Nicopolis VI

Author: * Morgana Flavius - 13 Posts on this thread out of 186 Posts sitewide.
Date: Mar 16, 2003 - 10:58

Nicopolis

Chapter VI

From East to West

"The emperor, with his mother and staff, went to the east in 231. There, actual military command rested in the hands of his [Severus Alexander's] generals, but his presence gave additional weight to the empire's policy. Persia's early successes soon faded as Rome's armies brought their power and experience to bear."
Roman Emperor DIR - Alexander Severus

Antioch, the capital of the Roman Province of Syria, was the biggest and richest city of the East. It was there that the Imperial Family chose to establish their headquarters in the fall of 231. This was not the first time that Antioch took Rome's place as the imperial capital. Many years before, during the reign of Caracalla, he and his mother, Julia Domna, had chosen to move the government headquarters from West to East. Now another Emperor and his mother took up residence in the Antioch palace, establishing there the headquarters of the Roman Empire.

As it had happened in Rome, with the praetorian guards, here too Alexander and Mamaea struggled to keep control of the army. The Mesopotamian armies were in frank mutiny and the Legio II "Trajan", in Egypt, revolted. It took time to bring these troubles under control. Finally, a three-pronged attack was launched upon the Persians, but none fared well. The northernmost troops, led by General Maximinus, were able to drive the Persians off of Armenia. The central troops, led by Alexander himself marched through Palmyra towards Hatra and failed to achieve any significant advance. Meanwhile, the southern troops were totally wiped out along the Euphrates river. Nevertheless, after two years of efforts, Emperor and Empress were ready to return to Rome to hold a triumphal march through the streets. Nothing conclusive had been actually achieved, but the general objective of driving the Persians out of Mesopotamia was attained.

The council of generals was already assembled in the big hall in the imperial palace, waiting for Severus Alexander, the Roman Emperor, and Julia Mamaea, his mother, the Empress Consort. The seven men assembled in the hall stood up and bowed their heads in respect when Severus Alexander and his mother made their entrance to begin what was going to be the last high command meeting before their return to Rome. The Eastern cultural traits of bowing to the kings had long been introduced to the otherwise equality-oriented Romans. Olodum, his head down as well, could feel the heavy atmosphere in the room, as Alexander and his mother sat down and only then commanded the rest of the men to do the same.

General Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus, a man of Thracian origin, who had been a soldier under Septimius Severus, was the dominant figure in the assembly. Despite being seated, Maximinus was so tall and heavy built that it looked as if he was still standing. By his side was his Legate (the second in command of his army), Vitalianus, and his Tribune of the Soldiers, Olodum Flaminius. Next, came General Gaius Marcellus Bastianus, a Syrian and a relative of Julia Mamaea. Both Bastianus' Legate and Tribune of the Soldiers had died in the battle at the Euprhates, while the general had miraculously escaped. Next, were two young tribunes, who were visibly embarrassed by the fact that they had escaped too and were thus quickly promoted to the next rank in order to accompany their general to the assembly. Finally, Avitus Alexius and Cincinnatus Lucretius, the Legate and the Tribune that had supported Severus Alexander in his attempt to reach Hatara.

"Dear friends", began Alexander, "it is our desire to thank you all for having kept the glorious name of Rome as the most powerful one here in our Eastern provinces." The Emperor made a sign to one of the innumerable servants and acolytes that followed him and his mother and a roll was produced. Alexander thus read the rest of his speech: "The Roman Emperor and the Empress Consort wish to hereby nominate General Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus as the Governor of the recently recovered Province of Mesopotamia, for his numberless deeds of courage during the war against the King of Persia. To assist him in his duties, we hereby promote the Tribune Olodum Flaminius to Legate, in charge of the Legio III Gallica, subordinate to the Governor of Mesopotamia." Alexander drew a deep breath and went on. "We hereby nominate General Bastianus as the Governor of Syria, to secure it against Rome's enemies with the help of Legio II Parthica Traiana. The Tribune Cincinnatus Lucretius is hereby promoted to Legate, in charge of that legion. The former Legate, Avitus Aleixius, will return to Rome, where he will assume new duties at the discretion of the Emperor and Empress Consort. Before assuming their new posts, all the persons present to this assembly will return to Rome to participate in the triumphal march prepared by the imperial staff to celebrate our victory against the Persians. This assembly is adjourned."

Several minutes later, most people had left the meeting hall, except for General Maximinus, Vitalianus and Olodum. After certifying himself that no one else was listening, the General spoke to his former legate and tribune: "I was a soldier under Septimius Severus, then under his son, Caracalla, and even rendered my services to that effeminate and a disgrace of emperor Elagabalus. I've known Alexander since he was a baby pissing on Julia Mamaea's lap." Denoting his rude Thracian origin, the General went on, speaking with his peculiar accent and bad wording choice. "I bet that it was that Mamaea bitch who induced Alexander to leave you in the nimbus (1), Vitalianus. Now, you be patient, my friend, and I will make it all right for you. I'll teach them all a lesson, you'll see. You just give me some time. Meanwhile, I will make you a rich man. You will be my tax collector in Mesopotamia province. Those rats will pay for that bitch's offense against you." He turned to Olodum, as if he had just then remembered of his presence. "And you, boy, keep on shutting your mouth up and keep on learning from me. I'll teach you to be a great soldier as I was. We're going to show all these Eastern irrumatores (2) how Rome govern its people!"

* * *

Diaetae Mamaeae was the name given to the huge apartment building that Severus Alexander had built for his mother on the Palatine. Rome struggled to accept to be ruled by a woman, but it was indeed from here and at a woman's request that the most important decrees were taylored and then enforced as law for both the nobility and the people in general. And Julia Mamaea was not a woman that would disregard her family or those she chose to bring into her personal protection.

Maximius Flavius was one of these favorites. He was now a Senator of the Roman Empire, at the request of the Empress Consort. He and his family had received special invitations to attend the great dinner party arranged by the Empress at her own quarters, on the Palatine, to celebrate the big triumph of the Emperor, her son, over the mighty kingdom of Persia. The fact that almost everybody knew that the victory was not one that deserved such a huge celebration, did not diminish one tiny bit the magnificence of her party. The Emperor himself had declined his prerrogative of throwing an equally impressive party in order not to pale his mother's attempt to a glorius display of royalty, and contented himself with the position of guest of honor at Mamaea's house. General Bastianus, General Maximinus (now nicknamed The Thrax), and Legate Olodum had also been invited, but Vitalianus had been 'unfortunately forgotten' by a 'negligent' public servant in charge of the distribution of invitations.

The Flavii and Olodum Flaminius formed a solid group in one of the corners of Mamaea's palace; surrounded by all kinds of social climbers, they were enjoying the benefits of being chosen as one of the Empress's favorites. Maximius Flavius, the son, was very happy to see his family enjoying such a prestigious position due to his services for the imperial family in the Senate. Dia was now received in the most strict circles of the noblest Roman families and Max's brothers were all receiving the proper education to follow his steps into the political career. The only thing that he had to do now was to find another husband for his sister Morgana. Since the unfortunate episode of Felicianus' death on the wedding day, it had been very difficult to convince a man from one of the good Roman families to take her as a wife, despite the huge dowry the prospective husband could lay his hands on, if he took the chance of marrying a woman who had earned the undeserved fame of being a poisoner. What Max didn't know was that his concern about that issue was about to finish. Julia Mamaea, surrounded by her indefectible Syrian attendants, acolytes, and servants, was now approaching the group.

Dressed with an exquisit and luxurious silk garment, she looked like an Eastern goddess in all her splendor, determined to blind every mortal with the golden glowing movements of her dress as she moved accross the grand salon. Around the Empress's group, gravitated an eclectic constellation of relatives, some as distant as the furthest star of the universe. Among these relatives, three were right by the Empress's side when she greeted the Flavius/Flaminius group. "Ah, here you are, Senator Falvius! Let me introduce you to my cousin, General Gaius Marcellus Bastianus, who fought very bravely with my Alexander, in the East. He is now the Governor of Syria. And this is my cousin Avitus Alexius, and his sister Avita. Avitus has also fought by my Alexander's side and he is now the most serious candidate to the position of Praetorian Prefect, when our good Plautus retires, after years of loyal services." After the men and women of both groups exchanged greetings, the Empress chose Senator Flavius and General Bastianus to be by her side, speaking to the Senator first: "How is your sister, Senator? I haven't seen her since your father's funeral. I understand that she has not married yet, is that right?"

"Yes, Your Highness. She has not married yet."

"Isn't this a most auspicious coincidence? General Bastianus here was just asking my advice as to who he should choose for a wife. As the Governor of Syria, he must have a family of his own."

The two men looked at each other, showing genuine surprise. Not only had Bastianus never made any comment on that respect to the Empress, nor would he ever dream of marrying a woman whose upbringing had origins in a Celtic tribe, notwithstanding her adoption into an illustrious Roman family. But that was Julia Mamaea's way of indicating an order. No one would dare to dispute her talent for arranging weddings and thus weave the fabric of Roman society at her own discretion. Max was the first one to recover: "I will be delighted to discuss the matter with General Bastianus as soon as he deems appropriate, Your Highness."

The Empress proceeded to her second charge: "You must find a wife too, Senator Flavius. I understand that Cornelia Postumius will be released from her vows after thirty years of services as a Vestal. As you know, she's immensily wealthy. Please let me know if you are interested in my suggestion and I can arrange a meeting between the two of you, as soon as Cornelia is free."

It was Bastianus' time to look with amusement at the helpless face of the Senator. Nevertheless, he remained silent while Max agreed once more with Mamaea. The Empress looked very satisfied with her double accomplishment. Her next target was Olodum, who was standing between Dia and Morgana. "My brave Olodum! I haven't had the oportunity to thank you for your inestimable services to the Empire, serving under our good friend, General Maximinus, against our Persian enemies. You may rest assured that my son and I will not spare any effort to move your career as further as your many talents will afford. But you must not neglect your duties to the Empire regarding the formation of a family. You already know my cousin Alexius, who fought against the Persians like you did. He has a sister, who's now entering the nubile age." At this point, the Empress turned to the rest of the group, indicating Alexius' sister. "There she is. Isn't she a darling?" Julia Mamaea returned to Olodum: "Why don't you and Alexius get together tomorrow and arrange the wedding? I am sure it will be a wonderful match! As a future Senator, you need a suitable wife." Again, that was Mamaea's way of letting them know that a promotion into the Senate rank for Olodum would be strongly conditioned to his marriage with a woman not far removed from the Imperial family blood...

The Empress then turned to Morgana: "I haven't seen you since your father's funeral, Morgana. I just talked to your brother, Senator Flavius, and he has very good news for you too, dear." After saying this, Mamaea returned to the center of her retinue, barely listening to Morgana's words of thanks. When she was gone, Olodum looked at Dia and Morgana:

"There's nothing we can do, ladies. That's the way things work for those who come too close to the center of power. I'll arrange an interview with Alexius to formalize the wedding, and so will Max and Bastianus. Everything has already been decreed by superior powers."

Dia seemed to look pleased and after congratulating them very enthusiastically, she excused herself and went to look for Max in order to find out the details. Morgana and Olodum were suddenly left with no one else to talk with besides each other. He was the first to say something:

"Well, congratulations, Morgana! I guess you just found yourself engaged."

Morgana smiled. "So did Max, and you."

Olodum went on: "I was wondering... were you able to foresee something like this in your sacred waters?"

"I was never able to foresee what was reserved for me. However, I do know that days of great unrest are about to come."

(To be continued)

Glossary - click on the "back" button of your browser to go back to the text.

(1) Nimbus - A place where the soul of non-christians went after dead. Used here in a sense of a void place.

(2) Irrumator - A man sucking another's pennis. Romans thought this the lowest form of sexual activity, indicating a servility and moral self-abnegation no honorable man would condone. As Latin obsenities were graded, this was the worst one of all. (McCullough, C. "The First Man in Rome", New York, 1990)

(3) Equites - Members of the Roman class called Equestrian Order. The real difference between Senators and Equites lay in the kinds of activities they might pursue to earn income. Senators could not indulge in any form of commerce not pertaining to the ownership of land, whereas knights could.