#brundisium

[whencyclopedia]

Second Punic War

The Second Punic War (The Hannibalic War) was fought between Carthage and Rome between 218 and 201 BCE. The war involved confrontations in Spain, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and North Africa. Hannibal led the Carthaginians, one of the most gifted commanders in history, but the Romans had their own great general Scipio Africanus, and he successfully attacked Carthage on home soil.

Learn more about Second Punic War

[thedancingkajira]

C4

Thoughtless service. Can there be a more virtuous calling? Every appetite screams otherwise.

Since arriving at Brundisium with the morbidly obese corpse of my former Master, Ho-Hak Bar-Hom, I’ve done all I can to serve without a thought about my ultimate fate. Yet recent events have wonder about the subject leaking in. And like air into a broken cork of a Ka-la-na bottle, it threatens to sour me.

I was sent to serve the city, served in the Inn, then was directed to serve in the Tavern, and now hear that I’ll be rented to the Tavern officially. These are just subtle waves moving me in new directions, but they have me wondering about whether I’ll one day wind up privately owned again. Wondering what comes with wondering what manner of Master will own me.

“Own” is only a three-letter word, but it is immense. It defines the world of a girl. It determines what I do, wear, eat, say and believe. It calculates the ratio of my bruises and caresses. It is more my name than my name itself.

And so who will define that word? That question leads to a dangerous place, desire. If one is to believe that there is a difference between good and bad, right and wrong, how can one not desire a good Master? And how can one not then wonder what good and bad mean?

Such thoughts lead me to reflect on my service here and to the belief that I’ve served some bad Masters. I’ve served impatient Masters and I’ve served contradictory Masters. I’ve served the elusive, the fawning and the sadistic. I’ve even served the perverse, who asked me to do things that were, arguably, against nature and the Priest Kings.

And such thoughts lead me to see many good Masters, Masters whose qualities call to me like wind calls to flame. There are clever Masters here, who play games with my body and treat my mind to deeper truths. There are commanding Masters, inventive Masters and passionate Masters. I’ve knelt to Men of ambition, in whose eyes reside a thousand and one entertainments, whole futures as wide and generous as the Thassa.

Yet such thoughts are poison, are they not? Like Kanda smoke, they thrill the mind at the expense of the body and soul. They are addictive and deadly.

I believe this because I know fate well, and I know it to be fickle. It raises one up to pleasure and security, only to rip both away. It is the engine of all appetites. The more one is fulfilled, the more one craves, and the greater the pain and anguish when the craving goes unsatisfied.

This is the same for the kajira as it is for the warrior. Don’t generals, in their triumphs at Ar, ride their victory parade chariots with a slave whispering into their ear, over and over, that all glory is fleeting? One rises high, only to be cast down, betrayed by allies or by the most treacherous ally of all, age.

The only peace to be found is the peace within oneself that exhales and in doing so releases one from the fetters of desire. Only by abandoning what could be will we find satisfaction in what is. Only by giving up everything can we receive the world.

This is the way of the slave. A slave must make an instrument of her desire, and play it well. She must not be played by it. Otherwise, she comes to feel the lash of the fact that fate makes slaves of us all.

[finelythreadedsky]

i think it's really nice that ursula le guin was careful to specifically mention in lavinia that vergil isn't so much a real historical person as a character we've all constructed in our collective imagination. because now she's also a character we've all constructed in our collective imaginations.

[lionofchaeronea]

Silver denarius minted at Rome or Brundisium between 29 and 27 BCE by Julius Caesar's adopted son Octavian, soon to become Augustus. The denarius celebrates Octavian's conquest of Egypt following his (or, rather, Marcus Agrippa's) naval victory over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. On the obverse, the bust of the young Octavian, with a lituus (ritual staff) showing his membership in the college of augurs; on the reverse, a crocodile surrounded by the inscription AEGYPTO CAPTA ("Egypt [having been] captured"). Beneath the inscription is a graffito from an unknown source. Photo credit: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com

[sforzesco]

dies vitiosus

antony's birthday was technically yesterday, but we can do it a day late.

so the 14th was antony's birthday, which also highlights my favorite part of the octavian-antony divorce arc:

During this time and still earlier the Romans at home had passed many resolutions in honour of Caesar's naval victory. Thus they granted him a triumph, as over Cleopatra, an arch adorned with trophies at Brundisium and another in the Roman Forum. Moreover, they decreed that the foundation of the shrine of Julius should be adorned with the beaks of the captured ships and that a festival should be held every four years in honour of Octavius; that there should also be a thanksgiving on his birthday and on the anniversary of the announcement of his victory; also that when he should enter the city the Vestal Virgins and the senate and the people with their wives and children should go out to meet him. But it would be quite superfluous to go on and mention the prayers, the images, the privilege of the front seat, and all the other honours of the sort. At the beginning, then, they not only voted him these honours but also either took down or effaced the memorials of Antony, declared the day on which he had been born accursed, and forbade the use of the surname Marcus by any of his kind.

Cassius Dio 51.19

cheers! the speech balloon is empty on purpose, personally I'm imagining a version of the break up speech from octavian-octavia-antony divorce arc from the french cleopatra musical, feel free to imagine whatever melodrama makes you happiest!

society6 | ko-fi | twitter (pillowfort, cohost) | deviantart

[omegaremix]

Omega Radio for August 2, 2014; #57.

Neu! “Hallogallo”

Captain Beefheart “The Host The Ghost The Most Holy-O”

Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers “Dodge Veg-O-Matic”

Death “Where Do We Go From Here?”

Destroy All Monsters “What Do I Get?”

Cramps, The “Hypno Sex-Ray”

Saints “Wild About You”

Stiff Little Fingers “No More Of That”

Minutemen, The “Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs”

Husker Du “New Day Rising”

Swans “Money Is Flesh” (live)

Henry’s Dress “You’re My Radio One”

Late! “Color Pictures Of A Marigold”

Meat Puppets, The “Plateau”

Beatings, The “Stockholm Syndrome Relapse”

Kurt Vile “So Outta Reach”

Boom Boom Box, The “Holiday”

Paint Fumes “Space Cadet”

Mark Feehan “See You In Brundisium”

Purling Hiss “Purple Hiss”

Jesu “Comforter”

Godflesh “Decline And Fall”

Marching Teeth “Sun God”

Cutthroats 9 “Induction”

Deluxe broadcast; all guitars.

[theantonian]

BATTLE OF FORUM GALLORUM, APRIL 14TH 43 BC

This battle was fought between the forces of Marcus Antonius and legions loyal to the Roman senate under the overall command of the consuls Vibius Pansa aided by his fellow consul Aulus Hirtius while Octavian remained behind at senate's camp.

After leaving a part of his forces under the command of his brother Lucius Antonius to hold Decimus Brutus in siege and engage Hirtius and Octavian with a feigned attack on their camp, Antony secretly marched off from his camp with the Second Gallica (Legio II Gallica) and Thirty-Fifth Legions (Legio XXXV) and his praetorian cohorts, and those of Marcus Junius Silanus along the Via Aemilia over the marshy ground to halt Pansa’s progress. Antony’s ambush attack in a forest and marsh near Forum Gallorum was masterly. Antony himself led the center. But his move was discovered and the Martian legion led by Carsuleius and Servius Sulpicius Galba (one of Caesar's killers) and Octavian’s praetorian cohorts were dispatched to meet and reinforce Pansa, with the result that when Antony made his attack, he found himself fighting not only the newly recruited legions but also this legion of veteran soldiers who were thirsting for revenge upon him for the executions at Brundisium.

According to Appian, “there was a suspicious agitation of the bushes, then a gleaming of shields and helmets, and Antony's praetorian cohort suddenly showed itself directly in their front. The other troops divided themselves in two parts and advanced into the marsh on either side, the one commanded by Pansa and the other by Decimus Carsuleius. While the praetorians of Octavius confronted the praetorians of Antony. Thus, there were two battles in two marshes, and neither division could see the other by reason of the elevated road, while along the road itself the praetorian cohorts fought another battle of their own. The Antonians were determined to punish the Martians for desertion as being traitors to themselves and allying with the senate. The Martians were equally determined to punish the Antonians for condoning the slaughter of their comrades at Brundisium. Recognizing in each other the flower of either army they hoped to decide the whole war by this single engagement. Being veterans, they raised no battle-cry, since they could not expect to terrify each other, nor in the engagement did they utter a sound, either as victors or vanquished. As there could be neither flanking nor charging in marshes and ditches, they stood together in close order, and since neither could dislodge the other, they locked together with their swords as in a wrestling match. No blow missed its mark. There were wounds and slaughter but no cries, only groans; and when one fell, he was instantly borne away, and another took his place. They needed neither admonition nor encouragement, since experience had made each one his own general. When they were overcome by fatigue, they drew apart from each other for a brief space to take breath, as in gymnastic games, and then rushed again to the encounter.”

In this fierce and bloody battle, Carsuleius had fallen mortally wounded and the Martians began to fall back while still repulsing Antony’s cavalry assaults.

Finally, the Martian legion were routed with Antony’s praetorian cohorts completely destroying Octavian praetorian cohorts to the last man. In the marshes to the left of the Via Aemilia, Pansa suffered a serious injury; his wound said to have come from an enemy javelin. This shook the morals of cohorts of the Martians. While the injured consul was transferred to Bononia, the Antonian veterans of Second Gallica put the cohorts to flight. When the new recruits of Pansa saw this, they fled in terror, disorder and with loud cries towards their camp. Antony fell upon these veterans and new recruits, making a great slaughter.

While Antony’s troops celebrated, collected booty of victory and singing hymns of victory, Antony soon realized that Hirtius’ fresh troops were approaching towards them from the north. Antony could waste no time on pursuing Pansa's broken army and began marching his disorderly troops back towards Mutina.

Antony hurriedly got his troops in line and bravely faced the enemy forces. Despite their tough resistance and instances of great valour, greater part of them were slain in this encounter, although Hirtius could not pursue them. As darkness was coming, he allowed them to escape in fear of being lured into a trap. A wide stretch of the marsh was filled with arms, corpses of men and horses, wounded men, and half-dead men. Some were unhurt but were overcome by fatigue. Antony and his cavalry, as many as he had with him, went to their assistance and collected them throughout the entire night. Some they put on horse-back in their own places, others they urged to take hold of the horses' tails and run along with them and so secure their safety. Antony then encamped without entrenchments in a village nearby, called Forum Gallorum (Castel Franco).

Thus, the long and bloody battle of Forum Gallorum came to an end.

Sources: Plutarch’s Life of Antony

Cicero, Philippics

Appian, The Civil Wars III. 66-70

Eleanor Goltz Huzar, Mark Antony – A Biography

Ronald Syme, The Roman Revolution

[amberthefantasy]

Nitimur in Vetitum

chapter fourteen: ligatus (bound)

9th Day Before the Kalends of Iulius (23rd June)

Lucretia let out a loud huff as she leant back against Agrippa. The messenger that had just arrived from Brundisium was stumbling over his words as he relayed the message that Antonius had sent to Gaius. For the past three months the two Triumvirs had been sending messages back and forth, on some odd attempt to avoid a war.

Why they couldn't just come to terms over this petty conflict, Lucretia didn't understand. This back and forth did nothing but weaken them both in the eyes of Rome. It was foolish and it made her blood boil. "Gods this is foolish," Lucretia snapped. Her annoyance with the stuttering fool of a messenger finally boiling over. "Just settle this now Gaius"

"I'll look weak if I give in first," Gaius glared at her.

"You look weak now," Lucretia snapped. She stood quickly, striding across the room to stand before her brother. "You look like a foolish child who cannot solve a petty disagreement with your ally."

"If he looks foolish then Antonius will too," Agippa said from behind her.

"Yes," Lucretia agreed, she took a few more steps forward to lean against the table. "But Gaius has only been active in Rome's politics for four years, he has begun to establish himself but is still seen as young and inexperienced. His inability to handle this disagreement reflects worse on him than it does on a seasoned general and politician."

Gaius gritted his teeth. Lucretia could see his thoughts running through his head as he tried to find a flaw in her argument. "I have been nothing cordial, offering actual solutions to this issue. It is Antonius who is being obstinate," Gaius finally said.

Lucretia raised a brow. "Antonius is being obstinate," she repeated. Lucretia tapped her hands against the wood of the table. "I shall go and speak with Antonius," she declared.

"No!" Gaius and Agrippa almost yelled as one. Lucretia glared sideways at them. Then, noticing that the messenger was still standing near the door, she waved him out. 

"I have known Antonius since I was a child, he would not harm me," Lucretia said. "Besides, to cause me harm could cause a war of blood instead of papyrus."

Agrippa let out a noise of complaint but Gaius was staring at her with narrowed eyes. "You truly believe that?"

"I do," she gave a decisive nod.

Gaius swallowed. "You cannot actually be considering this?" Agrippa snapped.

"She's right," Gaius said softly. "We need to solve this now and she is the only person who Antonius may speak to."

"You have to be fucking joking," Agrippa hissed lowly. "I will not let my wife risk-"

"-I am going," Lucretia cut him off. "And that is final." She snapped turning to one of the slaves near the edge of the room. "Gather my things I shall leave at once."

--

5th Day Before the Ides of Iulius (11th July)

The city of Brundisium was beautiful. Lucretai had seen quite a few cities in Italia throughout her life, travelling with her mother when she was young and her father after her mother passed, but she had never seen Brundisium. It was not nearly as large as Rome but bigger than Ardea was. 

Antonius had set up an encampment on the outside of the city but himself was living in the house of some ally inside the walls.

Lucretia had not expected to be instantly invited inside after her arrival, but it seemed some scout must have seen her coming because there were already men waiting to escort her to Antonius when he reached the city gate. 

They led her through a few small streets and to a large villa. Antonius was waiting inside for her. Seated on a klinai, reading a letter. "Lucretia Julia!" He called with a smile that did not reach his eyes when she entered the room. 

"Marcus Antonius," Lucretia responded with her own fake smile. 

"To what do I owe this visit?" Antonius asked.

"My brother sent me," Lucretia said bluntly as she took a seat on the klinai opposite him. "He wishes to finally resolve this petty disagreement."

"Petty disagreement..." Antonius repeated. "He fought my wife."

"Your wife attacked us," Lucretia raised her brow. "And when the war was over both her and your brother were pardoned for their uprising. It was you who sent her away." Lucretia paused, "I hear she recently passed, I am sorry for your loss." She added.

Antonius clicked his tongue, "thank you." There was a moment of silence. "What does your brother want?"

"All he asks is that his occupation of Gaul be recognised as a legitimate action, and that he gain control of Illyricum. In return he will confirm your control of the east and support any military actions you wish to take there," Lucretia told him the terms that she and Gaius had discussed before she left.

Antonius stared at her with narrowed eyes for a moment. "Italia remains neutral."

"Of course," Lucretia nodded.

Her father's old friend clicked his tongue again. "I will agree on the condition that Gaius comes to an agreement with Sextus Pompeius too."

"He already has plans for one," Lucretia nodded. 

"Then I am amiable to these terms," Antonius nodded. 

"There is one more thing," Lucretia leant forward. "Due to the recent death of your wife... my brother is willing to offer you a marriage to seal this peace."

"A marriage? With who?" Antonius raised a brow.

"Octavia. She is a widow and not currently pregnant."

"From my knowledge she has not yet completed her mourning period. Nor have I," Antonius said.

That was true, she was not even halfway through it but she was the only female member of the family through which this peace could be sealed. "The pontiffs would be willing to offer an exception."

Antonius tapped his fingers against the side of the klinai. "I would be honoured to marry Gaius' sister."

--

6th Day Before the Kalends of Sextilis (27th July)

Lucretia pushed off the wall she had been leaning on to watch the builders when Scribonia entered the room. "Get Octavia," she ordered one of the slaves standing beside her. 

Scribonia turned to look at her. "Hello Lucretia," she greeted.

"Hello Scribonia," Lucretia smiled. She walked over to hug the other woman in greeting. 

Footsteps came from behind them and the two women turned to see Octavia walking towards them with her two youngest children. "Uh Octavia!" Scribonia called. "The Gods. Give me one of those." She reached for one of the children. A slave was following behind Octavia with Fabia in her arms and Lucretia reached out to take her daughter as well. 

"Take Marcellus. He's such a lump," Octavia held her son out for Scribonia to take. "I can mange Marcellina," Octavia fixed the cloth wrapped around her youngest. 

Fabia grabbed Lucretia's hair and she had to push the little one's hand away. Replacing her hair with the gems around her neck in her daughter's hand. The three women began to slowly walk out of the atrium. "Wow. How much did this cost?" Scribonia asked.

"Our brother came into some money, as you know," Lucretia explained. 

"Excuse the mess. Gaius has only just got back to Rome from signing the agreement with Antonius," Octavia moved her hand in the direction of the builders.

"He's too busy to bully the builders so we offered to help," Lucretia joked.

"It helps take my mind off everything," Octavia said softly. "Do you like it?" She suddenly asked Scribonia, looking up at her.

"I...I do," Scribonia laughed slightly.

"That's good," Octavia locked eyes with Lucretia for a moment. "Because you'll be living here soon." Scribonia furrowed her brows slightly. "Our brother's proposing a marriage to you as part of the treaty with Sextus."

Scribonia's eyes widened in shock and joy. Lucretia felt her stomach turn. Marcellina began to cry. Octavia smiled down at her and then began to walk over to one of the seats against a wall behind them. Lucretia followed her.

Scribonia let out a slight laugh again as she placed Marcellus down and turned to face them. "I told you you'd find my family useful," she smiled.

"Of course, negotiations are bound to drag on for months," Octavia said as she pulled one of her sleeves off to feed Marcella.

"That's what Gaius says anyway," Lucretia added.

Octavia looked down at her feeding daughter, face filled with emotion. "What?" Scribonia asked. "Aren't you happy for me?" Lucretia almost rolled her eyes at the oblivious selfishness of the woman, Octavia was obviously upset.

"Yes," Octavia looked at her. "Yes. But I am to marry Marcus Antonius to seal the peace between him and my brother," she revealed. "The latest one anyway."

"You're not even halfway through your mourning period," Scribonia said, her voice a mix of shock and care.

"I could hardly say no to Gaius," Octavia looked sideways at Lucretia who blinked and looked away.

--

On the Ides of Sextilis (13th August)

Lucretia shifted her dress slightly as more people entered the villa. Even Antonius would be here today, and Lucretia caught sight of him pushing his way to the front of the crowd. Gaius was already standing to the left of her, with Agrippa at his side. Her brother caught her eyes and gave a small smile, Lucretia responding with her own tight one. 

There was the sound of movement behind her and Lucretia glanced up to see Scribonia and her father, Lucius Scribonius Libo, walking down the stairs. Lucretia raised her hands to politely clap as Scribonia reached the bottom of the stairs. She had to admit that the woman looked beautiful in her white and yellow dress. 

Agrippa stepped forward to stand closer to the dais where Lucretia was waiting. "Welcome, to the marriage of Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus and Scribonia Liba," Agrippa began. The two named people came closer together to stand beside Lucretia. She looked forward when she saw some men leading forward a goat for the sacrifice. "Great Juno, Goddess of Marriage and Fertility, accept this gift of life and blood from this great house of Lucius Scribonius Libo." Agrippa halted to let the sacrifice take place.

"Scribonia Liba, are you ready?" He asked the woman.

"Yes," Scribonia said softly.

"Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, do you agree?"

"I do," Gaius' voice was strong.

"Then she is yours," Agrippa nodded.

Lucretia held out her hands and placed Gaius and Scribonia's together in front if her. Cheers and clapping broke out amongst the watching crowd and Lucretia smiled tightly at the newly married couple. --

On the Nones of September (5th September)

Lucretia did not know whether she preferred to be watching or participating in this wedding. Maybe it was the fact that Lucius and his wife were the ones officiating that made her displeased. She may have recommended that they pardon the man but that did not make her like him anymore.

Lucretia had to contain a scoff when Scribonia started playing with the ends of her sleeves. Even a month into their marriage Scribonia was still clinging to Gaius like he would disappear and it made Lucretia's skin crawl.

Her thoughts were derailed by Octavia and Gaius entering the room. Octavia was gorgeous, she always had been. She was wearing a slightly darker white than other brides often did. Even though she had received a dispensation to marry it did not make her mourning for her late husband any less potent.

Lucius began the ceremony with a smile, and Lucretia let her thoughts wander again as she gazed around at the guests. Many were people she knew but were not close with. Horatia was here, with Lucius Fabius, and she caught her eye and gave a small smile. Agrippa placed a hand on Lucretia's back to bring her back to the present just as Antonius said the words that would confirm the marriage. She began to clap with the others, glancing sideways Lucretia locked eyes with Gaius who gave her a small triumphant smile.

Their peace with Antonius was sealed and soon the negotiations with Sextus would come to an end. Peace would rule Rome. 

NiV masterlist / post masterlist

[attila-werther]

oh this fucking medea chapter. I just had to rearrange its guts because I forgot to set up sulla & co landing in brundisium and that's essential for how that chapter ends and the next one starts. this is the third major set of edits I've made to it. there's one page here that's basically been covered up with sticky notes because the original stuff became unusable once I made the first round of revisions. I did figure out that the pacing problem with the voyeurism bullshit could be fixed by placing it a scene and a half back from where I had originally written it. so. we stay winning. I think.

[whencyclopedia]

The Last Years of Julius Caesar’s Life in Five Coins

Written by Sebastian L. Harris

Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE) is considered one of history’s greatest generals and statesmen, who famously defeated the Germanic king Vercingetorix during the Gallic Wars (58-50 BCE) and his former ally Pompey during the Civil War (49-45 BCE). However, he might also be described as one of the best self-promoters, as seen through his and the Caesarians’ coins. Coinage provides a wealth of knowledge on the history and motivations behind the individuals who minted or authorised them, so let us examine a sample of five coins from the final years of Julius Caesar’s life.

CIVIL WAR. After Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BCE (both literally and figuratively), his ally-turned-enemy and senatorial champion, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, fled from Brundisium to the East, leaving Rome and the Roman Senate exposed, both of which offered little opposition. While fighting Pompey over the next two years, he established a moving mint where he minted the first coinage to bear his name. The denarius (RRC 443/1) depicts symbols of the pontifex maximus (“chief high priest”) on the obverse, a position he used to emphasise his connection with the gods. The reverse represents the perpetua discordia between elephants and snakes, where a cornered snake (Caesar) will triumph over the larger elephant (Pompey). SPOILER: Caesar did win and was given his most prominent title as a result.

Silver Denarius of C. Julius Caesar (49 BCE) [RRC 443/1]

DICTATOR. Although declared dictator (traditional Republican magistrate) for eleven days in early 48 BCE, he was later named dictator for one year, then ten further years after successfully ending the Civil War that year. During his time as dictator (48-44 BCE), he changed the number of magistracies and reformed the state, minting a coin portraying himself as dictator for the first time, an aureus in 47 BCE (RRC 456/1). It depicts an axe, culullus (ritual vessel), jug and lituus (military trumpet), all symbols of the pontifex maximus, and the legend DICT ITER (“Dictator for the second time”). While he also held other positions (consul, augur, pontifex maximus) [RRC 467/1], he advertised his dictator position most frequently on coins (17 times). There is, however, a more peculiar title he gave himself.

Gold Aureus of C. Julius Caesar (47 BCE) [RRC 456/1]

MORALS. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar established a new office that was very similar to the censors'. This office was known as prefect of the morals. He added this position so he could wield the censorial powers and not be constrained by limitations, using this prefecture to fill the Senate with his own faction and minimise opposition. Although minted by the moneyer Publius Sepullius Macer after Caesar’s death in 44 BCE (RRC 480/21), the denarius depicts the image of Caesar as moralistic. The coin features a tetrastyle temple with the legend CLEMENTIAE CAESARIS (“Caesar the Clement”) on the obverse, with a desultor (skilled horsemen who lept from one horse or chariot to another) and moneyer’s name on the reverse (a reference to Caesar’s Games at the Parilia). He does, however, go from being moral to being authoritarian in two years.

Silver Denarius of P. Sepullius Macer (44 BCE) [RRC 480/21]

PERPETUO. Dictator is a word with a negative connotation, as someone who has complete and absolute power, and we can trace this use back to when Julius Caesar was named dictator perpetuo (“dictator for life”) in 44 BCE. He chose every representative in Rome, strengthening his support, so it is no surprise most coins minted in 44 BCE are pro-Caesar, including a range of silver denarii with the DICT·PERPETVO legend by the same Macer above. This coin (RRC 480/10) depicts the wreathed head of Caesar, matched by Venus (holding Victory, sceptre and shield) on the reverse; Venus being the mythical ancestor of the Julii (see RRC 458/1). It would, however, only be a matter of time before Caesar would be ‘stabbed in the back.’

Silver Denarius of P. Sepullius Macer (47 BCE) [RRC 480/10]

EID OF MAR. A day marked by several religious observations and notable as a deadline for settling debts (ironically), March 15th has become synonymous with Julius Caesar’s assassination. Ignoring a warning by the seer Spurinna to “beware the Ides of March,” Caesar entered the Curia of Pompey and was stabbed 23 times by 60 senators, led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. To celebrate the death of Caesar, the conspirator Brutus authorised the moneyer L. Plaetorius Cestianus to mint a denarius in 43 BCE (RRC 508/3). The coin depicts the head of Brutus, and the reverse features a pileus (“cap of freedom”) between two daggers with the legend EID MAR. As to whether killing Caesar benefitted Rome or not is still debated, but arguably it was crucial for Rome’s development as an Empire.

Silver Denarius of L. Plaetorius Cestianus (43 BCE) [RRC 508/3]

Coins are sometimes the overlooked keys that are crucial to understanding history. These artefacts support the narrative presented in written sources (both ancient and modern), and it is through these coins that we can see the changing “face” of Caesar. We see what he stood for and how he effectively used his titles and honours to promote himself to Roman society. As to whether he was the good stateman or bad tyrant in the last years of his life, I will leave that up to you to decide.

[thepenmuse]

Book Blitz: The Subtle Lines of Truth

  Rerum Initium   Historical Novel, Metaphysical Date Published: July 29, 2024     Voyage through the serene Mediterranean as two souls unravel the enigma of ancient wisdom lost to the ages.   In the year 64 AD, two men embark on a fateful voyage from Corinth to Brundisium, destined for the ancient city of Herculaneum. As their boat cuts through the calm Mediterranean Sea, their conversations…

[thebridgeofdeaths]

The Subtle Lines of Truth

  Rerum Initium Historical Novel, MetaphysicalDate Published: July 29, 2024   Voyage through the serene Mediterranean as two souls unravel the enigma of ancient wisdom lost to the ages.   In the year 64 AD, two men embark on a fateful voyage from Corinth to Brundisium, destined for the ancient city of Herculaneum. As their boat cuts through the calm Mediterranean Sea, their conversations…

[maximuswolf]

Augie March - Brundisium [indie rock/folk] (2002)

Augie March - Brundisium [indie rock/folk] (2002) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-RH4UA5VDU Submitted May 09, 2024 at 12:42AM by torn-ainbow https://ift.tt/RezsUGF via /r/Music

[rhianna]

The great mother of the gods (1901) (14777925241).jpg

Identifier: greatmotherofgo00show (find matches) Title: The great mother of the gods Year: 1901 (1900s) Authors:  Showerman, Grant, 1870-1935 Subjects:  Cybele (Goddess)Mythology, Classical Publisher:  Madison Contributing Library:  Robarts - University of Toronto Digitizing Sponsor:  University of Toronto

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Text Appearing Before Image: The ministers of ordinary rank were sometimes men, sometimes women, the former being the castrated Galli.. Their garb was similar to that of the high priest and high priestess—garments of various bright colors, necklaces, im- ages, etc. 1 The occabus, defined by Hesychius as ra rrepl rovppaxtova if eWta, and the corona, a golden crown with medal- lions, were sometimes presented by the quindecimviri. 2 There were sacerdotes primi3and sacerdotes secundo loco4and consacerdotes. 5 A priest at Ostia was minister of both the Great Mother and Isis, and one at Brundisium of these tw oand Dea Syria.6 There is little evidence as to the period of service. A priest at Lugdunum has perpetuitatem sacer- doiii bestowed upon him by decree of the ordo Lugdunensis. 7 Among the official servants of the Mother were the tibi- ———————————————— 99 Ibid. VI 502, 2257. 100 Visconti Museo Pio-Clem. VII p. 104. 1 Dionys. Hal. II 19; Ovid Fast. IV 339. 2 C. I. L. X 3698; XIII1751. 3 Ibid. IX 1541. 4 Ibid. 1538, 1541. 5 Ibid. 1540. 6 Ibid. XIV 429; IX 6099. 7 Ibid. XIII 1751. BULL. UNIV. WIS., PHIL. AND LIT. SER. VOL. 1, PL. 2. Text Appearing After Image:

A PRIESTESS OF THE GREAT MOTHER. From a Relief in the Vatican. (After Baumeister.) SHOWERMAN THE GREAT MOTHER. 275

[amberthefantasy]

Nitimur in Vetitum

chapter two: vetita (forbidden)

"The days following Gaius Octavius's return to Rome would be full of speculation for many years, but one thing remains clear. Lucretia and Gaius began to act as one almost immediately, we can only speculate on what this implies about them." -The Life of Lucretia Augusta by Adelaide Lyons

"So, what have we missed while we have been travelling?" Gaius asked once the four had taken their places on the sella around the room. Gaius had taken a moment to change into the appropriate black tunic of mourning before Atia had led them into the tablīnum to talk. 

"Marcus Antonius reached a deal with the murderers," Lucretia began, taking a moment to watch as Gaius narrowed his eyes, "though, I believe he is rethinking that agreement."

"Oh is he?" Gaius asked

"The people of Rome are quite unhappy with the murderers being... forgiven. They too want justice for our father," Lucretia explained, giving Gaius a small smirk at the end.

"Yes, our father was quite liked by the people," Gaius turned his head towards Agrippa, who raised an eyebrow at his friend, "yes... I have a plan."

"Already?" Atia asked, "but... well, is it not dangerous?"

"Dangerous? We are children of the Julii. We do not run and we do not cower," Lucretia said, raising her chin, "the people of Rome loved my father. They will love his son the same, if we play it right."

Her new brother smirked, leaning towards Lucretia and allowing his dark hair to fall and block his mother from view. "What do you suggest, sweet sister?"

"To gain power we need allies," she began, as Agrippa leant forward as well, "Antonius wished to be seen as the political successor to our father, so he will not back you." Agrippa clicked his teeth. "To gain support we must use the Senate-''

"The Senate?" Agrippa asked, "the ones who support those that murdered Caesar?"

Lucretia rolled her eyes, "yes, Agrippa, them." He opened his mouth but Lucretia cut him off, "of course we only use them for a short while, just until you have a large enough force to pose a threat to those who oppose us."

Gaius and Agrippa locked eyes and for a long moment Lucretia wished she could read their thoughts. "Okay," Gaius finally said, "where do you suggest we start?"

Lucretia took a breath, no one had ever listened to her this intensely before, especially not men. Well, here goes. "Do you have any legions?"

"Two, we collected them in Brundisium, though I cannot pay them until I have my inheritance. Which I have heard one Marcus Antonius is keeping safe for me." Gaius's voice became scornful by the end of his sentence, an underlying note Lucretia did not understand hidden beneath the words.

"Well, two won't be enough. Not to fight Antonius and certainly not to fight the armies of the east."

"If you had the name Caesar, many of my uncle's legions may defect to you," Atia cut in, causing the three others to jump and spin back to her. "What? Forget I was here?"

Lucretia smiled and shook her head at the elder woman, "She is correct, many of our father's legions are loyal to the name Caesar. Once you legally hold it-"

"I do," Gaius cut her off, making Lucretia turn a glare to him, "apologies. But I do hold the name Caesar. From this point I will go by the name Gaius Julius Caesar, as my father did." Lucretia nodded and smiled at him, yes, he was good. 

Before they could continue the discussion the sound of the entrance opening made all four of the room's occupance turn. Silvius was here. Odd, this wasn't their house. The man was wearing a dark tunic and toga to signify his mourning for his wife's father, but it was adorned with blue and gold, not the pitch black the family was expected to wear after a death. Gaius and Agrippa both sat up, eyes darting to Lucretia in question.

"Husband, we were not expecting you," Lucretia smiled, standing to greet her husband with a kiss. 

"Wife, no I umm... I heard that your cou- brother had returned," Silvius responded, turning his head toward Gaius and Agrippa, who had stood and were watching them with slightly narrowed eyes. The picture of friends, both had dark tunics on, the same stance and expression on their faces. The same handsomeness too. 

"Greetings, I am Gaius Julius Caesar and this is Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa," her brother introduced, stepping forward to greet her husband properly. Agrippa nodded with a small, fake, smile.

"Greetings, Silvius Fabius Maximus," her husband introduced. "What brings you here, besides introductions of course?"

Oh gods damn her husband, he may not be the smartest politician, but he noticed when plotting was taking place. Gaius glanced at Lucretia, who gave him a single exasperated look. "Simply taking the lay of the land since my return," Gaius explained, leaving out the genuine plotting they'd done. Silvius might, after all, support Marcus Antonius as Caesar's successor. It would not be good to tell him their plans. Silvius nodded but didn't say anything in response, the expression on his face making it obvious he knew there was more to this meeting than Gaius had said. Agrippa was watching her husband with an expression on his face that Lucretia could not quite read, distrust? questioning? She couldn't tell, but perhaps that was a good sign, if she couldn't read his face, she doubted many could.

"We should return home," Lucretia said, taking her husband in hand. Silvius raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, simply turned to leave.

Gaius seemed to contemplate him for a moment before stepping forward to take Lucretia by the hand, "it was wonderful to see you again sister."

"I welcome you back to Rome brother, and you Agrippa," Lucretia kissed both the men on the cheek and smiled, "Cicero," she whispered to Gaius as she pulled back. Lucretia saw Gaius give a slight nod before she turned to leave with her husband.

--

12th Day before the Kalends of May (20th April, 44 BCE)

"Has it worked?" Lucretia asked as she shifted the sleeve of the black dress she wore. Gaius looked towards her. The two of them, and Agrippa, were seated in Lucretia's tablīnum, having a meeting to speak about how their plans had evolved since Gaius's arrival five days earlier. 

"Cicero? I believe he has begun to see the benefits of a political relationship with me," Gaius responded as he took a seat.

Agrippa hummed, "he has begun requesting to speak to Gaius of his own accord. Our main problem is Marcus Antonius, he refuses to give Gaius the inheritance owed him."

Lucretia shook her head, "Antonius has always been foolhardy and headstrong, he will give in," she said to Gaius, "as long as you keep pushing, the people will begin to wonder where their own payment has gone."

"They already have," Agrippa said, "I've heard whispers of people asking Antonius when they will get the denarii they were promised."

"He was a fool to read the will at the funeral if he did not intend to pay them," Gaius said, scoffing, "but we can use it to our advantage."

"How?" Lucretia asked

"I have inherited large amounts of property, that doesn't include what I got from my birth father," Gaius explained, sitting forward and beginning to flip a denarii in hand. "So, I auction of some unused property and pay the people myself."

Agrippa and Lucretia shared a look. "Do we have the money for that?" Agrippa asked.

Gaius sighed, "I have enough property to pay at least half from Rome."

"Do you?" Lucretia asked, her tone of voice made Agrippa give her a small smirk.

Gaius gave her a deadpan stare, "I do, sister. As soon as I make my motives known Antonius will have to concede, lest he look like he is keeping the people of Rome from what is theirs."

"If you think it will work..." Agrippa trailed off.

"It will. Now, has Silvius revealed anything of Antonius's plans to you?" Gaius changed the subject, turning on Lucretia.

"You think he tells me anything?" Lucretia said, exasperated, "I ask and he says women should not inquire about politics, as if me asking about what should happen to my father's murderers is some insane concept." She ranted, stopping to take a breath and noticing the looks on Gaius and Agrippa's faces. "Oh, don't look at me like that!"

"Like what?" Agrippa asked.

"Like, like I'm... being unreasonable."

Gaius placed a hand on Lucretia's arm as she took another breath, "you are not sister," Lucretia looked towards him, "but you must understand, that... that you are a not a regular woman, it may take time for Silvius to open up to you."

She stepped closer to him, "you do not understand, he does not like me and I him."

"How can one not like you sister?" Gaius placed a hand on Lucretia's cheek. They stared at each other for a moment, Lucretia finding herself unable to respond.

cough . They jumped apart. Agrippa had stood and was looking at them, eyebrows raised. "We have a meeting, Gaius."

"Right, uhh, we shall meet again soon, to discuss our next move," Gaius said, looking at Lucretia. She nodded. The two men left, both glancing back to look at her.

--

It was three days before Lucretia saw her brother again. She got the feeling he'd been avoiding her, ever since their moment together after their meeting. Lucretia wasn't too upset about that, she'd also been contemplating many things since then. For the last week since his arrival her and Gaius had been spending more and more time together. They were siblings now and they had political moves to plan but... was there more to it? Gaius made her feel more comfortable in just a week than Silvius had done in three months. She felt things around him, things she didn't feel with others. Well, perhaps one other. But that wasn't what she should be thinking about right now. 

Lucretia had of course never had any 'intimate' relations with other men. No, for a noble roman woman to do so out of wedlock was unseemly and improper. It was perhaps even more improper to think those thoughts about her brother, but well... he wasn't truly her brother, he was her... cousin. The thoughts were wrong and not what she should be thinking about these days. Lucretia should be thinking about their next steps politically, what to talk about when Gaius arrived. But she couldn't, all she could think of was him, in ways she shouldn't be thinking of him.

"Lucretia?" Gaius's voice came from the entrance of the room. Lucretia didn't move and Gaius was by her side in moments, holding her hand and looking worriedly into her eyes. "Sweet sister, what has happened that you look so?"

Lucretia shook her head, her pale hair falling out of the braid it was kept in as she did. "I cannot tell you brother, you would think ill of me."

"Never, I could never think ill of you," Gaius refused, placing a soft hand on her cheek. 

"Don't, do not look at me like that, speak to me like that, touch me like this."

"Like this?" Gaius asked, his voice taking on a cheeky note as he pressed his other hand to Lucretia's cheek, "shall I not look at you like you are the light of my world? At this moment, you are all that keeps me sane as we delve into this political abyss. Shall I not speak to you, like you are the most precious thing in this world?"

Lucretia shook her head, "Gaius..."

Her words were cut off by Gaius placing his finger on her lip, "tell me, sweet sister, do you wish for this?"

"Yes," Lucretia said, her voice barely more than a breathy whisper, "but I am married, we are-"

"We want each other," Gaius said, pushing her back so she lay on the klinai she had been perched upon, "I am Gaius Julius Caesar and I take what I want."

He kissed her.

It was the best kiss Lucretia had ever had in her life. Gaius pressed closer to her, pressing his lower body into her. Lucretia gasped, rolling her hips up to meet him. "Have you?"

Lucretia nodded and Gaius smiled. He didn't say another word before pushing the bottom of her dress up and pressing his hand onto her. "oh" Lucretia gasped as a shock of pleasure ran through her body. Gaius pressed his finger onto her and let out a chuckle at her bliss. "oh, oh," Lucretia began to repeat as he leaned closer to her, "Gaius!" Lucretia had felt pleasure before, perhaps she had dabbled in some, but never like that.

"Marriage is a duty, fucking is a pleasure. For men and women, I want you to know that." Gaius whispered in her ear as he knelt over her and began to push his own tunic up. "When is your husband due home?"

"Not for hours, he's in another Senate meeting."

"Good," Gaius smiled, then Lucretia felt him pressing against her. Gaius let out a stuttering breath. Lucretia matched it with one of her own as she felt him enter her. "Fuck," Gaius swore, rolling his hips into her. The two began to match each other with rolls of their hips and little moans of pleasure. The pressure inside her that Lucretia had felt before began to build again as Gaius pressed even deeper into her with a role of his hips. Lucretia let out a louder moan as the pressure built to maximum again.

Then Gaius gasped and his hips stuttered as she felt his seed fill her. Gaius pulled out of her and smiled. Lucretia responded with one of her own, "did you take what you wanted, Gaius Julius Caesar?"

"Why yes, I did," Gaius leant towards her and kissed her, "and... I hope it will not be the only time I do?"

"We shall see..." Lucretia teased. Gaius rolled his eyes. Then he pulled back and lay on the klinai beside hers. "What? Are you going to ask the question you came here for?" Lucretia asked.

"No, that can wait," Gaius paused for a moment then continued, "I just, I really enjoy spending time with you."

"Well I should hope so, after what we just did."

Gaius laughed and after a second of indignant silence, Lucretia joined him.

NiV masterlist / full masterlist

[stoicbreviary]

Plutarch, The Life of Cato the Younger 15 

But Deiotarus the Galatian sent for Cato, being now an old man, and desiring to commend to his protection his children and his family. 

When Cato arrived, however, Deiotarus offered him gifts of every sort, and by tempting and entreating him in every way so exasperated him that, although he had arrived late in the day and merely spent the night, on the next day about the third hour he set off. 

However, after proceeding a day's journey, he found at Pessinus more gifts again awaiting him than those he had left behind him, and a letter from the Galatian begging him, if he did not desire to take them himself, at least to permit his friends to do so, since they were in every way worthy to receive benefits on his account, and Cato's private means would not reach so far. 

But not even to these solicitations did Cato yield, although he saw that some of his friends were beginning to weaken and were disposed to blame him; nay, he declared that every taking of gifts could find plenty of excuse, but that his friends should share in what he had acquired honorably and justly. Then he sent his gifts back to Deiotarus. 

As he was about to set sail for Brundisium, his friends thought that the ashes of Caepio should be put aboard another vessel; but Cato declared that he would rather part with his life than with those ashes, and put to sea. 

And verily we are told that, as chance would have it, he had a very dangerous passage, although the rest made the journey with little trouble. 

IMAGE: Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, The Deceitfulness of Riches (1901)