you could accompany me to Rome, as I will undoubtedly need your advice. And Petronius, you must quickly provide me with a reliable deputy as Tribune, as I will also require your company. I hope that is clear to you all, and meets with your approval," Marcus concluded.

"Yes, Dominus!, We all agree," Terentius replied, speaking for himself and his colleagues.

"Now, Petronius, you and I will ride to the Amphitheater, and check that all is ready for the munera this afternoon," Marcus said, rising from his seat.

"And Terentius, go and see that Titus is happy with the arrangements for this afternoon, and then see Nicander," Marcus said, as he made for the door, with Petronius, preceded by Adonios and Aurarius, who opened the doors, and then ran off to arrange for horses to be brought to the main entrance.

***

When Marcus and Petronius arrived at the Amphitheater they found that the area of the arena where the cremation had taken place had been cleared of debris, and was being re-sanded and carefully raked by slaves.

One of the senior slaves approached Petronius very hesitantly. He was a carrying a large leather bag.

"Salutem Domine!" he said very hesitantly. "These are the bones that were recovered," he continued, passing the bag to Petronius.

"That's good!" Petronius answered. "Thank your men for their work!… Is the arena ready for the munera this afternoon?" Petronius continued.

"There is still some cleaning to do, sir, but everything will be ready on time," the senior slave answered.

"And you will hang the funerary mask in front to the curtain covering the central door?" Petronius queried.

"Yes sir! I will attend to that immediately!" the slave replied.

Marcus turned to Petronius. "This is something that I must do when we go to Rome, I must have a funerary urn made for the ashes… Also I need to speak to Lucius Severus, in Rome, regarding the mausoleum for the late Dominus' ashes."

"Don't worry, Dominus –," Petronius replied, "I will remind you when we get there."

The custom of burning the dead was was steeped in tradition at the Roman funerals. A funeral pile was constructed in the shape of an altar, upon which the corpse was laid. The nearest relative then set fire to it. Perfumes and spices were afterwards thrown into the blaze, and when it was extinguished, the embers were quenched with wine. (see The Funeral of Gracchus). The ashes were then collected and deposited in an urn, to be kept in the family mausoleum.

Lucius Septimius Severus was the designer (with the engineer Celer) of Emperor Nero's (Golden House), and also the Golden Villa at Baiae, the amphitheater in Baiae, the Domus Gracchi in Rome, and Gracchus' villa in Tibur. Concrete was used for his basic structures, and Orders were employed for the exterior and interior. Severus was particularly known for his use of veneers of rare marble.

Marcus was obviously moved by the appearance of the leather bag containing the incinerated bones of the late Dominus, and told Petronius that he wanted some time alone. Marcus then climbed the concealed stairs up to the Pulvinus, where he sat on one of the ivory inlaid chairs that were left over from the funeral of the previous day, musing on recent events.

Meanwhile, Petronius busied himself inspecting, and giving a 'pep-talk' to the ten young fighters who were to appear in the munera that afternoon, (four fighting pairs, and two reserves). Having talked to them, and inspected their weapons and equipment, he then met with the Flamines (priests), who were to undertake the sacrifices prior to the munera.

In Roman religion, a Flamen was a priest assigned to one of the deities of the official cults during the Roman Republic and Empire.

Once again four, all black bullocks were to be sacrificed to the Manes, and suitable arrangements had to be made for tethering the animals, the providing of water, incense, wine and meal (mola salsa), and arrangements for the removal and disposal of the carcasses.

In Roman religion, the Manes are 'chthonic' deities representing the souls of deceased loved ones. They were associated with the Lares, Lemures, Genii, and Di Penates as deities (di) that pertained to domestic, local, and personal cult. They belonged broadly to the category of di inferi, 'those who dwell below', the undifferentiated collective of divine dead. The Manes were honored during the Parentalia and Feralia in February. Roman tombstones often included the letters D.M. which stood for dis manibus, 'for the ghost-gods' or figuratively translated, 'for the Manes'. The Manes were offered blood sacrifices, and the munera, held after funerals, were instituted in the honor of the Manes. According to Cicero, the Manes could be called forth from the caves near Lake Avernus. Avernus was the Roman name for a volcanic crater near Cumae (Cuma), Italy, in the Region of Campania west of Naples. Part of the Phlegraean Fields of volcanoes, Avernus is approximately 3.2 kilometres [2 mi] in circumference. Avernus was believed to be the entrance to the underworld, and is portrayed as such in the Aeneid of Virgil. The name comes from the Greek word ἄορνος, meaning 'without birds', because according to tradition, all birds flying over the lake were destined to fall dead. This was likely due to the toxic fumes the crater gave off into the atmosphere. On the shores of the lake is the grotto of the Cumaean Sibyl and the entrance to a long tunnel leading toward Cumae, where her sanctuary and the temple of Apollo was located.

After the munera there was to be a special feast (Epulum) at the Villa, with the two chief guests being Marcus and Titus, and so Petronius needed to speak with the Septemviri Epulonum, and then send them on the Terentius, to make the appropriate arrangements.

The Septemviri Epulonum were priests who prepared the sacred feasts for munera, processions and other solemn occasions. A public banquet was called an epulum. The Septemviri Epulonum also assumed the role as assistants to the pontifices.

The munera for Gracchus was the first occasion on which Marcus and Novius had not been able to agree. Novius favoured a munera in the fashion of the munera ad Augustum, that the late Dominus had staged on the birth date of the 'Divine Augustus'. That munera had been conducted along ancient Etruscan lines.

Marcus felt that it had been organised badly, and had resulted in the unintended death of Ferox, a favourite of the late Dominus, and a close friend of Petronius. Marcus also felt that ancient Etruscan ritual was no longer appropriate in the new culture that was evolving since the accession of Vespasian.

Instead, Marcus favoured a simple series of gladiatorial duels, (4), 'ad mortem', in the arena, preceded by a repeat reading of the Eulogy, this time by Lucius (who, unlike Marcus, spoke with an elegant Latin accent), and then there would be the Epulum (see above) at the villa. For Marcus that would be enough, as there would later be more ceremonies at the conclusion of the period of mourning (see below).

Novius was not happy, but as Marcus was Dominus, and Novius was obliged to accept Marcus' decision.

With the day of the cremation began the 'Nine Days of Sorrow,' solemnly observed by the immediate family. Some time during this period the burned bones were crushed into powder and placed in an ōlla (funerary urn) of earthenware, glass, alabaster, bronze, and with bare feet and loosened girdles carried them into the sepulcrum. At the end of the nine days the Sacrificium Novendiāle (Sacrifice of the Nine days) was offered to the dead and the Cēna Novendiālis (Feast of the Nine Days) took place at the house. On this day, too, the heirs (in the case, Marcus) formally entered upon their inheritance. The period of mourning, however, was not concluded on the ninth day. For husband or wife, ascendants, and grown descendants mourning was worn for ten months, the ancient year, for other adult relatives, eight months, for children between the ages of three and ten years, for as many months as they were years old. The memory of the dead was kept alive by regularly recurring Diēs Festus de Praecepto (days of obligation) of both public and private character. To the former belong the Parentālia, or Diēs Parentālēs, lasting from the thirteenth to the twenty-first of February, the final day being especially distinguished as the Fērālia. To the latter belong the annual celebration of the birthday (or the day of cremation) of the person commemorated, and the festivals of violets and roses (Violāria et Rosāria), about the end of March and May respectively, when violets and roses were distributed among the relatives and laid upon the graves or heaped over the urns. On all these occasions offerings were made in the temples to the gods, and at the tombs to the Mānēs of the dead (see above), and the lamps were lighted in the tombs, and at the tombs the relatives feasted together and offered food to their dead.

During his musings, when viewing the arena from the Pulvinus, Marcus had been giving some thought to a Mausoleum. Terentius could provide no information about the tomb of the late Dominus' father, or even Gnaeus' late wife, so Marcus thought it would be appropriate to have a new mausoleum constructed for future members of the House of Gracchus, hopefully to be designed by Lucius Septimius Severus (see above).

Roman tombs for the wealthy (like Gracchus) are planned with the thought that the tomb was to be a home for the dead and that they were not altogether cut off from the living. The tomb, therefore, whether built for one person or for many, was ordinarily a building enclosing a room (sepulcrum); this room was the most important part of the tomb. The floor of the sepulcrum is commonly below the level of the surrounding grounds and is reached by a short flight of steps. Around the base of the walls runs a slightly elevated platform. Urns are placed either on the platform, or in the niches in the wall. An altar is included, at which offerings would br made to the Mānēs of the departed (see above). Lamps are essential, and the walls, floors, and ceilings are decorated in the same style as those of houses, and an effort is made to give an air of life to the chamber of rest. For the wealthy (like Gracchus), private gardens would surround the Mausoleum, with marble benches and covered areas, where the relatives could gather to partake of outdoor meals on their visits.

In Thermopolium
At the restaurant

Petronius returned from his various tasks in the amphitheater, determined to try to cheer up Marcus, as his master was obviously feeling the effects of all the recent, somber events.

"Let's go for a snack in a thermopolium nearby, and relax," Petronius said, as he came up the stairs to where Marcus was sitting in the Pulvinus.

"Good idea!" Marcus said, waking from his mournful reverie. "We'll go to the one where we used to go and plan the Games, when I first started to help you with the amphitheater," Marcus said, wistfully remembering those early, carefree days, when things seemed to be so simple."

"It was then that we first discussed that idea of staging a tableau of Patroclus and Achilles, from the Iliad, and we still haven't managed to do it," Petronius said, regretfully.

"Well we could do it for these upcoming Games, but I think that it should be separate from the executions of the four conspirators. I am determined that their deaths should be as demeaning and humiliating as possible, as a definite and extreme warning to anyone who might copy their actions," Marcus said quite fiercely.

"Yes, I think that I must agree with you there. It should be similar to the execution of Atticus," Petronius concurred.

"Yes…I remember that. At the time I was quite shocked by what you did to him, but in the end I realised that it was all that he deserved," Marcus said, recollecting the events of the first occasion that he had accompanied the late Dominus to the Amphitheater.

Atticus, who had wrongly killed and mutilated Ferox, was impaled through his anus, emasculated and finally allowed to drown in his own blood, after his throat had been cut.

"Well… I think that's settled!" Marcus said firmly. "Perhaps you can get things organised in the next few days?" Marcus continued.

"Of course, Dominus!" Petronius replied.

"And I think it may be a good idea, when we are in a place like this, if you stopped calling me 'Dominus', or the other people eating here will think that you are my slave," Marcus said.

"Of course Marcus, but it's become a bit of a habit, and I really wonder if they would think that I was a slave, dressed the way I am," Petronius explained.

"That's true." Marcus replied. "But I still think its would be better, after all, we are just two Roman citizens, the only difference being that I am your patron," Marcus explained.

"Of course!" Petronius replied, not wanting to pursue the matter.

"Now what is really worrying me is young Demetrius," Marcus said quietly. "He comes to us from the Domus, in Rome, with Servius, gets locked in a room, Servius then abducts him by horseback to his villa, and then the pair of them are brought back to our villa by guards, and Servius disappears into the Ludus, and Demetrius gets locked up in a room again. Then he has interviews with Novius that he can't even remember, and then Novius takes him to Baiae, and buys him some beautiful clothes. He then meets me, has his name changed to its Roman form, gets his slave collar removed, and is given a bulla, my bulla, like a young freeborn boy, and then you take him to the beach. Finally he goes to the funeral of someone that he never knew, who he was told was probably murdered by the young man he had sex with just a few days before, and then he helps to light the funeral pyre, in the presence of numerous very influential people, and the son and heir of the Emperor!" Marcus explained.

"That's true," Petronius said in a non-committal way.

"And he has said nothing about all this to you?" Marcus asked.

"Nothing…," Petronius answered. "I think that he is suffering from shock, and we should be very careful how we treat him. I think that we should consult Agathon and Novius before we allow him to attend the Ludi, where Servius will be executed," Petronius said, carefully.

"I agree… but now I must return to the villa, to see that all is in order, and collect Titus and some other guests for the munera," Marcus said, rising from his seat, and patting Petronius on the shoulder.

"Good. I will return to the Amphitheater and get things ready," Petronius said, as they both left the thermopolium.

Munera pro Gnaeo Graccho
The Spectacle for Gnaeus Gracchus

Marcus rode back to the villa, accompanied by villa guards. When he arrived at the villa he found Titus in the Peristyle garden (leading off from his private apartments), sitting with Adonios, and quietly feeding and tickling Glaux. Not quite what Marcus expected from the fearsome general, who had subdued Judea. And Marcus was just hoping that Titus had not taken a liking to Adonios in the way that Nymphidius had become infatuated with Petram, something that had subsequently caused no end of trouble.

Regardless, Marcus politely reminded Titus that the munera was to start soon, and so Glaux flew up and took his usual position on Marcus shoulder, and Titus returned to his suite to change into his parade armour.

Adonios tried to creep away, unnoticed.

"Adonios!" Marcus said sternly. "Be careful who you get friendly with!"

"Yes, Dominus, I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking," Adonios replied, and scuttled off to arrange Marcus' clothes.

Marcus then changed into his formal 'legatus' armour, while the boys put on their black and gold tunics. He then went and collected Demetrius from Petronius' apartment.

Just as before carriages lined up at the main entrance to the villa, and outriders mounted up, ready to escort the procession. On this occasion Marcus rode with Titus and Demetrius in the first carriage, and Adonios (with Glaux), Aurarius, Terentius and Novius followed in the second carriage, and then numerous other carriages followed.

Only those directly connected to the House of Gracchus, or invited guest were expected to wear mourning, and for many of the citizens of Baiae the event was simply a welcome return to the Games, even if the number of contests was severely limited. The last proper Games that had taken place in the town were for the Accession of Vespasian (father of Titus) as Emperor, some considerable time before. That had been a spectacular Games, complete with tableaus, the torture of criminals and executions. The only reason why this munera was popular, however, was that all four fights were ad mortem (to the death), and so there promised to be not only vicious, hard fought contests, but also four guaranteed and bloody deaths. And then, of course there were the long awaited Games in thanksgiving for for recovery of the new Dominus, which would take place after the nine days of mourning of the late Dominus.

The carriages arrive at the amphitheater, and the street outside the Ingressus Magni (Grand Entrance) was crowded with town folk, making their way to the other entrances. There was a respectful silence as Marcus and Titus left their carriage, and mounted the steps that led to the prothyrum (foyer).

Once again there would be an elaborate sacrifice of black bullocks to the Manes, conducted by priest, but on this occasion the animals were already tethered in the Ludus, garlanded and with their horns gilded, waiting to be led into the arena.

The guests made their way up the grand staircase to the Pulvinar, and as they entered the box, once again there was the blare of tubae (Roman trumpets), and cornua (horns), giving a salute to Marcus and Titus, but on this occasion, no drums.

Note: the word pulvinar originally referred to a cushioned or upholstered seat, later it was used to describe the Imperial Box, to be found in Circuses and Amphitheaters, particularly in Rome. The 'Editors Box' in the Amphitheater of Gracchus was re-designate a Pulvinar for the 'Ludi for the Accession of Vespasian', and it was subsequently enlarged and re-fitted, and given porphyry perfume burners and new drapes.

There was, with the munera, considerably less solemnity that there had been with the Funeral of the Late Dominus itself. Equally, the Pompa (Opening Parade) was a much simpler affair, with a procession of arena slaves, trumpet and horn players, the sacrificial animals, along with the priests and their attendants, and finally the eight young gladiators.

Those eight young Gladiators then lined up in front of the Pulvinar, raised their swords, and shouted in unison, "Ave dominus!" (no, not 'we who are about to die salute you', that's a myth)

Lucius (Marcus' Latin tutor), then stood forward and gave a superb rendition, in the finest Latin, (with no trace of Marcus' Greek accent) of the eulogy that Marcus had previously read at the funeral of Gracchus.

The priests then began their solemn ritual of sacrifice, before the real sacrifice of four young gladiators took place.

With prayers praising the Genius of Gnaeus Octavianus Gracchus, which were intended to placate his spirit, and obtain his blessings and assistance, the bullocks were stunned with a heavy hammer, and their throats cut in front of a temporary altar.

In Roman religion, the genius is the individual instance of a general divine nature that is present in every individual person. The rational powers and abilities of every human being were attributed to their soul, which was a 'genius'. It was extremely important in the Roman mind to propitiate by sacrifice (the blood of the bullocks and the gladiators) the appropriate genii (in this case the genius of the late Gracchus) for the major undertakings and events of their lives, the undertaking on this occasion being Marcus inheriting the position of Dominus of the House of Gracchus (which would technically occur at the end of the period of mourning).

It was then time for the first pair of gladiators to start fighting, ad mortem. As these fights were not supposed to be 'partisan contests', all the gladiators wore identical equipment, consisting a protective leather belts for shoulders and belly, and leather metal studded guards for ankles, wrists and neck. Each also wore a very brief, leather thong, for support, rather than modesty or protection. Each fighter was armed with a gladius, and a shield of choice, if he so desired, and also a lightweight helmet.

Also, below the Pulvinar, a number of spears and tridents had been rammed, point first, into the sand, so that fighters could change their weapon of choice during the contest.

Because of the identical equipment and the helmets it was impossible to tell who was who, apart from the color of the plume on the helmet, although only the guests in the Pulvinar had scrolls which detailed which color referred to which fighter. The reason for this anonymity was so that the munera could be seen to be a serious religious event, and not a popular contest, with the audience cheering on one fighter against another, a detail that the late Dominus had omitted from his Munera ad Augustum. The logic was that the God, in this case the ubiquitous Apollo (the patron of the Divine Octavian Augustus, and now the patron of Octavian Gracchus, Marcus), would decide who was worthy to die, and offer their blood to the Manes.

INFORMATION, Roman Gladiators' helmets, About 80 per cent, of surviving gladiators' helmets come from the gladiatorial barracks at Pompeii. These helmets appear to provides direct evidence of what an ancient combatant in that arena would have worn, only a few years before the Colosseum's inauguration. Yet it is far too good to be true, quite literally. Most of the helmets are lavishly decorated, with embossed with figures of barbarians paying homage to the goddess 'Roma' (the personification of the city), of the mythical strongman Hercules, and with a variety of other more or obviously appropriate scenes. It perhaps fits well with Martial's emphasis on the arena's sophisticated play with stories from classical mythology that one of these helmets is decorated with figures of the Muses. It is also extremely heavy. The average weight of the helmets from Pompeii is about 4-5 kilos, which is about twice that of a standard Roman soldier's helmet, and the heaviest of these 'gladiatorial' helmets weighs in at an almost ridiculous 7 kilos! Add to this the fact that none of these items of armour them seem to show any sign of wear and tear, no nasty bash where a sword or a trident came down fiercely, no dent where the shield rolled off and hit the ground. It is hard to resist the suspicion that these magnificent objects were not actually gladiatorial equipment, in regular use, but were, in fact, items of 'parade armour' worn only during the pompa, to be replaced by more practical equipment as soon as the fighting started Even the lightweight 'fighting helmets (featured in this section of the Story of Gracchus were not very practical, giving the fighter a very restricted view. In addition, the 'cut' of the helmet, if we are to accept surviving examples, and graphic depictions, makes it very difficult to rotate the head, to look around, and almost impossible to look down. So, to keep the weight to a reasonable level, the helmets also needed to be made of relatively light 'plate', that usually would not stop a spear or trident thrust (see the Tertium Certamine), or in many cases, even a blow from a gladius.

MUNERA - In ancient Rome, munera (Latin plural) were public works provided for the benefit of the Roman people (populus Romanus) by individuals of high status and wealth. The word munera, (singular munus), significantly means 'duty' or 'obligation', expressing the individual's responsibility to provide a service. munera were 'duties' or 'obligations' provided by an individual, in contrast to the public ludi, (Games), athletic contests and various spectacles. The most significant of the munera were the gladiatorial contests, which were staged as a 'service' or 'gift' rendered to the illustrious dead at Funeral Games, as in the case of the Munera Pro Graccho, which followed shortly after the funeral.

***

WARNING:
the following paragraphs are focused on gladiator fights with gory deaths
If you don't like that, go directly to the conclusion

***

Primum Certamen, Fortis et Impavidus
The First Combat, Fortis ['Strong'] and Impavidus ['Fearless']

The first contest was between two evenly matched fighters – one sporting a red plume on his helmet, and the other a black plume.

The red boy, Impavidus, initially took the dominant role, taking the fight vigorously to his opponent, Fortis, whose helmet had a black plume. Fortis was a little slow, parrying weakly, and soon, realising that he was up against a more skilful opponent, dodged over to the weapons beneath the Pulvinar, and exchanged his gladius for a spear. The atmosphere in the arena was strange, as there was little of the cheering, applauding or calling out advice (usually ill-advised) to the seemingly anonymous fighters.

However, when Fortis armed himself with a spear, the audience began to take notice, as the boy now had the distinct advantage of extra reach. The spear had a metal shaft, rather than wood, so there was no way that Impavidus could simply cut through it, and his only hope was to try and knock the weapon out of his opponent's hand, which was rather difficult, and unlikely. So Impavidus was unable to get close enough to his opponent to cut or thrust, while Fortis always had the chance to get through the defence of Impavidus' gladius and shield and thrust into him.

As the fight continued Fortis began using his spear two-handed, using the rounded pommel on the butt to smack his opponent, and deflect sword blows. Eventually Fortis managed to bring the metal shaft of his spear up between Impavidus' legs, striking him hard in the groin, and crushing his testicles, which bulged in the tiny, tight leather pouch of his thong, between his muscular thighs and his pubic bone.

"Fuck!… My bollocks!…" Impavidus groaned, as he unintentionally dropped his gladius, and his shield, as both his hands went to his groin to 'cup' his badly damaged testicles.

Wanting to ensure that his opponent could not possibly recover, Fortis repeated the move, and once again his spear shaft smashed into Impavidus' groin, now partly protected by Impavidus' clutching hands. Impavidus' attempts to protect himself, however, met with little success, as the blow connected with his bulging scrotum, while at the same time fracturing three of Impavidus' fingers. Having had his hands badly injured Impavidus, maybe foolishly, let his hands drop to his sides, giving Fortis a completely unprotected target. By this time Fortis' 'tool' was straining against the thin, gazelle skin leather of his tiny thong, threatening to force its way out.

In a normal Ludi, having completely incapacitated his opponent Fortis would rape the boy, (prior to castrating and killing him) while being applauded by the audience. This, however, was a Munera, and Petronius had made it clear that there was to be no sex. There were other ways of raping his opponent, though, so Fortis gave a final blow with the spear shaft to Impavidus' groin, undoubtedly completely mangling the poor boy's testicles, and leaving the effectively emasculated lad standing, with his knees pulled together, pathetically moaning.

"No more!…", Impavidus mumbled. "I give!…" but in this fight surrender was not an option the contest was ad mortem.

Seeing his opponent helpless and defenceless, Fortis then lunged forward, thrusting the sharp tip of his spear into Impavidus' lower belly, between his supposedly protective wide leather belt, and the thin leather pouch of his tiny thong.

"Shit!… I'm fuckin' skewered!…" Impavidus shrieked, stating the obvious, as the bloody spear tip penetrated him, and finally protruded well out from his back.

The audience gasped, and the two fighters stood motionless, facing each other. Impavidus with a spear through his abdomen, and poking out of his back, and Fortis, unable to believe his good fortune, simply looking at his opponent, who was grasping at his damaged groin with one hand, and holding onto the spear shaft with the other hand. Fortis looked up at the Pulvinar, where Petronius gestured impatiently for Fortis to get on with the fight. Fortis then pulled at his spear, which gradually emerged from Impavidus' body, at the same time gradually causing the badly wounded boy to topple over, forwards, onto the sand, landing on his face.

Impavidus was moaning, and still clutching at his groin, with his backside held high in the air. "My balls!… Please!… My fuckin' bollocks!" Impavidus groaned.

While Peritus and Animos who was just putting on his helmet – looked on – Fortis carefully aimed his spear, and thrust in between Impavidus' buttocks. Impavidus' thong was backless, and it was easy to aim for his twitching anus, and impale the boy's rectum.

"Fuck!… My fuckin' arsehole!…" Impavidus groaned, raising his backside even higher.

Fortis then guided the spear downwards, so that in emerged at about the same point as the spear had entered the boy's abdomen from the front earlier. Fortis then continued the thrust, so that the spear tip was driven into the sand, and the wooden flooring below, so that the unfortunate Impavidus was pinned to the floor of the arena.

"No! … Please!… Help!…", Impavidus screamed, as he squirmed pathetically on the sand.

With his opponent pinned and helpless, Fortis ripped off Impavidus' helmet Then, taking out his pugio (knife), Fortis bent down and cut away Impavidus' tiny leather thong. Immediately, with the leather pouch no longer held in place, Impavidus' large penis and his mangled scrotum swung free.

"Shit!" Impavidus cried out, realizing that he was naked. "No!… Not that!…" Impavidus then shrieked, realizing that he was probably about to be emasculated.

Fortis then grabbed hold of the young fighters bulky genitals, while Impavidus grabbed at Fortis' hand, trying to prevent himself from losing his 'manhood'.

"Get off !…" Impavidus screamed, feeling his 'privates' being violently pulled.

Fortis soon put a stop to Impavidus' interference, however, by slicing off a couple of the frantic boy's fingers. Impavidus then sprayed the sand with urine, in sheer terror.

"Shit…!…" Impavidus sobbed, as Fortis pulled down on the helpless boy's genitals, twisting them cruelly as he did so.

Fortis then leisurely cut through the trembling boy's root of the helpless boy's genitals, as Impavidus squealed like a girl. He then deftly removed the boy's partially erect, dribbling penis, and his bulging scrotum, containing his badly damaged testicles, in one cut.

"Fuck!…You cunt!" Impavidus grunted, with a tone of resignation, as he felt the appalling pain as his genitals came away from his hairy groin. Impavidus then knew that he was to die as a pathetic eunuch with absolutely nothing between his legs!

Fortis standing over his completely defeated opponent, then held up the moaning boy's severed genitals, showing them to the audience and the guests in the Pulvinar and was greeted with polite applause. Fortis then dropped the bloody severed organs onto the sand by Impavidus' face, and picked up his defeated opponent's gladius.

Then with Impavidus gazing in disbelief at his bloody, privates, which were lying on the sand right in front of his face Fortis, who was standing over the groaning boy, thrust the gladius into the upper part of Impavidus' back, effectively piercing the shocked and horrified lad's heart.

Impavidus, in response, grunted, "Cunt!"and blood gushed from his mouth and nostrils, and urine again sprayed onto the sand from the bloody stump that was all that remained of his genitals. Impavidus convulsed a few time on the sand, as the spear impaling his anus jerked obscenely and then he lay still, presumed to be dead.

The audience applauded and the first contest of the Munera was ended.

Intervallum I
First Interval

Unlike in a normal Ludi, the munera had no distractions between events.

Normally there would be jugglers, dancers or harioli (what we would describe as 'clowns', mimicking previous fights or mythological themes), but for a munera, being a serious and 'religious' event, the audience were left to reflect (possibility on the fragility of mortality), while the arena slaves tidied up Impavidus' corpse, removing the spear from the naked lad's anus, and the sword from his back, in preparation for dragging it by the ankles to the 'Porta Libitinaria', with its magnificent new gilded bronze gates, so recently installed by the late Dominus.

Libitina, also Libentina or Lubentina, is an ancient Roman goddess of funerals and burial. Her name was used as a metonymy for death, and undertakers were known as libitinarii. Libitina was associated with Venus, and the name appears in some authors as an epithet of Venus. Libitina is regarded as Etruscan in origin. The name is perhaps derived from Etruscan lupu-, 'to die'.

The sand in the area, where blood and any other bodily fluids had been shed, was then removed, and new sand was quickly laid and raked. While the cleanup was underway, with nothing to distract them, the audience were left to discuss quietly the previous contest. What the audience, or the guests in the Pulvinar did not know was that Impavidus was not dead. This occasionally happened during the Ludi. Obviously, if a fighter had his neck broken, his head cut off or his throat cut there could be little doubt that he was dead. In Impavidus' case, however, the final stroke had been through the back, presumably piercing his heart, and then lodging in the sand. Fortis, however, was a relatively inexperienced fighter, and had, just by a fraction, missed Impavidus' heart.

When the supposedly dead boy arrived in the Spolarium, where the Libitinari, and his assistants, who were responsible for preparing the corpses of fighters for disposal were waiting, they started to strip the bloody corpse. The tiny leather thong had already been cut away, when Impavidus had been emasculated, but there were lots of belts and harnesses to be removed. As they set about their work Impavidus' started groaning, and looking around, obviously still alive, but very seriously injured.

"Fuck!… He's still alive!" the startled Libitinari said to his colleagues.

"Well… not for long!" the libitinari continued, picking up a large meatcleaver.

"Sorry, son, but it's better this way!" he said to Impavidus, who was only vaguely aware of what was happening, and with one swing he severed the young gladiator's head from the body, and placed it on the marble slab, alongside the severed genitals.

Marcus and Petronius, of course, luxuriously ensconced in the Pulvinar, and chatting to Titus, were completely unaware of the somewhat gruesome goings on in the Spolarium, but after the munera the senior libitinari would feel duty bound to report the matter to Petronius, with dire results for Fortis.

Fortis, however, was equally unaware of what had happened to his erstwhile opponent, and was quite happily making his way through the massive 'Porta Sanavivaria' (Gate of Life), recently remodeled by the late Dominus.

Secundum Certamen, Peritus et Celer
Second Combat, Peritus ['Skillful'] and Celer ['Fast']

The second contest was between Celer (wearing a yellow plume in his helmet) and Peritus (wearing a pale blue plume in his helmet). Pertius, by his very name was considered to be a skilled and experienced fighter, while Celer was renowned for his agility. None of the lads, who were fighting in the Munera, had been expecting to see the row of spears and tridents, driven vertically into the sand, and apparently available as weapons for the fighters.

The only problem was the need to get over to where they were, while fending off one's opponent It was obvious to those who had been observing the first fight that Impavidus had not realised that those supernumerary weapons were available, and that his defeat, mutilation and apparent death was undoubtedly caused by Fortis exchanging his gladius for a spear and skilfully using the spear against Impavidus' gladius.

So when Celer took his place, as marked out by the arena-slaves, in front of Peritus, his obvious intention was to get to a spear or trident as quickly as possible. Of course Peritus had very much the same idea, but being more experienced, he realised that there was an inherent danger in breaking his defence to swap weapons. In the case of the previous contest, Impavidus had been completely taken by surprise when Fortis had dodged to one side to get the spear, but in this fight both boys knew that such a manoeuvre was a distinct possibility.

The contest opened with circling and feinting moves, as both fighters attempted to slowly approach to where the additional weapons were invitingly placed. Right from the beginning, Peritus had a problem because Celer used his gladius in his left hand.

In case you're wondering, this little ruse – the 'extra' weapons – had been the rather sneaky idea of Petronius, who was concerned that without some additional attraction (what we would describe today as a 'gimmick'), the Munera would be in danger of being a somewhat predictable and boring affair , and would possibly fall flat with the audience. Petronius particularly wanted to maintain interest in the arena among the townspeople of Baiae and the wealthy visitors to the resort, so that attendance would be good for the Ludi which would follow the nine days period of mourning.

Soon the atmosphere in the arena became very tense, as the two young fighters repeatedly moved towards the area close to the Pulvinar, where the additional weapons stood, and then, in a flurry of parries and feints, moved away. It was inevitable that eventually one or other of the lads would make a break, and grab one of the spears or a trident. Finally it happened, and Celer took the chance, dropping his gladius (not a move to be advised), and reaching out for one of the spears. Unfortunately, for Celer, he had inadvertently 'telegraphed' (of course the Romans did not have telegraphs, so perhaps 'signalled' is better) his intention to his experienced opponent. It was so fast that many in the audience missed it, but 'eagle eyed', Petronius – used to action in the arena – saw it coming and nudged Marcus.

As Celer reached out, grabbing a spear, Peritus lunged forward, sweeping his gladius downwards at the same time. The gladius instantly sliced through Celer's wrist, severing it neatly, (and very accurately), just above the boy's metal studded leather wrist band.

"SHIT!…" Celer squealed, his cry echoing across the arena, as the spear, with his severed hand still grasping it, fell to the sand. Immediately blood starting spurting from the boy's severed wrist, and Celer dropped his shield, and grabbed at his mutilated stump. Celer's position was now completely hopeless (and now you know why these fighters almost always wear metal studded wrist guards - but they are not always effective.).

The stupid boy, in an attempt to arm himself more effectively than his opponent, now found himself totally unarmed and completely unable to defend himself, even with his hands - or fists. His left hand was clamped to his right wrist to try and control the bleeding from his right arm, which had no hand.

Peritus then dropped his shield, which he no longer needed, and strode up to his blubbering opponent. After cutting off Celer's right hand, Peritus pulled up Celer's arms, (which were still locked together, as Celer was gripping with all his might onto his mutilated wrist to try and control the bleeding). Celer was now quite helpless, with only one hand, which he was using it to try and staunch the bleeding from his mutilated wrist, and he was unable to defend himself in any way.

Peritus had decided to disembowel Celer, but before his did that he decided to well and truly disable the terrified fighter. To do this Peritus kneed the helpless lad in the groin a number of times. Because Celer was wearing a triple silver ring round the base of his penis and scrotum (in order to make the bulge in his thong more prominent – another of Petronius' ideas), the unfortunate lad's testicles had nowhere to go when Peritus' knee came up, as they were pushed forward in front of his thighs. They thus made a perfect target, and Peritus kneed Celer so hard that both testicles were completely ruptured, effectively making the poor lad a eunuch.

"Shit!… my fuckin' bollocks!" Celer squealed as he felt his testicles burst, and turn to mush. Celer was then completely helpless, and was unable to grab at what little was left of his 'manhood', or even sink to his knees as as Peritus was holding him up by his left arm. Peritus was then handed a gladius by one of the watching gladiators, and began the process of disembowelling young Celer.

NOTE: Ruptured testicles can, in some cases, result in death if not immediately treated, (so do not try this at home). The Romans, however, had no means of treating such injuries – so Celer was, in fact, fatally injured – and also, technically castrated, and therefore a eunuch. Equally, disembowelling will inevitably result in death - again if not treated immediately. In the arena, however, any contest was required to end in the dismissal or death of the defeated fighter at the end of the contest, so the kind of injuries that Celer had suffered were quickly brought to an end with either throat cutting or decapitation.

Peritus then thrust the gladius (but not deeply) into the lower part of Celer's abdomen, cutting through the waistband of Celer's leather thong as he did so.

"Fuck!…" Celer grunted, looking down at his pierced belly. The thong partially dropped away, exposing the boy's neatly trimmed pubic hair, and then dropped away completely, exposing Celer's penis and and his now appallingly swollen scrotum.

Peritus then very slowly pulled the gladius upwards. It was a perfect disembowelling cut, obviously made by an expert swordsman.

Celer, started grunting, and his slashed belly heaved and twitched, and then suddenly his intestines started to slither out of his belly cavity as he sank to his knees.

"Oh …Shit!…I can't fuckin' stop it!" Celer groaned in terror. It wasn't clear to the other fighters watching him if he meant stopping the flow of blood from his wrist, or stopping his guts from sliding out of his slashed belly. The poor boy stood looking at his colleagues, as if pleading for help, as he moved from one foot to the other, almost as if he were contemplating trying to run from the arena.

A gesture from Petronius in the Pulvinar indicated that he wanted the young gladiator's helmet removed as the audience appreciated seeing the expression on the faces of fighters in their final agonized moments. By then Celer, appalled by the pain in his belly, the pain from his darkening and swelling scrotum, and the pain from his mutilated arm, had decided to try to stuff his guts back inside himself. As he desperately, and with only one hand, tried to push his slimy, smelly guts back into his belly, he gave no resistance as Peritus roughly pulled off his helmet.

"You cunt!" Celer screamed, as as blood dribbled from his mouth onto his chest. At the same time the naked lad lost control of himself, and emptied his bladder onto his severed hand, which was lying on the sand in front of him. He then started to fart, noisily voiding what was left of the contents of his bowels.

The other gladiators, and arena-slaves, stood around watching Celer screaming, urinating and noisily defecating on the sand, and waited for a further sign from Petronius that the naked, pain-crazed fighter should be 'finished off'. Once Petronius thought that the audience had their fill of watching the pathetic boy trying to prevent his guts from sliding out of his slit belly, he gave the sign to Peritus.

Peritus, who was decidedly 'aroused' in his tiny leather thong, (a regular result of the excitement of defeating and killing an opponent), then walked behind the kneeling squealing boy, grabbed his hair, and pulled Celer's head back.

"No!… Please!…Fuck, NO! " Celer gurgled, spraying blood from his mouth as he cried out, but it was no use as, with one deft cut, Peritus sliced open the naked, disembowelled boy's neck.

"Cunt!" Celer gurgled as he convulsed in a gush of frothing blood. As he died, the blood gushed from his neck, nose and mouth, while the twitching boy sprayed even more urine over the arena sand from his penis, which had now, in his final moments, become obscenely stiff and erect. Now, firmly holding onto his huge, engorged penis, the dying, and now inappropriately 'aroused' fighter keeled over to his right, and flopped down onto the sand.

"I wanna cum!…" Celer gurgled, spraying blood from his mouth onto the sand. The other gladiators, watching, laughed, knowing the boy was in his final moments. And those were Celer's last words…

Moments later he trembled violently, gasped and was dead.

(While Celer had technically been, castrated – having had both testicles completely crushed [ruptured] – he at least was able to leave the arena with his genitals and symbolically, his 'manhood', apparently intact)

Peritus faced the Pulvinar, and raised his gladius. Petronius waved in appreciation, and an arena slave accompanied the victorious Peritus, as he strode out of the arena to the massive 'Porta Sanavivaria' (Gate of Life). Meanwhile, arena slaves had the unpleasant task of shoveling up Celer's bloody, stinking bowels and shit, and recovering the boy's severed hand, and dragging the now naked but still 'horny' corpse, to the Spolarium.

As young Celer was dragged by his ankles from the arena, he was still tightly gripping his stiff cock, as if to show the the audience that, even in death, he was still virile. Once most of the traces of the fight had been removed, arena-slaves sprinkled fresh sand, in readiness for the next contest.

Like all the gladiators who were killed in the arena, Celer was dragged by his ankles, through the Porta Libitinaria, and taken to the Spoliarium. There a careful check was made to ensure that he was actually dead, but with his throat slit open, and his guts hanging out of his belly that was hardly required. All the dead gladiators were placed on a marble slab when they arrived in Spoliarium, and then totally stripped of any clothing or armour that they had been wearing in the arena. Because Agathon, the physician for the Ludus, (and often some of his students), would want to see the bodies, and possibly dissect them, the bodies were always washed and 'tidied up'.

In this case, word had been sent down that Petronius himself wished to inspect the corpse of Celer. Celer had been a particular favourite of Petronius (although nothing had passed between them), but he wished to take a last look at the good looking boy before the body was given its 'last rites'. Being a death resulting from a Munera, rather that a Ludi, Celer, along with the other gladiators defeated during Gracchus' Munera, would be cremated.

Celer was laid out on a slab, with his guts still protruding (before the cremation his belly, and the wound in his neck would be sewn up by one of Agathon's assistants). The suffering that young Celer had endured was visibly etched on his face, and Petronius was unhappy about the outcome of this particular fight.

Intervallum II
Second Interval

"That was an excellent fight!" Titus said enthusiastically to Marcus. "That boy Peritus is a real expert with a gladius, and also knows how to 'keep his head', in both senses of the word." Tiitus continued.

"Well you can put that down to Petronius, he's the one responsible for the fighters in the arena. I'm not really an expert. I just come up with the money, and, occasionally, some of the ideas," Marcus explained, modestly.

"And tell me," Titus continued, "this scroll which gives details about the munera, how is it that all the boys have Latin names?"

"Well, we have a custom here, begun by the late Dominus, of giving most of the villa slaves Greek names, and the Amphitheater slaves Roman names. As you can probably see, a number of today's fighters are Greeks, fair hair and blue eyes, but we still give them Roman names."

At the present time most Greeks are relatively short, with black hair and swarthy complexions. This is due to the influx of Turks, Arabs and Anatolians and people from the Levant. The original Greeks, the Dorians and Achaeans were fair haired, pale skinned, and blue eyed. In Roman times most Greek slaves were tall and fair, unlike the way they are inaccurately portrayed in most movies and TV series, as short and dark. Marcus' Greek slaves, and also Cleon [now dead] are all fair haired.

While Marcus and Titus were talking, during the interval between the fights, an arena slave arrived in the Pulvinar with a message for Petronius. It was, of course, from the Libitinari, to explain about Fortis 'bungling' the killing of Impavidus. Petronius scowled, and gave the order for Fortis to be confined to a cell in the Ludus.

Before Marcus could ask Petronius what the problem was, the next contest was announced.

Tertium Certamen, Animos et Flavus
Third Combat, Animos ['Courageous'] and Flavus ['The Blond']

Animos (wearing a green plume) was to face Flavus (wearing an orange plume) (so named after his fair hair, a Greek boy, see above). After watching the previous contest, both the fighters were in two minds about attempting to exchange their gladius or shield for a weapon with a longer reach.

Celer, losing his right hand; being made helpless, and then being brutally defeated, had been shocking and a clear warning. However, the thought of having a far longer reach, and being able to avoid an opponent's thrusting gladius was very enticing.

And so the fight began, and continued, very much along the lines of the previous fight between Celer and Peritus, with circling and feinting moves, as both fighters attempted to position themselves close to where the additional weapons were placed. Eventually Flavus managed to dodge forward and; dropping his shield, he grabbed a trident.

Now a trident was usually used by a retiarius, a type of arena fighter (often referred to erroneously as a type of 'gladiator', although gladiators, by definition (gladiator is Latin for 'swordsman') fight with swords). The late Dominus did not favour the Retiarius, and they rarely appeared in the amphitheater in Baiae.

A retiarius (plural retiarii; literally, 'net-man' or 'net-fighter' in Latin) was a fighter who fought with equipment styled on that of a fisherman's net: a weighted net (rete, hence the name), a three-pointed trident (fuscina or tridens), and a dagger (pugio). The retiarius was lightly armoured, wearing an arm guard (manica) and a shoulder guard (galerus). Typically, his clothing consisted only of a loincloth held in place by a belt. He wore no head protection or footwear (in fact modern research indicates that almost no arena fighters wore footwear) . The retiarius' reliance on evasive tactics meant that many considered the retiarius the lowliest (and most effeminate) of an already stigmatised (i.e. arena fighter) class. Interestingly, the more skin left unarmoured and exposed, the greater his perceived effeminacy, and so the mainly un-armoured fighters who appeared in the Amphitheatrum Gracchi were perceived as somewhat effeminate, but this was consistent with their youth, as they were presented as ephebes, which appealed to the tastes of the philhellene patricians, mainly from Rome, who patronised these particular Games.

And so Flavus was now armed with a gladius and a trident, while his opponent, Animos had a gladius and a shield. The ensuing battle, with Flavus' trident crashing against Animos' shield, and both fighters' swords making thrusts and counter swings produced an exciting, noisy and, for both fighters, an exhausting fight. Eventually, it became a question of who would tire first, and who would lose concentration, and make the crucial mistake that would end in a possibly fatal thrust.

Because the trident was rarely used in the Amphitheatrum Gracchi, a fighter such as Animos had little experience of how the weapon was used. Flavus, the Greek boy, had fought in the amphitheater in Corinth, and he was very familiar with how the trident should be used.

It was in Corinth that Gracchus had first spotted the boy, on one of his many visits to his estates in Greece. He had instantly taken a fancy to the good-looking blond boy, and had sent Terentius to negotiate a price with the boy's Lanista. As usual, Gracchus had got his way, being able to offer a sum well above the boy's apparent market value. The Greek lanista thought that he had, once again, 'taken a Roman for a ride', but in fact Gracchus had been the winner, getting a fine looking boy, who would eventually become the 'darling of the arena'. Petronius had chosen the boy for this munera as he was almost certain that the boy would put on an excellent show, and was almost guaranteed to win, considering his greater experience and skill.

One useful, but usually non-lethal move with the trident was the 'sweep', where the but end of the trident, which was over two meters long, was tucked under the right arm, which held onto the shaft, and was brought round in a semi-circle, parallel to, but slightly above the level of the sand, in a 'sweeping' movement. The idea was to catch one's opponent's ankles, and sweep him off his feet.

Animos had never seen this 'move' before, and didn't see it coming when Flavus decided to use it, and he was painfully knocked off his feet, landing on his back and, in the confusion, dropped his gladius. Immediately Flavus kicked away the gladius, well out of Animos' reach.

Animos, on his hands and knees, scrambled after the weapon, and for his pains got kicked up the backside by Flavus. Animos sprawled forwards, hitting the crest of his helmet had on the arena wall. Animos was now right below the Pulvinar, and Marcus. Titus and Petronius all stood up and leaned over the balcony, straining to see what was happening.

Animos, stunned after hitting his head, righted himself, and ended up sitting, with his legs spread, and with his back against the arena wall. Then the inevitable happened, and Flavus rammed his trident into Animos' exposed groin.

"Shit! My fuckin' balls!…" Animos squealed, sharply bringing his legs together, which caused him even more pain, so he spread them once again.

"No!… Please don't!" the terrified boy pleaded, as Flavus removed the three tines (points) of the trident.

The barbed tines ripped away Animos skimpy thong, revealing his bloody, mutilated genitals, and the rapidly growing pool of blood between the groaning boy's legs.

Flavus then took one step back, and then lunged forwards, ramming the Trident into the faceguard of Animos' helmet. The thin metal of the face-guard became bloodied and mangled and snapped, and gave way, and the tines crunched into the bones of Animos' skull, taking out one of his eyes and pushing up into his nose in the process, and finally penetrating into his brain.

Animos shrieked, and his arms and legs started convulsing and jerking, and blood spurted out, and gushed down his body, drenching his quivering chest and heaving belly and dribbling down into his thick, dark pubic 'bush'. At the same time the skewered boy, whose arms had dropped limply by his sides, and was probably already dead, noisily emptied his bowels onto the sand and pissed.

Flavus released the trident, leaving it still penetrating this defeated opponent's mangled face. The butt of the trident dropped down onto the sand between the dead boy's legs, pulling Animos' helmeted and mangled face forward onto his chest. Flavus then stepped back and looked up at the guests on the Pulvinar, who were all clapping enthusiastically

Flavus then picked up his gladius and saluted.

Titus turned to Marcus and Petronius. "A magnificent show!" he exclaimed, approvingly, and smiled benignly.

Intervallum III
Third Interval

The arena-slaves then had the difficult job of removing Animos' corpse from the arena.

The trident was firmly wedged into the boy's skull, and was also caught in the twisted metal of the faceguard of the helmet. It was impossible to take the helmet off the mutilated lad while the trident was still embedded in the boy's face. Slowly the arena-slaves prised away the pieces of the metal grill that were entangled round the tines of the trident. Finally they were able to pull the trident from the boy's head, and then remove the battered helmet, revealing the awful injuries that the unfortunate lad has sustained.

The trident was then wiped clean, and rammed back into the sand, beside the other weapons.

Animos' feet were then bound with stout rope, and his practically naked corpse was dragged across the arena to the Porta Libitinaria.

Meanwhile, young Flavus, bareheaded. and with his golden hair gleaming in the sun, was escorted by an arena-slave to the slowly opening bronze gates of the Porta Sanavivaria, while the audience applauded.

Quartum et Ultimum Certamen, Furtim et Bellus
Fourth and Last Contest, Furtim ['Like a Thief'] et Bellus ['Cute']

The two fighters appearing in the final contest of the Munera were Furtim (wearing a pink plume) and Bellus (wearing a purple plume).

(As it happens, there is also a very attractive arena-slave called 'Bellus', who is young and blonde, and who first appeared at the 'Munera ad Augustum' - he was originally a Greek captive - 'Bellus' means attractive or 'cute'. As far as anyone knows, they are not related, as the names were given to each slave by the late Dominus).

These two final fighters faced a dilemma. They had each witnessed the previous contests, and had seen two of the fighters choose to use the additional weapons that would give them the advantage of a greater reach. One fighter, in an attempt to obtain such an advantage, had lost his hand, and the fight, and had been emasculated and killed. The other fighter had been successful, and had managed to disable his opponent, and then kill him with the trident that he had acquired. The question was: what to do?

Fight normally and rely on the gladius, or take a chance?

Because of this dilemma, the two fighters spent much of the time simply maneuvering to ensure that their opponent was unable to get anywhere near the additional spears and tridents. This, however, did not make for a very interesting contest. Eventually Bellus decided not to bother trying to get to the additional weapons lodged by the arena wall, and launched a furious attack on Furtim.

Furtim, who had somewhat relaxed into the 'ballet' of circling round the area where the spears and tridents were placed, was taken unawares, and was unable to adequately defend himself. Almost immediately Bellus made a thrust at Furtim's groin, with the intention of 'unmanning' him. Furtim, however, responded with a counter thrust. Bellus' had a fraction of a second's advantage, and his gladius pierced Furtim.

However, in an attempt to escape Furtim's counter, Bellus missed his intended mark, and caught Furtim in the lower belly, ripping through the waistband of his opponent's leather thong, and plunging deep into Furtim's vitals.

"Fuck!" Furtime screamed and his thrust toward Bellus went well wide of its mark.

At the same time, Bellus pulled his gladius up, slicing through Furtim's thong, and his lower belly, and cutting into his wide leather harness. The cut was much deeper than would be normally used for a disembowelling, and it sliced through Furtims' small bowel.

"Shit!… My fuckin' belly!" Furtim groaned. Instantly he felt his guts lose the support of his abdominal muscles, and fearing the he would suffer disembowelment, he dropped his gladius, and using both hands, attempted to prevent the vertical cut in his belly from opening.

"Shit… No!… Help…!" Furtim groaned, as he slowly sank to his knees, while Bellus took the opportunity to remove Furtim's helmet.

Seeing that his opponent was helpless, Bellus discarded his gladius, and drew his knife. Bellus then went up to the boy, and roughly pulled away what was left of the groaning lad's leather thong. The tiny leather support dropped away onto the sand, leaving poor Furtim with his genitals exposed. Bellus then grabbed hold of the distraught, terrified boy's bulky scrotum.

"No!…", Furtim grunted, "Not my fuckin' bollocks!…" but young Bellus ignored Furtim's pathetic pleas, and deftly stretched and twisted his helpless opponent's testicles, while Furtim squealed in agony.

While Marcus was not entirely approving of this somewhat sexual element in the Munera and Petronius had told the fighters not to indulge in any sexual activity as part of presentation, it was overlooked, as it was seen as simply a display of the absolute defeat of the fighter in question.

"No! Don't pull them!", Furtim squealed, obviously referring to his testicles.

To complete the humiliation, Bellus then cut off Furtim's hefty, shaved scrotum in one cut.

"Fuck!… My bollocks!… My fuckin' bollocks " Furtim groaned, as he was skilfully castrated by his youthful antagonist. Bellus then casually dropped the severed, bloody scrotum in front of his horrified opponent. By then Furtim was sitting on the sand, propped up against the arena wall, and looking down at the blood pumping rhythmically from his slashed, gaping belly, and his obscenely mutilated groin. Bellus then went over to the Furtim again.

"No!… Please!" Furtim pathetically pleaded.

Bellus ignored his heftier and older opponent, and rammed Furtim's own gladius into the helpless Fighter's' bulging, mutilated belly.

"You cunt… Bellus!…" Furtim grunted, as the gladius went right through him, with the tip buried in the sand. And those were the last words that Furtim ever spoke…

While the audience applauded… naked, disembowelled and castrated Furtim, sat leaning heavily against the arena wall, uncontrollably urinating on the sand, and staring at nothing, as he rapidly lost blood. Then finally Furtim grunted… noisily voided his bowels, and toppled over to one side – dead.

Handsome young Bellus (well named), then raised his bloody dagger in salute to the guests in the Pulvinar and was escorted to the Porta Sanavivaria, as the audience quietly applauded.

Subsequently Furtim's mutilated corpse was dragged by the ankles across the arena sands to the Porta Libitinaria, and arena-slaves busied themselves removing the gladius from the corpse, collecting the severed testicles, shoveling up the fouled and bloody sand, and relaying fresh sand suitably raked to leave no visible sign of the previous fight.

Conclusio
Conclusion

The arena was then ready for the priests to make their final prayers of thanksgiving for a successful munera, and a final offering of incense to the Manes.

After that Marcus and Titus rose to leave, and the entire audience, and the guests in the Pulvinar rose also, out of respect. The special guests left the Pulvinar, and the audience, talking quietly about the afternoon's extraordinary events, left the amphitheater, while Petronius busied himself arranging for slaves to provide refreshments for Marcus' guests before the drive back to the villa.

Epulum
Feast

On arrival at the Villa, the guests retired for a brief period to wash, and then change their clothes.

Meanwhile, in the banqueting hall the Epulum had been prepared, under the watchful eye of Nerva and the Epulones.

The Epulum (also referred to as the Lectisternium) was a sumptuous ritual feast and propitiatory ceremony offered to Jupiter. The ritual, like much in the Roman religion, is considered to be of Etruscan origin. The gods were formally invited, and attended and were represented by their busts or statues, or by portable figures of wood, with heads of bronze, wax or marble, and covered with drapery. Fine food was served, as if they were able to eat. The priests, designated as Epulones, or 'Masters of the Feast', organized and carried out the ritual, and acted as 'gastronomic proxies' in eating the food on behalf of the gods. The other guests, of course, ate and enjoyed the feast as usual.

Meanwhile, at the same time as the Epulum was well underway, in the Spolarium, in the Ludus attached to the Amphitheater, the corpses of the four fighters who had died during the munera were being prepared to disposal.

Unlike the corpses of fighters, and those executed during a normal Ludi, whose bodies were simply weighted and tossed into the sea from one of the cliffs bordering the Villa Gracchi, the bodies of those who had been sacrificed to the 'Manes' were required, by religious ritual, to be given proper funeral rites, and a cremation.

The Libitinarii (see above 'Primum Certamen'), in the Ludi, therefore busied themselves washing the bodies, reattaching any severed limbs or organs (otherwise the 'shade' would enter the afterlife mutilated), and sewing up all the wounds. Each body was then wrapped in a clean, white cotton shroud, and a coin was placed in the mouth for Charun (another Etruscan custom). The cremation of the bodies took place on the same evening as the munera, in the grounds of the Villa Gracchi, with an appropriate sacrifice (black dogs), and libations of wine and incense, all organised by the every busy Petronius, and supervised by Novius, both of whom thus missed part of the Epulum.

Three of the boys, Peritus, Flavus, and Bellus, who had survived the munera, attended the cremation, respectfully 'kitted out' by Petronius in black mourning tunics. One of the boys, Fortis, did not attend, as he was being held in a cell in the Ludus, as he had failed to actually dispatch his opponent Impavidus, (who had to be 'finished-off' in the Spolarium). Fortis was awaiting a decision by Marcus as to whether he was to be punished for his mistake, and if so, what form his punishment would take.

The 'advantage', to a slave fighter, of competing in a munera was that, despite being killed in public in an often humiliating, and excruciatingly painful manner, the fighter would be given a proper Roman funeral which, while not elaborate, would probably be far more ritually correct, and, in Roman terms, effective than the funeral of most free plebeians, and it would certainly be better than simply having his mutilated and dismembered body, weighted with stones in a sack, thrown off a cliff into the sea, which was the fate of most of those individuals who died in the arena.

Romans believed that those who were not given a ritually correct funeral would wander endlessly as mutilated haunting spirits, while those who underwent the proper rituals would enter the 'afterlife'.

The Afterlife: It was believed that the dead, after receiving the correct rituals at death, would go before three judges, Minos, Rhadamanthos and Aeacus, and would be asked for account of their life. After making the account, the dead would be given the water of the 'River Lethe', the river of forgetfulness, and one of five Rivers in the Underworld. The dead individual would then be sent to the 'Elysian Fields' (a version of paradise) if they had been a warrior or hero, or to the 'Plain of Asphodel', if they had been a good citizen, where they would continue to live a good life as a 'shade' or, if they had led an evil life, they would be sent to Tartarus, where the evil doer would punished by the Furies until their debt to society had been paid. Dis, the ruler of the underworld could, on occasions, send an individual back to live again, especially if the deceased was unjustly murdered (this could apply to Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus). Dis, while he is God of the Underworld, is not the God of Death. He does not decide who lives and dies. Instead, this is determined by the Three Fates. However, Dis does dispatch the god of death, Thanatos, to do his duty.

Titi Discessus
The Departure of Titus

The day after the munera, and late in the morning, Titus informed Marcus that he would have to leave, as he was required in Rome. Titus was effusive in his thanks for Marcus' hospitality, and lavish in his praise of the munera. He promised that he would return after Marcus' period of mourning, and asked Marcus to arrange for Terentius to start looking for some suitable land, as he was intent on building a 'sea-side' holiday villa at Baiae. Titus explained to Marcus that he was particularly interested in seeing the next Ludi that Marcus was to present, and that after the Ludi he would be honoured to escort Marcus, and his suite, back to Rome, where Marcus would be introduced to his father, Vespasian, and would be inducted into the Senate.

Funus Aristonis
The Funeral of Ariston

Ariston was the personal slave-boy of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. On the morning of Gracchus' funeral the young boy had hung himself in his cubiculum, which was next to Gracchus' private apartments. When Marcus was informed, he was deeply troubled, as he felt partly responsible for the young boy's death.

After the death of Gracchus everyone seemed to have forgotten about Ariston, and he was left in his cubiculum to mourn his master's death alone, and seemingly friendless. Undoubtedly Ariston had loved his master. Whether this love had been reciprocated by Gracchus was not known.

Gracchus had personal slave-boys before Ariston. Although it was not widely known, Terentius, when he was a boy, had been Gracchus' personal slave. When he grew older, Gracchus had freed him, and he eventually became Gracchus' Senior Freedman, and eventually, on the death of Gracchus, he was promoted to Excelsus Procurator ad nobilium domum Gracchi (High Steward of the Noble House of the Gracchus).

Equally, Petronius, when he was a pretty young blonde boy, had been Gracchus' personal slave. Although never freed by Gracchus, Gracchus later used him in the Amphitheater, and then gave him to Marcus, on Marcus' adoption.

Subsequently Marcus had freed Petronius, promoting him, on the death of Gracchus, to Tribunus et Dominus Amphitheatri ad nobilissimum domum Gracchi (Commanding Officer and Master of the Amphitheater to the Noble House of Gracchus).

Neither Terentius nor Petronius ever gave any indication of the true nature of their relationship with their beloved master, and not even Marcus was privy to that information.

Equally, as to the actual nature of Ariston's relationship with Gracchus, there was no information.

Of course, in later times, particularly under the odious influence of Christianity, suicide was seen as a sin (?), and Christians refused to give suicides the supposed benefits of a Christian burial.

In the time of our story, suicide is usually seen as a heroic and noble act. Ariston was deemed to have acted in a way that was above his relatively menial station, by preferring to end his life, rather that continuing, and being unable to serve his master, Gnaeus. Of course Ariston could not kill himself in the approved, 'patrician' manner, by slitting his wrists, as bladed weapons were not allowed anywhere near the apartments of the Dominus, but the boy had managed to acquire some stout rope, tied it to a ceiling beam, and after putting a noose round his neck, had stepped off his bed, into the next world.

Partly for this reason, Marcus was determined to give Ariston a fine funeral to in some way, make up for the way he believed that he had 'neglected' the boy after the death of Gracchus, and to show that in death, Ariston had achieved the 'freedom' that he had never possessed while he was alive.

Therefore Ariston was to be given a funeral that would be appropriate for a free, Roman citizen, and his death was to be recorded as such, with a posthumous grant of freedom from Marcus. And the boy's ashes would be later housed in the yet to be built 'Mausoleum of the Gracchi', not as part of the family, but as an honoured freedman and servant.

On the day of the boy's death a fine wooden coffin had been ordered from Neapolis, and logs, incense and wine had been obtained locally.

Ariston's coffin was of carved wood, painted white, in imitation of white marble, depicting a scene of cupids surrounding an empty chair, the empty chair being the chair of the Dominus, with two representations of the seal of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. Terentius had been ordered to 'throw money' at the project, as the coffin had to be completed by the evening when the funeral would take place.

Ariston's corpse had been duly prepared, and lightly embalmed, so that it would be fresh for the funeral. The body had been kept in the atrium of Gracchus' private apartments on a fine, gilded bronze couch, and was available for members of the household to view in order to offer prayers, and pay their respects.

On the day of Ariston's funeral, after Titus had left for Rome, Marcus had spent some considerable time locked away in the atrium, desperately trying to make amends, with prayers and supplications to the Gods, for what he believed to be his neglect of the young boy.

In the early evening the beautiful white coffin containing the body of Ariston was carried into the Amphitheater. There were no trumpets or horns, but Marcus had allowed the boy the remarkable privilege of having drums beating as he entered the arena through the huge, gilded bronze doors. On many occasions Ariston had accompanied his master to the same amphitheater, where he had waited in the background, always ready to serve, while the Ludi took place. Now, for the first time, he was actually on the sand of the arena, his body being placed on the funeral pyre set before the Pulvinar.

Then the sacrifice of two black dogs was made by the priests of Apollo, and incense was burned and prayers were said to propitiate the spirit of the dead boy, and ease his journey to the afterlife where hopefully, he would meet, and continue to serve his master. Ariston, like most slaves, had no known family, and therefore, no one to light the pyre, so Marcus, as a special honour to the faithful boy, and much to the surprise of the guests (Petronius, Terentius, Novius, Nicander, Demetrius, Adonios, Aurarius, and of course, little Glaux) left the Pulvinar and, taking the flaming brand form a very startled arena-slave, thrust the torch into the resin soaked logs, setting the whole edifice alight.

Marcus then returned to the Pulvinar, and watched as one of the few slaves close to Gracchus and himself, who had not been involved in the conspiracy, was consigned to the afterlife.

Then something strange happened… Glaux took flight, and soared up into the perfumed smoke over the burning pyre.

"An omen?" Marcus asked Novius.

"Of course, Dominus. The little bird goes to guide the faithful boy to his master!"

And, after circling the pyre three times, Glaux, unharmed, fluttered back, and landed surprisingly daintily on Marcus' shoulder, smelling of the incense offered to the God.

With the cremation of Ariston, all that was left then was the Novem dies lucti (see above).

Novem Dies Lucti
Nine Days of Sorrow

Marcus had rightly allowed the 'Nine Days of Sorrow' to cover the death of Gnaeus Gracchus and Ariston.

Once those nine days had passed, then rapid and real preparations could be made for the next Ludi (Games), which seemed to have been endlessly postponed by the various unforeseen and unfortunate events that had engulfed the House of Gracchus.

Most importantly, that Ludi would include the executions of Glykon, Petram, Servius and Menelaus, which hopefully, along with the munera, would placate the spirit of the late Dominus, and bring to a fitting conclusion the events that had begun so long ago, after the death of Emperor Nero.

All that would then be left, would be the construction of the Mausoleum Domi de Gracchi, and the eventual internment of the ashes of the late Dominus, the four sacrificed munera fighters and, of course, Ariston.

'and the story continues - After the munera for Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, the House of Gracchus observes (outwardly) Novem dies lucti (the Nine Days of Sorrow).
However, the Ludus is a hive of industry, as Petronius makes furious preparations for the long awaited Ludi pro Celebri Recuperatione Marci.
And so, Marcus prepares to takes his revenge on the four remaining conspirators, and, just like Octavian, (his namesake), with the Liberatores (Brutus and the rest), Marcus' revenge is to be terrible.

XXXII. Marci Ultor
32. Marcus the Avenger

Cineres Mortis
The Ashes of the Dead

After the funerals and the munera there was a distinct sense of relief at the villa in Baiae. Preparations were then made by Novius and Terentius for the Cēna Novendiālis (Feast of the Nine Days), to be held at the villa. In one of the Peristyle gardens in the villa, (in the absence of the Mausoleum to be built at a later date) a temporary altar was erected, on which was placed a marble cinerary urn, (designed and carved in Neapolis) containing the ashes of the late Dominus. At the Cēna (feast), prayers and a libation would be made to the Manes at the temporary altar, and that would conclude all the ceremonies of mourning.

The ashes of young Ariston were kept in simple marble urn, in what had been his room - now permanently locked - and at some time in the future they would be placed in the Mausoleum of the House of Gracchus close to his master. Later, when Marcus visited Rome, a more elaborate and 'precious' Cinerary Urn would be ordered, created in Parian marble with gilded bronze decorations.

Later, when Marcus visited Rome, a more elaborate and 'precious' Cinerary Urn would be ordered, created in Parian marble with gilded bronze decorations.

Marcus Ultor
Marcus the Avenger

Meanwhile, Petronius, somewhat relieved that all the funerary events were coming to an end, and feeling very satisfied with the highly successful munera pro Graccho that he had organised (almost single handedly), was busy preparing the Ludi pro Celebri Recuperatione Marci, which was to be the vehicle for Marcus' revenge on those who had conspired against him, and brought about the death of his adoptive father, Gnaeus.

Marcus knew his history well, thanks to his tutor Lucius and, having been given the name 'Octavianus', he, like Gnaeus before him, actively modeled himself on the first Princeps, the 'Divine Augustus', whose patron, like Marcus, was the God Apollo.

Also like Marcus, Octavian was the adopted son of a great, wealthy and powerful man, in his case, Gaius Jullius Caesar (who had been declared a God, Divus Iulius, in 42 BC, by the Roman Senate), and who had been murdered as the result of a conspiracy.

Octavian had subsequently taken his revenge, running down and viciously killing the conspirators (the so-called 'Liberators'). Despite his youth, like Marcus, (Octavian was only nineteen years old at the time), he had taken the revenge expected of a true Roman son. Eventually, in 42 BC, Octavian had defeated Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus (who both wisely committed suicide, rather that being executed by Octavian), at the Second Battle of Philippi.

To celebrate his revenge Octavian Augustus had built the huge Temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger) in Rome. Marcus (whose name was derived from Mars, the God of War (see Chapter II) would, as a result of his actions in the next ludi, take on himself the epithet 'Marcus Ultor' and much later build a temple in Cumae dedicated to 'Apollo Ultor' – but that was all in the future. Regardless, in a similar, but lesser manner, to the young Octavian, the new 'Octavianus' – Marcus, was intent on revenge.

Already the leader of the conspiracy against the House of Gracchus had been poisoned, and the slave-boy Cleon had been raped, emasculated and impaled, and left for dead in the woods between Baiae and Neapolis. That left the four, Petram, Glykon, Menelaus and Servius, who were still imprisoned in the Ludus. Undoubtedly, like Cassius and Brutus, their minds would have turned to suicide, but they were carefully guarded, and would have to meet their humiliating end in the full public glare of the arena.

Vindicta
Vengeance

Petronius' task was to devise various suitable ways of executing the four remaining conspirators. In addition he would have to organize a suitable 'Pompa', one or two tableaux, a series of wrestling bouts, and of course the essential gladiatorial contests.

To begin with, Petronius could get little assistance from Marcus, as his Dominus was still recovering from the stress caused by the death of Gnaeus, and the funeral, combined with the suicide of Ariston, and then the Munera, and also the subsequent funeral for Ariston. And to make matters even more difficult Marcus, during that time, had to 'play the perfect host' to Titus, the son of the Emperor Vespasian, along with numerous other guests.

There was also one other matter worrying Marcus, which was the twelve-year-old Demetrius. Since the funeral for Ariston, Demetrius had spent most of his time with Petronius. In the morning he would accompany Petronius to the Ludus (although he was never allowed to see the imprisoned conspirators, who were awaiting execution), where Petronius was making preparations for the Ludi pro Celebri Recuperatione Marci (a name that would later be changed), and, in the afternoon, Petronius would take the boy to the public Gymnasion in Baiae (as he wanted Demetrius to mix with other boys from outside the villa), and to the beach, as Demetrius was by then able to swim after a fashion. In the evening Demetrius would have lessons with his Greek and Latin tutors, and would later eat with Petronius, and then sleep in his own cubliculum (Petronius was not 'predatory', unlike Menelaus and Servius).

The problem with Demetrius, however, was the fact that he was very withdrawn, and all the tumultuous events that had recently occurred seemed to provoke little response from him. Novius put this down to the fact that Demetrius had been almost totally isolated when he was younger, at the Domus in Rome, and had obviously been badly abused for some considerable time by Menelaus, and then later, briefly, by Servius.

Having allowed Marcus a number of days to come to terms with all the recent tumultuous events, Petronius finally asked if Marcus was willing to accompany himself and Demetrius to the Amphitheatre, and also to their favourite thermopolium in Baiae. Much to Petronius' relief, Marcus agreed.

In Thermopolium et Ludus
In the Thermoplium and the Games

Early in the cool of the morning Marcus, Petronius and Demetrius went to the main entrance of the villa, where the Magister Equorum, and his grooms were waiting for them with appropriate horses. large and pure white for Marcus, large and pure black for Petronius, and a moderately sized Sorrel for Demetrius. Where and when Demetrius had learned to ride, and who taught him no one had yet discovered, for, as has been noted, he was disturbingly reserved.

Interesting fact, the Romans did not use stirrups, as far as we know, so, to get on a horse it was necessary for a slave to go down on hands and knees, so that the rider could step on his back in order to mount, or alternatively some sort of stool or step could be used. For this reason, Romans were not keen on long equine journeys.

It was, however, not a long journey, the road was wide, and they rode three abreast to the town of Baiae. Marcus and Petronius were well known in the town, Marcus being the most affluent, prominent and influential of all the residents. (Little did many of the inhabitants also realise that Marcus was their landlord, as all legal documents were handled and signed by Terentius on Marcus' behalf, and, of course, when they went to the beach, the beach, and therefore the sand, used often in the arena, was also owned by Marcus.)

Arriving at the Amphitheater, Marcus briefly inspected the condition of the structure, which was good, as most of it was refurbished and new, and the went through to the Ludus, and Petronius' office.

"So, how far have we got?" Marcus asked Petronius, while slaves busied themselves laying out drawings and lists, and bringing wine, cheese, bread and olives.

"The gladiators and wrestlers have been selected, Lucius is preparing a suitable panegyric, about you (at that point Petronius started grinning)."

A panegyric is a formal public speech, often written verse, delivered in high praise of a person, and is a generally highly studied and undiscriminating eulogy. In Athens such speeches were delivered at national festivals or Games. The Romans generally confined the panegyric to the living, and reserved the 'funeral oration' (see Gracchus' funeral) exclusively for the dead. One may be able to understand, considering the close, intimate relationship between Petronius and Marcus, why Petronius should consider a panegyric praising Marcus to be somewhat amusing.

Then, attempting to look more serious, he continued, "Arrangements are being made for the executions, but I will speak with you about that later," Petronius explained, nodding towards Demetrius.

"So… that all sounds good. Excellent, now let's see the gladiators, and the wrestlers," Marcus said, handing his goblet to one of the slaves.

They then went back to the arena, where the senior arena-slaves were marshalling two groups of young men and boys, the gladiators and the wrestlers, into two rows. The gladiators (facing Marcus from the right), were lined up, wearing only their wrist guards and brief loincloths. The wrestlers, divided into two groups, boys and young men, (facing Marcus from the left), and were completely naked, apart from silver slave-collars.

Marcus had decided to continue Gnaeus' tradition of including boy wrestlers in the Pancratium.

The Pankration (known to the Romans as the Pancratium) was first introduced at the thirty-third Greek Olympics in 648 BC. One of the interesting facts about pankration is that there weren't weight divisions, as is the norm for every modern combat sport; there were no time limits either and, like gladiatorial fights, a contest would not finish until one of the two opponents surrendered or was killed. The wrestlers used techniques from boxing and wrestling, but also other techniques, such as kicking and holds, locks and chokes on the ground. The only things not acceptable were biting and gouging out the opponent's eyes. The boy's pankration officially entered the Greek Olympic Games in 200 BC. In Greek practice boys always fought against boys, but in Gracchus' Roman arena boys were often required to fight fully grown men, and usually lost the fight. The Pankration wrestlers were low status performers in the arena, looked down on by the gladiators as they fought naked, and often the losing wrestler was publicly raped before being killed.

As regards the line of naked wrestlers, by this time young Demetrius seemed to be unaffected by male nudity. As far as could be judged, he had never attended any Ludi held in Rome while he was living at the Domus, and so had not seen public displays of nudity, or killings or executions, for that matter.

Equally, being kept practically in 'incommunicado', Demetrius was not allowed to attend the public baths, where nudity was commonplace, but instead used the lavish bathing facilities at the Domus Gracchi.

The first time that Demetrius encountered male nudity (apart from when forced to have sex), was when Petronius took him to the beach at Baiae, to teach him to swim, and when he went to the Baiae public gymnasion, where most of the boys followed the Greek practice of exercising naked (hence gymnasion, meaning in Greek a place to exercise naked).

For Marcus, having been brought up in Athens, and spending much of his early years 'hanging around' the Athenian gymnasia, male nudity was of no consequence, and Petronius, being responsible for the training of the gymnasts, wrestlers and gladiators was equally unfazed.

As for the combination of nudity and violence, Demetrius had been present at the munera pro Graccho, and equally seemed unaffected by what he had witnessed. Of course, it should be remembered that Demetrius, at that stage, had very little understanding of who Gnaeus Gracchus was or, for that matter, the man's significance, apart from the scant information that Novius had given him.

All that, however, was for the moment behind them, and it was Marcus' task, while Petronius and Demetrius looked on, to approve the individuals that had been selected to appear in the new ludi.

Some of the boys parading were no older than Demetrius, but all being well, there was a good chance that many of them, along with the older combatants, would survive these ludi as, unlike previous the munera, the contests in the Ludi were not ad mortem (to the death). It was only the executions, and possibly some tableaux that would involve any killing.

"So what about the tableaux about the story of Achilles and Patroclus, that we planned so long ago? Do we still have enough lads for the Greeks and the Trojans?" Marcus asked, as he turned away from the lines of arena fighters.

"Yes, sir," Petronius replied

"So it's just a case of finding a young condemned slave who's handsome enough to play the part of Patroclus?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, I'm sure we can find one, and we can use the dancer, Paris, remember, he played the part of Zeus in the tableaux of Ganymede. He's ideal, 'well-hung', and an excellent 'performer'," Petronius said, grinning.

(Demetrius, of course, knew nothing of the tableaux of the 'Rape of Ganymede', staged in the arena in happier times, before the death of the late Dominus)

"But remember, Petronius, the boy who is to take the part of Patroclus must not be told about his fight with the Trojans, or what happens to him as a result of the fight. We don't want another suicide like Arrachion, the pankration wrestler, who was to play the Minotaur, remember? Make sure that he does not know his Homer, and keep him isolated, but well trained and looked after until the Ludi," Marcus warned.

"Of course, Dominus," Petronius replied.

"Well, that's settled… So let's go and have something to eat!" Marcus concluded.

Leaving the Amphitheater, the trio walked to Petronius' favourite thermopolium in Baiae, close to the beach.

The manager, who was also the owner, (and actually a tenant of Marcus, although he did not know it), greeted them with much deference, as they were so finely dressed, referring to them as domini pulli ('young masters' in slightly 'common' Latin). He had served them often (more recently Petronius and Demetrius) but, not being one of Baiae's brightest citizens, did not realise who Marcus was, and if anything, thought that Petronius was the 'boss' (princeps) of the group.

And on that subject Marcus had something to say to Demetrius. "Please remember, Demetrius, that here in Baiae, outside the villa, you don't call me Dominus, or the people here will think that you are a slave. Just call me Domine. I'm domine to you when we're in the town, yes?"

"Yes, domine," Demetrius said, obediently nodding.

"And so… how do you feel about seeing the new Ludi?" Marcus asked, while Petronius, who always dealt with the manager, ordered the food.

"I'm looking forward to it. I think it will be good," Demetrius replied, quite enthusiastically.

"And what did you think of the munera?" Petronius interrupted, leaving the manager waiting for the next part of the order.

"It was good, and I'm glad that the late dominus got his dead fighters to help him to the next world, but I think it's better when you can see the fighter's faces, otherwise they all look the same," Demetrius thoughtfully replied.

"That's good, but you need to understand that the munera is different from the ludi. At the ludi the audience can favour and cheer for one fighter against the other. The munera, however, is a 'religious' event, and the only thing that matters is that one of the fighters is killed, and it doesn't matter which one, so they all wear helmets, so they all look the same, you understand?" Marcus asked.

"Yes domine," Demetrius replied, nodding, as the manager brought goblets and a flask of wine to the table.

"So what about the Ludi? Do you want to join us in the Pulvinar for that?" Marcus asked.

"Yes domine, very much!" Demetrius replied.

"And you know that Servius, and your previous master, Menelaus, will be executed during the Ludi?" Marcus asked.

"Yes!" Demetrius said, remarkably fiercely. "I want to see them die, painfully!" Demetrius then added.

Marcus and Petronius looked at one another, surprised.

"You do understand that I have told Petronius to ensure that the executions of the four conspirators, that will include Servius and Menelaus, are to be particularly unpleasant, involving torture, emasculation, disembowelment and decapitation?" Marcus continued.

"If I may say, domine, I think that it is all that they deserve!" Demetrius said, trying to be cold and formal. And then he became emotional, and with tears in his eyes, he continued, "They both lied to me, and badly treated me, and hurt me, and I want them dead!"

"That's enough, Demetrius… We understand." Marcus said gently, trying to calm the boy down.

"I just wanted to be sure that you would not get upset, or faint, or be sick, or do something shameful at the Ludi. You must remember that you are a Roman boy, and in the Pulvinar everyone can see you, and you must set an example."

"Don't worry, domine. I will be good!" Demetrius said firmly.

"That what I wanted to hear. Now you just get on eating, as Petronius and I have some things to talk about," Marcus said, pushing a plate of succulent meat in front of the boy.

"So Petronius, I think it would be good to change the title for the Games," Marcus began.

"Such as?" Petronius queried, raising an eyebrow,

"Well… as it is now quite some time since I 'recovered', I don't think that it's really appropriate for it to be a Ludi giving thanks for my recovery, I think that we could think of a title which would look more to the future, and perhaps reflect people's feeling about the reign of our new emperor, Vespasian," Marcus explained.

"So what do you suggest," Petronius asked, hoping that Marcus would get to the point.

"I suggest Ludi pro Auspicatu Novi Ætatis ('Games for the Inauguration of a New Era')," Marcus said grandly.

"Yes… very clever, and very apt. What can I say?" Petronius said, sitting back and taking a swig of wine.

"You agree?" Marcus asked, with boyish enthusiasm.

"Of course, but it will mean all the posters being changed," Petronius replied.

"No problem!" Marcus replied.

Ludi (among other events) were publicised with either paintings made directly on the walls of buildings, or paintings on canvas, stretched on frames, and attached to walls or columns. Very few good examples survive, Many examples, of very poor quality, come from Pompeii. Most of the work was executed by Greek slaves employed by Roman entrepreneurs.

"Now the next thing is the banners (Latin, vexillum). Have they been delivered from Neapolis, and are they ready to be put up round the Amphitheater?" Marcus asked.

"To both your questions, sir, the answer is yes," Petronius answered, grinning.

"And then there is the equipment for the fighters. We need Greek style helmets for the Trojans and the Greeks, so they need to be ordered from our Greek supplier in Neapolis. We can go there tomorrow, and see some designs, and make an order. We also need some different loincloths for the gladiators. The black leather ones were good for the munera, but we need something more festive for this Ludi. I suggest something in 'cloth of gold' to match the banners. Perhaps we could order them from the same suppliers."

Yes, the Romans had gold (and silver and bronze) lamé, known to them as 'cloth of gold' or 'gold cloth' ('aureus pannus'). It was a fabric woven with a gold-wrapped or spun weft, referred to as "a spirally spun gold strip". In most cases, the core yarn is silk wrapped (filé) with a band or strip of high content gold. In some instances, fine linen and wool is used as the core. True lamé is a type of fabric woven with thin ribbons of metallic fiber, as opposed to 'guipé', where the ribbons are wrapped around a fibre yarn. It was fabulously expensive in Roman times, but then Marcus, as he was beginning to discover, was fabulously rich. The decorations on the mourning tunics and cloaks of Marcus' associates were cloth of gold, and also the banners, to be put up all round the amphitheater (both inside and outside) for the Ludi pro Auspicatu Novi Ætatis, and also the decorations on the arena-slaves tunics, and the loincloths to be worn by the gladiators.

"And we need a special helmet for Achilles, so he stands out," Marcus enthused.

"Well I certainly think our Paris will 'stand out'!" Petronius said, grinning and taking advantage of the (probably unintended) 'double entendre' in Marcus words.

"Yes… well enough said," Marcus replied glancing at Demetrius to see if he had 'caught on', which it seemed he probably hadn't, but then the boy hadn't see Paris 'in action'.

"And perhaps we can have some of the gladiator helmets gilded?" Petronius suggested.

"I don't see why not," Marcus replied, relaxed now after a meal and after sorting out various aspects of the upcoming Ludi.

"So, you enjoyed your meal?" Marcus asked, turning to Demetrius.

"Very much, domine," Demetrius replied. The boy then continued. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but could I come with you when you go to Neapolis?"

"You can ask for anything, my boy, and most of the time you shall get it," Marcus replied, rather over generously perhaps, but then he was so pleased to see Demetrius beginning to respond to things around him in a more 'natural' and 'healthy' way. "And I think that Petronius and I would very much like you to come to Neapolis with us."

"Thank you, domine," Demetrius replied shyly.

"And now, Petronius, pay the man the bill, and I think that we should collect the horses from the amphitheater, and make our way back to the villa," Marcus concluded.

Ultimi Apparatus
Final Preparations

So Demetrius did go to Neapolis with Marcus and Petronius.

On that day Glaux, the owl, was left quietly 'snoozing', with his little talons deftly clinging to the back of one of Marcus' chairs.

While Marcus, Petronius and Demetrius rode in a comfortable carpentum (carriage), Adonios, Aurarius, who would be doing all the fetching and carrying, larked about on the back of a plostrum (cart).

Marcus had given up any pretense of sitting around, unshaven and fasting, for nine days (the prescribed mourning period, as he felt that he had fulfilled all his obligations to the late Dominus by the ceremonies that he had arranged for the funeral and munera, and the additional funeral for Ariston, and such ceremonies (and such immense expenditure) were unheard of in even the most patrician of families, and in addition his architect, Lucius Septimius Severus, in Rome, had already received a commission from Terentius to build an immense and lavish mausoleum (Mausoleum Domus Gracchi) for the late Dominus.

Now just in case you think that they should be travelling in a chariot, as is seen in so many films and TV series, this would not be the case. The chariot, for the Romans, had associations with Homer and the early, heroic Greeks, and only appeared in two definite situations in Roman life, in the Circus, when racing, and for triumphal processions. The chariot had originated as a mobile 'weapons and fighting platform', and was not suitable as a normal means transport as it provided no protection from the elements, and required those using it to stand (and keep their balance) for the whole journey. The Roman 'quadriga', four horsed chariot, was difficult to drive, and too large for most Roman roads in towns. Marcus did own chariots, however, but they were the equivalent of modern, two seat 'sports' or racing cars.

Terentius had previously sent fast-riding messengers to Neapolis, to the Greek craftsmen and artisans that were commonly used by the villa and amphitheatre for supplies, while at the same time ordering wood from local suppliers for the funeral pyre for unlucky boy who was to play the part of Patroclus. So when Marcus' carriage, along with the accompanying wagon arrived in Neapolis there were numerous tradesmen ready for what they hoped would be lucrative orders.

On arrival at the armourers, for the Greek style helmets and other weapons, all was going well until Adonios and Aurarius decided to stage their own gladiatorial combat, picking up swords and helmets, in the confines of the shop (Demetrius had waited in the carriage, still nervous and shy).

Soon helmets, breastplates, spears and swords were collapsing in heaps, and the whole shop was on the verge of becoming a ruin. Fourteen-year old Adonios and twelve-year-old Aurarius, after being confined in the villa for so long during the, solemnities of mourning, were understandably frisky, but Marcus thought that things were getting out of hand.

With an angry shout, (unusual for Marcus), and a smart smack on the head for both lads, Marcus soon put them in their place. While the alarmed staff slowly put things back in place, and Adonios and Aurarius desperately hoped that the floor would open up and swallow them, Marcus proceeded, to carry on as normal, as if nothing had happened, ordering some new lightweight, gilded gladiator helmets to match the silver helmets already held in the Ludus Armamentarium (armoury). (These were not the ornately decorated, heavy 'parade' helmets, as were recovered from the ruins of Pompeii, but lightweight fighting helmets). Also Marcus bought a number of greaves (leg armour), both in silvered and gilded metal.

Finally Marcus and Petronius had a discussion with the Greek workshop owner about a design for a special Greek helmet. This was to be the helmet for Achilles. Carefully the Greek armourer sketched out a design, making alterations here and there. Most of the discussion was with Petronius, who spoke 'Koine' Greek well, rather than the educated Greek that Marcus had recently been taught by Aristarchos, his tutor. Eventually a design was agreed, and a fair copy was made to be given to Marcus as an indication of the final piece of work.

In this way the sketch acted as a form of contract (this was the system used by Terentius with the second pugio (dagger) made in Rome for Marcus.) It was then time to agree a price, and again Petronius handled this matter.

Koine Greek, from Koine ἡ κοινὴ διάλεκτος, 'the common dialect'), also known as Alexandrian dialect, common Attic or Hellenistic Greek, was the common supra-regional form of Greek spoken and written during Hellenistic and Roman antiquity. It evolved from the spread of Greek following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, and served as the 'lingua franca' of much of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East during the following centuries. It was based mainly on Attic and related Ionic speech forms, with various admixtures brought about through dialect leveling with other varieties, Petronius, Adonios and Aurarius all spoke Koine, as well as many people in southern Italy (that part of Italy originally having been a Greek colony). Marcus had spoken some Koine when he lived in Athens, by had been encouraged to abandon it by his Greek tutor, under the influence of the late Dominus. In the Roman Empire more people spoke Koine than Latin.

Finally a price was agreed for the other, less valuable items (less costly because they came from 'stock'), and Adonios and Aurarius were then handed bundles of spears, and later swords and helmets and greaves, to load onto the (carefully guarded) cart standing outside the shop.

The next stop was at the tailors, where Marcus and Petronius spent time looking at the cloth of gold fabric, and selecting a suitably brief and erotic style of loincloth for the gladiators, accompanied by some rather risqué, whispered remarks from Adonios regarding the sizes of gladiator's genitals (see above). The tailor was then told to arrive at the villa the following morning with both gold and silver material to deal with sizes (regardless of what Adonios had said) and fittings of the slaves in question. The gold and silver thongs were to match the gold and silver helmets.

The final stop was a furniture workshop, where a suitably large and robust, and essentially Greek style couch (κλίνη, kline) was ordered for the erotic scene between Paris, (playing Achilles), and the slave-boy playing Patroclus, and Adonios had already been warned by Marcus not to make any further comments.

With the boys loading the couch onto the wagon, Marcus and Petronius checked with one another, to see if they needed any other items.

Finally, a quick standing snack at a beach-side thermopolium, and it was back onto the wagon and the carriage for the journey to the villa.

The following day, (after the trip to Neapolis), preparations continued at the Ludus, while, at the villa, there was still a sense of reverential quiet as the end of the period of mourning rapidly approached. As usual, Petronius left his senior arena-slave, Theon, to manage affairs at the Ludus, while he took Demetrius to the villa pool and gymnasion for a fitness session, as there was not time to go to the public gymnasion or beach at Baiae.

Meanwhile, Marcus was giving Adonios and Aurarius a 'dressing down' regarding their 'high spirits' the previous day at Neapolis, while a rather sleepy, Glaux, from the vantage point of Marcus' shoulder, glowered at them disapprovingly. The point of his talk was that, while high spirits were natural in boys of their age, they should remember that firstly they were the special slaves of a renowned Dominus, and secondly that they were still officially in a period or mourning, and wearing mourning clothes, which made their behavior appear inappropriate.

The boys, of course, were penitent, and more than grateful that Marcus did not have them punished.

Marcus then held discussions with Terentius and his clients, before going to the amphitheater.

Having rode out to the amphitheater, accompanied only by two villa-guards, Marcus (who had left Adonios and Aurarius, under the watchful eye of Glaux, to clean his private apartments as a penance for their behavior the previous day), arrived at the Ludus to oversee the arrival of various items from Neapolis and Baiae.

The tailors from Neapolis were already busy at work, measuring up the prospective gladiators for their new loincloths, which they were practically 'sewn' into, as Petronius was insistent on an almost 'skin-tight' fit.

The Romans used iron, bronze, and by the time of our story, steel needles. The impression that we have of loosely draped, un-tailored garments is mainly the result of the Roman obsession with traditional forms (the totally impracticable toga, for instance, only worn as a result of punitive government legislation), and tailored (sewn) clothes and leather-work were created where necessary. The loincloths (subligar or subligaculum) worn in the arena, as often portrayed in films and TV series (strongly resembling babies nappies) are unlikely to have been worn in reality, as they were almost certainly unconformable, restrictive to movement, and would probably have come loose and fallen away as soon as any violent activity was undertaken. All clothing in Roman times was expensive, and items of clothing were often worn until they literally fell apart. Sewn garments, in particular, were extremely expensive, and it was only the very wealthy, like Marcus, who could afford sewn clothing, expensively dyed in exotic colors, and highly decorated and embroidered, and made of expensive fabrics such as silk and cloth of gold.

The armour and weapons were checked for quality, and the helmets for fit.

While in Neapolis, Marcus had seconded a Greek artist from Neapolis, with whom he then discussed the setting for the tableaux of Achilles and Patroclus, while the 'kline' (Greek style couch) was inspected. The problem with staging a scene like the tableaux of Achilles and Patroclus was the fact that the action, a sexual encounter between the two warriors, would normally occur in a tent in the Greek camp. Such a setting would hide the action from the audience, and even a tent positioned somewhere in the arena, with the action occurring outside the tent (unlikely), would still block some of the view for some of the audience.

So Marcus' clever Greek (who was also working on the new posters advertising the Ludi) composed a detailed sketch in which the 'kline' (couch) was positioned inside some rough cut stones, set in a circle, to suggest the confines of a tent or hut.

And Marcus was very pleased, because it looked good and uncluttered, communicated the right information, and allowed a full view of Paris (playing the part of Achilles) and his young slave-boy (playing the part of Patroclus), which hopefully would interest the audience.

Subsequently, so pleased was Marcus with the young Greek's work, that Marcus took on the young man, (with the approval of Petronius and Terentius), as his 'in-house' painter and designer. This previously peripatetic artist called himself Apelles, (obviously wanting to associate himself with the famous painter). Unusually, Apelles was not a slave, but was taken on as a an independent individual, and was paid a handsome retainer, and given accomodation at whatever Villa or Domus at which Marcus was staying. Soon after being contracted to work for Marcus, Terentius arranged Roman citizenship for the young man.

On the same day that Marcus received his first designs from Apelles at the Amphitheater, Marcus also supervised the installation of a new sculpture over the Key-stone of the 'Porta Libitinaria' (Gate of Death). Previously the sculpture had been a representation in grey marble of a Gorgon's head. The new sculpture was a gilded bronze wreath, surrounding a pure silver grinning skull.

Marcus thought that such an image would be a suitably horrific reminder to the conspirators who were to be executed (Servius, Menelaus, Glykon and Petram) of their eventual fate.

Finally the wood arrived from Baiae, which puzzled many of those working in the Ludus.

They thought it very unlikely that the 'conspirators', who were to be executed, would be given any funeral rites, let alone be cremated, and were unaware that the corpse of the slain slave-boy, (playing the part of Patroclus), would be given a Greek style funeral and cremation, as part of a tableaux, while supposedly 'Trojan' prisoners were sacrificed around his burning pyre.

Finis Luctus
The End of Mourning

Eventually the Cēna Novendiālis (Feast of the Nine Days) arrived. On that day all work in the Ludus and the Arena came to a standstill, and the slaves and freedmen, for once, got a 'day off'. At the villa, however, work went on as usual, as the banqueting hall was prepared for the 'C?na', and one of the peristyle gardens was made ready, with six temporary altars for the final sacrifices.

On this day, in the morning, the chief magistrate of Baiae came to the villa to oversee the ceremony where Terentius formally gave Marcus the documents relating to his his vast inheritance. By his side at this ceremony was Tribune Petronius, Counselor Novius, Demetrius, Adonios (with Glaux on his shoulder) and Aurarius. And so, on that day, Marcus was finally and truly Gracchi Domi Dominus (Master of the House of Gracchus).

In the late afternoon the feast (Cēna) was held in the banqueting hall, and Lucius (Marcus Latin tutor) made a third reading of the eulogy to Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus.

At the end of the Cēna, Marcus and the guests made their way to the starlit peristyle garden, where six altars stood. Four of the altars, each holding a cinerary urn of one of the munera fighters, flanked the altar on which stood the cinerary urn of Ariston. In the center, in front of the row of five altars stood a larger altar, on which stood the magnificent urn containing the ashes of the late Dominus.

Prayers were said, libations to the 'Manes' were made, and incense was burned, and so the funerary rites for the late Dominus, and his favorite slave, were completed, and the Nova Ætas (new era), ad aetatem Marci Octaviani Gracchi, was begun.

Adventus Titi Vespasiani
The Arrival of Titus Vespasianus

On the day after the nine days of mourning ended there was frantic activity in the amphitheater in Baiae, and in the villa. Imperial messengers had arrived from Rome, giving the news that Titus and his suite was following close behind, he was obviously holding true to his promise to visit the first Ludi after the conclusion of the funeral rites for the late Dominus. And so preparations had to be made for his accommodation at the villa, and the imperial eagle had to be put in place on the balcony of the Pulvinar in the arena.

It had been arranged by courier that, after his arrival, Titus would be given three days to relax before the Ludi. One day would be taken up with reviewing possible sites for his intended new villa, one day would involve a visit to Cumae, to see the temple that had been renovated by the 'Divine Augustus', and one day to relax before the Ludi.

So Petronius had only three days to prepare everything for the Ludi. Fortunately the advertisements, painted on canvas, had been completed by local artisans, under the supervision of Apelles, and were in place all over the town, and some had even been placed in Cumae and Neapolis, and Apelles was also busy supervising the setting for the main tableaux.

The text for the poster reads: 'The Games to Inaugurate a New Era', Marcus Octavius Gracchus presents in the Amphitheater of Baiae, in the presence of Titus Vespasianus, Gladiators, Wrestlers, Boxers, Executions and Tableaux. As the date of the event was dependent on Titus, 'stickers' were added daily to the advertisements by arena-slaves stating 'MOX ADVENTU', loosely translated as 'coming soon', and then, 'CRASTINUS DIES' (tomorrow), and eventually HODIE (today!).

Equally, old Vulcan, the villa metal worker, was busy constructing some fiendish contraptions, designed by Petronius, to be used for the torture and execution of the condemned prisoners.

Titus arrived, as he had promised, boyishly excited by the prospect of buying land for a villa by the sea, and the prospect of what he anticipated would be an excellent Ludi. Although they had first met only a couple of weeks before, Titus treated Marcus as an old friend, and was eager to renew his acquaintance with Adonios and Aurarius, but more particularly Glaux, (and Marcus was pleased to note that it was the owl, and not his slave-boys that were the real attraction for Titus, Marcus did not want a repetition of the situation with Nymphidius and Petram.

Marcus, who was still busy with the preparations for the Ludi, put Titus into the care of Terentius and Adonios, who gave the son of the emperor a trip round Baiae, and then a series of discussions with land owners in the local area (clients of Marcus), who were only too willing, and honored, to offer the heir to the Imperium land on which he could build a villa.

Marcus had decided to take Aurarius with him to the amphitheater. He had been thinking that he had been somewhat neglecting Aurarius. The now twelve-year-old boy had originally been bought by Terentius for the late Dominus, and had been subsequently been 'dumped' with Adonios, to 'learn the ropes'. Marcus now felt that it was time for him to build a stronger relationship with the boy, and decided to encourage the lad to take an interest in the amphitheater.

They rode out to Baiae, following the carriage containing Titus, Terentius, Adonios and one of Titus' Praetorian tribunes. They then turned off, into the Ludus entrance of the amphitheater.

Petronius was already hard at work with Theon (the senior arena-slave), supervising the final preparations.

Marcus and Petronius greeted one another, and Aurarius, who was somewhat in awe of Petronius, gave the Tribune and Master of the Arena a slight bow.

"Today we must decide on who is to play the part of Patroclus," Marcus began. "It's difficult, because we need a very handsome boy, but one that we can afford to lose."

Petronius looked to Theon. "Well, Theon has suggested a lad. He could be ideal, because he's been condemned to be executed, so we couldn't use him in the future anyway, and he is very good looking," Petronius replied.

"And where's he from?" Marcus asked. "We don't want a popular local lad being outnumbered by a group of fighters, killed and stripped, and his corpse then publicly burned, it might cause a bad reaction," Marcus warned.

"According to the information from the magistrates, he's from Stabiae," Theon explained.

"Good! That's far enough away," Marcus replied.

"So let's see him, naked of course," Petronius ordered.

An arena-slave was then sent off to fetch the boy. Moments later the boy was brought for inspection. He was, as Theon had suggested, very handsome, and about fifteen years old, well, but elegantly muscled, and 'well-hung'.

"What's your name, boy?" Petronius asked.

"Varus, Dominus," the boy replied.

Petronius smiled. "I'm not the Dominus! "This," gesturing to Marcus, "Is the Dominus," Petronius said quietly.

"I'm sorry!" the boy stammered, blushing.

"Do you speak Greek, and can you read, Varus?" Petronius continued.

"I only know Latin, and I only read little, sir," the boy replied, obviously surprised at the question.

"Do you know anything of Homer, or the Iliad?" Petronius asked.

"I'm sorry sir, I don't understand these questions," the boy answered, obviously getting flustered.

"No problem," Petronius replied.

"So can you handle a sword?" Petronius asked, perusing his interrogation.

"Yes sir, a little," the boy replied, more confidently.

"Well, young man, we are going to give you an opportunity. First you must do some acting, and then you must fight, and who knows, if you win, you could go free. For the acting you will have to portray the boy who is loved by a Greek hero, you get what I'm meaning?" Petronius asked coyly.

"You mean I'm gonna get fucked?" the boy replied nervously.

"Exactly, Varus, and then you get to fight your way, possibly, to freedom. Can you do that?" Petronius explained, ending with a question.

"Well yes, I've been fucked many times, and I will put up a good fight if I'm given a sword, and it's better that getting impaled on a cross, with no chance to be freed… and I've not got any choice really, have I?"

"Precisely!" Petronius agreed. "I'm glad you are willing to co-operate. In the end it will be best for you," Petronius concluded, and then gestured for the boy to be taken away.

"An ideal choice, I think," Marcus reflected,

Petronius turned to Theon. "Get the boy and Paris to have a couple of 'run throughs', and use the 'kline'. They're supposed to be lovers, so we don't want the fuck to look like a rape. And at least the boy can enjoy it, before he's killed. And give the lad some practice with a sword, he's supposed to be a Greek hero, not a 'street boy'."

"Of course, sir," Theon replied, and then followed the arena-slave and Varus back to the Ludus.

This interview, of course, was in no way typical of the interactions between masters and slaves. Normally it was simply a matter of orders being given to slaves. In this case, however, Petronius knew that a certain amount of subterfuge was require if he was to get the result he needed, a live slave giving a convincing 'performance', and he remembered all too well the disastrous outcome with Arrachion, who was well aware of the eventual fate of the Minotaur, and chose a private, dignified end, rather than a humiliating death in front of the amphitheater audience.

While Aurarius, who was not as yet well educated, knew nothing of the story of Achilles and Patroclus, he had guessed that the good looking boy, who was just a little older than himself, was being tricked into being raped and killed in the arena, and as a slave, he could imagine himself in a similar situation.

He was brave enough to tell Marcus, later, that he felt sorry for the young lad. Normally Marcus would have been annoyed by such, as he saw it, 'weak' feelings, but as he was keen to develop a good relationship with the boy he took time to explain the situation.

"You must understand," Marcus explained, "that while this boy seems pleasant, he is, in fact a runaway slave who survives by being a 'rent-boy', a boy who 'gives himself ' for money. His first crime was to run away from his master. His second crime was to lure a man with an offer of cheap sex, and then kill the man and rob him. For this he was condemned to the arena to be executed. Now there are many ways to be executed. Most of them are, quite rightly, appallingly humiliating and painful. For this boy, as he was prostituting himself, it seems appropriate that he should be sexually abused in the arena, although, in his case not painfully or unpleasantly. His death, also, will be quick and easy, and Petronius has ordered that his throat should be cut, and he should not be mutilated, either before or after his death. His body will finally be cremated, although not with all the usual rituals, so he will at least be sent off in reasonable style to the next world. So I think that it is unwise to waste your pity on him."

Marcus looked to Aurarius for a response.

"I understand, Dominus. I did not realize. Thank you for explaining it to me," Aurarius answered, chastened by Marcus' careful explanation.

The next day, which was fine and sunny, Marcus and Novius accompanied Titus, traveled by carriage, to Cumae, to view the Augustan temple, and the statue of Apollo that the late Dominus had donated to the Temple. Titus was impressed with the statue, commenting favorably on the likeness of the statue to Petronius.

Although they did not seek a favor from the Sibyl, they entered the caves, and during their time there Marcus recounted his experiences when he had visited Cumae with the late Dominus, and it all seemed to Marcus so long ago, and part of another life.

Novius then went on to explain to Titus the significance of the prophecies, and in particular the first oracle which referred to Titus' father, Vespasian, coming from the East to take the Imperium.

As a result of these conversations Titus promised that further endowments and embellishments would be made to the temple, by himself and the Emperor in the very near future.

There was then just one day to go before the Ludi.

Titus and some of his Tribunes went riding in the surrounding area, getting a feel of the beautiful coastline surrounding Baiae, while Marcus and Petronius made the final checks on the various aspects of the upcoming Ludi.

'and the story continues - Marcus finally presents his 'Games to Inaugurate a New Era', in the presence of Titus Vespasianus. The Games provide him with the opportunity to stage the executions of what are now known as the 'Coniurati', the conspirators, and also his long awaited tableaux, 'Achilles and Patroclus, planned to end with a magnificent conflagration. Also featured are gladiators, boxers and wrestlers, and dancing and mime in the intervals.

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