#Flavian Amphitheater

[rodpayne]

Colosseo

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (October 17)

On October 17, the Roman Catholic Church remembers the early Church Father, bishop and martyr, Saint Ignatius of Antioch, whose writings attest to the sacramental and hierarchical nature of the Church from its earliest days.

Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate his memory on December 20.

In a 2007 general audience on St. Ignatius of Antioch, Pope Benedict XVI observed that “no Church Father has expressed the longing for union with Christ and for life in him with the intensity of Ignatius.”

In his letters, the Pope said, “one feels the freshness of the faith of the generation which had still known the Apostles. In these letters, the ardent love of a saint can also be felt.”

Born in Syria in the middle of the first century A.D., Ignatius is said to have been personally instructed – along with another future martyr, Saint Polycarp – by the Apostle Saint John.

When Ignatius became the Bishop of Antioch around the year 70, he assumed leadership of a local church that was, according to tradition, first led by Saint Peter before his move to Rome.

Although St. Peter transmitted his Papal primacy to the bishops of Rome rather than Antioch, the city played an important role in the life of the early Church.

Located in present-day Turkey, it was a chief city of the Roman Empire.

It was also the location where the believers in Jesus' teachings and his resurrection were first called “Christians.”

Ignatius led the Christians of Antioch during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, the first of the emperors to proclaim his divinity by adopting the title “Lord and God.”

Subjects who would not give worship to the emperor under this title could be punished with death.

As the leader of a major Catholic diocese during this period, Ignatius showed courage and worked to inspire it in others.

After Domitian's murder in the year 96, his successor Nerva reigned only briefly and was soon followed by the Emperor Trajan.

Under his rule, Christians were once again liable to death for denying the pagan state religion and refusing to participate in its rites.

It was during his reign that Ignatius was convicted for his Christian testimony and sent from Syria to Rome to be put to death.

Escorted by a team of military guards, Ignatius nonetheless managed to compose seven letters:

six to various local churches throughout the empire (including the Church of Rome) and one to his fellow bishop, Polycarp, who would give his own life for Christ several decades later.

Ignatius' letters passionately stressed the importance of Church unity, the dangers of heresy, and the surpassing importance of the Eucharist as the “medicine of immortality.”

These writings contain the first surviving written description of the Church as “Catholic,” from the Greek word indicating both universality and fullness.

One of the most striking features of Ignatius' letters is his enthusiastic embrace of martyrdom as a means to union with God and eternal life.

“All the pleasures of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing,” he wrote to the Church of Rome.

“It is better for me to die in behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth.”

“Now I begin to be a disciple,” the bishop declared.

“Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.”

St. Ignatius of Antioch bore witness to Christ publicly for the last time in Rome's Flavian Amphitheater, where he was mauled to death by lions.

“I am the wheat of the Lord,” he had declared, before facing them. “I must be ground by the teeth of these beasts to be made the pure bread of Christ.”

His memory was honored, and his bones venerated, soon after his death around the year 107.

[thetwelvecaesars]

I wish it was just called The Flavian Amphitheater, because I can't spell Colosseum to save my life.

[jojoseames]

Italian Adventure travelogue paintings!

41-42: The Colosseum, also known as Flavian's Amphitheater, Rome.

[birb-boyo]

Flavian Amphitheater sounds better than the Colosseum🤷‍♂️

Why’d we change it

[mylunaris]

Flavian Amphitheater

The roar of the Colosseum filled the air, resonating off the marble and stone walls. Rome, in all its glory and brutality, was poised for a new spectacle: a duel between Acacius, the veteran general celebrated for his victories in the Empire's most pivotal campaigns, and Hanno, the young gladiator whose fierce spirit had captured the crowd’s imagination.

Aeliana Callista stood in an upper corridor, observing the throngs of people bustling through the aisles, eager to claim their seats before the battle commenced. Her expression was calm, yet her green eyes shimmered with a simmering intensity. Though her days as a gladiatrix were behind her, Hanno's presence intrigued her; the way he moved, his bravado, and youthful vitality seemed to reflect a past version of herself, when she was known as "Victrix Ignis. "

As she descended the staircase towards the entrance of the imperial box, she heard footsteps approaching. There was no need to turn to identify her visitor; Geta's voice broke the silence before he drew near.

"Aeliana, always so punctual for the games."

She paused, meeting his gaze with her own. Clad in a white tunic embellished with gold embroidery, Geta projected the poise of a man who had everything under control. Yet, there was something in Aeliana’s eyes that disarmed him, though he would never admit it.

"I’m not here for the games, Caesar," she replied curtly, offering a nod that merged formality with distance. "I am here because someone must remind you that justice and politics are two separate paths."

Geta smirked, although his gaze lingered on her longer than he intended. There was a magnetic quality to her presence, a blend of pride and defiance unmatched at court. The way the sunlight made her green eyes twinkle unsettled him, as if they contained a universe beyond his comprehension.

"Justice?" he echoed with a dry laugh. "Isn’t this justice? The Colosseum is where Rome decides who lives and who dies."

"Is that how you justify the execution of a hero like Acacius?" Aeliana retorted, her voice sharp as the blade of a gladius. "This man fought for your lands and defended your borders, while you and your brother indulged in glory. What kind of justice is wielded by the sword in the arena?"

Geta allowed a moment of awkward silence to envelop them, his eyes scrutinizing each subtle shift in her expression. He anticipated defiance, yet what he found was the fiery passion that seemed perpetually ready to consume her.

"Sometimes heroes become threats, Aeliana" he finally said, lowering his voice to nearly a whisper. "Haven't you learned that over all these years?"

She stepped closer, bridging the distance between them.

"I’ve learned that the fear instilled by powerful men can bring about more destruction than any genuine threat, Caesar."

Geta hesitated, the weight of Aeliana's proximity unsettling his confidence. Her piercing green eyes seemed to delve beyond the layers of his imperial toga, searching for something that transcended his mere title.

"You might like to think so," he eventually replied, managing a bitter smile. "But power is far more intricate than you imagine."

Before Aeliana could respond, the unmistakable sound of drums signaled the beginning of the show. Instinctively, they both turned their attention to the arena, where the wooden gate slowly creaked open. Hanno emerged first, his muscular frame silhouetted against the swirling dust and bright sunlight, the audience erupting in cheers of his name. Opposite him, Acacius approached with steadfast dignity, sword in hand, projecting the enduring strength of someone who had weathered countless battles. The crowd was torn between the general’s inspiring presence and the dark curiosity surrounding the potential for his downfall.

Geta, his gaze fixed on the sandy ground, spoke without glancing at her.

"You argue that Acacius deserves to live, yet look at him now. If he is indeed worthy of our loyalty, let him prove it. Let him survive."

Aeliana shot him a sideways glance, her lips curling into a sneer of disdain.

"It is not Acacius who must prove anything, Caesar. Right now, it is Rome that will be under scrutiny."

Her words sent a chill through him, though he managed to maintain an impassive facade. Something about her stirred both challenge and intrigue within him—he loathed her for it, yet recognized that in her, he found a rare connection to a truth he wasn't ready to confront.

In the arena, the clash of swords resonated through the Colosseum, drowning out the roaring crowd. Yet, Aeliana and Geta remained oblivious to the unfolding spectacle, their thoughts consumed by the weight of their conversation and the tension that hung heavily in the air. Soon, the voice of Caracalla brought them both out of their musings.

[ancientcharm]

"The reign of Commodus marked the end of the Golden Age and the beginning of the age of iron and rust". Cassius Dio

Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus was born on August 31, 161. Curiously, he was born on the same day and month as 'Caligula', the first assassinated Roman emperor. Commodus was the first emperor to be born the son of the reigning emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus ruled together in perfect cooperation for eight years. Verus fought against the Parthians who had threatening to take Syria and Armenia. Returned to Rome and had his triumphal parade without knowing that he and his legions were carrying a virus that arose in the war zone. The plague spread throughout the empire and was the deadliest in Roman history. In 169 Lucius Verus died due this plague.

The boy Commodus

In 172, at age of 11, he received, in the presence of the army in Germania, the title Germanicus (a victory tittle). He participated alongside his father in several battles.

175. His mother, Empress Faustina the Younger, died of natural causes in Cappadocia where she accompanied her husband. On the same year Commodus entered the College of Pontiffs, which was the starting point of his public career.

176. Marcus Aurelius granted him the position of Imperator, and the following year the title Augustus.

In January of 177, at the age of 15 , he became the youngest consul in the history of the Empire.

178. At age of 16 married to Bruttia Crispina, a very rich 13 year old girl from a family close to the imperial Domus since the time of emperor Hadrian.

March 17, 180, Marcus Aurelius died of natural causes and Commodus became sole emperor at the age of 18.

His first measure was to sign peace treaties both with Germanic tribes and some rebellious people of Britannia. This was frowned upon by his contemporaries, but modern historians agree that it was the only good action he ever took during his entire reign.

About his sister.

Lucilla had been co-empress and held the title Augusta along with her mother when she married the co-emperor Lucius Verus. Following Verus' death, Marcus Aurelius married her to senator Tiberius Pompeianus, a man of humble origins and without ambitions. In this way she lost the privileged position that she had.

In the winter of 181-182 Lucilla with her cousins Quadratus Annianus and Ummidia Faustina, her husband's nephew, Quintianus, and her own daughter Plautia, agreed to assassinate Commodus in the exit hallway of Flavian amphitheater (Colosseum) .The one chosen to kill was Quintianus. Incredibly, although proven, Pompeianus was completely unaware of the plot of his wife.

According to historical sources, when Quintiano saw Commodus, instead of stabbing him, slowly took out his dagger, showed it to him and said "The Senate send to you this dagger." Commodus shouted for his guard who immediately arrested him. The names of the involved were quickly known; Quintianus and Quadrato were executed. Lucilla, her daughter, and U. Faustina were sent into exile on Capri but and also executed there.

Following this event, he distanced himself from the elite and began to trust only in people of humble origins, among them Marcus Aurelius Cleander, former slave and freedman of Marcus Aurelius. In a short time he held important positions until he became the head of the Praetorian Guard.

In 187 due his wife's failure to become pregnant, banished her to Capri. 26-year-old Commodus, instead of marrying another aristocratic woman, chooses to have a concubine- Marcia, daughter of a freedwoman of co-emperor Lucius Verus.

The emperor treated her as a wife, so she had the same power and influence as an empress. It is very probable that Marcia was a Christian since she convinced Commodus to implement a pro-Christian policy, and had a close relationship with Victor I , Bishop of Rome.

Villa of the Quintilii and the rebellion of the people.

Commodus and Marcia retired to the lavish Villa of the Quintilii, whose ruins are today an archaeological site. On April of 190 the people had revolted in Rome because of famine.

There is a suspicion that the shortage of food may have been caused by the prefect of Annona (the import and free distribution of grain to the people) Papirius Dionysius who blamed Cleander.

During a horse-race in the Circus Maximus, the audience to rioted against Cleander. He escaped and managed to reach the Villa of the Quintilii to ask the emperor for help, but the mob followed him there. Commodus, fearing the fury of the people, ordered Cleander to be beheaded. He then also ordered the execution of the prefect of Annona Papirius Dionysius.

By then Commodus was already showing signs of an extreme megalomania and paranoia. The list of people executed, accused without evidence of conspiracy, including his own aunt, consuls, senators and praetorians, is endless. Those conspiracies were only in his mind.

He gave himself the title PIUS, title that the Senate had granted to his maternal grandfather the Emperor Antoninus, also added the tittle Felix, and ordered sculptures and busts of himself to be made representing him as Hercules.

Madness and death

He changed the name of Rome to "Comodiana" and announced that a new era was approaching, he called it Saeculum Felix (Happy Century). All months also was renamed with Commodus own names and titles as well of his dynasty; Not even the mystical month of July was saved from this folly.

According to historical sources, he had shaved his beard, which had been in fashion since his grandfather's time, and also changed his thick curly hair for Gladiator curt hair style. Had his own games in which he fought with gladiators, who were forced to consume opium and drink wine excessively to ensure the victory of Commodus.

On December he announced that starting in the new year everything would change in Rome. The final plot to assassinate Commodus began.

The two leaders of the conspiracy was Publius Helvius Pertinax (son of a freedman) prefect of the city of Rome, and the commander of the Praetorian Guard, Quintus Aemilius Leto.

They used as executioners the two people closest to Commodus: his concubine and a freedman athlete named Narcissus, who had trained him as a gladiator, taking advantage of the fact that Marcia was fed up with Commodus and Narcissus was furious at the cheating he had seen during fights against drugged gladiators with dull swords.

During the feast of December 31, Marcia put poison in his food, but Commodus had drunk too much and vomited immediately, so he ended the party and ordered that his bath be prepared.

Then Pertinax and Leto sent Narcissus, who "due to his size and strength he did not need to hide daggers or swords, his hands were enough" (Cassius Dio). Narcissus found emperor in the bathtub and strangled him. Commodus was 31 years old.

On January 193, know as "The year of the five emperors", Praetorian Guard auctioned the throne to the highest bidder; The final price was stipulated at 25,000 sesterces per soldier. Pertinax bought the position of emperor but on March he was also murdered. Then Didius Julianus ruled for a few days, he was assassinated by a soldier.

Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, Clodius Albinus, governor of Britain, and Septimius Severus, governor of Pannonia, proclaim themselves emperors. The winner of this civil war for imperial power was Septimius Severus. It was the second civil war of the Roman imperial era.

Septimius Severus ,who ruled for 18 years , became the first emperor originally from the province of Africa. Born in Leptis Magna (in modern Libya) was of Berber and Punic origin, and with his wife Julia Domna, a young noblewoman born in Syria and Arab origin, they created the Severan Dynasty.

Commodus was not wrong when he said that from that year on everything would change in Rome.

[1americanconservative]

Colosseum Basement

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an iconic ancient Roman structure located in the center of Rome, Italy. Key points about the Colosseum include:

1. Historical Significance: It was built during the Flavian dynasty, started under Emperor Vespasian around AD 70-72 and completed by his son Titus in AD 80, with further modifications made during the reign of Domitian.

2. Architectural Marvel: The Colosseum is renowned for its grand architecture and engineering. It's an elliptical structure made from concrete and sand, featuring a complex system of vaults.

3. Gladiatorial Games: It was primarily used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

4. Capacity and Scale: At its peak, the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheater ever built at the time.

5. Cultural Impact: The Colosseum has become a symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

6. Current State: It has suffered damage over the centuries from earthquakes and stone-robbers, but it still stands as a powerful reminder of Rome's history and architectural prowess.

7. World Heritage Site: The Colosseum was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Today, it's a major landmark and a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Roman engineering and culture.

Credit Goes To The Respective Owner

[metmuseum]

View of the Flavian Amphitheater, called the Colosseum, from "Vedute di Roma" (Roman Views), part II. ca. 1750–78. Credit line: Rogers Fund, transferred from the Library https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/409630

[pathsofart]

The image shows an engraving of the Colosseum in Rome, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Built between 70 and 82 AD under the Flavian emperors, the Colosseum is one of the greatest symbols of Ancient Rome.

Originally, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial combats, executions of criminals by wild animals, and the staging of historical and mythological battles. The amphitheater could hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Over time, the Colosseum was used for other purposes, such as housing, workshops, lodgings for a religious order, a fortress, and a Christian sanctuary.

Today, the Colosseum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[maverickscorner]

Faber suae fortunae

Or Quintus and Maider's love story towards freedom.

Chapter 17

From that day at the Colosseum onward, no one ever saw Tenax, Maider, Cala, or any of their company again.

Some said they had escaped northward by land. Others believed they had headed south, but no one seemed to have crossed their path or exchanged even a few words with them.

All of Tenax’s properties had been sold to foreign entrepreneurs, who revealed they had done business through intermediaries and knew the seller only by sparse, fleeting remarks.

Some speculated that all those sales must have brought in several million sesterces, enough for Tenax and his company to live well for generations.

Domitian, having narrowly escaped assassination, was busy from that point on with keeping both the people and the aristocrats on his side. The enchantment sustained for years by the formula “panem et circenses” had all but vanished. Conspiracies followed one after another in the ensuing years, and Domitian, increasingly weakened, no longer had the strength to think of Tenax.

Over time, and amid greater problems, he forgot him.

One day, a rumor surfaced that Tenax, Maider, Cala, and company had left on a Greek ship, likely departing from Ostia.

Shortly after, another rumor spread: that ship had likely sunk, and all had perished.

In the midst of widespread dismay, Rome forgot Tenax, and it forgot Maider.

Yet, even as time passed, her songs continued to be hummed by the people of the city.

They were sung by the kitchen maids, on the lips of children, and in the voices of the shopkeepers.

Rome had tasted a hint of freedom.

And that—no, it would never be forgotten.

***

Cala leaned on the ship’s railing, letting her gaze drift beyond the horizon.

She allowed herself to exhale, perhaps for the first time in days.

Behind and ahead of them, only open sea.

They were a day away from Ostia, and she could finally start to relax.

The stress of the last few days had been unbearable, and she still couldn’t believe she’d pulled it off.

Without Tenax’s help, but with his invaluable advice, she had closed every open issue, amassed a large fortune, made sure that Tenax and Maider survived the Flavian Amphitheater, and organized their escape route to Ostia and then to their next destination.

Damn, she had been excellent.

Possibly the greatest achievement of her life, and she’d done it.

She smiled, and a solitary tear ran down her cheek.

“Now we start over,” she told herself.

—Mother, are you okay?

Cala turned slightly. Jula stood close by, holding her daughter, little Arya, in her arms.

Cala wiped her cheek.

—Oh, don’t mind me, darling. It’s just the tension of the last few days, it’s finally easing now. I’m just glad we’re all here.

Jula hugged her, and so did Arya.

—You did an excellent job. We’re all safe because of you.

—Oh, stop it. Without Tenax’s plans, I probably wouldn’t have known what to do.

—Then let’s say you made a great team. You’ll see, he’ll be the first to tell you when he wakes up.

Cala sighed.

Since Tyrone had broken the chains binding him to that column at the Colosseum, Tenax had drifted in and out of consciousness.

He had lost a lot of blood and was completely exhausted.

In those frantic moments, the whole group had helped Tenax.

He’d been quickly treated with bandages and ointments, laid on a cart, taken to Ostia, brought aboard the ship they were currently on, and placed in a spacious cabin.

Maider, who had a few bruises and scrapes but nothing serious, watched over him day and night, along with Nica.

A crew member, who had some medical knowledge, examined him and said his body just needed resting, and he’d wake up soon.

Everyone on that ship was waiting for that moment.

Tenax was the rope holding them together, and seeing him in pain saddened them all.

Cala heard Kwame laughing and snapped out of her thoughts, turning her head.

He was talking to one of the sailors, who was animatedly explaining how the ship worked.

Cala smiled. Her son loved adventure. The moment she freed him, despite the tension, had been one of the best of her life.

Now Kwame would choose his own adventure, one nobody could ever impose on him again. Cala was ready to let him go, as long as he was free and happy.

—Mother!

Cala turned again, along with Jula. Aura was running towards her with Iris and a couple kids of Tenax’s little army.

—What is it? —she asked.

Aura smiled.

—Tenax is awake!

Cala thanked her gods, and after a moment of emotional hesitation, she hurried below deck.

***

Maider had only a hard wooden chair with a cushion.

She’d spent the last two nights there and would stay as long as it took for Tenax to recover.

Despite her aching back, she didn’t care.

She looked over at Tenax.

He was sleeping peacefully, half-covered. His torso was bandaged due to the whip wounds, as were his wrists, one arm, and a leg, with wounds of varying severity. Not to mention the numerous bruises, treated with ointments and creams.

All in the process of healing, of course. But still so painfully visible.

Maider sighed.

The crew had set up a cot for her, but she preferred the chair. She felt that all her accumulated worry would only dissipate once Tenax awoke. And so she sat there, more or less ready, more or less alert.

Nica was asleep on the cot, never having left Tenax and Maider side for a moment. Maider felt a deep affection for the little girl, though perhaps she wasn’t ready to admit it to herself. She gently brushed a blond strand from Nica’s face with a slight smile.

“Sleep a little, darling,” she had told her. “I’ll call you when Tenax wakes up.”

Nica had nodded and, utterly exhausted, fell asleep immediately on the cot.

Maider drew her chair closer to Tenax’s bed. She leaned forward. She took his hand in hers and stroked it.

—We did it, Quintus. It was… —she hesitated, shaking her head— …it was insane, but we did it. To think that a month ago, I had no purpose in life other than to idle away. I lived without worrying about the future because I felt safe within the four walls of the Hur palace. And now… now I’ve been through so much. We’ve been through so much. But I know what I want from the future. I want you. I want to start a family with you. Maybe even with Nica, because I adore her. I want you to teach me everything you know, and I want to teach you everything I know.

She closed her eyes, lowering her head, his hand against her cheek.

—You’d probably say I’m being sappy. But we’ve had some pretty rough moments; let me indulge a bit.

She sighed.

—You turned my life upside down, Quin. And it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Except for the lions and beatings, of course.

She felt Tenax’s hand gently stroke her.

She almost had a heart attack.

She looked up immediately. Green eyes met blue ones. He smiled weakly at her.

—I agree on the part about the lions and beatings —Tenax murmured.

She covered her mouth with her hand and, carefully avoiding his wounds, threw her arms around his neck.

She cried.

In truth, they both cried, quietly.

***

Everyone crowded into Tenax’s cabin.

Indeed, there was quite a crowd.

When they heard that Tenax had finally regained consciousness, the entire group rushed below deck to check on him.

So, beside Maider, who held his hand by the bed, and Nica, Cala, Aura, Jula, Kwame, Claudia, Elia, Iris, Tyrone, tiny Arya, and Tenax’s little army, all eight of them—Woola, Julio, Aurelius, Rami, Claudius, Zara, Marcus, and Demetra—were there.

—How are you? —Cala asked.

—Like I’ve been run over by a cart, —said Tenax— but better than yesterday. I’ll be fine.

After a moment of silence, he continued.

—I admit that being beaten and whipped has somewhat altered my understanding of what happened in the last few days. Did we really make it?

Cala smiled at him. She nodded.

—Yes. Operation Tabula Rasa went off without a hitch. I followed all your instructions, though I’d have liked a bit more time.

Tenax sighed, understanding.

—Did you sell everything?

Cala nodded.

—Yes. We’ve got half the ship loaded with chests of gold. We bought silence and cooperation from many, but we’ve still got a fortune left.

—Give me a number, Cala.

—Almost thirty million, Tenax. Almost thirty million sesterces.

Half the room’s jaws literally dropped. The other half burst into astonished comments. Even Tenax was very surprised.

—Damn. I didn’t think I was that rich.

Cala hesitated.

—You were richer, actually. Buying Kwame’s freedom cost quite a bit, as did the silence of the apothecary and lion tamers, who helped us poison the animals.

—I understand, and that’s fine, —he said, stroking Maider’s hand but keeping his gaze on Cala— we’re only here because of you. If we’d ended up with a few thousand sesterces, we’d still be lucky. Thank you, Cala, from the bottom of my heart.

Cala smiled at him, a bit moved.

—Don’t thank me. I just returned the favor. What would have happened to me and my children without you? I may have solved a few difficult situations… and yes, difficult is an understatement, but I never would have made it without your help. Seeing all of us safe is the greatest reward.

Tenax smiled at her warmly, then raised his eyebrows with some difficulty.

—Too bad. I was planning to give you five million sesterces…

—Five? —she exclaimed— Are you crazy? I was expecting at least ten!

Everyone laughed.

—All right, all right, —said Tenax, after a moment of silence— you all know that if you’re on this ship, and in this cabin, you’re the people I care about most in the world. I know… it’s not easy to imagine me as someone capable of love, but maybe, and I’m saying this to myself as well, it’s time to get used to it. You, all of you, have been with me and helped me not only in these difficult moments, but ever since you’ve known me, and I can never thank you enough for this. Now, you know we’re headed to Sicily. This is because I’m originally from Syracuse: I was born a slave but to patrician parents. And my name isn’t Tenax… it’s Quintus.

Everyone let out a surprised sigh.

—I know. I’ve never told anyone, except Maider. You can call me that from now on, if you want. But I am and always will be Tenax, too. So both names are fine.

He gestured for Maider to hand him a glass of water. He was still very tired and weak. Maider handed it to him. Tenax drank, then gave it back to her, thanking her with a gentle glance.

—Friends, there’s no need to beat around the bush. You’re free to do whatever you want. I mean, you can come with me to Syracuse, where I want to buy a big house and live a new life… or go somewhere else.

Cala nodded.

—I had expressed my wish to return to Numidia…

—Mother—Jula interrupted her—Elia and I actually want to go back to his home in Baetica.

Cala looked confused.

—But Jula…

—Mother—Aura chimed in—We also want to go to Baetica, Iris and I. Elia told us he has a family estate there, with lots of animals! The nearby town is small and peaceful, and Iris and I could open a little shop…

Cala was speechless and could only look at Elia with a worried expression, saying:

—And you didn’t tell me anything!

He raised his hands.

—Forgive us, Cala, we didn’t have time. I’ve always wanted to return to Baetica, and this seems like the right moment. The house is large, we have animals and some land. With a bit of money, I’m sure we can make it flourish.

—I’ll take care of that—Tenax said—I can give you the right amount to…

—Hold on, Tenax—Cala replied, a little worried, looking first at her children and then at Tyrone—I… Tyrone and I had thought of going back to Numidia. But I can’t do that without my children and granddaughter.

Tyrone stepped closer to her. He took Cala’s hands in his. All eyes were on them.

—It’s alright, Cala. We’ll go to Baetica too. We’ll stay with the kids until they’re settled, and who knows… maybe my son Kahir can join us as well.

Cala allowed herself to let her guard down.

—Tyrone, I…

—I love you. You know that. But it’s right that you stay with your family. I’ll follow you and help, if Elia wants.

—Of course I want to!—said the young Corsi—And your son is welcome, Tyrone.

Cala let out a resigned but serene sigh. She squeezed Tyrone’s hands, kissed him softly on the cheek, and said:

—Thank you.

A thank you filled with countless meanings. A thank you that would turn into kisses and embraces, in private.

—So…—Cala said—Baetica it is!

—Good—Tenax added—The ship will reach Syracuse, and then I’ll arrange for you to be brought to Baetica. You, and any others in our group who wish to join you.

Kwame slowly stepped forward.

—Forgive me, Tenax, mother…

Everyone fell silent, looking at him. He cleared his throat.

—I’ve spoken a lot with the sailors on this ship. They’ve seen that I’m sharp and that I learn quickly. They’re Greek merchants, and they’ve offered me a place on their crew.

Cala nodded solemnly. Aura and Jula looked more worried.

—Alright, but we just got you back, brother—Aura said—Are you telling us we won’t see you anymore?

He approached his sisters, placing his hands on their shoulders.

—That’s not entirely true, sisters. I’ll come visit, and in the meantime… I’ll see the world. I spent years in a cell, fighting to survive. And now that I’m free again, I want to savor every moment of my freedom. I want to travel, explore, see. But I can’t do that if I stay put in one place.

Cala came closer to them.

—Kwame is right. He deserves to follow his own path, even if we’ll miss him terribly.

Jula and Aura nodded, tears in their eyes. Jula gave him a playful pat.

—Poor sailors…—she laughed—They have no idea how much trouble you’ll give them with that personality of yours.

—Come here—said Kwame.

The four of them embraced tenderly. Everyone in the room was moved.

Tenax held Maider’s hand, and she hurried to kiss it softly. Out of the corner of his eye, Tenax saw Nica reaching for his hand. He held her small hand, squeezing it affectionately.

—If I may…—Woola said, stepping up to Tenax—I’d like to go with you, Tenax. I imagine you’ll need help in your new estate.

Tenax smiled at him.

—You’re welcome, Woola. And with you, anyone else who wants to come with me.

—Elia...—said Julio—I’d like to go with you. I heard you have beautiful horses, and I’d love to help take care of them. If I’m not imposing, that is…

Elia tousled his blond hair.

—You’re not imposing, Julio. I’ll need all the help I can get, actually. Anyone who wants to come to Baetica is welcome!

The hands of three more children went up. There was Zara, of Numidian origins, who had always gotten along well with Cala and now wanted to go with her. Then Demetra, who was a bit older and had helped Jula with Arya. She, too, wanted to stay with them. And finally Aurelius, who shared Julio’s love for animals and was his loyal friend; he’d follow him anywhere.

Still, Woola was also close to Julio, and he felt a bit sad at the thought of parting ways. But Woola would never leave Tenax, and Julio knew it well. They hugged, promising to write to each other.

Claudius, Marcus, and Rami would go with Tenax, because they felt more than loyalty to him—they felt a deep affection and gratitude. They would help him with the new estate and then go wherever their paths led them.

As the children of Tenax’s army embraced each other, aware that they would soon part ways, Claudia approached Tenax’s bed and said:

—Master, you know how I feel. I’ve served you for many years, and I’ll continue to, forever.

Tenax gave her a grateful smile. He let go of Maider’s hand for a moment and held his out to his governess. Claudia, astonished, took it in hers.

—You honor me, Claudia, but from now on, no more “master.” You’ll stay with me as an employee, but with complete freedom.

Claudia felt her eyes well up.

—You would really do that for me?

Tenax squeezed her hand, and said softly:

—The fact that you’re staying is more than I deserve. Now don’t get me emotional, because I might start crying, and that wouldn’t be a pretty sight.

A single tear ran down Claudia’s cheek. She kissed the back of his hand.

—Thank you, Tenax. Thank you.

A few more minutes passed. Tenax was very tired and needed rest.

Everyone quietly left the cabin, one by one.

Only Maider and Nica stayed.

The bed in the cabin was wide, and Maider and Nica lay down on either side of Tenax.

He smiled.

—Please, don’t tell me you two want to go to Baetica too.

They laughed. Tenax held his ribs, wincing in pain. Maider gently stroked his hair.

—Oh, I’m only coming with you for the money. Right, Nica?

The little girl nodded.

—Yeah, definitely for the money.

They laughed again. Tenax held his ribs once more. Nica hugged his arm tightly.

—All jokes aside…—she said—You do want me, right?

Tenax and Maider exchanged a knowing look, then turned to her.

—Actually—said Tenax—We wanted to ask if you want us.

Nica’s little heart skipped a beat. She pointed to herself.

–Me?

–Yes,– Tenax said, –I’m not sure if you noticed, but I’ve lost my collection of pebbles. It’s going to take some time to rebuild it.

Nica blinked her big green eyes.

–How long?

Tenax seemed to think about it, once again exchanging a look with Maider.

–I don’t know… maybe a lifetime?

It took Nica a moment to understand. She looked back and forth between Maider and Tenax.

–You… you want to adopt me?

Maider and Tenax held each other close.

–Yes,– he told her, winking, –if that’s what you want. Although, you’ll have to be patient with us. I mean, your adoptive father is a former criminal, and your adoptive mother is an anti-imperial rabble-rouser, and…

Nica didn’t let him finish. She stood, walked around the bed, and hugged them both gently.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She could barely speak.

–Thank you,– was all she could say. –It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

In that moment, Maider and Tenax felt complete.

***

Hi guys, Eli here! I loved, LOVED writing this emotional and long chapter! Our heroes are finally getting better! ❤️

Hope you liked this chapter as much as I do. If you want to support, drop a like or a comment, it would be sooo appreciated.

Thank you so much and see you next chapter.

Eli

[stabbed-23-times-only-got-salad]

ancient blorbos goes to italy (ROME!)

Of course I can't be Normal about being in Rome

Starting off strong we got the Largo Argentina, site of about five Republic-era temples as well as the Curia where Julius Caesar was stabbed!

Then there was the Pantheon, a temple to the major 12 gods and goddesses. Inscription reads "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, made this." Absolutely gorgeous inside. It was eventually converted to a Christian church, so none of the original statues are present in the niches.

I found my favorite blorbo Emperor Hadrian in the Capitoline Museums! An amazing museum, would recommend over the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel. Countless statues, busts, mosaics, and inscriptions.

Also seen at the Capitoline Museums: Marcus Aurelius on a horse. Following Etruscan technique, the bronze was cast over a wax model which results in a hollow statue.

Here is the famous statue of Laocoon (where my Aeneid fans at?) I saw at the Vatican Museums, noted for its intense emotion and hyperrealism. (Apologies for the slanted photo, the Vatican was crowded unlike any other space I've been in. Apparently the entire world decided to visit on the same day.)

Of course I couldn't visit Rome without visiting the Colosseum! The underfloor complex of elevators is visible. During its heyday, it was actually called the Flavian Amphitheater after the family who built it. Many gladiators, convicted criminals, and wild animals lost their lives here in human blood sport for the entertainment of Rome's masses.

Finally, here's a personal favorite of mine from the Forum. The remains of Julius Caesar's temple; more specifically, the altar. To this day, people leave flowers and money as an offering. I left a twenty-cent coin. It was a very peaceful and reverent place.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (October 17)

On October 17, the Roman Catholic Church remembers the early Church Father, bishop, and martyr Saint Ignatius of Antioch, whose writings attest to the sacramental and hierarchical nature of the Church from its earliest days.

Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate his memory on Dec. 20.

In a 2007 general audience on St. Ignatius of Antioch, Pope Benedict XVI observed that “no Church Father has expressed the longing for union with Christ and for life in him with the intensity of Ignatius.”

In his letters, the Pope said, “one feels the freshness of the faith of the generation which had still known the Apostles. In these letters, the ardent love of a saint can also be felt.”

Born in Syria in the middle of the first century A.D., Ignatius is said to have been personally instructed – along with another future martyr, Saint Polycarp – by the Apostle Saint John.

When Ignatius became the Bishop of Antioch around the year 70, he assumed leadership of a local church that was, according to tradition, first led by Saint Peter before his move to Rome.

Although St. Peter transmitted his Papal primacy to the bishops of Rome rather than Antioch, the city played an important role in the life of the early Church.

Located in present-day Turkey, it was a chief city of the Roman Empire and was also the location where the believers in Jesus' teachings and his resurrection were first called “Christians.”

Ignatius led the Christians of Antioch during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, the first of the emperors to proclaim his divinity by adopting the title “Lord and God.”

Subjects who would not give worship to the emperor under this title could be punished with death.

As the leader of a major Catholic diocese during this period, Ignatius showed courage and worked to inspire it in others.

After Domitian's murder in the year 96, his successor Nerva reigned only briefly and was soon followed by Emperor Trajan.

Under his rule, Christians were once again liable to death for denying the pagan state religion and refusing to participate in its rites.

It was during his reign that Ignatius was convicted for his Christian testimony and sent from Syria to Rome to be put to death.

Escorted by a team of military guards, Ignatius nonetheless managed to compose seven letters:

Six to various local churches throughout the empire (including the Church of Rome), and one to his fellow bishop Polycarp who would give his own life for Christ several decades later.

Ignatius' letters passionately stressed the importance of Church unity, the dangers of heresy, and the surpassing importance of the Eucharist as the “medicine of immortality.”

These writings contain the first surviving written description of the Church as “Catholic,” from the Greek word indicating both universality and fullness.

One of the most striking features of Ignatius' letters is his enthusiastic embrace of martyrdom as a means to union with God and eternal life.

“All the pleasures of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing,” he wrote to the Church of Rome.

“It is better for me to die in behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth.”

“Now I begin to be a disciple,” the bishop declared.

“Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.”

St. Ignatius of Antioch bore witness to Christ publicly for the last time in Rome's Flavian Amphitheater, where he was mauled to death by lions.

“I am the wheat of the Lord,” he had declared, before facing them. “I must be ground by the teeth of these beasts to be made the pure bread of Christ.”

His memory was honored, and his bones venerated, soon after his death around the year 107.

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT JANUARIUS The Patron of Blood Banks and Against Volcanic Eruptions Feast Day: September 19

Saint Januarius hailed from a rich patrician family. He became a priest and later the Bishop of Benevento. As he went about his duties he met Deacon Sossius who impressed him so much with his singing and befriended him.

When Emperor Diocletian started the Christian persecutions Deacon Sossius was arrested and put in prison. Bishop Januarius visited him there and unfortunately, he was also arrested.

Later, Bishop Januarius, Deacon Sossius and several other Christians were sentenced to be thrown to wild bears in the Flavian Amphitheater at Pozzuoli but the bears failed to devour them. The sentence was changed to beheading.

After beheading, Saint Januarius's blood was collected and taken to Naples where it is now preserved in two glass vials as a relic in the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Naples.

Saint Januarius' body remains are preserved in the crypt beneath the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Naples. His blood is also preserved there in two glass vials.

Saint Januarius that was preserved usually miraculously melts three times per year: on September 19 (the day of his martyrdom), on December 16 (during the celebration of his patronage of Naples and the archdiocese of Naples), and on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May (when his skull was reunited with the rest of the body).

Source: catholicreadings.org

[heroineimages]

Gladiators for D&D

The teen who's DMing our Lord of the Rings D&D campaign at the library told me he only wants to do 2-3 more sessions, so I've been thinking about doing a series of gladiator one-shots using the Age of Antiquity campaign manual. I figure I can tell them to make 3-5 disposable characters at whatever level we decide on, and toss them into a big battle at the Flavian Amphitheater with PVE or even PVP fights going on. I was even thinking about making a random-encounter table handy where I roll a die to see if 1d4 lions come rushing up out of trapdoors, or a couple Amazons on a scythed chariot come steamrolling into the arena, or even a manticore or other mythical beast gets unleashed on the PCs.

Anyone tried something like that? Or anyone have thoughts or feedback on running something like it?