The End of a Dynasty

by David Adkins

  I heard Glabrio cursing that the barbarians had set the forest ablaze. “It seems that as they can no longer fight us they are trying to burn us alive,” said Otho as he rode past my wagon. The retreat back towards the plain was hasty and chaotic but successful. We had outrun the fire that continued to gorge itself on the dry forest timber. Now to our dismay we would have to take a long and unfamiliar route back to Cusum. It was a very tiring journey and the army, though flush with victory over the Marcomanni, was low in spirits. Food was rationed and limbs were weary but the army was at least now left in peace. There was no sign of the enemy and no more fires but our biggest problem was now finding our way in this alien landscape. Eventually after many weeks of marching we arrived at the Danube downstream from Cusum and at a place by the river that we had passed on our way from Aquileia to Cusum.

  We had lost many weeks due to the fire and we arrived, at last, at Neoplanta, towards the end of autumn. Though only one battle had been fought the campaign had lasted much longer than expected. I was delighted to once again enjoy the comparative safety of the twin towns of Neoplanta and Cusum. I was even more delighted when Domitian and his generals decided, because it was now late in the year, the army would remain in Cusum for the winter and march to Singidunum early the next spring. This was great news for me for I really did not relish the idea of another long march in autumnal conditions, which in this harsh climate seemed to mean incessant rain and cold temperatures.

  I was fortunate enough to have accommodation in Cusum while the army was encamped outside Neoplanta. Supplies arrived regularly from Italy and life became a matter of routine while we all awaited spring and a return to action. Domitian travelled back and forth between his grand accommodation in Cusum and the army at Neoplanta. It was remarkable how after his serious illness he had been comfortable on campaign and was back to full health. Ima, the Alamanni princess, was also healthy again but I think that this was due to the fact that she was no longer pestered by Domitian. I think he had simply grown tired of the young girl. The winter months passed without sign of the Quadi or Marcomanni and it was felt that the job had been done and these troublesome tribes would not trouble Rome again for a very long time.

  I was one of a number of staff who looked after Domitian when he was in Cusum and though I was his chamberlain things were not as they were at the palace and I was not in charge of his resident Cusum staff. In fact we did not see that much of each other as he was often at Neoplanta and that suited me well because I had come to find him more and more repulsive. It came, therefore, as a surprise when he asked to see me one cold winter morning. “Come in, Parthenian, I want a private word,” he grinned.

  It was that smile that always made me feel uneasy. “I hope I can be of service, your majesty.” I offered.

  “Indeed you can but first I have some news for you and I am sure you will be pleased for your Emperor.” It seemed more of a threat than a question. “I have summoned Corelia from Rome for I cannot spend another winter in Cusum without her and I was hardly fit enough last winter.” He grinned. “She should arrive in two weeks and then she will spend a few weeks with me here in Cusum. She will then return to Rome prior to the army leaving for Singidunum.” He looked most pleased with himself.

  “I am pleased for you,” I lied, but the prospect of seeing Corelia again was enticing.

  Did he read my mind? “I am afraid you will not have the opportunity to see her.”

  “Why is that?” I asked. “She is a friend and they have treated me well at Tibur when we visited. It would be good to renew our acquaintance.” It was as much as I dared to say.

  “You will not get the opportunity, Parthenian. I have a message for Caius Praesens, who is stationed at Singidunum with the legions IV Flavia Felix and XXI Rapax. He is waiting for us to join him for the campaign against the Sarmatians and the Dacians.”

  “A message?” I ventured.

  “You will deliver it and you will leave at the end of the week.”

  I was astonished. “Do you not have a proper messenger who could deliver it? I do not even know the way.”

  He laughed. “You just follow the Danube eastwards and you come to Singidunum. I am sure you can manage that, Parthenian.”

  “Why do you want me to deliver it?” I dared to ask the question.

  “After you have delivered it I have a job for you that I could not ask of a proper messenger.” There was sarcasm in his response and he sat back on his chair as I stared at him wondering what was coming next. “You will remain in Singidunum and prepare things for my arrival.”

  “You mean find you accommodation, your majesty?”

  “Yes that and find me a replacement for Corelia?”

  “You want a replacement for Corelia?”

  “Yes, Parthenian. I will share a few weeks with Corelia here at Cusum. I look forward to partaking of her great beauty and her unique body if you see what I mean, but then she will return to Rome and I will leave for Singidunum. I want a few weeks of entertainment at Singidunum before we set off on another campaign and therefore you will find me a suitable replacement for Corelia. I will not have time to search for myself. Do you not think I deserve it?”

  “Of course you do but Corelia is irreplaceable,” I muttered.

  “Yes, that is true but I trust you to find me a woman of similar attributes and if she merits it you can offer a substantial reward. That Alamanni princess was pathetic.” He was grinning widely and I knew he was deliberately torturing me. He knew I admired Corelia and he was describing her to me and then sending me away so I would not even see her. If there had not been two Praetorian Guards on duty at the door I could have strangled him with my bare hands.

  “Yes, your majesty,” I replied suppressing my hatred.

  He was grinning again. “You leave at the end of the week. The journey should take you a week or two so take everything you need. It will be about six or seven weeks before I arrive in Singidunum with the army. Then in early spring you will be delighted to know that you will, once again, accompany your Emperor on campaign.”

  “Do I go to Singidunum alone?” I asked.

  “Of course,” he replied. “You will receive the communication just before you depart Cusum. Now you can leave me.” I bowed and left his august presence.

  Chapter 23

  Singidunum – Spring AD93

  It was almost the start of spring when a week later I rode out of Cusum, clutching a sealed communication and set off along the southern shore of the great river. In less than a week I had left the Roman province of Pannonia behind me and I had entered the neighbouring province of Moesia. It was a comfort to know that I was in Roman territory but I still kept very alert in case of trouble or bandits. The south side of the river was mainly the grassland of the Pannonian Plain through which there was a decent road from Cusum to Singidunum, built in recent times by a travelling Roman army. On the other side of the river I could see the hostile brooding lands to the north with forbidding hills and dense forests inhabited by the savage Germanic tribes. I was glad I was on the Pannonian side of the river.

  I met some travellers on the way and passed through a few minor settlements. The early spring weather was kind with warm sunshine and just a few scattered showers. In the main people were friendly and my journey passed without incident. I found places to spend the cold nights and it was with a sense of relief that I finally approached Singidunum. My fears that the journey might prove dangerous had proved to be unfounded but then perhaps I had just been lucky. At last Singidunum came into sight and my first impression was that this place was no Aquileia or even a Cusum. It was a fortress town with huge, formidable stone walls supported by earthen bulwarks and if that was not enough a moat had been constructed. This was not a place that would ever be taken by hostile, barbarian forces.

  I approached the town along by the riverfront and I was most impressed by the location. Singidunum was situated at the confluence of the Danube and the river Sava which added to the appeara
nce of impregnability, for it could only be attacked from one side. Along the waterfront there were many stalls selling a variety of wares and many boats carrying passengers and goods back and forth across the mighty river. I headed uphill towards the centre of the fortress town and away from the busy waterfront. It was a grim place made of timber and mud except for the bricks that had been added to the earth wall that surrounded it, and the stone fort that housed the Roman garrison. The crowded streets were cobbled and stank of animals, particularly pigs, and also of charcoal furnaces. This place was certainly a frontier town which acted as a barrier to the German tribes to the north and the Dacians to the east.

  I made my way past a number of adequate shops and stalls and then I passed a large, pleasant inn called the Grand Inn which I assumed was for wealthier travellers, of which the Emperor’s chamberlain could certainly claim to be one. I paused and decided to book a room for one night and then to seek out Caius Praesens at the large Roman fort the next day. It was late in the day and this seemed to me like much the best idea. I could always then extend the booking on the room if no better option presented itself. After stabling my horse at the rear of the premises and eating a hearty meal I settled down in my comfortable room for the remainder of the evening. I felt surprisingly free after the shackles of my enforced conscription into the army as a member of the baggage train and I slept soundly.

  The next morning after breakfast I set off for the fortress within the fortified town that housed the Roman garrison where I hoped I would find the general, Caius Praesens. I was confronted by one of the guards at the entrance. “What is your business?” he asked.

  “I am the Emperor’s chamberlain and I have travelled from Cusum with a message for Caius Praesens from the Emperor.”

  “I will give it to him,” he said looking at the scroll and holding out his hand.

  “I would prefer to hand it to him myself,” I informed him.

  “Wait here while I find out if he will see you.”

  I waited for what seemed a long time before the guard returned. “Follow me,” he instructed.

  I followed him inside the fortress and up some stone steps until we came to a large wooden door on the second floor. The guard opened the door and ushered me inside where I was greeted by two men.

  The taller one spoke. “I am Caius Praesens and this is my legate Veranius Mattius.”

  “I am Parthenian, chamberlain to Domitian. I have travelled from Cusum where the Emperor has been spending the winter with his two legions before travelling to Singidunum later this spring to join up with you. He will arrive here in a matter of weeks.”

  “Then we will have four legions plus auxiliaries which should be more than enough to deal with Decabulus and his Dacians,” he smiled. “You have a message for me, Parthenian.”

  I studied the general as he broke the seal and unrolled the scroll. I was surprised for he was very young to be in such a position of responsibility. He looked no older than me but was taller and had an air of authority that belied his years. He realized that I was studying him. “I have an outstanding record with many victorious battles under my belt which have brought me to a position of command.”

  I nodded. “Then with you and Sextus Fronto in command the army is in good hands.”

  He in turn now studied me. “It is unusual for a palace chamberlain to accompany his master on campaign. You must be invaluable to the Emperor and he even entrusts you with important communications.” I thought I saw his eyes sparkle with amusement.

  “Thank you, I hope that is the case, general.” I paused in the hope that he might acquaint me with the details of the message but I waited in vain.

  “Are you returning to Cusum?” he asked.

  “No, I have further business in Singidunum and so I will remain here until Domitian arrives in perhaps several weeks time.”

  “Do you have accommodation?” he asked.

  “I have a room at the Grand Inn,” I replied.

  “I would have offered you a room here but you are better off in the Inn. Rooms in the fortress tend to be damp and cold and I am sure you are used to much better in the Imperial Palace.”

  “I am but not of late. It has been a long road from Aquileia to Singidunum.”

  “But a successful one,” he mused. “I understand that the Quadi and the Marcomanni have been subdued.”

  “And there have been successful talks with the Alamanni,” added Veranius Mattius, participating in the conversation for the first time.

  “That is all true,” I smiled.

  “A word of warning, Parthenian,” said Caius. “Singidunum is a dangerous place and so do not walk the streets alone after dark. Veranius does send out patrols but there are many robbers about seeking easy victims. There is a good tavern next door to your inn and so I advise that you avail yourself of their services after dark. They do provide everything that you might need.”

  “Is there a gladiatorial school here?” I asked.

  “We are in the process of having a small arena built and plans are being made for future contests. It is an entertainment that will soon be enjoyed by the citizens of Singidunum.”

  “Is it an interest of yours?” asked Veranius.

  “It is an interest of the Emperor’s,” I replied giving no more away for they did not enlighten me as to what Domitian’s message contained. I nodded to both Caius Praesens and Veranius Mattius. “I will take my leave of you now.”

  As I left Veranius called after me. “Turn right out of the fortress gate and you will come to the arena.

  I turned right out of the fortress gate as instructed and I did not have to walk far before I arrived at the arena and gladiatorial school, which was all one complex. There was a small high-walled building plus a courtyard with an adjoining arena which still had construction work going on. I spoke to one of the workers. “Who is in charge here?”

  He pointed to a man who appeared to be a supervisor. “That is Telemus, he is in charge of the school and at present he is keeping an eye on improvements to the arena.”

  I wandered casually over to the thickset man who was barking out orders. “I am Parthenian, chamberlain to the Emperor Domitian, who is at present at Cusum with his army,” I announced.

  “How do I know that?” he replied brusquely.

  “You could ask Caius Praesens or Veranius Mattius,” I suggested. “I have just come from the fortress.”

  He seemed convinced by my credentials. “I am sorry but there is much work to do here for we are planning our first events this summer.”

  “It is hardly the Colosseo or even Capua but I am sure you will put on a good show. I can see there is a lot of work to be done but it all looks very promising.” I wanted to get him onside if my idea was to work.

  “Singidunum is a frontier town but it is growing at a fast rate. We are doing our best.”

  “Do you have gladiators and gladiatrices ready to fight?” I asked.

  “We have about twenty gladiators and six gladiatrices. They are mostly slaves captured from the barbarian tribes that live to the north and the east.”

  “Have you heard that Domitian is interested in gladiatrix contests?” I inquired.

  He smiled. “That is a well known fact. I believe they are becoming very popular in Rome and other large cities and we are trying to keep up to date. Is the Emperor coming to Singidunum and will he wish to see a gladiatrix contest while he is here?”

  “He is in about six weeks but will only stay a short while.”

  He frowned. “Our arena will not be ready until the summer.”

  “May I meet your gladiatrices?” I asked.

  “Follow me, Parthenian, and I will introduce you.” He looked puzzled but obviously felt that he needed to comply with the wishes of the Emperor’s chamberlain. We left the arena and the building work and entered the fortified area through a large wooden double door. We strolled into a courtyard where some gladiators were training and following the instructions of a small man who was dw
arfed by his trainees. “This is my trainer, Polonius, and by the way I am Telemus.” He turned to Polonius. “Parthenian, who is a representative of our Emperor, would like to see all our gladiatrices. Bring them out into the courtyard.” Polonius strode off while Telemus spoke to me. “Why do you wish to see them?”

  “Domitian is seeking amusement during his short stay in Singidunum and he is partial to a gladiatrix.”

  “So I have heard,” grinned Telemus.

  “If you have a suitable candidate then you and she will both be well rewarded.”

  “I think I do,” replied Telemus, but he was interrupted by Polonius returning followed by six formidable looking women who he lined up in front of me. I felt like a rich man at the slave market. I perused the gladiatrices but the candidate was so obvious that the others needed no more than a cursory glance. She was tall with long, flowing raven black hair and stunning dark eyes and an athletic figure while the others looked very ordinary in comparison. This was a no contest and I felt relief that I had probably found the right woman.

  “She can stay and the rest can go,” I said indicating my choice.

  “She is a beauty,” purred Telemus. “Fit for an Emperor you could say.”

  “Who is she?” I asked.

  “Her name is Arite and she is Sarmatian. She was taken by some Roman raiders who brought her back to Singidunum and she was sold into slavery. I noticed her potential as a gladiatrix and purchased her and it looks as if I will get a good return on my money even before she appears in the arena. She has quickly learnt our language and is proving a talented fighter.”

  I spoke to Arite. “Domitian, the Emperor of all the Romans, will soon spend a few weeks in Singidunum. How would you like to entertain him while he is here?”