Vittorio Carvelli

The Story of Gracchus

LIBRI VI CONTINUATIO
Continuation of the Sixth Book

Chapters 38-40

XXXVIII. Dies in Urbe & præparationes
38. Days in the City and Preparations

Porta Graeca pro Glauce
A Grecian Door for Glaux

The next morning Elatos spoke to Aurarius. "I think the Dominus' bird is unwell," he said in a worried tone.

"Yes." Aurarius replied. "I've noticed it. I think the little chap is missing Adonios."

Glaux, who was sitting on the back of a chair, excitedly moved from one foot (claw?) to the other. Finally his smaller humans had noticed, and seemed to understand what was wrong.

"Don't worry." Aurarius said, reassuringly,"I will speak to the Dominus."

Over ientaculum, which Aurarius now shared with Marcus, while Elatos served them, Aurarius spoke to Marcus about Glaux.

"Yes… I've seen it too. The problem is that Glaux needs to be watching over me, but has a strong bond with Adonios, who looked after him from when he first came to us," Marcus explained.

"Well… why not make it so that, in some way, Glaux could fly from our apartments to those of Petronius?"

"Yes… " Marcus pondered, and with that he got up from the breakfast table, and strode into the culina. Aurarius followed his master, as Marcus surveyed the far wall, as Glaux fluttered onto his shoulder.

"I think that this wall abuts onto the culina in Petronius' apartments. Now if we had a little 'owl-sized' doorway set high into the wall, then Glaux could go from one set of apartments to the other, and could see me and Adonios, and being in the culina, there would be no problem with privacy."

"That's a great idea, Dominus, but how do we do it?" Aurarius enthused.

"Easy," Marcus replied.

"I will have a chat with Terentius and Nicander this morning."

No sooner said than done, builders arrived at the apartments while Marcus explained to Petronius why a hole was being knocked in his kitchen wall. All through the explanation Petronius wore a wry smile. Meanwhile, Marcus had called Apelles up to his apartment, and was giving him instructions on the design of the little 'owl door' (in Greek, for Apelles, 'Πόρτα της κουκουβάγιας').

Later in the day, when Marcus saw Apelles' design, his first comment was:< "It's a bit grand for a culina (kitchen)!"…

"And it looks expensive, Dominus!" Terentius commented, looking over Marcus' shoulder.

"But magistri (masters), I was told that this was a very special owl!" Apelles tried to explain.

At this Glaux fluttered onto Marcus' shoulder, nibbled his master's ear and, leaning forwards, (and nearly toppling over), pecked at the drawing approvingly.

"Well alright… " Marcus sighed.

"Tell me, Terentius, can you get me a sculptor to make a good job of this, say in white marble?" Marcus asked.

"You'll need two copies, one for your side and one on Petronius' side," Terentius reminded Marcus,"So what about Diodoros, if you've managed to forgive him for being rude to you?"

"Yes… why not?" Marcus agreed.

"But you're sure he's really good?" Marcus added.

Terentius nodded, knowingly. And so the rest of the morning was disrupted by hammering, as the builders made the initial opening in the dividing wall between the two apartments, in accordance with the dimensions given to them by Apelles. Once the small passage between the two apartments had been completed, and even before Diodoros and his assistants had completed the Hellenic style doorways, to be affixed with bronze bolts, Glaux not only busied himself visiting Adonios and Petronius, but also got into the habit, as the wall between the two apartments was very thick, of using the doorway as a small, quiet retreat where he could doze during daylight hours.

Epistula ex Tito
The Letter from Titus

Now you may have forgotten that Marcus had received a letter from Titus Flavius Vespasianus (eldest son of the Emperor Vespasian). The letter, very polite, but also friendly, suggested that, now that Marcus was staying in Rome, it may be good if they met once again. Titus left the matter open, saying that they could meet at Vespasian's Villa, situated between the Pincian and Quirinal hills, in the Horti Sallustiani (Gardens of Sallust), or on the 'Esquiline' (where Marcus' Domus Gracchi was situated), ('my place or yours'), It was his way of being friendly, as he didn't want the invitation to sound like a summons.

Wisely Marcus consulted Novius. Novius was of the opinion that, as Vespasian may well also be at the villa, it would probably be wise to invite Titus to the Domus, and that would give Marcus a chance to 'sound out' Titus with regard to his father's intentions. The letter that Aurarius had tried to read, (without much success), over Marcus' shoulder was the reply to Titus in which Marcus had suggested that Titus should come to the Domus, as Marcus would like to show him round, and also offer him a meal and some entertainment. Subsequently, Marcus had considered using the slave-boy troupe that he had recently bought. It would then be a matter of getting Petronius to see if the lads had a routine that they could use. If not, as the boys were attractive, they could be used to serve food and generally 'decorate' the place.

It was known that, although Titus had been married, and had mistresses, he also 'went with' attractive slave-boys, so that could be a way of getting him relaxed and amenable.

Suetonius tells us that: 'he was also suspected of riotous living, since he protracted his revels until the middle of the night with the most prodigal of his friends; likewise of un-chastity because of his troops of 'catamites' (boy sexual partners) and eunuchs (castrated slave-boys)'., from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, C. Suetonius Tranquillus, see: De Vita Cæsarum.

The next step was to discuss the arrangements for the visit of Titus with Nicander. Not only was the entertainment an important matter, but there was also the matter of the food. Fortunately Titus was relatively abstemious with regard to food, (probably because of his less than aristocratic origins, which was good as Marcus disliked long banquets), but his long association with the Imperial court (under Nero), meant that while quantity was not an important matter, quality undoubtedly would have to be the finest. For this it would be a matter of Nicander and Terentius coming together to agree on bringing in some outside caterers.

The gens (family) Flavia, rose from relative obscurity to prominence in just four generations, acquiring wealth and status under the Emperors of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. Titus's great-grandfather, Titus Flavius Petro, had served as a centurion under Pompey during Caesar's civil war. His military career ended in disgrace when he fled the battlefield at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. Nevertheless, Petro managed to improve his status by marrying the extremely wealthy Tertulla, whose fortune guaranteed the upwards mobility of Petro's son Titus Flavius Sabinus I, Titus's grandfather. Sabinus himself amassed further wealth, and possible equestrian status, through his services as tax collector in Asia, and banker in Helvetia. By marrying Vespasia Polla he allied himself to the more prestigious patrician gens Vespasia, ensuring the elevation of his sons Titus Flavius Sabinus II and Vespasian to the senatorial rank. The political career of Vespasian included the offices of quaestor, aedile and praetor, and culminated with a consulship in 51, the year Domitian was born. As a military commander, he gained early renown by participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43. What little is known of Titus's early life has been handed down to us by Suetonius, who records that he was brought up at the Imperial court in the company of Britannicus, the son of emperor Claudius, who would be murdered by Nero in 55.

Pueri saltatores
Dancing Boys

Petronius discovered that the slave-boy troupe only had a limited repertoire, and had long been without a 'dancing master'.

It should be pointed out that 'dancing boys' were often referred to as cinaedi, but this term was also used by some in a pejorative sense (singular: cinaedus) to describe a boy who was effeminate in manner and appearance, and took the passive sexual role (even when no longer a boy). To avoid this possible misunderstanding we use here the term pueri saltatores.

The story emerged (from Terentius, obviously) that this group of boys had been previously owned by an elderly business man, of obviously plebeian origins, what would be termed 'new money'. The boys had come onto the market, as so often happened, on the death of their master, who had no surviving relatives. There had been a 'dancing master' but, as happened long before, in the case of the troupe that had been on the ship carrying Marcus and his parents to Brundisium, the troupe and their leader had been separated by ignorant sellers (Cilician pirates in Marcus' case). Marcus, recognising the problem, immediately sent Terentius out, (much to his annoyance, (although he tried not to show it, as he claimed he had so much other work to attend to), to obtain a suitably qualified slave to supervise, and hopefully speedily train the troupe.

Now Marcus already had a 'dancing master', a young slave called 'Paris', but Paris was back in Baiae, at the villa, and the time taken to get a message to him to come to the Domus in Rome, and the time it would take Paris to travel to the Domus would mean that there would be no time for him to do any work with the troupe, so it was simpler, if considerably more expensive, (as Terentius was certain to point out), to buy a slave in Rome to do the work.

Staged dancing (either in private or public performances) took the form of what the Romans referred to as 'pantomime' (not to be confused with the modern use of the term). This was from the Latin word pantomimus, which in turn derives from the Greek word παντόμιμος (pantomimos), consisting of παντο- (panto-) meaning 'all' and μῖμος (mimos), meaning a dance. The Roman 'pantomime' drew upon the Greek tragedy and other Greek genres from its inception, although the art was instituted in Rome and little is known of it in pre-Roman Greece. According to an oration by Aelius Aristides, the pantomime was known for its erotic content, and (what many considered to be) the effeminacy of its dancing. Music for the dancing was supplied mainly by flute. Performances might be in a private household, or else lavish theatrical productions involving a large orchestra and chorus.
Such performances were the Roman equivalent of contemporary ballet, although private performances (and on occasions 'arena performances') could feature nudity and explicit sexuality. Public performances had a popularity only slightly smaller than chariot racing and gladiatorial fighting. These performances presented emotionally fraught mythic episodes through the bodily movement of mute dancers, and rapidly gained attention beginning about 23 BGC under the reign of Augustus (Octavian). Rivalries between dancer's fans caused riots in Rome during the early Empire, and prompted Augustus (Octavian) to criticise such performances. An example of a public performance of a 'pantomimos' may be found in Chapter 15, where there is a sexually explicit, danced interpretation of the Greek myth of the 'Rape of Ganymede', featuring Paris as the lead dancer, and also some tame goats.

So, while Terentius went off the find a dancing master, not and easy task, as they are much in demand (with all the celebrations occurring since the inauguration of the new Emperor Vespasian), Marcus and Petronius, went down to the Gymnasion (Greek spelling) on the ground floor, accompanied, inevitably by Aurarius and Adonios, (Glaux was dozing, of course, in Marcus' apartments, despite the noise the builders were making), while Nicander arranged for the troupe of boys to be sent up from the basement. Petronius then introduced Marcus as their Dominus, and himself as Tribune and 'Master of the Arena at Baiae', (we don't do these titles in Latin, as Petronius is talking to them in Greek). At the mention of the title 'Master of the Arena' the boys start looking really scared, imagining that they are to be trained and used, eventually, as gladiators (or something worse). Petronius reassured them that they had been bought as 'dancers' and 'entertainers' (and the boys knew what that meant), and explained to them that he just wanted to see how fit they are.

So, with Marcus, Aurarius and Adonios looking on, Petronius, ('showing off' by just wearing a brief, white loincloth), demonstrated the various moves he wanted the boys (who were all naked, as befits slaves) to copy. And much to Marcus' and Petronius' surprise the boys are very good. Petronius then started talking about flexibility, and asked individual boys to demonstrate how flexible they were. (This is not Petronius being gratuitously 'kinky', as flexibility is an prime ingredient of good dancing, Roman style.) Much to the surprise of Marcus, Aurarius, Adonios and Petronius the boys proved to be remarkably well conditioned, and very flexible, especially one very attractive looking lad. But as has already been explained, Petronius is no dancer, so he sent the boys off to the pool, to relax them (and clean them), and then ordered lunch and massages for all of them.

Petronius also spent some time talking to Nicander, making it very clear that the 'dancing boys' were to be accommodated in a separate dormitory from the slaves who had been bought for the arena, and that they were also were not to mix when using bathing and gymnasion facilities, for obvious reasons.

In Roman times dancers were viewed as individuals of low status, rather than respected artist and participants in religious events, as was the case in Greece, and dance lost much of its sacred public function, and became more of a spectacle and an entertainment. Roman citizens, particularly patricians, never danced in public (except on rare religious occasions). It should be noted that the public opinion of dancers was very low, placing them within the same social status as gladiators, actors and prostitutes, and dancing, as a profession, was considered illegitimate, and socially unacceptable. As a result, almost all Roman dancers were slaves, and it was not unusual for a performer to be beaten, or punished in some other way, by his master for an unsatisfactory performance.

With Petronius, not surprisingly, exceptionally aroused by his involvement with his flexible new slave-boy, he then dragged Adonios off for a short, boisterous session in his private apartments, while Marcus went up to his study and summoned Novius for a chat.

Sermo in Horto
A Talk in the Garden

"So… my dear Novius. lets us go up to the roof gardens, so that I can pick your brains," Marcus said, clasping his old friend round the shoulder.

"If you insist, but all these stairs that Gnæus had put in this building are a burden to me at my age. Oh how I love the villa at Baiae, with only two floors! For you it doesn't seem to be a problem. You and Petronius never seem to get any older. You must tell me your secret one day."

Marcus grinned. "A frugal diet, and lots of exercise, I think that's the secret," Marcus replied.

Eventually they reached the roof gardens, where a cool breeze was blowing. Aurarius, as always accompanying Marcus, found them a secluded spot, and Marcus and Novius sat on one of the many marble benches, close to a small, gently bubbling fountain. Aurarius, well trained by Marcus, stood some distance away, available if needed, but out of earshot of the conversation.

"So what do you want to discus, Dominus?" Novius asked, with a knowing look.

"Well I think that you have guessed it, it's this visit from Titus. What I am concerned about is why Vespasian sent Titus to see me?" Marcus said.

"Yes… well it is obviously Vespasian who is at the back of this. Now don't get me wrong, Dominus, I think that Titus genuinely likes you. Titus is no aristocrat, despite having been brought up as a young man in the Imperial court, and he can recognise in you someone who is also not an aristocrat, no offence meant, and his father, our new Emperor, is equally no aristocrat. Undoubtedly Vespasian would feel comfortable being surrounded by men of a similar background and standing to himself," Novius explained.

"Yes, I see that, but what do you think that he wants from me, other than just 'friendship'?" Marcus asked.

"Well I would have thought that it was obvious, money!" Novius said, with a sly smile. "It's what they all want," Novius added, with a sigh.

Suetonius claims that that 'Vespasian was driven by necessity to raise money by whatever means possible because of the desperate state of the treasury and the privy purse; to which he bore witness at the very beginning of his reign by declaring that forty thousand millions were needed to put the State right. This view seems correct, since he made the best use of his gains, ill-gotten though some of them were. Having obtained sufficient funds, he was most generous to all classes, making up the requisite estate for senators, giving needy ex-consuls an annual stipend of five hundred thousand sesterces, restoring to a better condition many cities throughout the empire which had suffered from earthquakes or fires, and in particular encouraging men of talent and the arts. Yet even so he could not be rid of his former ill-repute for apparent covetousness.'

"You see, your problem, Dominus, if I may speak to you openly and honestly, is that you go around imagining that you are still that young lad 'Markos', whom I met so seemingly long ago. So, for example, you think it's something noteworthy to give your 'boy' a pair of leather wrist guards. And yet you are probably one of the richest men in the Empire," Novius said gently, trying not to offend his master.

Marcus blushed.

"Now this man, Vespasian is undoubtedly rich, particularly after all that business in Judæa, but not that rich, and he is, in my humble opinion, looking to you for a loan, probably not for himself, but to replenish the state coffers, I have heard that the temple of Saturn (the Roman Treasury) is practically empty. And it would be a loan for which he will reward you, richly, with political office and maybe arrange for you a particularly advantageous marriage."

"I see," Marcus said thoughtfully.

"This is the way for you to achieve power, and yes… even more wealth. So my advice to you is to use your recent friendship with Titus, for which, strangely, you should thank Quintus, establish yourself in Imperial favour, and then, a little later, like the late Dominus you can quietly remove yourself from the scene, but remain a secure and trusted confidant of the Emperor," Novius concluded.

"So what about the meeting?… I have arranged for Titus to visit in a few days for an evening meal."Marcus continued.

"We've now got this dance troupe, so should I use them for some kind of entertainment?" Marcus asked.

"Of course!" Novius replied.

"Titus, I am told, is fond of attractive young boys, and although his father is rather 'straight-laced', I'm sure that Titus would enjoy some sort of, shall we say, 'erotic' show, if there's enough time to get it organised. And maybe you could get a couple of the boys that you bought for the arena to stage a fight, maybe here on the roof garden, after all, Titus really enjoyed the ludi you staged at Baiae and, being a soldier, well, he likes a bit of blood," Novius suggested.

"Well, yes Novius, but the dancing troupe will depend on if Terentius has got them a 'coach'. As for the fight, that's no problem as Petronius can easily get that organised."

"Yes in deed… What would we do without Petronius… " Novius sighed. At that point a young slave-boy diffidently approached Aurarius, and gave him a message.

"What is it?" Marcus called, concerned that it may be some important matter.

"The boy tells me that Terentius has returned with a new slave, Dominus," Aurarius answered.

"That's good, it'll be the dancing master for the troupe," Marcus told Novius.

"I must go now to see this new slave. You can either stay here, and take the air, or return to the library. The boy will accompany you either way, and you can dismiss him when no longer need him. And many, many thanks for your advice. We shall speak, later, this evening," Marcus concluded.

"It is my honour to advise you, Dominus!" Novius replied. With that Marcus left accompanied by Aurarius, while Novius sat, gazing out over the city, reflectively.

Novus Chori Magister
The New Dance Master

Moments later Marcus and Aurarius reached the ground floor, and were directed to one of the small atria where Nicander was waiting. With him was a tall, well-built, dark-haired slave. The new slave stepped forward and bowed.

"This is our Dominus," Nicander said formally.

"Ego sum servus tuus Dominus", (I am your servant, Master), the new slave said, in greeting, apparently showing off that he could speak Latin.

"Και το όνομά σου, σκλάβα;", (And your name, slave?), Marcus replied, showing off that he equally spoke perfect Greek.

The new slave looked perplexed.

"My name, Dominus, is Echelaos." the slave replied in Greek (it seemed that his Latin was not that good).

"Good, you may keep that name." Marcus replied, continuing in Greek (remember that Roman masters had the habit of often changing the names of slaves.)

"And you are a dance master?" Marcus queried.

"Yes, Dominus, that is what I have been trained, from a young age to do."

At that point Terentius entered the small atrium.

"Ah, Dominus, you have found him!" Terentius exclaimed, broadly smiling.

"Yes… Apparently this is Echelaos," Marcus said, turning to Terentius.

"And what a bargain, Dominus!" Terentius said, enthusiastically. Echelaos looked down at the floor, seemingly feigning humility.

"Well, with you bidding I'm sure that you got him for the very best price!" Marcus said, with a cheeky grin.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius replied. "I am always careful with your money," Terentius answered respectfully.

"That's enough, Terentius, I've already had a lecture from Novius this morning about money," Marcus said, and paused, looking carefully at his new acquisition.

"So what about this Echelaos?" Marcus asked, looking to Terentius..

"He comes highly recommended, Dominus. He has choreographed dancers for both private and public performances, and when younger was a famed dancer here in Rome," Terentius enthused.

"So if he's so good why was he on sale?" Marcus asked.

"His previous master was a victim of the er… 'recent upheavals', with regard to the new Emperor, Dominus," Terentius said carefully.

"I see… perhaps a bit of luck for us, then," Marcus replied.

"Indeed, Dominus," Terentius replied.

"So… Echelaos, the man standing behind you is the dominus domi (master of the house) of this house here in Rome, which is the Domus Gracchii, you may have heard of it, and his name is Nicander. He will be your direct superior. The man to whom I have been speaking, and who bought you is the Excelsus Procurator of the House of Gracchus who, with my Tribunus, is second only to me in authority, and in all things you will obey them, as you would me. I that clear?" Marcus said firmly.

"Yes, Dominus," Echelaos replied.

"Nicander!" Marcus called.

"Yes, Dominus."

"I see that you have provided Echelaos with a collar, have you also provided him with a suitable cubiculum?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, Dominus," Nicander replied.

"Good, Now send a slave-boy to bring Petronius down here so that he can supervise Echelaos, and introduce him to the dance troupe, and then ask Petronius to take them all to the Gymnasion to start their work."

"Yes, Dominus," Nicander answered as he hurriedly summoned a waiting slave-boy.

"Now, Echelaos, come with me, and I will explain what I want from you in the immediate future," Marcus said, guiding his new slave towards the entrance to the gymnasion. Marcus began,"In a few days, and that is all that you have, I will be entertaining a very special guest, and I will need an entertainment, of what we could call an 'erotic' kind, featuring our slave-boys. It must be lavish and opulent, indicating abundance and wealth, yet also appealing to our guest's erotic sensibilities, I am told he is fond of attractive boys. Do I make myself clear?" Marcus waited for a moment while Echelaos thought.

"Yes, Dominus. You make yourself very clear," Echelaos replied.

"And you have an idea for this?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, Dominus," Echelaos answered confidently.

"Good!", When you are ready for the boys to show me a preview, then tell Petronius, as he will be supervising you throughout this project."

"I will do that, and I will start now, Dominus" Echelaos said, bowing to Marcus, and then making his way to the gymnasion. Once the boys had been assembled in the (very Greek looking) gymnasion, Echelaos took them one by one, demonstrated a number of steps, explaining the narrative meaning underlying the steps. (considered 'on a par' with Greek athletes, although not quite of the same status, and athletes were only just above gladiators, dancing boys trained, and often performed, naked). He required them to copy him. His intention was to gauge their ability to memorise steps, and also their fluidity of movement and the degree to which they could imbue their movement with feeling and emotion.

The boys seemed to responded well, and were obviously much relieved to have a professional 'dance master' guiding them, and training them, as they had been concerned, when they were sold, and separated from their previous coach, that they might well be sold simply as 'sex-slaves', or worse, 'arena-fodder'. All the while Petronius looked on, and realised that Terentius had probably chosen well in purchasing this particular 'master of dance'. In addition, Petronius was considering how this very attractive, and seemingly talented group of boys could be used back in the arena at Baiae.

Ad Foro in Urbe
Shopping in the City

Marcus then turned to Aurarius.

"Get a boy to bring us refreshments, and send a message to Adonios, he'll be in the gymnasion with Petronius, and also to Demetrius, to meet in the main atrium."

Aurarius intermediately dashed off to carry out Marcus' instructions. Marcus then called Terentius.

"Terentius, send a boy up to your office with a message for Phillipos. I want a money pouch stuffed with aurei (high value Roman gold coins). The boys and I are going shopping."

Terentius looked disapproving, but he realised, (after speaking privately with Novius), that at some point Marcus needed to spend some of the many millions that he possessed, so what was a bag of gold coins (a few years income for the average pleb).

"Of course, Dominus," Terentius obediently replied.

"But Terentius, you're not complaining?"

"No, Dominus. It's your money, so go and enjoy it" Terentius replied.

Marcus shook his head in disbelief. Marcus had been 'stung' by Novius' well intentioned comments about the fact that he was still behaving like a poor slave-boy, and he realised that his 'boys', (as he thought of them), deserved more from him. And so he had decided, having seemed to have sorted out the question about 'entertaining' Titus, to take the boys out, and give them a good time with food and presents. He had also decided to buy something for his beloved Petronius, after Novius' 'sighed' remark (see above).

And so, while Echelaos began his work with the dance troupe, and Petronius selected and trained some of the recently acquired slaves to fight in a mini-ludi for Titus, Marcus, Aurarius, Adonios and Demetrius all set off for the Forum Romanum, and the nearby shops and stalls, and then to the Forum Cuppedinis, which was famed for it luxury goods.

Another interesting place to look was the Macellum, which was a very high class food market, but Marcus would not be doing any buying there, as the banquet for Titus was still a couple of days off, and it was obviously difficult to keep most food fresh. However, Marcus made some mental notes of some of the food available and he would probably later advise the caterers, hired by Terentius, to purchase certain items on the day in question.

Now Marcus wasn't very good at shopping. When very young, in Athens, he wasn't allowed out much by his strict parents. When he was older, and was taken to school by an old family slave, he rebelled, and would run off, and spend the day hanging around the gymnasia with Greek boys of his own age. He rarely had any money, so shops held little interest for him. Then he was sold into slavery, and bought by Gracchus, and for all his early teenage years he was locked away in the villa at Baiae, studying, training and eventually 'learning the ropes' at the arena with Petronius, and then, suddenly, he became Dominus. Now he had more money than most people can even dream about, and he was in Rome, the commercial centre of the world, and he couldn't think of what to buy!

On this occasion, hoping that they could avoid a 'posse' of Prætorians following them about, Marcus had arranged to have two Domus guards, armed but wearing the normal Domus tunics, dark red with gold embroidery, who would follow them at a discreet distance, mainly because Marcus was carrying a lot of money on him. So they set off, and first Marcus asked Demetrius to take him back to Timotheus' shop. Timotheus himself was, not surprisingly, delighted to see Marcus once again.

"Before I give you any more of my custom, Timotheus, I was wondering if Panos had finished the leather wrist guards?"

"Of course, Dominus!" Timotheus exclaimed,"Just this morning as it happens… one minute and I will get Panos to bring them to you."

Timotheus disappeared into his work room, while Aurarius, Adonios waited excitedly, grinning happily at one another. Timotheus then returned, with Panos who brought in the wrist guards, wrapped in linen cloths.

"Here they are, Dominus, and much improved, may I say, with the gold studs," Timotheus said approvingly.

"You have excellent taste, Dominus," young Panos said quietly, the first time he had spoken, as he unwrapped the linen cloths, and helped the boys put on the new wrist guards. Marcus then handed over a gold aureus (a coin of such value that neither Aurarius, Adonios or Demetrius had ever seen one before).

"Will that be enough?" Marcus enquired.

"But Dominus, that is far too much!" Timotheus said, obviously shocked.

Marcus, of course, had no idea of the value of Roman money, especially large denominations.

"Panos, go and get this coin changed!" Timotheus said briskly.,"There is an argentarius (money changer) in the next street. While they were waiting for Panos to return, Timotheus made a bold suggestion, as he realised that Marcus could easily be cheated by his lack of experience in making purchases, particularly as he was not accompanied by Terentius.

"Perhaps young Panos could accompany you, Dominus, if you are to make more purchases. He may be able to help you with regard to where to shop, and with prices," Timotheus suggested politely.

"Well, if you could spare him, I would be grateful." Marcus replied, somewhat unnerved by his obvious foolishness.

Panos returned with a leather pouch full of 'change', which he dutifully handed to Marcus, after giving Timotheus the appropriate sum for the wrist guard studs. Timotheus then made a note that those items had been paid for.

"So, Dominus, what is this 'new custom that you mentioned!" Timotheus said, looking up from his scribbling.

"I would like you to make some seal rings for these three lads., In gold, of course, but perhaps you could let them choose the stones, and then I would like them engraved," Marcus explained, as he firmly attached the bag of 'change' to his waist belt.

"Of course, Dominus. Just one minute and I will get Panos to show you a tray of the stones that we can offer," Timotheus said, looking up as another customer entered the workshop. While Timotheus talked quietly to the new customer, Aurarius, Adonios and Demetrius crowded around Panos, who was holding a wooden tray on which were displayed a number of semiprecious gem stones.

"So boys, decide which stone you like, but remember that this is to be a man's ring, so don't choose anything fancy, just a plain colour," Marcus advised.

Armamentum
Equipment

Meanwhile, back at the Domus, Petronius had chosen four possible boys to fight in the mini-ludi for Titus, plus two boys who would wrestle. The boys who would wrestle would obviously wrestle naked, so nothing was needed for them, and they would just have to undergo a hurried instruction in the various wrestling holds. The boys who would be fighting as gladiators would need equipment. At the Domus there was no gladiatorial equipment, as no fights had ever been held there before.

So, Petronius took four strong Domus guards, had the four young slaves chained to one another, and set off into the city to buy the required equipment, having been carefully advised by Terentius, and been supplied with sufficient coin. The first stop was an armourer's workshop. There the four boys were fitted with gladiator helmets. These were not the style that had been used at the previous Ludi pro Auspicatu Novi Ætatis, which had been replica Corinthian helmets, but were to be rather the traditional form of Samnite helmet with a grilled face-guard, and a high, plumed, crest (see the 'Munera Pro Gracchus' for Samnite helmets).

A Samnite (Latin Samnis, plural Samnites) is a Roman gladiator who fought with equipment styled on that of a warrior from Samnium: a short sword (gladius), a rectangular shield (scutum), greaves (lower leg guards, ocrea), and a helmet, (described above). Fighters armed in such a way were the earliest gladiators (swordsmen) in the Roman ludi. They appeared in Rome shortly after the defeat of Samnium in the 4th century BC, apparently adopted from the victory celebrations of Rome's allies in Campania. By arming low-status gladiators in the manner of a defeated foe, Romans mocked the Samnites, and appropriated martial elements of their culture.

In addition, the boys had to be fitted with ocrea, arm guards and, instead of the traditional loincloths, leather thongs. Swords (gladii), and shields were also required, and plumes for the helmets.

Sigillum Annuli
Seal Rings

Back at Timotheus' shop, Aurarius had chosen Serpentine, a fine, hard, green stone, Adonios had chosen Agate, a brown stone, sometimes known as Carnelian, and Demetrius had chosen Onyx, a hard, black stone. Having chosen their stones, Marcus then told Timotheus how they should be engraved. Aurarius' Serpentine was to be engraved with the Greek letter Π (pi) (only Aurarius understood this, [he had recently learned, with Marcus' help, to read a little Greek], as it was the first letter of the Greek word παιδ, meaning 'boy' or 'kid', Marcus' nickname for Aurarius, which was the name Aurarius was first known by when he came to the villa). Adonios' Agate was to be engraved with the letter Α (alpha, used in both Greek and Roman alphabets), for Adonios. Demetrius' Onyx was to be engraved with the Greek letter Δ (delta), for Demetrius.

"Can these be ready in two days?" Marcus asked, optimistically.

"Yes, but the rings must be supplied from stock, it's not enough time to make up some fancy design for the rings, but the engraving and fitting of the stones can be done," Timotheus replied.

"So do you have the rings in stock?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, one moment," Panos replied, taking away the tray of stones, and coming back with a tray of gold rings.

"We call these 'blanks', (indicating the rings with empty spaces where the stones would be inserted), and all we need to do is to engrave a pre-cut stone, secure it in the bevel of the ring, and it is finished, so I could complete the rings by the time that you require them."

"That's excellent, Panos!" Marcus replied, looking obviously pleased. Marcus then chose the style of ring for Adonios and Aurarius (the same style for both boys), and chose a slightly heavier style for Demetrius reflecting the fact that he, unlike the other boys, was not a slave. The boys, by then, were all looking very satisfied at the prospect of having their own seal ring, and being just like a real Roman patrician.

It should be noted that it was very rare for slaves to own items of jewellery, especially an item as prestigious as a seal ring. Seal rings were used to authorised and secure important documents, and to posses such a ring implied authority and power. Terentius and Nicander had seal rings, provided by Gnaeus Gracchus (in the case of Terentius), and Marcus Gracchus (in the case of Nicander), but they were only used in connection with the House of Gracchus (being smaller versions of Marcus' large seal ring, which Marcus had inherited from Gnaeus Gracchus, when Marcus became Dominus).

Fortuna
Fate

Back with Petronius, his boys, (the 'would be' gladiators), were looking far from satisfied, as they trudged through the streets of Rome. They were chained together, and carrying large bundles containing shields, greaves, helmets, wooden practice swords and other items. The swords that they were to use in their fights were carried (sheathed) by the Domus guards, and the whole sorry looking group was led by Petronius. Once back at the Domus, the boys would be bathed and then kitted out, and then endlessly put through fighting drills by Petronius, with practice swords in order to get them used to the weight of the helmets, shields, and greaves.

Fortūna, (equivalent to the Greek goddess Tyche), was the goddess of fortune, and personification of luck in Roman religion. She might bring good or bad luck: she could be represented as veiled and blind, and came to represent life's capriciousness. She was also a goddess of fate: as Atrox Fortuna, she claimed the young lives of the Princeps Octavian Augustus' grandsons Gaius and Lucius, prospective heirs to the Empire. Her father was said to be Jupiter, and like him, she could also be bountiful (Copia). On June 24 there was a festival of Fors Fortuna. Fortuna's identity as personification of chance events was closely tied to the masculine attribute of 'virtus' (strength of character). Public officials who lacked 'virtues' invited ill-fortune on themselves and Rome. The situation described here, with recently bought slave-boys, with little or no preparation or training, condemned to a fight to the death for the amusement of Titus, while other slave-boys, who live in luxury, are being bought prestigious and expensive gifts, exemplifies the vagaries of fate which, although they always exist, were particularly exaggerated in the extremes to be found in Roman society.

Pugiones
Daggers

Back in Timotheus' shop (where Fortuna was being very kind to our slave-boys, and Demetrius), the boys were having their 'ring fingers' measured by Panos. Then, having checked the details of the measurements with the ring blanks, and the stones, and the engraving instructions, (which Panos was pleased to see were simple, just single letters), all was settled. There was also some extra good news, in that Panos said that he had made good progress with the wrist guards for Demetrius, and they should be ready at the same time as the rings.

"Now Panos, you take good care of our Dominus, and I'll see you later," Timotheus said, in a typically fatherly way, as the group left the shop.

"So Panos, do you know where there is a good armourer nearby?" Marcus asked innocently.

"Indeed, Dominus. My father has a nephew who specialises in making and selling armour and weapons," Panos replied brightly.

Now for those readers who have ever holidayed in the Near and Middle East this scenario is bound to evoke memories. Always someone knows a cousin, uncle or brother who owns a shop, just nearby!, and people living such places, even today, operate a social and economic system remarkably similar to that of the ancient world.)

So off they went to the 'nephew' of Timotheus, and on the way Marcus warned Adonios and Aurarius not to make the same sort of trouble that they had made in Neapolis, remember?, and the boys were thinking, 'would Marcus ever forget?' And what did they come out of the shop with? Well, a very fancy pugio for each of the boys, and probably a nice fat 'backhander' for Panos'. Adonios and Aurarius each had a pugio with a sheath covered in black 'shark-skin' with brass fittings, while Demetrius, as befitted his status, had a silver and gold, highly decorated pugio, which Marcus intended to get Panos to embellish with an Onyx in the sheath, to be engraved with the Greek letter Δ (delta), for Demetrius, to match Demetrius' seal ring.

Strictly speaking the carrying of knives or daggers (pugiones, the plural of pugio), and swords (gladii, the plural of gladius), was forbidden within the confines of the city of Rome, but in Rome, at the time of our story, it all depended on who you were. Titus had already ordered the Prætorians to keep a watchful and protective eye on Marcus, and those associated with him, and the Prætorians, in turn, had informed the Vigiles Urbani ('watchmen of the City'), a sort of combined fire-brigade and police force, so Marcus and the boys (and Pretonius and the Domus guards) were effectively exempt from this regulation. The Vigiles Urbani dealt primarily with petty crimes, and looked for disturbances of the peace while they patrolled the streets. Sedition, riots and violent crimes were handled by the Cohortes Urbanae, and the Prætorian Guard, though the Vigiles could provide a supporting role in these situations. The Vigiles were considered a para-military unit, and their organisation into cohorts and centuries reflected this.

"So what about a tailor?" Marcus asked. In this case Panos had no suggestions, (his rough tunic should have given that away). Apparently his contacts were restricted to those who worked in metal.

"Alright, Panos, you go and 'sound out' a good tailor, and I mean a very good tailor, and I will take the boys for a snack," Marcus said, looking for the thermopolium they had used on their previous shopping expedition. Marcus wanted to use that particular one as it seemed clean, and none of the boys, or Petronius, had been ill after using it. A Roman thermopolium could be an excellent place to pick up a very nasty 'stomach-bug' (not that the Romans really knew the actual cause of food poisoning, a problem that carried off many individuals, including an alarmingly large number of Emperors).

So while Panos was away, searching out a tailor, the boys showed off their pugiones to one another, and actually remembered to thank Marcus for his generosity.

Praeparationes
Preparations

Realising there were still many preparations to make if the new boys were to put up a reasonable show when Titus visited, Petronius left the continuing task of training the boys to one of the senior Domus Guards (an ex Legionary Centurion), and went to discuss matters with Terentius, as Petronius knew that Terentius would always have an effective, practical solution to any problem. Terentius, understanding that the matter was of great importance, put aside his financial work and accompanied Petronius to the roof garden, where Marcus planned to hold the reception.

Slaves were already erecting awnings and curtaining, but the problem really was to decide where the gladiatorial contest would take place. The roof gardens were extensive, dotted around were shrubs, small trees and flower beds, along with some small pools. However, Petronius and Terentius found a circular turfed area area close to the main entrance to the roof gardens that would be large enough to accommodate a reasonable sized combat area.

The next problem was the sand. Sand was important for 'grip', as the paved surfaces of the roof garden were well polished Travertine marble, and a suitable circular area, close to the main entrance to the roof gardens was covered with slippery turf (which anyway Nicander wanted to preserve). Sand was also required so that the 'mess', that often resulted from such combat, could be contained and easily removed. Terentius suggested bringing in some sand by carts from Ostia (the port of Rome). Petronius like the idea, and so Terentius ordered up the senior slave responsible for maintenance of the Domus to explain the matter to Nicander, and get the transportation organised. It was here, of course, that the lifts installed in the Domus would be particularly useful in enabling the large bulk of sand to be raised to the roof gardens.

The next problem was how to contain the sand, and the combatants in the designated area. Terentius suggested a low wooden enclosure, about ankle high. A circular form would be too complex to construct in the time available, so Petronius suggested possibly an octagonal structure. Having made that decision, Terentius ordered up the chief carpenter of the Domus, and sent him out to the city to buy up suitable good quality planking, and then produce a drawing for Petronius' approval. Once approved his carpenters could then set to work. The wooden structure would be constructed over the circular turfed area, with wooden flooring, which would then be covered with sand, similar to that at the arena at Baiae.

Now readers may be thinking why Terentius and Petronius are not feeling rather peeved that, Marcus, (albeit their Dominus [Master]), has gone off shopping, and having a good time with his boys, apparently without a thought for the impending visit of Titus. However, if you have read all 38 chapters, you should realise, as Novius had (and probably also Terentius, and almost certainly Petronius), that Marcus has suffered much over the period that we have known him.

First he was captured by pirates, and then his parents were cruelly and horrifically killed. Then he was sold into slavery. Later he was 'abused' by the young man who was intended to supervise his physical education, and subsequently he was betrayed by one of his only friends (Glykon), and also his 'first love' (Cleon), and an attempt was made on his life. Finally his guardian and protector was killed. Now, since coming to Rome, difficult memories have been stirred. For the first time he found himself involved in the buying of slaves, bringing back painful memories of his own experience of being sold, and almost at the same time he arranged for a cinerary urn to be made for his adoptive father, bringing back memories of death (Ariston and Cleon) and betrayal (Glykon and Servius).

Such experiences, for one so young, can easily produce symptoms of 'post traumatic stress disorder' (as we now term it, or melancholia as the Romans would think of it, something that rarely occurs to characters in most 'dubious' fiction), despite the fact that Marcus had recently found a new 'love', or at least distraction, (Aurarius). Novius realised this, and mentioned it to Terentius, and Novius subtly goaded Marcus into spending time and money on his boys, in an attempt to raise his mood, prior to meeting Titus. So Marcus was not at the Domus when all the preparation needed to be made, but no one minded, least of all Petronius.

Munusculi
Gifts

So, while Marcus was still wandering the city, enjoying himself, and relaxing, (and notice that Marcus' pleasure was in giving pleasure to others), the Domus was a frenzy of construction and preparation. Marcus, of course, was too busy with his new experiences to realize what might be happening at the Domus. At that very moment he was savouring the simple experience of paying for his, and the boys' meal at the thermopolium with the 'funny' little coins that filled the purse that Panos had given him. Previously it had always been Petronius (in small matters), and Terentius (in greater matters) who had paid. It had always been his money, but he had never handled it himself. In fact, the last time that Marcus had ever handled money had been long ago, when he was in Athens, with little coins that, oddly, bore the impression of an owl, Minerva's owl.

In Greek mythology, a little owl (Athena noctua) traditionally represents or accompanies Athena, the goddess of wisdom, or Minerva, as she was known in Roman mythology. Because of such association, the bird, often referred to as the 'owl of Athena' or the 'owl of Minerva', was used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, perspicacity and erudition in the Greek and Roman world. Τετράδραχμον, tetrádrakhmon, tetradrachm coin was known as a 'Glaux' because on the reverse of the coin was the image of 'Glaux', the owl of Athena.

So, soon after Marcus had paid for the snack at the thermopolium, Panos returned, having found a good quality tailor. Most Roman shops opened directly onto the street, with an frontage consisting of an open ledge on which were displayed the shops wares. Customers did not enter the shop, but rather conducted business from the street. The owners (or more usually those who paid rent for the shop), would usually live above the shop, while the ground floor severed as a storage area, or a workshop.

Higher quality shops, (like those belonging to Diodoros, or Timotheus), would conduct business in a ground floor room, with rooms(s) at the rear serving as a workshop or storage area, and the shop that Panos now took then to was a high class tailor where the business was conducted in privacy. Privacy, in Rome, of course, was at a premium, unless you were fabulously wealthy, like Marcus.

One point of interest regarding Marcus' forays into the city in the area close to the Domus was the fact that, on the death of Gnaeus Gracchus, Marcus had inherited huge swathes of real estate in the inner city of Rome, so, in fact, unknowingly, he was the landlord of many of the individuals from whom he was now buying (including Timotheus). Many of the properties owned by the House of Gracchus were insula, (what we would call blocks of flats), rented out to the less well off plebs. In many insula, whole families would often occupy a single room, with no heating, running water or sanitary provisions. But back to the magnificent Domus.

Terentius, with all the many distractions that had occurred since Marcus had inherited, had never had the time, or the opportunity, to acquaint Marcus with the vast business and property empire that he now owned, and this was a matter that was increasingly concerning Novius, as Marcus seemed blissfully unaware of his new status, hence Novius' jibe, 'you still go around imagining that you are that young lad 'Markos', whom I met so seemingly long ago' (see above 'Sermo in Horto').

At the tailor's Marcus ordered some new tunics for the boys. Roman boys, for most of the time, wore very little. Unless very poor, they wore a loincloth (which they usually slept in), and over that they wore a short, belted tunica (tunic, similar to a Greek chiton). For footwear, to be fashionable, many adolescents and younger men wore what was known as the 'Gallic sandal', which had a vaguely military, macho look. Marcus bought such sandals for all the boys, along with a set of tunics, in red, white and pale blue of the finest wool. For Demetrius Marcus ordered an additional blue tunic, with gold bullion edging, to be delivered the following morning to the Domus.

It was then time to return to the Domus, so Marcus gave Panos Demetrius' pugio to work on, plus a generous tip, and the boys, clutching their various bundles, followed Marcus back to the Esquiline, and their new home. During this trip Marcus had not yet bought anything for Petronius, but it was his intention to take his friend into the city, the following day, and buy him a worthy gift.

Braccae
Trousers

And on the way back they 'bumped into' Petronius, accompanied by four Domus slaves, on his way to buy extra items for the visit of Titus.

"Salve Petronius!" Marcus said rather sheepishly, seeming to have realised that he had left his friend with a lot of work. Leaving the boys excitedly chatting, and moving Petronius away from the Domus slaves, Marcus tried to explain himself.

"I'm sorry I've not been at the Domus to help you," Marcus mumbled,"but this 'shopping trip' got a bit out of hand."

"Dominus, it's not for you to apologise. We know what you want us to do, and we are simply doing it, and I hope that when you get back to the Domus that you will be happy with what we have done. And the boys look happy, so I am sure that the day has been a success!" and Petronius flashed one of his inimitable, boyish smile, making Marcus almost want to cry.

"I'm sure you're right," Marcus muttered, feeling horribly embarrassed.

"And what have you come out to the city for now?" Marcus asked, trying to act casual.

"I've come to buy some leather braccae (trousers), belts and wrist guards, like the ones our arena-slaves wear in Baiae."

Braccae is the Latin term for trousers. The Romans encountered this style of clothing among peoples whom they called Galli (Gauls). Braccae were typically made with a drawstring, and tended to reach from just above the knee at the shortest, to the ankles at the longest. When the Romans first encountered the braccae, they thought them to be 'effeminate' (Roman men typically wore tunics, which were one-piece outfits terminating above the knee).

Petronius continued,"Here, at the Domus, the late Dominus never had a gladiatorial contest, so the place has no appropriate equipment or clothing."

"Good idea so would you like me to come with you?" Marcus asked, trying to offer some help.

"There's no need, Dominus, but thank you, I've got these slaves with me, and you should really see the boys safely back to the Domus."

Reversus ad domum
Back at the Domus

So Marcus and the boys made their way back to the Domus, only to be confronted with squeaking and rumbling lifts as large quantities of sand were hoisted up to the roof by gangs of sweating slaves.

"Salve Dominus!" Nicander said in greeting, smiling, as Marcus and the boys entered the Magna Porta (grand entrance) of the Domus. Instantly slave-boys rushed up to take the bundles that Marcus and the boys were carrying, while Nicander directed them to the atrium magnum (Main atrium). Instantly more boys arrived with snacks and drinks as the tired group flopped down of the seats and couches.

"I see that you have had a most successful time in the city!" Nicander said, watching the lads scrabble about opening their bundles to show off the tunics, arm guards and pugiones, making Marcus feel even more guilty that he had not been at the Domus to supervise the work.

"Yes, but it took longer than I expected," Marcus said apologetically.

"No matter!" Nicander, who had been primed by Novius, replied airily. It was also obvious that Nicander had now accepted the special status of Adonios and Aurarius, and also realised that Demetrius was quite definitely no longer the 'abused' little slave-boy that Nicander had previously known, (and now, under pain of death, was no longer permitted to discuss).

"So when you and the boys have refreshed yourselves, just tell the slave-boys, and your recent purchases will be taken to you apartments… And now, if you will permit me, I will go about my duties," Nicander said, deferentially, bowing.

"Yes of course, Nicander," Marcus replied.

"Now Adonios and Demetrius, you finish off your snacks, and then go up to your apartments, and Aurarius, come with me, as I have to go up to the roof gardens." Aurarius looked a bit glum, not looking forward to the long climb, but obediently followed his master.

On arriving at the roof gardens, Marcus and Aurarius were greeted by a suspiciously affable Terentius. No questions about where Marcus had been for most of the day, and even more surprisingly, no questions about how much he had spent or, for that matter, what had happened to the purse of aurei that Marcus had set out with that morning.

"I suppose you'll want the purse back?" Marcus asked meekly, feeling guilty.

"Of course not, Dominus. You many need it tomorrow," Terentius replied. Then, apparently forgetting about the money, Terentius, gesticulated towards the slaves who were hammering away on the wooden planking, which was being used to construct the flooring for the combat area.

"I hope, Dominus, that you approve of Petronius' solution to the problem of providing a fighting area for our new young 'gladiators'," Terentius then said, putting an odd emphasis on the term 'gladiators', which obviously indicated that he doubted the new slaves' skill or ability.

"Yes, it looks good, and I presume that those piles of sand are going to cover the boards?" Marcus queried hopefully.

"Of course, Dominus. it will be just like at the arena in Baiae, except very much smaller," Terentius assured Marcus. At that point a breathless slave-boy ran up to say that Tribune Petronius had returned from the city.

"I think that was Petronius' last trip, at least I hope so, so soon our temporary 'arena', along with the combatants should be ready, so my next job, along with Nicander, is to arrange for the catering., If I were you, Dominus, if you don't mind me saying, I would make myself scarce tomorrow, what with 'party planners' and caterers, all excitable Greeks running around." (it seems that Terentius had forgotten that he himself was Greek, being originally a young boy from Corinth, but by this time he had become more 'Roman' than the Romans.) Terentius thought for a moment…

"Why not go and see Severus about the design for the mausoleum for the late Dominus. I can send a boy to make an appointment. I am sure that he will see you tomorrow, even if it is short notice."

Marcus nodded. "Yes, I really don't want to be here when everybody starts panicking about all the arrangements."

Severus was commissioned by the Emperor Nero for the Domus Aurea (the Golden House). Severus' work on the Domus Aurea, a palace-villa set in the heart of Rome, shows that he rejected traditional Roman architecture in favour of a radically new style of architecture which utilised arches, and which focused on interior spaces. Severus shaped space by going beyond the limits of previous experiments to create entirely new kinds of architectural volumes and effects. Since this experimentation occurred within the Emperor's palace his architecture attained great prestige. Subsequently Severus re-designed the Villa at Baiae and the Domus Gracchii in Rome for the late Dominus, and also the refurbishment of the Amphitheatre in Baiae undertaken by Marcus.

"Now while you wait for Petronius, Dominus, why don't we sit here and relax, while we watch the slaves preparing the combat area?" Terentius said, indicating a nearby marble bench.

"Yes, why not," Marcus replied.

"And why not tell me why everybody is being so nice to me these past few days?" Marcus continued, with just a touch of exasperation in his voice.

"Why? What do you mean!" Terentius asked, innocently, but not very convincingly, as he quietly gestured to a waiting slave-boy to bring some wine. At this point Aurarius moved away, realising that the conversation had become private.

"Well its you, Nicander especially, Petronius, and even Novius," Marcus explained.

"Well… to be frank… we are concerned for you. You have been through a lot, and this move to Rome, we think, has unsettled you, particularly the business of buying slaves, and we know what that must mean to you. Rome is where you were born, and where your natural parents came from, and even if you don't realise it, I believe that you are thinking about them, and the late Dominus. So you need time to yourself, to relax and enjoy, and this business with Titus' visiting, which is so important to your future, is not helping. Perhaps we have been 'clumsy', but I truly believe that it is all in your best interests, Dominus."

Marcus looked up at the sky, where the sun was beginning to set over the great city.

"Yes," he answered,"I thought it was that, and I must admit that I have been unsettled, but there is no need to be quite so 'gentle', although I appreciate what you are all doing. Don't worry, my dear Terentius, I will be strong." Marcus stood up, changing the mood, as Aurarius, who had been given the wine by the Domus slave-boy, stepped forward and handed it to Marcus.

"Look now, the sun is setting, and the slaves have finished raking the sand. It is an excellent job, Terentius," Marcus said admiringly.

"The praise must go to Petronius, Dominus," Terentius answered.

Tabernaculum Imperatorium
The Imperial Pavilion

Once the combat area had been given its solid flooring of thick planking, and the sand had been covered with a thick layer of smoothly raked sand, the Domus slaves began constructing the temporary pavilion for the guests, from where they would watch the combat. Apelles had been planning the pavilion in advance of the visit to Rome (with the approval of Terentius). Terentius had known that at some point such a structure would be required, and had not bothered Marcus with the details, but had simply got on with the job. Apelles design had been sent on to Rome, so that the tent makes could get to work, and fortunately, by the time that the visit of Titus had been arranged, the opulent structure, until then never assembled, was ready, carefully stored in the basement of the Domus. Now, just the night before it was to be used for the first time, the arena slave, supervised by a rather bemused Nicander, and a panicking Apelles, had the unenviable task of erecting the complex edifice on the roof garden, with Marcus and Terentius watching.

Fortunately, just as Nicander and Apelles began, Petronius arrived from his trip into the city, and was able to assist. By then, it was beginning to get dark, which did not help matters. Slowly the complex structure, a prefabricated pavilion of rich fabrics and curtaining, held up by ingeniously braced brass posts, topped elaborately with eagle finials was erected. There were a few problems, when pieces of material appeared not to fit, and some parts, rather ignominiously, slid to the ground, but eventually the pavilion was completed in all its imperial magnificence.

Marcus turned to Terentius: "Obviously designed by Apelles," he remarked.

"Only he could make a simple shelter from the possibility of wind or rain look like Nero's 'Golden House' in miniature," Terentius laughed.

"Well I think that Titus will be quite pleased, regardless."

At that moments a breathless Petronius joined them. "Have you seen that thing?" he exclaimed.

"I think Titus will spend more time admiring his tent, than admiring the fighters or dancers!"

"Indeed, Petronius, and did you get all that you needed in the city?" Marcus enquired.

"Everything, and it's all stored down in the basement now. So everything's ready for tomorrow, and we'll just have to see, tomorrow morning, if the tent has blown away," Petronius quipped, giggling along with Aurarius. Marcus tried not to laugh.

"So, Petronius, would you like to have a quiet evening meal with me tonight?" Marcus asked, putting an emphasis on the word 'quiet', in consideration of the rather more elaborate meal that was to follow the next evening.

"And perhaps you would like to bring Adonios with you, as Aurarius will be with me, and I think the boys would like to spend time together."

"Yes… " Petronius replied,"but what about Demetrius?"

"Don't worry about Demetrius," Marcus replied, smiling.

"I think the lad's 'in love', and will be having a 'quiet' evening with Aelius."

"I see," said, Petronius smiling broadly, along with Aurarius.

So Marcus and Petronius bad goodnight to Terentius, who stayed behind to supervise the final preparations for the night on the roof garden. One of the strange things about the Domus Gracchii was the fact that, especially in the evening, it was very quiet. It was a huge building, the interior of which was mainly faced with marble veneers, and would have been expected to echo with the slightest noise. However, as Marcus, Petronius and Aurarius descended the huge, white marble staircase, there was hardly a sound, despite the huge numbers of slave who busied themselves around the building.

Servi
Slaves

And what about those slaves? What did they think of their new master? Unusually, all the slaves at the Domus were relatively new. After Menelaus had been arrested, and Demetrius had been kept in the villa at Baiae, Marcus and Terentius were determined to put an end to the 'unfortunate' times at the Domus. Only Nicander had been retained, of all the many slaves used in the Domus. Most had either been sold, of shipped out to other distant estates owned by the House of Gracchus. New slaves had then been acquired.

In the later times of Gnaeus Octavian, no female slaves had been permitted to work in the Domus (as in the villas at Baiae and Tibur, the result of the late Dominus 'involvement' with a female slave, which was rather a case of 'shutting the stable door after the horse had bolted'. Terentius had acquired some female slaves for the 'new regime', all mature women, for kitchen, cleaning and washing duties. All the other slaves were male, and relatively young. Almost all the slaves had worked in previous high class establishments, and required little or no training.

The slaves were, of course, puzzled by their new master. Firstly by his youth, and also by his initial absence, along with his introduction of very young 'senior slaves' (Aurarius and Adonios, plus a very 'snooty' owl), who acted more like freedmen than slaves. And, of course, there were many rumours regarding who Demetrius, the Iuvenis Dominus, actually was. Equally there had never been a Tribune in the Domus, especially one as handsome and charming as Petronius, and initially Petronius had been mistaken for the Dominus, an error that many people made.

Few of the slaves had worked in such a large and opulent establishment, and would be in for an even greater surprise when they found themselves serving the eldest son of the Emperor. What the slaves of the Domus obviously didn't realise was that heir new masters had all been slaves, like themselves, previously, and knew well the difficulties and hardships of slavery.

As in all households, large or small, where there were slaves there was talk and rumours. Unavoidably, some slaves had been brought from the villa at Baiae, and they were eagerly questioned by the Domus slaves. It was soon revealed that the new Dominus was the adopted son of Gnaeus Gracchus, that Gnaeus Gracchus had been murdered, and that prior to that, an attempt had been made on the life of his adopted son, apparently masterminded by slaves in the villa, and mysterious individuals in Rome. It was also reported that the new Dominus, along with his young tribune, and chief freedman had taken terrible revenge on the perpetrators (not as terrible as could happen, however, it was permissible under Roman law for all the slaves in a villa or domus to be executed if the master was murdered).

What particularly alarmed the slaves in the Domus, however, was that the new Dominus ran his own amphitheatre in Baiae, and was going to do something similar in the Domus, in order to entertain the Emperor's eldest son, Titus Vespasianus. The result of these rumours was that Marcus was not only respected by his new slaves, but, (as Aurarius had pointed out), was also feared. Most Roman patricians, of course, would consider that only right. So the watchword among the Domus slaves was adoremus dominus, loosely translated as 'suck up the the master'.

Cena
Evening Meal

On arrival at the apartment, Marcus sent Elatos to the archimagirus (head chef) with an order for the evening meal. Then while the food was being prepared, and Elatos was preparing the atrium and triclinium, Marcus and Aurarius shared a bath.

Romans usually bathed in the afternoon, so a late bath (see above) was unusual. Much Roman bathing occurred for social as much as hygiene reasons, and so became a lengthy affair, and often included exercise sessions, (a visit to the library), manicure, pedicures and massage, after which the moderately wealthy would invite friends met at the baths to an evening meal. Marcus, unlike most Romans, had a bathing suite in his apartments in the Domus, and bathed whenever the opportunity arose from his busy schedule. In addition he had his own gymnasion for exercise, a massive library, and numerous slaves to provide manicures, pedicures and massages. As has been stated before, one of the main advantages of great wealth was the fact that it enabled the very wealthy to have privacy (allowing for the constant attendance of slaves).

It was at that point that Marcus made it clear that there would be no sex, either in the bath or in the bed that night. Marcus explained that after watching the 'entertainments' the following evening they would then be able to 'enjoy' themselves, and that the evening's 'events' would provide an added stimulus to their pleasure. Aurarius, as always, was quite content with Marcus explanation, and waited eagerly for the following evening. (Whether Petronius had told the same thing to Adonios, Aurarius, later, couldn't tell, and was disinclined to ask.)

Amphitheatres, like those at Pompeii, Capua, and of course Baiae, were built with external arches. It was under these arches that male and female prostitutes gathered, looking for customers during and after the ludi, as the experience of watching the Ludi often resulted in individuals becoming sexually aroused. These archways were known as fornici in Latin, and it is from this Latin term that the English words 'fornication' and 'fornicate' derive.

Moments later Petronius and Adonios arrived, looking well scrubbed, having obviously also had a bath. When Petronius and Adonios took their places in the triclinium, Glaux, who had spent the day dozing in his neat, but still unfinished alcove in the culina, came fluttering down, sensing that a meal was in the offing. Once stretched out on their couches (Elatos and Domus slaves had removed the spare couch, a triclinium usually had three couches, but to leave one empty was considered inappropriate), there was a soft knock on the door, and a procession of young Domus slaves arrived, carrying the various courses, which were placed on long serving tables, set round the walls of the triclinium.

It should be remembered here that dining at home, with multiple courses, was the prerogative of the wealthy. The poorer sections of society in Rome (the vast majority of the population), were crowded into insula, where only the lower floor would have any proper cooking facilities, therefore, the poorer members of society usually took their meals (such as they were), outside the home.

Petronius immediately admired Aurarius' new, gold studded wrist guards, and the pugio that Aurarius was ostentatiously wearing, while the boys talked excitedly about the seal rings that they were hoping to collect from Timotheus' shop the following day.

"Petronius, I would like you to come with us when we go to collect the rings for the boys, and Demetrius' arm guards," Marcus said.

"But Dominus, I need to be with the slaves who will be fighting, giving them a final training session," Petronius protested.

"No matter, get your ex-centurion to take over," Marcus said firmly.

Petronius nodded.

The triclinium opened out onto a large, columned and partly roofed balcony, and it was from there that Glaux would fly off, either up to the roof gardens, or down to the gardens surrounding the Domus, to do his hunting at night. The view over the city and the starry sky was breathtaking. Marcus and Petronius discussed the preparations that were being made for the following evening, and Aurarius and Adonios chatted about the upcoming contests that were to take place on the roof gardens, and speculated on the performance of the newly acquired slaves. There would still be much to do the following day, so the relaxed group broke up early, to enjoy a welcome rest before the anxiously awaited, new day. And Glaux, feeling a little neglected, took flight to find some real food, rather that the weirdly cooked food that his foolish humans seemed to prefer.

and the story continues, Marcus entertains Titus Vespasianus

XXXIX. Visita Titi Vespasiani
39. The Visit of Titus Vespasianus

Exordium
Preamble

The Early Reign of Vespasian

There was an increased amount of propaganda appearing during Vespasian's reign. Stories of a 'supernatural' emperor who was destined to rule circulated in the empire. Nearly one-third of all coins minted in Rome under Vespasian celebrated military victory or peace. The word vindex was removed from coins so as not to remind the public of rebellious Vindex. Construction projects bore inscriptions praising Vespasian, and condemning previous emperors. A Temple of Peace was constructed in the forum, and Vespasian approved histories written under his reign, ensuring biases against him were removed.

At the beginning of his reign Vespasian announced that about three times the revenue of the empire was needed to put the state to rights. He increased, and sometimes doubled, provincial taxation, and revoked immunities granted to various Greek-speaking provinces and cities. He reclaimed public land in Italy from squatters, and instituted various new taxes, including the diversion to Rome’s treasury of the tax paid by Jews of the Diaspora to the Temple at Jerusalem. Such measures were essential after the deficit incurred by Nero, and the devastation cased by the civil wars.

The sum raised by Vespasian for public funds cannot be determined, but he was able to build his Forum, and the Temple of Peace, to begin the Colosseum, over the foundations of Nero’s 'Golden House', and above all to restore the capitol. His biographer Suetonius claims that throughout Vespasian’s reign his firm policy was “first to restore stability to the tottering state, and then to adorn it.” During the early part of his reign Gaius Licinius Mucianus was the chief adviser to Vespasian, apart from his eldest son, Titus Vespasianus, who became virtually a partner in Vespasian’s rule, not only accumulating consulates and imperatorial salutations with his father, but also being given command of the Praetorian Guard.

Dies magnus
An important Day

Elatos was up bright and early, and had dashed up to the roof gardens. Instantly he flew back down the endless steps, and arrived breathless, in Marcus' bedroom. Marcus was alone, and woke slowly.

"What is it, young man?" he queried, drowsily.

"It's the tent, Dominus… It's still standing!" Elatos blurted out.

"Well I should hope so!" Marcus replied.

"Now go down and get some food for us, there's a lot to do today!" Marcus said, smiling at the young boy's enthusiasm. A little later, while Marcus and Aurarius were having ientaculum, there was a knock on the doors of the apartment, which Elatos answered.

"It's a message from Terentius, Dominus. He is asking to see you in the main atrium," Elatos explained.

Aurarius hurried to bring Marcus' sandals, and after taking a quick gulp of wine, Marcus, accompanied by Aurarius made his way down to the ground floor. (Marcus did not realise why he had been called to the atrium, if he had, he would have put on a toga, but by the time he had arrived, it was too late.)

Salutatio
Morning Call

"Salve, Dominus!" Terentius said deferentially.

"Salve!, so what's the problem?" Marcus asked showing slight annoyance at being disturbed during his meal.

"I think that you may have forgotten, Dominus, but you need to see some clients this morning," Terentius said gently, trying not to further annoy his master.

Salutatio, ('Calling Hour'), Each morning, all over the empire, at daybreak, patron's houses and villas would be opened for 'salutatio', when the patron would hold court in the atrium of his home. During this time unofficial business would be conducted, favours requested, political support lined up for votes on important issues, and each client would receive his sportula (a regular monetary handout). The patron typically situated himself in the rear of his atrium, just behind the impluvium. As each client approached his patron, he would greet the patron with "Ave, Patrone, Ave!" ("Hail, Patron, Hail!). The patron might reply "Ave," followed by the client's name, or just acknowledge him by name. If the patron was in an expansive mood he might also offer the client his hand, and if the client was especially favoured he might even be permitted to kiss the patron's cheek. At the patron's side was his nomenclator (Terentius in this case) who was charged with whispering the names of any clients whose names he might have forgotten, and with giving the patron any information about his clients that might facilitate their interaction. Each client would pay his respects and chat awhile. Then another senior-ranking member of the household (Nicander) would check off the client's name on a list and give him his sportula., Once the client-patron relationship was established, it continued from one generation to the next, Marcus' clients were originally the clients of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus.

As Marcus had been staying at the Domus for a few days, word had got around to his 'clients' in Rome that not only was he resident, but also a close friend of Titus, and so they were all, not unnaturally, eager to meet and greet the new Dominus. Previously, when there had been no Dominus in residence it had simply been Nicander's (and before him Menelaus') duty to pay the sportula to the clients.

On the morning of the first Salutatio that Marcus was to hold, prior to Marcus entering the atrium, Terentius had carefully monitored the clients, only allowing the most favoured to greet Marcus on this first Salutatio (the others had simply been given the sportula, and told to return on the following days). Of these Roman clients, the only ones that Marcus had actually met before were Timotheus (the jeweller), and Diodoros, (the sculptor), (relatively low status individuals). Many of the other clients were wealthy Freedmen and Equites.

Because of Marcus' enormous wealth and property holdings, and his economic and social influence, (most of which he was still unaware, much to Novius' concern), some of his clients were of quite high status, which was unusual, and it was for this reason that Vespasian (still in the early, uncertain stages of his reign), wished, through his son Titus to cultivate Marcus' friendship.

Everyone, including Nicander and Terentius were wearing togas, Marcus was not, however, he just ignored convention on this first occasion, knowing that no-one would dare take offence, (given Marcus' status), and might even deem it to be a new 'fashion'.

Once the Salutatio was ended, Marcus told Terentius to hold back Timotheus and Diodoros, as he wanted them to accompany him later when he went into the city. A number of the other clients wished to accompany Marcus on his morning walk (this was the general custom after the Salutatio, when the patron showed off to the Roman populace the number and quality of clients that owed him their allegiance), but Marcus put them off, saying they could accompany him on the following day.

As the group of clients was dispersing, a Praetorian tribune was allowed into the atrium. He deferentially handed Terentius a scroll bearing the seal of Titus Vespasianus. Terentius broke the seal, read through the document, and handed it to Marcus. Titus wrote to confirm the meeting at the Domus that evening, and asked permission for the tribune to check the security of the building, and mount a perimeter guard, to remain on duty until Titus left at the end of the evening. It was obvious that Titus was far more concerned about his security in Rome than he had been in Baiae, which was quite understandable.

Marcus gave his consent, and told the tribune to liaise with Nicander. Holding Titus' scroll, (which Marcus had passed back to him), Terentius was left musing as Marcus strode off to speak to Petronius. Petronius (with Adonios, who had a remarkably alert looking Glaux perched on his shoulder) had entered the grand atrium just moments after Marcus had arrived for the Salutatio.

While Terentius and Novius had worried about Marcus acting the part of the slave 'Markos', or even the boy who hung around the gymnasion with the other Athenian lads, Terentius had noticed that, in the presence of Petronius, Marcus transformed himself into the 'steely hard', 'imperious' Dominus. In his musing this is what disturbed and puzzled Terentius. He had seen it happen on the death of Gnaeus, and at Gnaeus' funeral at Baiae, and the executions of the 'conspirators'. He felt that it was in some way connected with Petronius, but how and why he could not fathom.

(Terentius reminded himself of a confidential conversation he had with Petronius long ago, before the time when Gnaeus was killed, Terentius then had wondered about Petronius who, when just a slave, had a mysterious aura of 'authority', as exemplified in his statue, posing as the God Apollo, And a strange thought had then crossed Terentius' mind… 'No! Impossible!' he had told himself at the time, 'I must be going crazy!, but what did Aurarius say?, 'Crazy but harmless', But are we?')

Mane negotia
Morning Business

While Terentius was left wondering, Marcus had told Petronius to send for Demetrius, and had asked Timotheus and Diodoros to join him. Both men, having only ever received the sportula (grudgingly) at a side entrance of the Domus prior to Marcus arrival, were suitably impressed by the magnificence of the Domus atrium, and the attendance on Marcus of innumerable slaves, his Freedmen (Terentius, Petronius and Nicander), and his numerous 'clients', and even a Praetorian tribune.

Diodoros, in particular, was now far more subservient and respectful. Moments later Demetrius, along with Aelius (his personal slave, now sporting a 'Roman haircut', and appearing much more boyish, it was the Roman custom for slave-boys to have long hair, but the late Dominus had disapproved of this, thinking it looked effeminate, and Marcus had continued in the same manner), arrived in the main atrium, both looking very 'spic and span'. Demetrius was obviously hoping that perhaps his gold arm-guards, his seal ring and his pugio might be ready at Timotheus' work-shop. Marcus was equally eager to see what progress Diodoros had made on his recent commissions, (Marcus having shed his 'steely hard', 'imperious' Dominus role, and reverted to being 'one of the boys').

As Marcus, along with Petronius, Demetrius, Aurarius and Adonios, left the main atrium with, Diodoros and Timotheus following, those clients who still remained, possibly hoping forlornly for an opportunity to ingratiate themselves with the new (and surprisingly young Dominus), bowed deferentially, knowing that they may well have a long wait before speaking again to their patron. As the group accompanying Marcus left the massive gilt bronze entrance of the Domus, seven immaculately turned out Praetorians, (two in front with another tribune, and four bringing up the rear), formed up to provide an escort. It seemed that Titus was determined to keep his new friend safe, at least until he appointed some Lictors for Marcus' personal use.

A Lictor (from Latin: ligare, 'to bind') was a Roman civil servant who was a bodyguard to magistrates who held imperium. Lictors were used since the Roman Kingdom, and according to Roman historian Livy, the practice originated earlier, in the Etruscan civilisation as with so many Roman customs. Imperium is a Latin word which, in a broad sense, translates roughly as 'power to command'. In ancient Rome, imperium could be used as a term indicating a characteristic of people, the wealth held in items, or the measure of formal power they had. Imperium can be distinguished from regnum, or royal power, which was inherited. Lictors carried rods decorated with fasces and, outside the pomerium, with axes that symbolised the power to carry out capital punishment. Dictatorial lictors had axes even within the pomerium, (The pomerium was a religious boundary around the city of Rome). The Lictors followed the magistrate wherever he went, including the Forum, his house, temples, and the baths. Lictors were organised in ordered lines around him, with the primus lictor (the principal lictor) directly in front of him, waiting for orders. If there was a crowd, the lictors opened the way, and kept their master safe, pushing all aside except for Roman matrons, who were accorded special honour.

As they made their way to Diodoros' workshop, Marcus spoke to the Praetorian Tribune, questioning him about the security arrangements for the visit of Titus that evening. Once Marcus had satisfied himself that all was well, Marcus asked Diodoros about the cinerary urn and the frame for the door for Glaux.

Diodoros was nervous and apologetic. First he explained to Marcus that he was unable to purchase the gold for the urn, and had been forced to contact Terentius (who he knew quite well) for an 'up-front' payment. Diodoros told Marcus that Terentius was quite happy to do this, but Diodoros was worried that Marcus might not approve before he had seen the basalt urn itself. Marcus was not concerned, and was simply anxious to know if the urn had been completed in accordance with Apelles' design. Diodoros assured him that the urn was completed, but apologised that the marble frame for Glaux's door was still undergoing final detailing and polishing, but he would show it to Marcus.

Moments later they entered Diodoros' workshop, leaving the Praetorians to 'kick their heels' in the street outside. Diodoros then took Marcus into a rear room. There on a bench, much larger than Marcus had expected, was an object covered in a dark red cloth.

"I truly hope that you like it, Dominus," Diodoros said quietly, as he gently slipped the cloth away. Marcus was stunned, and fumbled for a nearby wooden stool. He sat down heavily, simply looking, awe struck.

"It's magnificent!" he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

"If you approve, I will send it to the Domus later today with my most trusted assistants," Diodoros added.

"Well… " and for a moment Marcus was stuck for words… "When we first met I must admit I was not impressed, and had my doubts that you would produce what I needed, but this goes beyond anything that I expected., I apologise for doubting you."

"Thank you, Dominus… but when we first met it was a bad day for me, and I was not at my best, so I also apologise for being brusque and disrespectful." And so they shook hands.

An urn is a vase, usually with a cover, having a somewhat narrowed neck above a rounded body and a footed pedestal. Describing a vessel as an "urn", as opposed to a vase or other terms, generally reflects its use rather than any particular shape or origin. The term is especially often used for cinerary, (funerary) urns, vessels used in burials, to hold the cremated ashes. The custom of using cinerary urns derived from Etruscan burial customs.

One of Diodoros' assistants (who had obviously been listening at the door), then came in at what he considered was an opportune moment bringing a rectangular white marble piece.

"And this is the door frame for your little owl," Diodoros said, showing Marcus a beautifully carved white marble frame.

"And there is another, an exact copy, to be mounted on the opposite side of the wall… I must say, it is a most unusual commission, Dominus," Diodoros added, obviously by then beginning to relax.

"Yes… and Glaux is a very unusual owl," Marcus added, smiling. And with that they left the back room.

"Can we see it?" Aurarius asked avidly, meaning the doorway for Glaux, obviously having been elected the spokesman of the group .

"Well, not now, wait until later today, when it arrives at the Domus."

Somewhat disappointed the boys left Diodoros' workshop, and were immediately flanked by their waiting Praetorians. While Marcus, Petronius and the boys had been in Diodoros' workshop, Timotheus had been waiting patiently outside with the Praetorians.

"Right, Timotheus, sorry to keep you waiting, now lets go to your shop and see what you have for us," Marcus said to his client, who had been overawed, and rather unnerved, by the experience of waiting with a Praetorian Tribune and a group of guards.

"I am pleased to tell you that everything is ready for your approval. Petros has worked hard and long to ensure that the items were finished on time, as you are our most esteemed customer," Timotheus said enthusiastically.

"Well… I'm sure that the boys will be happy."

As they made their way through the busy streets the crowds simply melted away at the sight of the Praetorians, and the group quickly arrived at the workshop of Timotheus. When they arrived, Petros was waiting for them behind the counter.

"Salve, Dominus!" Petros said to Marcus, smiling and bowing.

"Petros, bring the items for our Dominus to inspect!" Timotheus said, as he hastily removed his bulky toga. Petros disappeared into a back room, and quickly emerged with a large tray covered by a pristine white cloth. Timotheus, rather theatrically, unveiled the contents of the tray.

The first thing that Marcus examined was the pugio that he had bought for Demetrius. It was, as Marcus intended, very Roman, with an imperial eagle on the pommel, and a depiction of Romulus and Remus with the 'She Wolf' on the scabbard. Skilfully, Petros had also place a dark stone with an inlaid gold delta, for Demetrius, on the scabbard, and also on the hand-grip. Demetrius was thrilled. There too, were his arm-guards, in glittering gold, decorated with fierce-some lion heads. Also on the tray were two gold slave-collars, complete with gold medallions featuring imperial eagles. And finally there were the three gold seal rings, each with it's own stone, and each with an appropriate letter embossed, taken from the Greek alphabet.

"This is excellent work, Timotheus, outstanding. The boys will take the rings now, and the other items should be delivered to the Domus this afternoon. Terentius will give you full payment, plus a suitable bonus payable to Petros," Marcus said, very formally.

"Our Dominus is too generous, and Petros thanks you!" Timotheus said, bowing and equally formally.

On returning to the street Marcus gave the Praetorian tribune instructions regarding their next destination. Just before they had left the Domus Marcus had a quick conversation with Terentius, asking him for information about the best shops near the Forum Romanum, and Terentius had directed Marcus to the Basilica Aemilia, and that was the destination that Marcus had passed on to the tribune, as Marcus was unsure of the exact location of the basilica.

The Basilica Aemilia was a civil basilica in the Roman Forum. The Basilica was 100 meters (330 ft) long and about 30 meters (100 ft) wide. Along the sides were two orders of 16 arches, and it was accessed through one of three entrances. The Basilica Aemilia was considered by Pliny to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome. It was a place for business and, in the Porticus of Gaius and Lucius (the grandsons of Augustus) fronting the Roman Forum, there were the Tabernae Novae (New Shops).

All the shops in the Basilica Aemilia sold exceptionally expensive, luxury goods, but that was no problem, Marcus could well afford such items. Waking along the vast marble colonnade, Marcus came to a jewellers. It was a rather more elaborate establishment than that of Timotheus, however it only traded in previously manufactured items, rather than making items to order ('bespoke'), and to the customers own design. Marcus told the Tribune to 'keep and eye' on the boys, and told the boys to behave, while he and Petronius went into the shop. Petronius, knowing that Marcus would not announce himself, made it clear to the individual behind the counter who he was dealing with.

"May I introduce the Dominus of the House of Gracchus, the noble Marcus Octavianus."

The shopkeeper, suitably impressed, asked to be excused for a moment, and another individual, presumably the owner of the establishment, wearing a suitably formal toga, returned with his assistant in tow.

"Greetings, Domine! How can we serve you today."

Marcus asked to see the finest, pure gold men's rings. The owner, immediately sent his assistant scurrying away, and moments later the younger man (maybe the owner's son?) brought out a tray of large ornate gold rings. Marcus began carefully picking out certain rings and examining them.

"Do you have any of Greek workmanship?" Marcus asked, as all the rings that he had been shown so far were of rather dull, and obviously Roman design, and probably also of Roman workmanship.

"Of course Domine, but Greek work is of finer design and quality, and always more expensive."

"That is of no matter," Marcus replied carelessly.

The assistant scurried away again, and then returned with a slightly smaller selection of rings. Marcus' hand immediately fell on a very large ring, decorated with a Greek key pattern.

The Μαίανδρος (meandros) is a decorative border, (common in Greek and Roman art), constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. Such a design is also called the 'Greek Fret' or 'Greek Key' design, although these are modern designations. The name 'Μαίανδρος' recalls the twisting and turning path of the Meander River in Asia Minor. The Μαίανδρος is an important symbol in ancient Greece and Rome; and symbolised infinity and the eternal flow of things, and many Greek and Roman temples incorporated the motif.

In the centre of the ring was a beautifully carved gold Γοργόνειον (Medusa head).

The Γοργόνειον was classically worn upon her dress by the virgin goddess Athena (Artemis, sister of Apollo), (the goddess who owns Glaux). It was, among other godlike attributes, a royal 'aegis', to imply divine birth or protection, and was worn as an amulet to ward off evil.

"That is exactly what I was looking for!" Marcus said, picking up the ring and examining it closely.

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

"It is very beautiful, and very apt," Petronius answered carefully, looking concerned.

"Yes… indeed… " Marcus said in an almost dreamy tone. For a moment there was silence in the shop.

"So, try it on!" Marcus said, as if returning from a trance.

"Me?… But… It's… " Petronius spluttered in incomprehension, and then slowly took the ring from Marcus. He then placed it gently on his ring finger, on the opposite hand to the one where he wore his seal ring.

"It fits," Petronius mumbled.

"Remarkable!" the shop owner exclaimed

"So no need to resize," he commented with obvious satisfaction to his assistant.

"So… pay the man, Petronius!" Marcus said breezily, (as usual, Petronius was looking after the money).

Money passed hands (and a large amount), and then with much grovelling and bowing, the owner of the shop escorted Marcus out to the columned area in front of the shop, where he was rather disconcerted to find a group of Praetorian guards, and three rather affluent looking boys. The boys were eager to know what Marcus had bought.

"Nothing really, Petronius just bought a little trinket," Marcus replied dismissively.

The boys were puzzled, but Marcus obviously didn't want to give an answer, and Petronius kept his fist clenched by his side, unwilling to have the boys fussing in public over his new acquisition.

Mausoleum

There was much to be done on the day of Titus' visit to the Domus, so Marcus did not linger in the city. On returning to the Domus, Marcus thanked the Tribune for providing his escort, and hurried to the grand atrium. Predictably, Terentius was waiting for Marcus.

"Salve Dominus! You have a visitor," Terentius said, obviously pleased that Marcus had returned quite quickly.

"Yes, and I can guess who… you see, Terentius, I hadn't forgotten."

Petronius, and the boys all hurried up the stairs to the area nobilis, to leave Marcus to deal with his new guest.

"I have placed Severus in the right hand small atrium. He has only been here a short while, and has been given refreshments, and Nicander is entertaining him," Terentius explained.

"Good! Now please send a boy up to Novius, and ask him to go to my study, and find the drawings for the Mausoleum, and I will join him soon, with Severus," Marcus said.

Terentius nodded, called a slave-boy, and sent him on his mission, while Marcus went into the small atrium

Severus lived during the first century. Nero chose him as his architect for the Domus Aurea. The work on the 'Domus Aurea' (Golden House), a palace-villa set down in the heart of Rome, shows that he rejected traditional Roman architecture in favour of a radically new architecture which utilised arches and which focused on interior spaces. Severus exhibited a genuine originality that moved beyond earlier precedents and which made it possible to create a masterful statement about the possibilities of vaulted space. Severus also designed the 'Domus Gracchii', the Villas at Baiae and Tibur, and the renovation of the amphitheatre at Baiae.

"Dominus! It is so good to see you again!" Severus exclaimed effusively.

Of course, he was an artist, and was allowed to be 'over the top'. There was no Roman gravitas for this man, but that was undoubtedly because he was now very rich, rich enough to go against convention, and not be concerned (like Marcus attending his Salutatio without wearing a toga, although that was not, in fact, intended). With longish curly hair, and a short beard, he looked more like a Greek philosopher that a Roman 'technician'.

Gravitas was one of the Roman virtues, along with 'pietas', 'dignitas' and 'virtus', that were particularly appreciated in Roman men of standing. It may be translated variously as weight, seriousness, dignity, and importance, and connotes a certain substance or depth of personality, something almost unknown in the 'modern' world.

"My condolences once again on the sad passing of your beloved, adoptive father, my boy," Severus continued., (being older than Marcus, and an old friend of Gnaeus, Severus took an avuncular role when speaking to Marcus, rarely calling him Dominus, but Marcus didn't mind, as long as Severus produced the buildings.)

"But now my good friend Terentius tells me you want to build a family mausoleum, and a good thing too!"

Slightly overwhelmed by the flamboyant character of his personal architect, Marcus suggested that they go to his study to look at some drawings. After an arduous climb, during which Severus quietened down somewhat as he panted and puffed, they finally reached Marcus' study.

"By the Gods, boy, I should never have put so many stairs in this confounded Domus!" Severus declared, as the Domus guards opened the large gilded bronze double doors.

As soon as Severus entered the study, he spotted Novius holding one of the drawings. "Ah! Novius my friend!, I suppose that you've got some drawing of an appalling Etruscan monstrosity that you want me to build!" it was meant as a joke, a 'running joke', as Novius was famous for his obsession with all things Etruscan.

"Quite the opposite!" Novius said, smiling.

"It's pure Hellenic, It's not Etruscan, and there's not one of your concrete arches in sight!" Severus examined the drawing carefully.

"Very good!" he commented.

"Who drew this?"

"Apelles, he's a Greek boy, he does all the 'art' work I need," Marcus replied.

"You chose well, young Marcus, he's good!" Severus said, scrutinising the drawing.

"So is this what you want?" Severus asked.

"Well… yes, something like that, but larger, and I want it to be symmetrical, the same on all sides, like the Egyptian pyramids, and very 'classical'," Marcus explained.

"So, you're going to try and out-do Augustus?" Severus quipped.

The Mausoleo Augusti is a large tomb built by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC on the Campus Martius in Rome. The mausoleum was one of the first projects initiated by Augustus (Octavian) in the City of Rome following his victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The mausoleum was circular in plan, consisting of several concentric rings of earth and brick, planted with cypresses on top of the building and capped by a conical roof and a statue of Augustus. Vaults held up the roof and opened up the burial spaces below. Twin pink granite obelisks flanked the arched entryway. The completed mausoleum measured 90 m (295 ft) in diameter by 42 m (137 ft) in height. A corridor ran from the entryway into the heart of the mausoleum, where there was a chamber with niches to hold the golden urns enshrining the ashes of the Imperial Family.

Meanwhile, at the grand entrance, a delivery was being made by Diodoros and his most trusted workers. This was no 'tradesmen's entrance' delivery, as this was the cinerary urn of the 'late Dominus', and Glaux's doorway. The urn was encased in a large wooden crate, and had been protected by swathes of the softest linen.

Glaux's door frames had been a problem. The marble sides were exceptionally thin, and Diodoros had reinforced them with bronze strips that would not show when the frames were installed either side of the dividing wall. However, the marble frames had to be handled with the utmost care. (Diodoros had also left off the soffiits that had been indicated in Apelles' design, as they were also liable to break off.) The three items were taken by one of the 'hi-tech' elevators to the 'area nobilis', where they were delivered to Petronius, who was looking after the boys in Marcus' private apartments. Petronius asked Diodoros to get his workers to unpack the precious items (while Diodoros himself checked the receipts regarding the final payments with Terentius).

The boys, however, were strictly instructed not to touch the items. Glaux, disturbed by the noise, woke up from his mid-morning snooze, and fluttered down, daintily landing on the edge of one of the marble door frames. Having apparently approved of the new addition to his 'alcove', he stepped carefully onto Adonios' hand, and allowed himself to be introduced to Diodoros.

"Well, he certainly is a very special little owl," Diodoros said, smiling, as Glaux looked up at the young sculptor, trying to look as endearing as possible.

"So why doesn't he just fly away?" Diodoros asked.

"Artemis (Roman, Diana) won't let him," Adonios said, in Greek. "Her brother (Apollo) told her to send Glaux to the Dominus to look after him, so he has to stay… and he likes it here, 'cause we all spoil him."

"I see, so Glaux really is special," Diodoros said, unwisely patronising Adonios, at which Glaux pecked hard at Diodoros' finger as Diodoros tried to ruffle Glaux's feathers.

"Yes!" Adonios said. "So don't make fun, or Apollo will do something nasty."

"I see," Diodoros replied, recoiling and sucking his finger.

"That's enough!" Petronius said to Adonios, who stalked off into the culina, muttering under his breath about the 'arrows of Apollo', and taking Glaux with him.

Back in Marcus' study the conversation about the proposed Mausoleum continued.

"So where are you planning to site this mausoleum, Rome, Baiae, Tibur?" Severus asked.

"No, in Cumae, as it's sacred to Apollo, and the site of his greatest Latin oracle, and also because Apollo is the patron of the House of Gracchus," Marcus replied.

"And very fitting," Novius added.

Marcus then reverted to becoming very business-like, which Novius was pleased to see. "Terentius has already acquired land from the priests of the Temple of Apollo, close to the Cave of the Oracle. There is sufficient land for you to design spacious gardens to surround the mausoleum. Terentius will provide you with a site-plan when you leave."

As long formal farewells took place in Marcus' study, in Marcus ' apartments, on the floor below, Petronius was organising the boys. Demetrius was sent off to Lucius for more Latin lessons, and Aurarius and Adonios were sent down to the ground floor for swimming lessons, but first Adonios was required to take Glaux back to the culinar, where, in 'disgrace', he was expected to 'doze' until the evening's entertainments. Petronius, now free of his 'baby-sitting' duties, was free to join Marcus on the roof gardens, in an inspection of the evening's combatants and performers.

Exercitatio
Rehearsal

Petronius sent Elatos down to the basement, where the newly acquired slaves were kept, with the message from Petronius that the potential combatants, (along with their equipment), and the dancing troupe were to be taken up (by elevator) to the roof gardens. While Marcus (accompanied by Aurarius), lounged on a couch (later to be used for the roof garden cena), Petronius, (accompanied by Adonios), inspected the 'gladiators' equipment and costumes.

The concern was that there had been so little time to train the slaves who were to be used as gladiators that they may well put on a very poor show or, worst of all, refuse to fight. Concerned that the new slave-boys might not be aggressive enough, Marcus sent a slave-boy down to get Agathon (Marcus' personal physician, a Greek slave. Agathon had been brought from the villa at Baiae as he was always required to be available for his master.). A short while later Agathon appeared, looking suitably impressed by the roof gardens (the gardens were not normally available to slaves).

"Salve, Dominus!" Agathon said, bowing to his master.

"And how are you finding your accommodation here at the Domus?" Marcus asked, making a little appropriate 'small talk'.

"It is very comfortable, Dominus," Agathon replied, obviously wondering why he had been summoned.

"And is there anything that you need?" Marcus asked.

"Yes Dominus. I would wish to have your permission to go into the city with a slave-boy in order to purchase some supplies of herbs, medicines and other materials, and I would also need some money to make such purchases," Agathon asked, tentatively.

"Of course, Agathon, and just ask Terentius to provide you with the cash that you may need," Marcus replied. Marcus then rose from his couch, and led Agathon by the arm to the group of young 'gladiators' who were receiving a 'pep-talk' from Petronius.

"My dear Agathon, I am looking to you to provide something to put some 'fight' into these rather 'lack-lustre' looking 'gladiators'." Marcus said quietly, so that the slaves wouldn't hear him.

"I see," Agathon said, knowingly. "Yes, there is something that might work, but I will have to go into the city in order to purchase it," Agathon continued.

"Then go!" Marcus said decisively. "Go and see Terentius, get some money, get a slave-boy to accompany you, and make haste. This needs to be done as soon as possible!" Marcus said, sending Agathon on his way.

So what was Agathon going to buy in the markets of Rome which would give some encouragement to Marcus' somewhat reluctant 'gladiators'? It would be an infusion in undiluted wine of Ephedra sinica, Hyoscyamus niger and Catha edulis, all very expensive, imported herbs. These herbs, when given in the correct dosage, and mixed in the correct proportion would give a stimulant effect, as they were all related to the modern synthesised drug amphetamine.

So, if Agathon did his job correctly, there may, for the display arranged for Titus, be some quite energetic and exciting action.

Meanwhile, in Marcus' private apartments a very annoyed Glaux, annoyed because he had been woken up, watched as workmen bolted and cemented the two marble frames of the doorway connecting Marcus' culinar (kitchen) with that of Petronius, and all so that a depressed Glaux could then go and visit Adonios, (and Petronius), without going outside the building.

At the same time the large basalt and gold cinerary urn had been placed in the grand atrium, below a bust of G. Octavian Gracchus.

The Romans regarded the bodies of the dead as polluting, and during Rome's Classical period, the body was usually cremated, and the ashes placed in a tomb. Much of the month of February was devoted to purifications, propitiation, and veneration of the dead, especially at the nine-day festival of the Parentalia during which a family honoured its ancestors. The family visited the cemetery and made offerings to the dead. The Parentalia drew to a close on February 21 with the more sombre Feralia, a public festival of sacrifices and offerings to the Manes, the potentially malevolent spirits of the dead who required propitiation. One of the most common inscriptions on Latin epitaphs is Dis Manibus, abbreviated D.M,"for the Manes gods." The Caristia on February 22 was a celebration of the family line as it continued into the present. A noble Roman family displayed ancestral images (imagines) in the tablinum of their main Domus. (The tablinum was a room situated off the atrium and opposite to the entrance; it opened in the rear on to a peristyle, with a large curtained doorway. The walls were richly decorated, and busts of the family were arranged on pedestals. In the case of Gracchus, the bust was displayed, and, unusually, the empty cinerary urn, (the ashes being in a temporary cinerary urn in the villa at Baiae, prior to being interred in the, as yet un-built, mausoleum at Cumae.

At the same time as Glaux's doorway was being installed, and the cinerary urn was being put in place in the atrium, a delivery was being made to the private apartments, situated on the area nobilis, of Demetrius' wrist guards, pugio, and the gold slave-collars for Adonios and Aurarius. Also, a group of tailors arrived to fit out the boys with new tunics, under the supervision of Terentius, (as Marcus and Petronius were busy on the roof gardens), so that they would look their best when they met Titus. And so, as the tailors frantically made alterations to the two matching tunic that Terentius had advised Adonios and Aurarius to choose, and the last minute alteration were made to Demetrius' clothing, the afternoon wore on, and the time for the visit of Titus Flavius gradually drew near.

Petronius dismissed the combatants and dancers to the basement, where they would await their summons to 'entertain' the honoured guest, and then he and Marcus went over the final details in order to ensure that nothing had been overlooked. The late afternoon (the normal time for a formal convivium) was fine, almost cloudless, and warm, and was a good portend for a successful evening.

Meanwhile slaves made the final preparations on the roof gardens, and a message came up from the main atrium that Agathon had been successful in his quest for the appropriate herbs in the city markets, and was even then working on his infusion. As Marcus and Petronius left the roof gardens in order to bathe and dress in preparation for the convivium, lookouts were posted on the roof gardens in order to spot the approach of Titus' suite.

Returning to the main atrium with Aurarius , Marcus was looking worried. He had been expecting a delivery from Neapolis that morning, and now it was late afternoon, very late afternoon, and the expected delivery had not arrived. Before he had set out for Rome, Terentius, on Marcus' behalf, had ordered two very special, and very expensive items from Neapolis, which were to be delivered to the Domus, immediately on completion. The items were 'tripods', special gifts for Titus, and his father, Vespasian.

A sacrificial 'tripod' is a three-legged piece of religious furniture used for offerings or other ritual procedures. As a seat or stand, the tripod is the most stable furniture construction for uneven ground, hence its use is universal and ancient. It is particularly associated with (well, who else?) Apollo and the Delphic oracle in ancient Greece, and the word τρίποδο (tripod) comes from the Greek meaning "three-footed." Tripods are frequently mentioned by Homer as prizes in athletic games, and as complimentary gifts; in later times, highly decorated and bearing inscriptions, they served the same purpose. They appear also to be precious gifts for guests, (as in the case of the Phaeakes, who offered a cauldron and tripod to Odysseus). In the ancient world the tripod was considered to be the 'ultimate' gift.

Then, at the very last minute, a breathless slave-boy rushed up to Marcus and, forgetting all formalities, told his master that a delivery had arrived at the rear entrance of the Domus. Marcus immediately gave instructions for the items to be unpacked, and the basalt and gold tripod to be taken by elevator, up to the roof gardens. Marcus then sent Nicander up to the roof gardens with instructions to place the basalt and gold tripod in one of the colonnades on the roof garden, where it would not be visible, and detail a group of slaves to be ready to carry the tripod out to the pavilion when Marcus was to present the gift to Titus. The other tripod was to be stored in Marcus' private apartments.

By then Marcus was getting even more nervous, and matters were not helped by the appearance of a slave-boy who had just dashed down the wide, white marble stairs, all the way from the roof gardens.

"Dominus!" he spluttered, trying to catch his breath,"They're here, your guests!"

At the same time Petronius, along with Adonios, emerged from the depth of the basement. Glaux was firmly gripping Adonios' shoulder, although the little bird's eyes were closed.

"They're here!" Marcus said, seeming somewhat agitated.

"And how are the performers?" Marcus added.

"Almost as anxious as you!" Petronius answered, smiling. as he absent mindedly fiddled with his Medusa Head ring.

"No need to worry!" Petronius said, reassuringly.

"The priests of the God Apollo, from the Augustan temple, will make sacrifice, and take auspices, which will all prove appropriately promising," Petronius continued.

"And how can you be so sure of that?" Marcus asked, with an touch of petulance. The tension of the visit had obviously made him irritable.

"Well, Plato tells us that we are all just chained prisoners, watching shadows on a cave wall, so… no need to worry, as nothing is really real," Petronius answered casually.

"And since when have you been reading Plato?" Marcus asked, edging towards an argument.

"Well… never, but someone told me once," Petronius replied, non too convincingly, with a faint smile playing over his lips.

"All right, well, let's get organised," Marcus said, not wanting to take the absurd conversation any further.

"You go and do some 'babysitting' with our nervous performers. I'll go up to the roof gardens, and Adonis and Glaux, who are the favourites of 'our Titus', along with Nicander, (who had just returned from the roof gardens), can greet him here, in the atrium." It was then Adonios' turn to look nervous, but Glaux only blinked, and fluffed up his feathers.

After Marcus had left for the roof gardens, the huge gilded bronze doors of the Domus slowly and majestically opened, signalling the arrival of Titus Vespasianus, Praefectus Praetorio, and eldest son and heir of the Emperor Vespasian, companied by two tribunes. It was a low key entrance. No fanfares, no drum rolls, no other attendants.

It was perhaps an intended signal that Titus had complete trust in his presence in the Domus Gracchi, and perhaps an indication that he believed that he was among friends. (It should be remembered, however, that since the morning the Domus had been ringed with Praetorians.) Nicander went forward, bowed, and offered formal greetings, and then stepped to one side.

"And who is this elegantly dressed young man?" Titus said smiling, and he moved forward to meet Adonis.

"You know me, Sir, and this is Glaux, the owl who belongs to the Sister of Apollo," Adonios replied in his usual, unabashed manner. Titus smiled even more.

"Indeed… I do remember you, Adonios, and I also remember Glaux," Titus said, softly, tousling Adonios' golden hair, and tickling Glaux's fluffed up breast. Gently Glaux nibbled Titus' fingers, presumably as a sign of recognition.

"Please, Sir, the Dominus is waiting for you on the roof garden," Adonios said rather urgently, worried that Marcus might tire of waiting.

"So, you have a garden on the roof?" Titus answered, seemingly feigning surprise.

Adonios nodded.

"Well all right, let's go up and see your Dominus," Titus said, allowing Adonios to lead the way.

'and the story continues - Marcus entertains Titus on the roof garden, under the stars

XL. Nox sub Stellae, Pars I
40. Night under the Stars, part 1

Praeludium ad Vesperum
Prelude to the Evening

So… Adonios and Titus began their walk up the very long flight of marble steps to the roof garden. Glaux could fly, but he was still a little sleepy, and preferred to sit on Adonios' shoulder and take it easy.

"So how are you, Adonios?" Titus began, trying to make friendly conversation.

"Very well, Sir, thank you," Adonios replied, trying to remember to be very polite.

"And Glaux?" Titus continued.

"Oh he's very happy. He's now got a special doorway, so he can visit me from the Dominus' apartments, whenever he feels lonely," Adonios said enthusiastically.

Titus looked puzzled, but thought better of asking Adonios to explain any further.

"And your Dominus?" Titus queried.

"Oh, I think he likes it here. He does a lot of shopping, which he doesn't do much in Baiae or Neapolis, and I think he likes it here because it's where he came from. It's his home."

"I see," Titus said thoughtfully, having discovered something, perhaps significant, about Marcus. "And where do you come from, Adonios?" Titus asked, as he pondered on Marcus' origins.

"I don't know, Sir, somewhere in Greece, I think," Adonios replied.

"That's a shame, it's good to know where we belong," Titus said, thoughtfully.

Like many slaves, Adonios was sold into slavery when he was very young, and so he had no memory of his family or where he came from. Fortunately for Adonios he was bought by Gnaeus, who became very much a second father to him, which was not an entirely unusual relationship between slaves and those masters who were humane, by Roman standards.

Salvete
Greetings

Finally they arrived at the roof gardens.

"Magnificent!" Titus exclaimed, unprepared for the beauty and extent of the gardens. Almost immediately Marcus, accompanied by Terentius and Novius approached, while Adonios slipped away with Glaux, and returned to the basement and Petronius.

"Salve Domine!" Marcus said in greeting.

"Salve Marcus!, but enough of this 'Domine'. We are friends, so just call me Titus," Titus said cheerfully.

Terentius and Novius looked a one another, knowingly, trying to work out if his was genuinely meant, of if Titus was just trying to put Marcus off his guard. Regardless, Marcus turned to his two companions. "Doubtless you remember my High Steward, Terentius, and my Consiliarius, Novius," Marcus said, somewhat formally.

"Indeed," Titus replied, as Terentius and Novius bowed.

"So, Marcus, I have seen the Domus Gracchii from the city many times, but I never imagined for a moment that there were these beautiful gardens on the roof," Titus said.

"Well, it came as a surprise to me, also, as this is the first time that I have visited."

"But… Adonios told me that you came from Rome, so I assumed that you lived here with Gnaeus Octavian," Titus said, looking somewhat confused.

"Oh no, I always lived at the villa at Baiae, and before that in Athens, Greece. Adonios was right, though, as I was born in Rome, but left as a very young child, and have no memory of it," Marcus explained.

"Ah… I see." Titus said, looking around. "And where is that fine young man I met in Baiae who organised those spectacular Ludi," Titus asked.

"You mean Petonius. Yes, he's down in the basement, preparing the performers for you entertainment for this evening," Marcus replied.

"So what has young Petronius prepared for us tonight, may I ask?" Titus enquired.

"Well, that's a bit of a problem…," Marcus said nervously.

"We have some gladiators, wrestlers and dancing-boys, but unfortunately we weren't able to bring them from Baiae, and instead we bought them here, in Rome, so there has been very little time to prepare them. So I hope that you will not be disappointed by what we have to offer," Marcus explained.

"That's no problem, Marcus. I think that you are worrying about nothing, and with Petronius organising the show, well, I'm sure that it will be excellent." Titus said, patting Marcus on the back.

Although Titus had retained a youthful appearance, he was considerably older that Marcus, and behaved toward Marcus very much as an older brother to a younger brother. Probably he would have wished that his own younger brother, Domitian (probably sulking at home as he stabbed flies), was a little more like his affable friend Marcus. As they walked towards the magnificent pavilion, set up near the colonnades in one corner of the gardens, Titus spotted Demetrius and Aurarius standing some distance away. The two boys had been trained to keep out of earshot when adults were conferring, and normally followed such instruction carefully, (which was more than could be said for Adonios, who, with the best will in the world, always seemed to end up right in the centre of things).

"Now these two lads I remember!" Titus said, striding over to the two (by then) rather nervous boys. "You… are Demetrius, Marcus' nephew, I believe," Titus said, putting his hand on Demetrius' shoulder,"And you are Aurarius!" Titus said, putting his other hand on Aurarius' shoulder.

Both boys bowed deferentially.

With all the introductions seemingly over, Marcus led Titus over to the pavilion, where they settled on some exquisite chairs (inlaid with ivory, ebony and gilded bronze).

The vast Domus was filled with the most expensive and elaborate furnishing, furnishings that had lain unused and neglected for many years, wrapped in voluminous dust covers. Little did Demetrius realize that all this neglect had, in the main, been caused by his presence in the Domus, and that the spell had only been broken (unknowingly) by the appearance of the now dead Servius, and his subsequent involvement in the plot against Marcus.

Much to Marcus' relief slave-boys, presumably sent up by Nicander, appeared with gold trays laden with refreshments. Undoubtedly what was needed at that point was wine, so that everyone could relax.

Sacrificium
The Sacrifice

A priest from the Temple of Apollo then approached, and asked permission from Marcus to carry out the required sacrifice, in order that the evening's events could proceed. After Marcus had given his permission, a temporary altar was set up, and two goats were sacrificed to the God Apollo, and two goats to the God Janus.

In the Roman religion Ianus, (Janus), whose origins lie in the Etruscan religion, and has no Greek counterpart, is the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces, since he looks to the future and to the past. Janus had a ubiquitous presence in religious ceremonies throughout the year, and was ritually invoked regardless of the main deity honoured on any particular occasion. Janus presides over the access to Heaven, and to other gods: this is the reason why men must invoke him first, regardless of the god they want to pray or placate. He is the initiator of human life, of new historical ages, and financial enterprises.

Then, in deference to Marcus, the priest asked Novius to 'read' the livers of the sacrificed goats. After inspecting the entrails, Novius returned to the pavilion.

"Dominus, the signs from the Gods are excellent, both for the entertainments, and for your discussions with our honoured guest," Novius reported.

"So, you have a Consiliarius who can read the future," Titus, suitably impressed, said to Marcus.

"Yes indeed. Novius is a renowned authority on divining, and all aspects of our Roman religious traditions, and those of our predecessors, the Etruscans," Marcus explained, wondering, as he spoke, about the certain way that Petronius had insisted that the auspices would be positive.

Marcus and Novius, however, could be treading on dangerous ground with their interest in divining the future. While haruspicy was legitimate when practised as part of a conventional religious rite, an attempt to discover the nature of future events, by any form of divining (and particularly astrology) was at most times seen by the Imperial authorities as leading to conspiracies, and even treason. Fortunately for Marcus and Novius, their closeness to the benign oversight of the current incumbent of the Imperium mean that they were, at present at any rate, protected from any taint of 'lese-majesty', however, as Novius well knew, they needed to be on their guard.

In Roman religion, a haruspex (plural haruspices; also called aruspex) was a person trained to practice a form of divination called haruspicy (haruspicina) the inspection of the entrails (exta) of sacrificed animals. The Roman concept is directly derived from Etruscan religion, as one of the three branches of the Disciplina Etrusca. The art of haruspicy was taught in the Libri Tagetici. The Libri Tagetici were translated into Latin and employed in reading omens, and had been studied and commented upon by Novius. The continuity of the Etruscan tradition among the Romans is indicated by several ancient literary sources, perhaps most famously in the incident related by Suetonius, in which Julius Caesar was warned to beware the Ides of March. The emperor Claudius was a student of the Etruscan language and antiquities, and opened a college (attended by Novius) to preserve and improve the Etruscan art of divining.

And speaking of Petronius, as the slaves removed the temporary altar, and the dead goats, Petronius and Adonios appeared, after being whisked up from the basement on the elevator, (which Glaux enjoyed). The 'performers' had been secreted away in the colonnades, out of sight until they were required, while Petronius made his 'grand entrance'.

"Salve, Domine!" Petronius said in greeting, smiling and bowing low, as Titus rose to take his hand.

At the same time, Glaux, who was now fully awake as it was getting dark, fluttered over and perched on Titus' right shoulder (a good omen, according to Novius).

"Well, the bird certainly seems to remember me!" Titus said, as Glaux busily nibbled the ear of the heir to the Empire.

"Yes, Sir!" Adonios piped up. "He doesn't like many people, but he likes you," Adonios added.

Titus didn't quite know how to take that remark, but decided to interpret it as a compliment.

Concubinus

Then, just before the pancratium boys made their way to the sanded combat area, Titus noticed Aelius standing near to Demetrius.

"Tell me Marcus, who is that boy standing next to Demetrius," Titus asked, obviously interested.

"Yes, I thought you might notice him," Marcus replied. "That's Aelius. He's a slave that I bought for Demetrius. As Demetrius is now on the verge of manhood, I thought he needed some outlet for his erotic feelings, so I bought him this boy as his concubinus," Marcus explained.

Some Roman patricians gave their sons or teenage relatives a male concubine (concubinus, 'bed-mate'). Within the hierarchy of household slaves, the concubinus was regarded as holding a special or elevated position. The relationship with a concubinus might be discreet or more open: male concubines could attended dinner parties with the individual whose companion they were, as in the case of Demetrius and Aelius. The role of a concubinus was regularly compared to that of Ganymede, the Trojan prince abducted by Jove (Greek Zeus) to serve as his cup-bearer.

"The problem now is that Demetrius thinks that he's 'in love' with Aelius," Marcus continued.

"Well… don't worry, he'll soon get over it, it's probably just the novelty," Titus suggested.

"Yes… I do hope so," Marcus sighed, thinking to himself of all the problems that infatuated boys had caused him in the past.

Roman men, at least conventionally, had a very poor opinion of the emotion of 'love'. In was considered acceptable to be 'infatuated' with a boy, as long as the infatuation was relatively brief. Adolescent boys were expected to 'fall in love', but such feelings were viewed with rye amusement by their elders. The emperor Tiberius' infatuation with his wife Tiberius Vipsania Agrippina practiclly ruined his reputation, not only with Augustus but also his peers, as it was considered 'unmanly' and un-Roman to be obsessively 'in love'.

"Expensive, yes?" Titus queried, still looking at Aelius.

"Well, Terentius thought so," Marcus replied.

Terentius, who had been listening to the conversation, smiled.

"So…," and Titus sighed,"Demetrius is a very lucky lad!"

"Very lucky to have a guardian as generous as Marcus," Terentius gently interjected.

"Enough!" Marcus said, obviously embarrassed.

Titus was surprised at Marcus' reaction. It was the sort of sudden change in Marcus that others had noticed. At one moment Marcus would be boyish, amenable, and even playful, but in other situations he could be very much the severe Dominus and 'Pater Familias'.

Roman Law and the 'tradition of the ancestors' (mos maiorum) established the power of the Pater Familias within the community of his own extended familia. He was the eldest living male, the 'father of the family'. He held legal privileges over the property of the familia, and authority over his dependants. These dependants included his wife and children, certain other relatives through blood or adoption, clients, freedmen and slaves. If they angered him, he had the legal right to disown his children, sell them into slavery or even, in extreme cases, kill them. Only the Pater Familias could legally own property. Whatever their age, until their father died, the sons would only received an allowance, or peliculum, as Marcus had, after he was adopted by Gnaeus Octavian.

The actions of Marcus with regard to those who had conspired against him, at the time of the murder of Gnaeus Octavian, were well known, not only in Baiae, and the surrounding area, but also in Rome. The fact that he had managed to have all the conspirators killed, or executed, had left him with the rather grim sobriquet Marcus Ultor, Marcus the Avenger, although no one had ever dared to tell him. Undoubtedly it was this ability to be severe, and harsh, that had initially attracted Titus to Marcus, as the vicious world of Roman power politics was no place for 'weaklings', but like many people who knew Marcus, that aspect of his character sat uneasily with the other more gentle aspects of his personality. However, it was not just Marcus' ability to be ruthless that attracted 'the great and the powerful', but also his enormous wealth, but before anyone could make use of any of Marcus' seemingly endless resources they had first to deal with Terentius, and as Titus had realised, as he chatted with Marcus in the pavilion on the roof garden, Terentius deferred, in all things to his master, Marcus Octavianus Gracchus.

Delectationes
Diversions / Entertainments

It was not unusual for dancers, musicians, singers, actors, and even wrestlers and gladiators to provide diversions at private banquets. Of course, to hire such 'entertainers' was extremely expensive, and only available to wealthy patricians, and only the exceptionally wealthy, like Marcus, would possess their own troupes of 'entertainers'. Usually such 'diversions' were relatively innocent, although often straying into areas that people today would consider erotic, or even obscene. It should be remembered here, however, that the Romans had no concept of 'obscenity' as we accept it, and considered sexuality as a natural and healthy outlet, (within certain definitely delineated boundaries). So, for instance, it was quite acceptable for examples of painting and sculpture to be on display in respectable private houses that now would be considered as examples of extreme pornography.

In 'entertainments', we also find that the underlying, and ever present institution of slavery was an important factor. For slaves, (often very young), to indulge in staged 'performances' of all forms of sexuality was considered quite acceptable, as it was held that such activity reflected in no way on those, (the guests or audience), who were observing such activities.

Equally, we may find the inclusion of wrestling and swordsmanship, often resulting in the death of one of the participants, very difficult to accept in the setting of a 'civilised' meal.

There are two equally relevant explanations.

In a society where there was no mass media available in private venues (the home), with no television, cinema, DVDs etc, the only way the Romans could experience exciting 'diversions' was either in the Circus, Amphitheatre or Theatre, but these were not available on a regular, (nightly, or 24/7), basis, as today, but only on specific festivals, and patricians were often loath to accept the inconveniences of attendances at public venues, also attended by the smelly, noisy 'plebs'. So, there was nothing better, for the truly wealthy, than a private 'arena show'. (and consider how many individuals get shot, blown up, mangled and otherwise killed, not for 'real', of course (?), in an average night's TV, cinema or DVD viewing.)

But for the Romans, if they were being serious, there was another aspect to any shedding of blood (as has been explained in previous chapters). This 'Night under the Stars' was not just any fancy banquet, and this was made clear by the fact that it was preceded by sacrifices to the God Apollo and the God Janus (Apollo, because Apollo was Marcus' protecting deity, and Janus because this banquet would involve the 'opening' negations which would prove to be of some considerable significance, both for the Flavians, and the House of Gracchus, and Janus was always invoked at the beginning of any endeavour.

Therefore, the blood of the combatants, who would open the 'diversions', would be seen as simply a continuation of the initial sacrifices to the presiding Gods, and the later erotic scenes enacted would, by celebrating 'youth' and the 'vital life force', be seen enhancing the newly created relationship between the Flavians and the Gracchii.

So… the Romans, it must be understood, lived in a mythic, magical and symbolic world, well before the so called 'Enlightenment', and our recent obsession with factuality and logic, and this magical view of the world informed all their actions, which to the modern reader may seen strange, and at time , even perverse.

So… on with the diversions…

Luctamen
The Wrestling

Now, however, the less gentle aspect of Marcus' character was on display in the 'miniature' ludi that he had arranged for the 'diversion' of his guest Titus, prior to their initial negotiations. Titus, Marcus, Terentius, Novius and Demetrius sat together in the pavilion, with Adonios (with Glaux on his shoulder), standing behind Titus, Aurarius standing behind Marcus, and Aelius standing behind Demetrius. Petronius stood outside, and to one side of the pavilion, supervising the proceedings.

While the guests were working through the delicacies being proffered by young slave-boys, a wide red curtain, on long poles, was raised by 'arena-slaves', obscuring the combat area. After a few moments the curtain was suddenly lowered, (aulaea premuniuntur), and two naked boy wrestlers were revealed.

The curtain used in staged presentations was known as the aulaeum. The aulaeum could be lowered to the performing area to reveal a scene: aulaea premuniuntur, (the curtain is lowered), when the action begins, and aulaeum tollitur, (the curtain is raised), when the action is ended, which is the opposite of most modern practice. The aulaeum, usually made of a rich material, was not only used for theatrical presentations, but also, on occasions, in the arena, or in this case, at a private function.

Prima Pugna
The First Fight

The two boys were of Asiatic origin. Marcus actually preferred Greek slaves, but these two were part of a 'job lot', bought in the 'Graecostadium', (in the city), by Terentius and Petronius. Regardless of what might happen, at the end of this contest Marcus would only have one Asiatic slave, as the loser would be dead.

The main types of foreigners in Ancient Rome were, by and large, slaves from Gaul and Hispania, Central and Eastern Europe, Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, North Africa and Jews, although some slaves were brought into Rome as a result of trading with the Far East. Many of those, however, who came from outside of Europe were ethnically Greek, while Jews were never fully assimilated into Roman society. Also, foreigners (especially slaves) had higher mortality rates and lower birth rates than natives and were sometimes subjected to mass expulsions. Foreigners not having Roman citizenship were often liable to summary expulsion. Although there was a certain amount of xenophobia within the Roman upper classes, expulsion was only used in certain circumstances: to deal with the actual or potential misdeeds, or bad influences, often of a religious nature, spread by specific groups.

The two boys who were about to fight were both dark haired and olive skinned, and obviously not Greek, although they did speak some 'Koine', which was practically an 'international' language. The boys, not being Greek, had no experience of clasical wrestling, although in the few days allowed Petronius had taught them some basic pancratium holds.

Significantly, by the time the boys appeared before the guests Drakon and Heros (Dragon and Hero, Greek names given to them by Petronius), were beginning to show the effects of the stimulants that Agathon had given them. In addition to teaching the boys some holds, Petronius had told the boys that there were no rules to this kind of fighting, with the exception of no 'eye-gouging', and the fight was 'ad mortem' (as the boys spoke no Latin, Petronius translated that to μέχρι θανάτου (to the death). In addition, the victor, before killing his defeated opponent was expected to subject the loser to a futuo victoria, translated into Greek as 'Νικηφόρα γαμώ' (a victory fuck).

The boys appeared a little surprised at the form the combat was required to take, but of course, being slaves, they had no option but to comply, and by then were becoming eagerly aggressive, and also somewhat 'horny'.

Drakon and Heros, when the curtain fell, were surprised to find such a small audience, and were equally surprised to see that their audience were enjoying a meal, and talking to one another casually, and hardly seemed to have noticed that a pancratium fight was about to take place.

Modern readers may well be equally surprised at the lack of attention and concern shown to a fight to the death, but for patrician nobles, (such as Titus, Marcus and Novius), a fight between two inexperienced and totally unknown young slave-wrestlers would only merit the occasional glance, until such time as the futuo victoria, and the following kill. It should be remembered, also, that, as slaves, the boys were considered to be simply 'possessions' of Marcus, (it was, in fact, their legal status), and therefore were classified as identical to the goats, which had also been 'possessions' of Marcus, that had previously been sacrificed. As with all Marcus' possessions, including his familia (see above), he was at liberty, under Roman Law, and the mos maiorum, to dispose of all those sub manibus ipsius (under his hand) as he felt was dignum et iustum (right and proper). Therefore, the blood that was spilled when any of the fighters were killed that night were seen as simply a continuation of the sacrifice to the ever demanding Apollo, to whom the evening's entertainments had been dedicated. Equally the defeat of the various combatants would be viewed as yet another demonstration of the dominant and legitimate superiority of the Roman Imperium.

WARNING: the following paragraphs include gory emasculations and killings
You may want to skip it and continue here

Luctandi Certamen
The Wrestling Match

The initial part of the fight between Drakon and Heros consisted of a lot of scrabbling on the sand, much of it, if the guests had bothered to look, being quite erotic, with both boys being completely naked, and both sexually aroused. When they had the chance to glance over at the guests, it was obvious that the boys' attempts to use some of the holds that Petronius had taught them were only being met with condescending smiles, and the boys, who were becoming increasingly aggressive, were also becoming frustrated that their attempt to put on a 'good show' did not seem to be being really appreciated.

Getting up off the sand, the two boys then seemed to be starting all over again, ducking and weaving and circling one another. Heros, obviously the smarter of the two boys, having had time to think, worked out that if any and all moves were permitted, (except for eye-gouging), then that presumably meant that 'low-blows' (to the groin), were permitted. As such he decided to take the risk, and simply kicked Drakon forcefully in the balls.

Drakon, not being so smart, hadn't understood that such an attack was a possibility. When he was kicked, he squealed, uttered some profanity in his own language and, bringing his knees together and clutching his mangled testicles, bent forward, and rather comically waddled round the sanded combat area, obviously in such pain that he didn't know what to do with himself.

Petronius, in order to give Heros some encouragement started politely clapping, and the guests, including Titus started to take an interest in the proceedings, and even Glaux stopped eating a particularly fat dormouse.

Drakon was obviously completely incapacitated, with tears running down his cheeks. Heros, remembering Petronius' instructions, took his pathetic opponent by one arm, and guided him over to where the row of spiked gilded bronze stakes had been placed. He then managed to get Drakon, who was bent over, to spread his legs, and hold on to one of the stakes with one hand (to steady himself), Drakon's other hand was still clutching at his ruined balls. Heros then came up behind Drakon and rammed his huge, firm cock into the helpless boy's arsehole. Drakon had no choice but to take it, looking wide eyed (and wild eyed), and with his mouth open and dribbling saliva.

Now the boys had everyone's attention as Heros starting furiously thrusting into Drakon. Drakon was moaning and, despite having had his balls mangled, had a huge 'hard-on', and was dribbling copious quantities of 'pre-cum'. Almost without realizing, Drakon fumbled with his fee hand, and finally caught hold of his wildly jerking, stiff prick. He pulled on his straining foreskin, desperately trying to 'relieve' himself by 'jerking off'. There was little need, however, for any extra stimulation as, because he was being fucked so hard by Heros, poor Drakon very quickly got a 'climax', and moaned loudly as he squirted a huge spurt of spunk over the sand in front of him. The spasms of Drakon's tightening anus quickly brought young Heros to his own climax.

Then the surprise came, although Petronius had been hoping that at least some of the fighters might 'take the bait'. As Heros pumped his hot, creamy spunk into Drakon's arsehole, and Drakon splattered the sand with his own 'boy-juice', Heros grabbed hold of Drakon's head and pushed it down forcefully onto the spiked stake. Drakon's mouth was open, and the spike entered it, went into the back of his mouth, and up into the struggling boy's brain, eventually emerging from one side of the naked boy's skull.

The guests applauded, and Drakon starred in horror and apparent disbelief down at the sand. He spluttered as blood gushed from his mouth, but surprisingly the thrust into his brain did not kill him. Instead, he had yet another intense orgasm, squirting even more of his thick 'boy-juice; over the sand. He then started jerking in repeated violent spasms, while Heros held him by the hips.

Heros was confused, and didn't know what to do. Heros was certain that his action would have killed Drakon outright, and instead, Drakon was still alive, impaled through his mouth, bent over the stake, stark naked, and 'cumming' copiously. Reluctantly, it seemed, Heros held up an apparently victorious fist, although he looked away from his pathetic struggling opponent, whose arms were flailing as he tried, unsuccessfully to support himself in his intolerable position as he continued, surprisingly, to splatter his hot spunk over the sand.

(continue here after skipping the gory part)

Eventually Petronius had to intervene, leading Heros over to where Marcus and his guests were sitting. "Καλά κάνει - αγόρι" ('Congratulations!', loosely translated), Marcus said, greeting the young victor.

Aurarius then handed Marcus a fresh green laurel wreath, (Aurarius was looking after the supply of laurel wreaths for the evening).Of course, the significance of the laurel wreath was lost on Heros as he was an Asiatic, and not familiar with Greek and Roman customs, or the considerable honour that receiving the wreath in the presence of the Emperor's heir conferred.

A laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), an aromatic broad-leaf evergreen. In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head as the laurel is sacred to Apollo. In Greece wreaths made of wild olive leaves, known as κότινος (kotinos), were awarded to victors in athletic competitions, and in Rome they were symbols of victory.

Heros still looked confused, but bowed as he also received a small leather pouch of money from Terentius, on behalf of Marcus, (a patrician would never soil his hands with money on a public occasion), and then a Domus slave led the dazed, and still massively 'horny' boy away.

"May I speak to the lad?" Titus interjected.

Heros was made to return to be questioned by the 'guest of honour'.

"Latine loqui tu, puer! (You speak Latin, boy?)" Titus asked.

Heros shook his head.

"ἡ κοινὴ διάλεκτος" (Koine, Greek), Titus suggested.

"Ναί, ὀλίγον τι - κύριος" (Yes, a little, Lord), Heros replied. (we will now translate, it's easier).

"So, boy, where do you come from?" Titus asked.

"Antioch." Heros said in a thick Eastern accent, but one that Marcus and Titus could well understand, both having had contact with Eastern Greek speakers.

"And were you born a slave?" Titus continued.

"Yes, Kyrios," Heros replied.

By this point Petronius arrived, interested to hear what his 'protégé' had to say.

"So how come you were bought here in Rome?" Titus asked, intrigued.

"My other master sold me, and I was brought here," Heros explained, but not very helpfully.

"And have you ever wrestled in public before, boy?" Titus said, getting down to the crux of the matter.

"Never, Kyrios," Heros replied.

"And did you enjoy the fuck!" Titus, in his down to earth way, asked.

Marcus and Titus smiled. Heros, however, looked down, embarrassed.

"Yes, Kyrios, but I couldn't help myself," Heros added, in way of explanation, or as a possible excuse.

"And tell me, what gave you the idea of forcing your opponent's head down on the spiked shaft," Titus asked, with a faint smile flickering across his lips.

"My master told me that the only thing we couldn't do was gouge out our opponent's eyes, so I thought, why not push his mouth onto the spike?" Heros explained.

"Excuse me for interrupting, Domine," Petronius interjected, speaking first to Titus, and then to Heros,"but your Dominus is sitting beside the person who is questioning you, and I am not your Dominus, just your trainer."

"I'm so sorry, Dominus!", (using the Latin title), Heros spluttered to Marcus, already nervous and now terrified. "I did not know, forgive me!" the poor boy whined.

"Don't worry, Heros, most people think that my Tribune is the Dominus, it's just his manner," Marcus said, smiling. Not only was Marcus smiling, but Titus was grinning, and slapped his thigh so hard that Glaux nearly fell off the back of the chair on which he was perched.

"All right, young Heros, you may go, and well done!" Titus concluded, and Heros, clutching his wreath and purse of money, and even more confused, was led away.

Titus turned to Marcus. "I think you should keep the boy, he's got some pluck, and his final move was clever, and very effective!… And now what are you going to do with the other lad? He's obviously not dead!" Titus inquired.

"Don't worry, Petronius will deal with it," Marcus replied.

And poor Drakon obviously was not dead, but was gurgling horribly, and slowly sinking to the sand as his legs completely gave out, but his head was still impaled on the stake. Petronius then called over a Domus guard, and quietly instructed the guard to separate Drakon's head from his body. Drakon, still jerking about, with his head impaled on the stake, didn't see the blow coming. Once the blade sliced through the naked boy's neck, the twitching body slumped to the sand, leaving Drakon's head, with its shocked and surprised expression, still impaled.

Drakon's corpse was quickly dragged away, before the bowels could empty, in order to avoid any unpleasant odours that might disturb the diners. As Novius commented, at least the young lad died while he was still fully 'aroused' and still 'cumming', after all, there were many worse ways to die…

Secunda Pugna
The Second Fight

Titus sat back and relaxed. "So… Marcus, that was interesting. Perhaps not very skilful wrestlers, but at least the young lad who won… what was his name again?"

"Heros." Marcus interjected.

"Yes… Heros, he produced a spectacular finish."

"Indeed." Marcus replied, pleased that his guest was pleased.

"So what happens to the other boy's severed head?" Titus asked, looking across at the staring boy's head, impaled through the mouth on a stake.

"That's up to you, Titus," Marcus replied, a little puzzled at the question.

"Well, I think we could leave it there, perhaps it might encourage some of the other fighters to impale their opponents," Titus replied, smiling, as he fed Glaux yet another tasty morsel. "So where did you get those boys from?" Titus asked, passing Glaux to Adonios, and then taking a sip of wine.

"Oh, they came as a 'job lot', bought in the Graecostadium, by Terentius and Petronius. The other lad, Heros, well I may get Petronius to 'get rid of', as I am not keen on these Asiatics, they can have a bad influence on the other slave."

"Yes." Titus concurred,"That was the problem with all that trouble in Iudæa.", (that's not a 'typo' that's the way the Romans spell it). "And how would Petronius 'get rid' of the boy." Titus asked.

"Oh, that would be simple, he would put him up against a well trained gladiator," Marcus replied, nonchalantly.

"Well remember what I said before, Marcus, it might be a good idea to keep him," Titus said. Marcus nodded.

At that point Petronius came up to the pavilion.

"A good show, Petronius!" Titus enthused.

"Many thanks, Domine!" Petronius replied. "And next would you wish to see another wrestling match, or would you prefer to alternate with some gladiators?" Petronius asked.

"I think another pair of pancratium wrestlers, and perhaps the match could take a little longer this time?" Titus requested.

Petronius bowed, and then disappeared behind one of the many crimson curtains, obviously with the intention of giving the next two wrestlers some firm instruction on making sure that they gave 'good' value' with a fight of reasonable length, with a reasonably spectacular 'finish'. And so, while the curtain was raised, Petronius positioned two new young wrestlers, appropriately posing.

The curtain was then dropped, and the two lads, whom Petronius had carefully primed, began circling one another. To begin with the two boys had the full attention of the guests, as the lads were carefully assessed, not only for their undoubted 'charms', but also for their prospective fighting potential.

For this fight, the adult guests, (that excluded Demetrius), had decided to gamble on the outcome, and placed their bets, (although, of course, no money would actually change hands until at least the following day) under Petronius' supervision, after the two boys had finished their initial sparring. Petronius, of course, was excluded, as he almost certainly knew which boy would win, as he had 'coached' the lads, even if for a very short time, and watched then wrestle previously.

The Romans were inveterate gamblers. All classes participated, from slave to Emperor, artisan to Senator. During the time of the Republic, gambling was prohibited except during the festival of the Saturnalia, which was held in December of each year (the origin of the modern Christmas). The Saturnalia was a celebration in honour of the God Saturn. According to Roman myth, there existed a time when Saturn reigned over the earth and provided a bounty for mankind, who lived in a state of innocence. The festival was an attempt to relive that time by turning convention on its head. The divine Augustus was a regular gambler, and made a practice of playing during all Roman festivals.

Marcus was pleased to see that both these boys, at least by their facial features, and the fact that they were uncircumcised, were almost certainly Greek.

However, as has been previously explained in earlier chapters, slaves were very rarely allowed to retain their original names, and for 'Greek style' Pankration wrestlers, (Pancratium in Latin), Petronius almost always chose Greek names, often abbreviated, nicknames related to some aspect of the slave's characteristics (such as Aurarius, meaning 'golden' describing his hair), so the boy's names were no absolute guide to their origins. The one type of name that was not used for slaves were 'Theophoric' names, which were derived from the names or titles of the Gods.

Luctandi Certamen
The Wrestling Match

The boys for this fight were named Kallon (from κάλλος, meaning beautiful, as often applied to ephebes [young teenage boys], doubtless because the lad was very attractive), and Andrippos (presumably a humorous comment by Petronius, in reference to the lad's large penis, related to the modern slang, 'hung like a horse', ἀνδρός [andros] meaning man, and ἵππος [hippos] meaning horse.)

Kallon and Andrippos were 'bright boys', both of who had wrestled before, if only in an 'amateur' way. Petronius had impressed upon them that if they sought the favour of the guests who would be their audience, they would have to indulge in plenty of what, in Latin, was termed opus areæ (floor work), which would give their fight a professional competent appearance. Petronius had taken time to demonstrate what he had meant, and when the boys came to 'perform', and had finished their 'formal' sparring, they quickly got down to 'grappling' on the sand.

By and large, the fight went well, and with some money 'riding' on the boys, there was more interest in the wrestling, rather than the food. Andrippos was undoubtedly favoured to win as he was a little larger, and in one respect larger than usual, and the guests were looking forward to watching him defeat and then fuck the unfortunate Kallon. And as the fight went on, Kallon seemed to be getting the 'raw end' of the deal, taking a number of punches, and some holds that undoubtedly weakened him. In the end the foolish lad (or was he so foolish?) surrendered, which was suicidal, as this was a contest ad mortem.

Now at the start of this contest, it was said that these were two 'bright boys', but that was to prove untrue, at least in as far as Andrippos was concerned. When Kallon 'surrendered', he was kneeling on the sand, unable to stand (apparently), after having been kneed in both thighs by Andrippos.

Andrippos, either from sheer stupidity, or perhaps as a result of the aphrodisiac effects of Agathon's potion then demanded that Kallon fellate him before being fucked, and then 'finished-off.

The guests were grinning, wondering if young Kallon had the intelligence to take advantage of the situation, after all, the last thing a fighter should do would be to place his penis in his opponent's mouth. Kallon complied with Andrippos' demand, and began sucking his opponent's cock, and Andrippos looked very please with himself.

The guests enjoyed watching the performance, but were wondering what might happen next, after all, they had bet on Andrippos winning. After a very short while, Andrippos got hold of Kallon's head, and while pulling the boy towards himself, began thrusting with his hips, turning the session of fellatio in a session of 'mouth-fucking', a form of male rape.

The practice of fellatio in ancient Rome was perceived (as with all other sexual acts) in terms of active and passive. The active one in the case of fellatio was the person receiving fellatio, the virile male. The passive one was the one giving fellatio or, to understand it more clearly, the one receiving the penis. Today, of course, it's usually considered to be the other way around. In Rome, however, to give fellatio was a passive act, a submissive act. For example, to punish a person who stole, or punish a prisoner of war, or a recalcitrant slave, the individual might be obliged to give fellatio.

Irrumatio, 'mouth-fucking', is Latin for the act of thrusting of the penis into the mouth or throat. In the Roman sexual vocabulary, irrumatio is strictly a form of os impurum, 'oral rape', in which a man forces his penis into someone else's mouth, almost always that of another man or boy. Latin erotic terminology actually distinguishes two acts. First, fellatio, in which the man's penis is orally excited by the fellator. Second, irrumation, in which the man (the irrumator)… engages in motions by moving his hips and body in a rhythm of his own choice. Andrippos, in this situation, was indulging in 'irrumation', a thoroughly reprehensible act.

Now, just like the guests, you probably have a good idea of what would happen next.

Kallon purposely allowed Andrippos' cock to penetrate deep into his mouth, gagging on the huge 'cock-head', and then bit down hard.

"Shit!…," Andrippos squealed, looking down, and trying to pull back.

Kallon, realizing that he had not bitten the full way through Andrippos' massive, tough 'tool', held on for a second, and then, the instant that Andrippos stopped trying to pull his cock out of Kallon's mouth, simply because it was too painful, Kallon bit down again, even harder, and felt Andrippos' cock loose in his mouth. Blood gushed, splattering over Kalon's face. Kallon nearly vomited, but managed to spit out Andrippos' severed cock onto the sand.

Andrippos, horrified at what had been done to him, fell back, and ended up sitting on the sand, searching with his trembling hands for his penis. His penis, of course, still partially erect, was lying on the sand beside him, where Kallon has spat it out. All the squealing lad then had left, however, was a small stump, that was squirting out blood at an alarming rate.

Maybe it was the sheer audacity of Kallon, or the surprising turn of events, but what ever, the previously silent guests started applauding, despite the fact they they were, by and large, losing most of their bets.

Glaux, startled by the clapping, took flight, and decide to perch on one of the struts supporting the pavilion.

Petronius, who had been watching carefully, quickly took command, and went over to where Kallon was still kneeling, wiping Andrippos' blood from his face. "Excellent, boy, and now you must 'finish him'."

"But how, Domine?" Kallon asked, trembling from excitement.

"Break his neck or throttle him, he won't resist now!" Petronius said forcefully.

"Yes, Domine!" Kallon replied, mechanically.

Kallon approached Andrippos from the rear, on his hands and knees. He then grabbed Andrippos by his neck, Weakly, Andrippos grabbed Kallon' hands, trying to stop him, but the sobbing boy knew it was pointless.

"You bit off my fuckin' cock, why?" Andrippos moaned, pointlessly, as Kallon began to tighten his grip.

"No!… Please no!…," Andrippos begged pathetically, as Kallon squeezed Andrippos' neck.

Kallon was an attractive, slim boy, but was much stronger than he looked, and Petronius began to suspect that the lad may have deliberately lured his opponent into a trap. Very quickly Andrippos was finding it difficult to breath as Kallon, seemingly without too much difficulty, began to crush the mutilated boy's windpipe.

"Fuck!…," Andrippos managed to splutter, as he uselessly wasted his energy struggling. The usual effect of such suffocation was that the victim developed a prominent erection, and often, as he began to loose awareness, masturbated mechanically, 'cumming' as he died.

Andrippos, however, no longer had a penis, so the blood that would normally have produced a strong erection, simply squirted ever more forcefully from his mutilated cock-stump. With his breathing restricted, and losing blood very fast, Andrippos' elegantly muscled body started to go limp, his eyes crossed and lost focus, and although he had no penis, spunk squirted from his bloody cock-stump. Moments later blood dribbled from his nose and mouth, and there was an audible crunch as Kallon finally crushed the boy's windpipe. Kallon, realizing that Andrippos was dead, released the boy, who instantly flopped over onto his side, spraying steaming urine over himself.

The then guests politely applauded, (but not to loudly, so as not to startle Glaux, who had joined them once again). Kallon rose to his feet, and bowed modestly, continuing to wipe Andrippos' blood off his face.

Petronius had been watching carefully, and now the guests called to him, asking him why they had not been warned that Kallon was an obvious winner, even although he didn't appear to be such.

"You have to take your chances," Petronius replied, philosophically, as he guided Kallon to where Marcus and Titus were seated, while arena-slaves stuffed Andrippos' severed cock into his gaping mouth, and dragged the naked lad away.

"Καλά κάνει - αγόρι" ('Congratulations!', loosely translated), Marcus said, greeting young Kallon with a wry smile, as Aurarius handed Marcus a fresh green laurel wreath to present to Kallon.

"Quite a performance!" Titus added,"'snatching victory from the jaws of defeat', or should I say using your jaws to snatch a victory!" and Titus giggled at his own joke.

"Now my friend, I think young Kallon is embarrassed enough." Marcus said gently to Titus.

"But I think it was a clever trick," Novius added.

"And was it?, A trick?" Marcus asked Kallon, as he was approached by Terentius.

"I don't understand," Kallon said nervously.

"Well perhaps you 'encouraged' the lad, Andrippos I think he's called, to let you, how shall we say, 'stimulate' him, with the intention of rather unpleasantly mutilating him," Terentius said, holding the purse over Kallon's outstretched had, but seemingly not intending to release it until he got an answer.

"No domine, I do not do such things!" Kallon said emphatically, trying (but quite unsuccessfully) to defend his honour, after all, he was only a slave.

"Well… no matter," Terentius said, dropping the purse into the boy's hand.

"And that is from your Dominus," Terentus added, in way of explanation.

"There's no problem, Kallon. It was an interesting and an unusual contest, and Andrippos is dead, and you are alive, and the victor, and your honour is assured," Marcus said soothingly.

"I am grateful, Dominus," Kallon said, bowing, as Petronius led him away.

"So what now?" Titus asked, settling back in his chair, and obviously enjoying the entertainments so far.

Marcus looked up at Petronius.

Petronius, realizing the question was, in reality, addressed to him, quickly responded. "We have some gladiators ready, if it would please you to see them, domine," he replied to both Marcus and Titus.

"Yes indeed… lets see some sword play!" Titus replied enthusiastically. Titus, having been in the military for most of his adult life, appreciated skilful sword fighting.

"Now, my friend," Marcus said carefully,"These boys are, as yet, untrained, fresh from the slave market… so, in the general mood of our evening under the stars, you must not take their 'sword play' too seriously."

"Of course… I understand. And it may well turn out to be amusing, or even surprising, like that last wrestling bout," Titus replied. Titus, as a Legatus, had often watched raw legionary recruits training, so he was quite aware of what might transpire.

Tertia Pugna
The Third Fight

The two boys, whom we had observed earlier being lectured by Petronius, were at this point got ready for their appearance before the guests. They were to be equipped with protective leather belts, Cingulum, (protective waist belt), wrist-guards, ocrea (greaves, see below), traditional Thraex Θράκη (Thracian) helmets (as they were supposedly Greek boys, Thrace is in the extreme north eastern corner of Greece), and loincloths, and each would be armed with a gladius (sword) and a parmula (small, light shield).

The primary purpose of greaves is to protect the tibia from attack. The tibia is a bone very close to the skin, and is therefore extremely vulnerable to just about any kind of attack. Furthermore, a successful attack on the shin results in that leg being rendered useless, greatly hampering one's ability to manoeuvre in any way. Greaves were used to counteract this. Greaves usually consisted of a metal exterior with an inner padding of felt. The felt padding was particularly important because, without it, any blow would transfer directly from the metal plating to the shin, rendering the piece of armour almost useless.

So, they would look like gladiators, even if they were not gladiators, or if they were, then they had only had a few days training, but this was not in an arena, in public, but just a bit of 'fun', in front of some very rich and influential friends. Petronius was always one for a little humour, and so he had named the tallest boy Επικτητος - Epiktetos, (somewhat of a mouthful for a non-Greek speaker), which appropriately means 'newly acquired'. The smaller lad Petronius had named Λεοντιος, Leontios, meaning 'lion', humorous again, as the boy was somewhat timid.

'Timidity' was seen by Romans as a sign of effeminacy. Also taking an inappropriate sexual position, passive or "'bottom', in same-gender sex was considered effeminate and unnatural, although what we would consider to be male homosexuality was not (in general) considered effeminate, in fact, quite the opposite. Long hair in men and boys, (hence the Roman short haircut for Aelius), and shaving body hair was considered effeminate (with the exception of male slaves). Roman consul Scipio Aemilianus questioned one of his opponents, P. Sulpicius Galus: 'For the kind of man whose eyebrows are shaved off; who walks around with plucked beard and thighs and who, when he was a young man, reclined at banquets next to his lover, wearing a long-sleeved tunic- : can anyone doubt that he has done what cinaedi (effeminate males) are in the habit of doing?'.

Roman orator Quintilian described, 'The plucked body, as a sign of one who is soft [Latin, mollis] and not a real man.' Gladiators and wrestlers managed (usually) to maintain their masculinity, despite having a 'plucked body' (shaved), because they fought to the death. For Roman men 'masculinity' also meant self-control, even in the face of painful emotions, illnesses, or death. Cicero says, 'There exist certain precepts, even laws, that prohibit a man from being effeminate in pain, ', The Roman author Lucian, refers to the relative merits of girls and boys as vehicles of male sexual pleasure. Far from being effeminised by a sexual predilection for boys… such an inclination renders a man hypervirile… sexual desire for boys makes a man more of man; it does not weaken or subvert his male gender identity but rather consolidates it. In contrast, an erotic preference for females has the corresponding effect of effeminising a man., Leontios, being judged 'timid', is considered effeminate, by Roman standards, and is given a pink (Latin rosea) loincloth, with a matching plume in his helmet, (rosea was a colour the Romans associated with femininity). Like Laetitia, during the, Ludi pro Auspicatu Novi Ætatis, Leontios would be purposefully matched against a more aggressive and virile opponent, and would be subsequently emasculated before being killed.

While the guests waited for the boys to be readied, they were served their third course, and also some more wine. The curtain was raised, and Petronius gave his final instructions to the two understandably nervous boys.

The curtain was then dropped. The two boys bowed respectfully to the guests, and Marcus signalled to Petronius, and Petronius ordered the boys to fight.

As they began, it was obvious that they found their equipment cumbersome. Neither boys had worm bronze greaves before, and this made them heavy on their feet. In addition they were each wearing a wide, metal reinforced cingulum (belt), and were carrying in the left hand a shield, and in the right hand a sword, however, Petronius, being aware of their inexperience had provided them with small shields and short swords. The shortness of the swords was not only to ensure that they were lighter, but should also encourage the boys to keep closer together (because of their limited reach), which was advisable as the sanded combat area was relatively cramped.

The boy's biggest difficulty was the Thracian helmets. They obviously could not be too small as they had to fit the boys' heads, so they were inevitably quite heavy. The main problem, however, was the limited range of vision, as the boys were obliged to peer through the numerous piercings of the face mask. They had practised a few times before, with Petronius' guidance, but were now on their own, and fighting for their lives.

Petronius had a shrewd idea as to who would be the victor in this fight, but had told both boys that whoever won, the winner would be expected to bring the fight to a spectacular conclusion, as time was passing, and the guests may be becoming a little 'bored' by the proceedings. (Petronius was hopefully thinking that a 'spectacular' kill might make up for a 'lack lustre' fight.)

Leontius' loincloth (such as it is), is what the Romans would call rosea (rough translation into English, 'pink'). Even in Roman times this was considered to be a 'feminine' colour, and it is quite possible that Petronius, (who was responsible for 'kitting out' the performers), was sending a 'covert', and slightly 'humorous' message to the guests, to help them in their betting. As it happens, Leontius, who was younger, smaller and less aggressive than his opponent, was badly beaten and killed. (of course, 'political correctness' would not allow us to make such distinctions with regard to gender stereotypes today?)

The fighting was slow and cumbersome. Gladiators who trained for many months, or even years with heavy (blunted) weapons, and heavy armour soon developed the strength and stamina to fight vigorously and with alacrity. These untrained boys were simply weighed down by their cumbersome equipment. That, of course, had not been a problem for the wrestlers, as they were stark naked, and carried no weapons, offensive or defensive.

WARNING: the following paragraphs include gory emasculations and killings
You may want to skip it and continue here

And so the two boys plodded on, with the clanging of swords resounding in the roof gardens, as they gamely thrust and parried, deflecting blows with their shields, and receiving some blows on their Thracian helmets as they stumbled round the combat area. Eventually Epiktetos, using his shield, gave Leontios a resounding smack on his helmet, which he immediately followed up with another blow with the flat side of his gladius. Leontios staggered, badly stunned. This was the crucial moment.

"Disarm him!" Petronius shouted to Epiktetos, fearful that the excited boy might simply 'finish' his opponent with a lucky thrust.

Leontios had already dropped his gladius, and it was a simple matter for Epiktetos to knock his opponent's shield from his left hand. Bereft of his weapons, Leontios put his hands to his helmet, almost as if he was intending to remove it. Obviously the double hits to his helmet had severely disorientated him, and probably also badly hurt him, causing him to stagger unsteadily.

"Help! I can't see!" Leontios moaned, obviously badly concussed.

Realizing that Leontios couldn't possibly fight back, Epiktetos dropped his gladius and shield, grabbed hold of Leontios' shoulders, and kneed him in the groin.

"Fuck! My bollocks!" Leontios groaned, staggering backwards under the force of the blow.

The row of spikes on stake were directly behind him, and as he fell backwards, he inevitably, and quite usefully, as far as Epiktetos was concerned, impaled his crotch on one of the stakes.

"Shit!" Leontios squealed, and he obviously caught the attention of all the guests. The unfortunate boy suddenly became very still, terrified that any movement might make his appalling situation even worse, if that was possible.

Petronius then went over to Epiktetos, who was unsure what to do next.

"Now… take off his helmet, strip him, and cut him up… to make a good show," Petronius said quietly and coldly.

Epiktetos did exactly what he had been told, being incredibly grateful that he was not the one impaled on the stake. Carefully he unbuckled Leontios' bulky helmet, and lifted it off Leontios' head. Leontios looked pale and terrified, and also very young. He said nothing to his erstwhile companion, but his eyes were pleading, whether to be released and saved, or whether to be 'finished off' quickly it was difficult to tell. Epiktetos then reached down to the tiny pouch of Leontios' loincloth, such as it was.

"No!" Leontios grunted, as Epiktetos roughly pulled down the tiny pouch. Leontios' groaned, and his cock jerked up, obviously 'hardened' by the stake penetrating his anus. While the now naked boy's left hand clutched at his spasmodically flexing left buttock, his right hand moved tentatively to his unruly, jerking penile shaft. His well lubricated foreskin had slid back, and his prominent cock-slit was dribbling what seemed to be a mixture of 'pre-cum' and urine. Aware that everyone was intently looking at his obvious nakedness, Leontios took hold of his shiny, exposed 'cock-head', and tried to pull it to one side to make it less prominent.

Meanwhile, Epiktetos, who was standing in front of his helpless opponent, was wondering what Petronius had meant by 'cut him up'. He then made his decision, and grasped his gladius firmly in his right hand, knocked away Leontios' hand, which was trying to cover the jerking prick, with his left hand, and then, with the same hand, grabbed Leontios' genitals by the 'root'.

"No! Not that!" Leontios groaned, obviously realizing he was about to be mutilated by being 'unmanned'.

As Epiktetos firmly held Leontios by the root of his balls and cock, his young opponent groaned loudly.

"Fuck!… No!" he moaned, and violently squirted his spunk over the sand.

With one quick cut, and a strangled scream from Leontios, Epiktetos' young opponent was gelded.

('Gelding' is a term often used regarding to animals, and can refer to either castration [removal of the testicles] or emasculation [removal of the testicles and the penis]. In the case of Leontios, he had his penis and testicles removed, which was the usual treatment of defeated enemies in warfare or in the arena at this time, symbolizing the complete loss by the defeated individual of his masculinity, and therefore his potency and power.)

Before Leontios could eject his second spurt, Epiktetos pulled the horrified boy's genitals away from his bloody crotch, and dropped the severed parts onto the sand, as Leontios began to sink, very slowly, onto the stake. As Leontios sagged, he continued to 'cum', but was reduced to squirting his spunk from the bloody stump that was all that was left of his once, proud cock. Then, almost pointlessly, Epiktetos stabbed Leontios in the lower belly.

"Finish me! Please!…," Leontios moaned, as Epiktetos twisted the blade.

A second thrust by Epiktetos pierced Leontios' navel, and Epiktetos then drew the blade downwards, effectively disembowelling his opponent. As his guts slowly spilled out, Leontios started screaming, but not for long as, with a wide, dramatic stroke Epiktetos sliced through Leontios' neck, and the naked, disembowelled boy's head toppled off his shoulders onto the sand, as blood sprayed upwards. Leontios' headless body jerked convulsively, then sagged and flopped forwards, as his life's blood drained fitfully onto the sand.

The guests applauded, and Epiktetos, as if coming out of a trance, raised his bloody gladius high in triumph. After Epiktetos had made his victorious gesture, an domus-slave wasted no time in relieving the winner of his gladius, so that he could be presented to the guests, and awarded his laurel wreath and small purse of money.

Before accompanying Epiktetos to the pavilion, Petronius instructed the domus-slaves to tidy up the combat area, in preparation for the final fight. Drakon, the dead pancratium wrestler's severed, impaled head, which despite the fact that it was evening, had already attracted some flies was removed from it's spike. Leontios' slumped and badly mutilated corpse was removed from the spike, where it was impaled. The boy's severed head was recovered from the sand, and the severed genitals were stuffed into the mouth. As a final act of humiliation visited upon the unfortunate loser, the head was raised high for the benefit of the guests, before being removed from the combat area.

The Romans generally held the belief that the 'spirit' of a dead person did not go to the underworld immediately, but remained in close proximity to the corpse, and it was for this reason that the bodies of the 'honoured' dead were treated with reverence, and given formal funerals, accompanied by sacrifices. These 'spirits' were generally referred to as 'Manes' who were souls of the deceased. 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'. Apuleius wrote that the 'spirits' of men are demons, and that men become Lares if they are good, Lemures if they are bad, and Manes if it is uncertain whether they deserve well or ill. Being a slave, and obviously abandoned by his Gods, as he had suffered a humiliating defeat, Leontios would receive neither a formal funeral nor sacrifices. In addition his humiliation would extend beyond his death, as it was believed that his 'spirit' would be aware of the humiliation meted out to him by having his severed head displayed with his genitals inserted into his mouth, a form of 'Irrumatio', 'mouth-fucking', an ultimate humiliation for a Roman male.

While the bloodied sand was being replaced, and fresh sand was being raked smooth, Petronius accompanied Epiktetos to where Marcus, Titus and the other guests were politely applauding. Marcus handed Epiktetos his wreath, and Terentius gave the boy his purse of money.

"So, Epiktetos, I think that you may have a future with us as a gladiator… That was quite a performance that you gave us… … Have you ever fought in public before?" Marcus questioned.

"No Dominus," Epiktetos answered softly, apparently trying to appear servile, after his obvious display of dominance.

Titus then spoke up. "You seemed particularly aggressive towards your young opponent. Tell me… was there any grudge involved, any problem between the two of you?" Titus queried.

"He was 'effeminate', Dominus. I don't like boys like that, and he made… (here Epiktetos paused, looking embarrassed), he made 'advances' towards me, so I was angry with him."

Marcus intervened, not wanting the conversation to develop along 'personal' lines. "Yes… understandable, but you should realize, as I am sure that the Master of the Arena, Petronius, will tell you, that an 'angry' fighter is prone to make mistakes, and you should always remain in complete control of your emotions in the arena," Marcus explained, and Petronius nodded in agreement.

"Thank you for your advice, Dominus. I will always keep that in mind," Epiktetos replied obediently.

"And I think, Petronius, that you should change his name, as he is no longer newly acquired," Marcus concluded, dismissing the young fighter, as Petronius grinned.

Titus turned to Marcus. "I think that you have a good fighter there, a useful investment." he said quietly, not wanting the boy to hear.

Marcus nodded.

Quarta Pugna
The Fourth Fight

So now there were two new combatants, Glaucus, (Latinised from the Greek Γλαυκος) and so named by Petronius because of the colour of his eyes, bluish-grey', and Nicon (Latinised from the Greek νικη, meaning 'victor'), which was a good hint to the guests regarding the outcome of the fight.

While these two combatants were being prepared, however, a rather flustered Nicator appeared, and approached Marcus with a perfunctory bow. He then whispered in Marcus' ear: "There is trouble in the slaves' quarters in the basement. What should I do?"

Marcus looked shocked, rose from his seat and turned to Titus to excuse himself. "What are you talking about?" Marcus asked, quietly , but obviously angry.

"The slaves, you bought for the arena, they say they won't fight…!"

"What!" Marcus hissed through gritted teeth.

"Won't fight, and the Domus-guards say they can only take orders from you or Petronius!" Nicator blubbered.

Marcus dragged his freedman to one side, and then returned to the pavilion to make his explanation to Titus. "I'm very sorry, Titus! There seems to be a problem with the plumbing in the basement, and my freedman doesn't seem to be able to deal with it… so I must go down there… but I will return soon," Marcus explained as calmly as possible.

Titus started laughing. "Just like my father, always 'hands on'!" he replied.

Marcus quickly went over to Petronius and explained the situation. "But we have the last two fighters up here already!, and the dancing troupe are already up here, so what's the problem?" Petronius said, looking dismayed.

"I don't know, but you get on with this fight, and I will sort out the slaves," Marcus said as he sprinted toward the lift, and got himself whisked down to the basement. When Marcus arrived at the slaves' quarters he found that they had barricaded themselves in. Domus guards were at the doors, and were obviously relieved to see Marcus.

"What's the problem?" Marcus asked the senior guard.

"They have seen the bodies of the boys who have been killed, and are fearful the same thing will happen to them, and refuse to open the doors," the guard replied with military precision.

"Tell me, this area is right next to the bathing facilities… Is there a way to divert water to the slaves' quarters?" Marcus asked, quickly 'sizing up' the situation.

"Yes Dominus," the senior guard replied.

"All that's needed is the for one of the stopcock valves in the bathing area, which is used when washing out the floors, to be opened, and the rooms will be gradually flooded."

"Then do it!" Marcus ordered.

"But they'll drown!" the guard replied, looking shocked and surprised.

"Too bad… if they surrender, and allow themselves to be chained in the punishment block, then you can turn off the water. Otherwise, let them drown," Marcus said coldly, turning on his heel and taking the elevator up the the roof gardens.

Marcus had a few moments to control his anger as the elevator took him up to the top of the building. He then returned to his seat beside Titus.

"Is it sorted out?" Titus enquired.

"Yes… no problem… but it will need checking in the morning," Marcus replied, trying to be nonchalant. Petronius looked over, obviously concerned. Marcus nodded and smiled, and Petronius was reassured.

Ultima Pugna
The Final Combat

The curtain was raised, and the two new fighters took their places on the sanded combat area (but hidden, for the moment, from the guests). Petronius gave his final instructions to the two understandably nervous boys. Of course, they knew nothing of the drama unfolding in the basement, but instead were only to aware of the drama that they were about to enact for the benefit of the guests. The curtain was then dropped.

The two boys, Glaucus and Nicon, bowed respectfully to the guests, and Marcus (deeply worried, but managing to look calm and relaxed) signalled to Petronius, and Petronius ordered the boys to fight. Because of the confined nature of the combat area, it was impossible to use pila (spears), or fuscina (tridents), so the two fighters were armed, as in the previous combat with gladii Hispani (short swords). They were also equipped with Thracian helmets, ocreas (greaves), Thraciae galeae (Thracian helmets), and metal reinforced cinguli (belts).Glaucus wore a blue plume in his helmet, and a matching loincloth, and Nicon wore a red plume and matching loincloth.

The combat began, very much in the manner of the previous fight, with the clanging of swords resounding in the roof gardens, as the two inexperienced and almost completely untrained fighters gamely thrust and parried, deflecting blows with their shields, and receiving some blows on their Thracian helmets as they stumbled round the combat area.

Little progress was made, and Marcus, still annoyed by the disturbance in the basement, called over Petronius. "This is not going well!" he complained to Petronius, angrily.

"I'm sorry Dominus, but we needed more time," Petronius explained.

"I know, it's not your fault," Marcus continued.

"Don't be concerned, gentlemen, I'm quite happy." Titus intervened, but Novius and Terentius looked worried, having realized that something was happening that had obviously upset Marcus.

"So, Petronius, stop the fight, and take away their shields and swords, and give them daggers. A 'pugio fight' should put a bit more life into it, and get them scrabbling on the sand," Marcus ordered.

"Yes, Dominus!" Petronius replied, immediately ordering the combatants to cease fighting. Petronius then ordered domus-guards to disarm the two fighters, and issue them each with a pugio. Petronius then entered the sanded combat area, and started the fight for a second time.

Having no choice but to come in close to each other, the fight immediately livened up. No longer weighed down by shields and gladii, and using knives that, to a great extent, required less skill than swords, the two boys started 'grappling' with one another, and were soon down on the sand. Each boy had hold of his opponent's right wrist (the arm that was holding the dagger), in a continuing attempt to prevent himself being stabbed, and they rolled around, back and forth on the sand, struggling and grunting. Because they were each holding each other's arms, most of the actual blows were delivered with the boy's feet and knees. Eventually the inevitable happened, and the boys concentrated on bringing a knee up into their opponent's groin.

However, in the scramble to deliver a disabling blow, both boys managed to deliver a vicious knee to their opponent's crotch at practically the same moment. The result was that both boys released the wrist of their opponent, and used their free hand to clutch at their crushed genitals. So both combatant were in a position to deliver a possibly fatal knife thrust, but both combatants were in so much pain that they were more concerned to writhe on the sand, clutching at their crushed testicles.

And so, despite his previous worries, even Marcus had to laugh (just a little), as the two groaning boys helplessly wriggled on the sand.

"You stupid cunt!" Nicon grunted, blaming his opponent for their predicament. "Now we're both finished!".

Presumably Nicon imagined that having both been incapacitated, Domus-slaves would move in and just finish them off. Instead, Petronius, intrigued by the situation, just left them, to see what they would do next. And Petronius and the guests didn't have long to wait.

Nicon, the older and more aggressive lad, blaming blue-eyed Glaucus for their humiliating and painful predicament, managed to get onto his hands and knees, while still clutching at the pouch of his loincloth. Glaucus, foolishly, didn't see his opponent rise and, despite what he knew had occurred in the previous fight, and what he had previously been told by Petronius, was unprepared for what happened next.

Both Nicon and Glaucus had seen the mutilated corpse of Leontios as it was dragged to the elevator, before being taken down to the basement, and Petronius had made it clear to both of them what was expected of them if they overcame their opponent.

Nicon (taking note of what was expected of him), grasped this fleeting opportunity and put his hands under Glaucus' armpits, and dragged him over to where the spiked stakes were positioned. Fortunately for Nicon, Glaucus, still moaning incoherently, was too busy trying to ease the pain in his scrotum to resist. Nicon did not have the strength at that moment, (as he was still recovering from the knee to his crotch), to impale lift his opponent up and impale him analy, so instead he simply left Glaucus sitting up, with his back against the spiked stake.

Nicon, for a split second, looked over at Petronius, and saw him nod. Nicon then grabbed hold of his pugio, and kneeling and facing Glaucus, straddled one leg of his semi-recumbent opponent.

"No!… Please!"…," Glaucus shrieked, imagining what was about to happen.

WARNING: the following paragraphs include gory emasculations and killings
You may want to skip it and continue here

Then, with one lightning move, Nicon plunged the Pugio into Glaucus' taught, muscular belly, straight through his navel. The pugii being used were long, and there was a dull thud as the Nicon's blade hit the wooden floor of the combat area, so it was obvious that Glaucus'glistening belly was skewered.

"Shit! My fuckin' guts!" Glaucus grunted.

Stabbing someone in the belly, however, was unlikely to kill them, at least in the short term, so Nicon would have time to mutilate and finish off his opponent in the manner expected of him. Nicon knew that he would have to literally 'unman' his opponent before killing him, but it might be problematic, as he had (obviously) never performed such an act before. Before doing anything else, Nicon removed roughly Glaucus' helmet (again following Petronius' instructions). Then, leaving his own pugio protruding from Glaucus' heaving belly, Nicon found the pugio that Glaucus had dropped on the sand earlier. He then returned to his helpless opponent.

"No! Don't do it!" Glaucus grunted, with blood trickling from his trembling lips, as he grasped at the blade and handle of the pugio that penetrated him, in a vain attempt to pull it out, and free himself.

"Don't cut 'em off!" Glaucus pathetically and pointlessly pleaded, presumably referring to his genitals.

With his left hand, Nicon grabbed hold of the cloth pouch covering Glaucus' bulky 'privates', which were soon not to be 'private' at all, but would be on display to one and all. Nicon pulled hard, but the pale blue cloth simply bunched into the crack of Glaucus' firm, taught buttocks, making the terrifed boy grunt. It gave some slack, but did not rip, or come away. There was enough slack, however, to pull the cloth to one side, and expose Glaucus' fat, twitching cock, lying on his lower belly, and his bulky balls nestled between his muscular slightly spread thighs.

"No…! Not my fucking bolocks!" Glaucus moaned loudly, as Nicon slid the blade of the pugio between Glausus' muscular left thigh and his terribly vulnerable genitals.

Nicon looked to Petronius. Petronius nodded, and Nicon then viciously slid the blade sidewards and upwards.

"Shit!" Glaucus squealed, as his severed bloody genitals, which Nicon had completely severed, flopped downwards, between his thighs. Nicon then finished the job by slicing through the cloth pouch, exposing Glaucu's now mutilated, bleeding groin. Glaucus head then flopped to one side, and his delicate eyelids fluttered closed as he passed out. As his body flopped piss, mixed with blood, sprayed from the twitching bulky stump that was all that was left of his genitals, and at the same time, he noisily voided his bowels. Maybe it was the best thing for young Glaucus not to be concious in his final moments.

Nicon then went behind his emasculated opponent, and squatting by the spiked stake, lifted Glaucus' head, and with one quick slash, slit the boy's throat. Glaucon's body stiffened and shuddered, and then went limp as blood sprayed out over his chest and belly. Nicon stood up, looked down at the lifeless, sexless corpse, and turned to Petronius, waiting to be told what to do. While Nicon stood there, Domus-laves relieved him of his pugio, stuffed Glaucus' balls and cock into his mouth, and dragged the mutilated lad's corpse away.

(continue here after skipping the gory part)

Titus turned to Marcus. "Another good fighter, for the future, I would suggest."

"Yes," Marcus replied, "After a silly mistake halfway through, he made a good end to the fight."

Marcus congratulated young Nicon, gave him his laurel wreath (the last one that Aurarius had been looking after), and Terentius, smiling, gave Nicon his purse of money.

At that moment Adonios approached Marcus diffidently. "Excuse me, Dominus," he said in almost a whisper,"but a slave-boy from the atrium gave me a message to say that the problem in the basement has been solved."

"Excellent!" Marcus replied, looking instantly more cheerful. Marcus then excused himself again, and went to speak to Petronius.

"Sort things out with Nicander. The surviving combatants up here cannot go back down to the slave quarters in the basement, so get Nicander to allocate them other quarters, and get him to find some way to dispose of the bodies of the defeated combatants. And get the scene set for the boy dancers and start the music, softly, and get them performing," Marcus explained.

"Of course, Dominus. All shall be done as you wish." Petronius replied, smiling in an attempt to get Marcus to relax.

And so the first part of the evening ended.

Recalcitrant slaves

Having a huge slave population, Romans were constantly fearful of 'slave revolts'. There had been three 'Servile Wars', First Servile War (135-132 BCE), in Sicily, led by Eunus, a former slave, claiming to be a prophet, and Cleon from Cilicia, Second Servile War (104-100 BCE), in Sicily, led by Athenion and Tryphon, Third Servile War (73-71 BCE), on mainland Italy, led by Spartacus.

The revolt led by Spartacus has for some time captured the popular imagination, with books, movies and TV series, all usually highly inaccurate. Spartacus, himself, was no 'freedom fighter, ' but rather a 'self serving' political leader, and an inexperienced, practically untrained gladiator. Those whom he captured in battle he, in turn, enslaved, and he regaled his followers by staging Ludi where he used many of his captured opponents as gladiators- forcing them to fight to the death.

It should be noted that slaves who revolted were not intent on destroying the institution of slavery, but rather looked to become 'masters' themselves. After the Servile Wars, slave revolts still haunted the Roman imagination, but most problems with slave were of a far less spectacular nature.

Problems with Slaves

Slaves, for example, might steal food or other supplies from the household. Those in positions of responsibility might falsify record books, and embezzle money from their owners, or arrange for their own manumission (setting free). And almost any slave could play truant, or simply waste time. All these petty forms of day-to-day resistance appealed to Roman slaves. They allowed slaves to frustrate and annoy their owners, and offered the satisfaction of knowing that their owners' powers were not absolute, that even the most humble of human beings could take action to empower themselves. Owners complained that their slaves were lazy and troublesome, instead of working they were always pilfering food or clothing or valuables (even the silverware), setting fire to property (villas included), or wandering around the city's art galleries and public entertainments. The slaves, however, were motivated not by a sense of 'class solidarity', Rome's slave population was far too heterogeneous for that, but by the desire to find ways in which, as individuals, they could find relief from their subject status, if only temporarily.

The relationship between slaves and masters at Rome was a contest fought in the arena of the mind. Masters could draw on all the weapons of law, status and established authority, there was never in Roman history any movement to abolish slavery, whereas slaves had little more to fight with than their wits, and were often misguided.

The confrontation that Marcus faced on the night of the visit of Titus was not serious, but was symptomatic of the continuing conflict between masters and slaves. The problem, in this case, arose from the presence of newly bought slaves, not being aware of the strict discipline in their new household, and having, at the time, formed no bond of loyalty with their new master. Equally, matters were not helped by the presence of a weak steward (Nicander), and a poorly organised event, that placed unacceptable demands on slaves who had not received sufficient preparation or training.

Marcus would undoubtedly learn from this event, and avoid any repetition of the of such a situation. However, that did not preclude Marcus from taking his legally justified action in punishing some of those slaves responsible.

'and the story continues - Marcus negotiates with Titus while the dancing troupe 'entertain' under the stars - and the following morning there are executions on the roof gardens.

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