Central to our story are the messages given to Gracchus and Marcus by the Cumaean Sibyl
In the Roman world an 'oracle' was a person or agency considered to provide wise counsel or prophetic predictions or precognition of the future, inspired by the gods.
As such it is a form of 'divination'.
The word 'oracle' comes from the Latin verb 'orare' "to speak", and properly refers to the priest or priestess uttering the prediction.
In extended use, 'oracle' may also refer to the site of the oracle, and to the oracular utterances themselves, called 'khresmoi' (χρησμοί) in Greek.
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| Cave of the Oracle - Delphi - Italy |
This was the oracle of Zeus, (the Roman Jupiter), and the oracular utterances were made known by the rustling of the oak leaves (the oak was sacred to Zeus - and to Jupiter) in a sacred grove.
The pre-eminent oracle was, of course, at Δελφοί - Delphi, in Greece.
Python, offspring of Gaia (the Earth Goddess), was the earth dragon of Delphi, represented as a serpent, and became the chthonic deity, enemy of the God Apollo, who slew her, and possessed the oracle.
The oracle at Delphi, was said to be infallible, and only gave prophecies the seventh day of each month, seven being the number most associated with Apollo, during the nine warmer months of the year; thus, Delphi was the major source of divination for the ancient Greeks.
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| Bronze Statue of Apollo - Villa Athena - Athens |
The oracle spoke through a priestess, known as the Πυθία - Pythia, who sat on a bronze tripod set over a crack in the floor of a cave.
Fumes arose from the crevice, and the priestess became intoxicated, and gave frenzied and incoherent utterances, which were interpreted by priests.
Other temples of Apollo were located at Didyma on the coast of Asia Minor, at Corinth and Bassae in the Peloponnese, and at the islands of Delos and Aegina in the Aegean Sea.
Oracles were thought to be 'portals' through which the gods spoke directly to people.
In this sense they were different from seers ('manteis' - μάντεις) who interpreted signs sent by the gods through bird signs, animal entrails, and other various methods.
For the Romans, however, the most influential oracle was the Sibylline Oracle, and the Sibylline Books.
The Books are a collection of oracular utterances written in Greek hexameters, ascribed to the Sibyls.
In the ancient world, 'sibyls' were prophetesses associated with a particular location.
Many of their prophecies played key roles in determining the direction of important events.
Though there were variations based on the Sibyl of Cumae, the sibyls all seem to share some characteristics.
They gave their prophecies in an ecstatic state, under the power of a particular deity (often Apollo), and they were usually associated with a specific ancient oracle, or a temple.
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| Virgil |
Her cave was located near the town of Cumae, close to Gracchus' villa, on the western coast of Italy, in the same location as a temple of Apollo.
While most often known as the Cumaean Sibyl or the Sibyl of Cumae, she is also variously referred to as: Herophile, Demo, Phemonë, Deiphobe, Demophile, and Amalthea.
Virgil famously described her cave as having a hundred openings.
It was said this oracle, or Sibyl, dwelt in the mouth of this cave in Cumae, (originally an ancient Greek settlement near what is now Naples).
"A spacious cave, within its far most part, Was hew'd and fashion'd by laborious art Thro' the hill's hollow sides: before the place, A hundred doors a hundred entries grace; As many voices issue, and the sound Of Sybil's words as many times rebound. -Virgil (The Aeneid)
Aeneas
Written in 19 BC, the 'Aeneid', which Markos was studying, with the help of his Latin tutor, Lucius, chronicles the adventures of Trojan warrior Aeneas, including his encounter with a mysterious ancient oracle.
In Book III of the Aeneid, Aeneas visits a priest/prophet who tells him to visit the Cumaean Sibyl.
“And when, thither borne, thou drawest near to the town of Cumae, the haunted lakes, and Avernus with its rustling woods, thou shalt look on an inspired prophetess, who deep in a rocky cave sings the Fates and entrusts to leaves signs and symbols.” -Virgil (The Aeneid)
The Sibyl had important news for Aeneas:
“The nations of Italy, the wars to come, the mode whereby thou art to flee or face each toil, she will unfold to thee; and, reverently besought, she will grant thee a prosperous voyage.” -Virgil (The Aeneid)
In other words, the fate of the founding of Rome rests on the prophecy she gives Aeneas.
In Book VI, Aeneas finally visits Cumae, and finds the Sibyl.
She tells him that though he has survived the troubles of Troy, and the dangers of his sea voyage, he has further troubles ahead.
“O thou that at last hast fulfilled the great perils of the sea - yet by land more grievous woes await thee…. Wars, grim wars I see, and Tiber foaming with streams of blood…. Even now another Achilles is raised up in Latium, he, too, goddess-born; nor shall Juno anywhere fail to dog the Trojans, whilst thou, a suppliant in thy need, what races, what cities of Italy shalt thou not implore ! The cause of all this Trojan woe is again an alien bride, again a foreign marriage !”-Virgil (The Aeneid)
She says, however, that Aeneas should not fear this fate, that he has the ability to rise above it.
As it happens, there is a portal to the underworld nearby.
As he wanted to go there anyway, Aeneas asks the Sibyl if she will take him there to see his dead father.
She says that he must first find a 'golden bough' in the forest.
On that bough will be a fruit.
If he is able to pick the fruit, he will be worthy to visit the underworld.
Having completed the task, Aeneas returns to the Sibyl, who escorts him into the underworld.
There, Aeneas meets his father, Anchises.
After discussing some of the particulars of the underworld, Anchises shows Aeneas his future and the future of his descendants.
“Come now, what glory shall hereafter attend the Dardan line, what children of Italian stock await thee, souls illustrious and heirs of our name - this will I set forth, and teach thee thy destiny.” -Virgil (The Aeneid)
Anchises recounts the destiny of all of Aeneas’ descendants.
Anchises tells Aeneas that among his descendants are Romulus, founder of Rome and, significantly, Octavian Augustus (the first Princeps).
According to Anchises, Octavian will:
“… again set up the Golden Age amid the fields where Saturn once reigned, and shall spread his empire to a land that lies beyond the stars, beyond the paths of the year and the sun, where heaven-bearing Atlas turns on his shoulders the sphere, inset with gleaming stars.” -Virgil (The Aeneid)
And so the oracle of the Cumaean Sibyl, who Markos has been studying with his tutor, Lucius, spirals back into our story, which has just recounted the Munera that Gracchus held for the 'Divine Augustus'.
Apart from the Sibyl's involvement with Aeneas, the most famous story concerning the Sibyl dates to the time of the last Roman King, Tarquinius Superbus, around 500 BC.
Tarquinius Superbus
According to the story, the Sibyl approached the king with nine books of prophesy, collected from the wisest seers, available to the king for a very dear price.
The king haughtily refused her price.
In response, the Sibyl burned three of the books, then offered the remaining six books at the original high price.
Again he refused.
Of the remaining six books, she threw three more onto the fire, and repeated her offer of the final three books, at the original price
Again he refused.
Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus
Of the remaining six books, she threw three more onto the fire, and repeated her offer of the final three books, at the original price.
Afraid of seeing all the prophesy destroyed, he finally accepted.
These books, which foretold the future of Rome, became a famous source of power and knowledge, and were stored on the Capitoline Hill in the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, in Rome.
In 82 BC, the books were destroyed in the burning of the Temple of Jupiter, and in 76 BC envoys were sent around the known world to rebuild the books of prophesy.
The new books managed to survive until 405 AD, near the end of the Roman Empire.
The Cumaean Sibyl would later appear in the works of Ovid.
The Sibylline Books (sometimes called the Cumaean Books) became crucial in the ongoing decisions of Rome.
The Lecti Viri - a group of two (Duumviri) men that grew to 10 (Decemviri) and eventually 15 (Quindecimviri) - guarded the books.
When the senate’s seers could not divine the meaning of extraordinary events, or when Rome needed direction in times of crisis, they would order these men to consult the Sibylline Books.
The books often clarified the meaning of certain divine events, or ordered particular sacrifices and oblations to avoid a disaster.
Livy reports that, while preparing for war:
“The state was at this time suddenly occupied with a question of a religious nature, in consequence of the discovery of a prediction in the Sibylline books, which had been inspected on account of there having been so many showers of stones this year. It ran thus: When-soever a foreign enemy should bring war into the land of Italy, he may be driven out of Italy and conquered, if the Idaean Mother should be brought from Pessinus to Rome.”
The Romans took these books so seriously that, according to Dionysius, dereliction of one’s duty to care for the books could have disastrous results.
When someone reported that one of the guardians of the books had allowed someone else to borrow one of them, King Tarquinius “ordered him to be sewed up in a leather bag and thrown into the sea….”
Harsh, but perhaps not too harsh, given the role they played in the fate of Rome.
According to tradition, the Sibyl would have sung her prophecies, or written them on oak leaves which she would leave at the mouth of the cave.
Clearly, the Cumaean Sibyl plays a crucial role in the founding and ongoing fortune of Rome.
If it were not for her, the Romans would not have had the guidance of the Sibylline Books.
If it were not for her prophecy, Aeneas would not have been prepared to rise above his fate in his journey towards Italy.
So what has all this - interesting though it may be - to do with our Markos and Gracchus ?
Well, it is not surprising that Gracchus, being a devotee of Virgil, and steeped in the legend of Aeneas, would be prepared to question the Cumaean Sibyl with regard to his own future - and as we have seen, Markos' future seems to be, in many ways, bound up with that of Gracchus.
PROPHETIÆ
'Prohecy' - But what about the 'prophecy', you may ask - well read on....
Since the 'convivium' Gracchus had become more and more concerned about the political situation in Rome.
As we have said, Gracchus tried hard to be outwardly apolitical, but the reports that he had recently received from Rome, and some reports from the provinces indicated to him that the Imperial administration was approaching a state of complete collapse, with varying groups vying for power as the fall of the current emperor, Nero, seemed inevitable.
POLITICA
'Politics' - Just before the 'convivium' for the birthday of the Divine Augustus, in 65AD, the conspiracy of Gaius Calpurnius Piso had rocked the empire, or at least the upper classes in Rome.
Praetorian Guard
The plot reflected the growing discontent among the ruling class of the Roman state with Nero's increasingly despotic leadership, and as a result it is a significant event on the road towards Nero's eventual suicide, and the chaos which followed that event.
Gaius Calpurnius Piso, a leading Roman statesman, benefactor of literature, and orator, intended to have Nero assassinated, with the goal of having himself declared Emperor of Rome by the imperial bodyguard, known as the Praetorian Guard.
He enlisted the aid of several prominent senators, equestrians, and soldiers.
According to Tacitus, the ringleaders included Subrius Flavus, a tribune of the Praetorian court, and the centurion Sulpicius Asper.
Seneca
On April 19, CE 65, a freedman named Milichus discovered the conspiracy and reported it to Nero's secretary Epaphroditos.
After the conspiracy was revealed, Nero ordered Piso, and the other leaders of the conspiracy, to commit suicide.
The philosopher Seneca, his nephew Lucan, and the satirist Petronius (probable author of the 'Satyricon') were also implicated in the plot, and dealt with in a similar fashion.
At least 41 individuals were accused of being part of the conspiracy.
Of the known 41, there were 19 Senators, 7 Equites, 11 soldiers, and 4 women.
In late 67, Caius Julius Vindex, governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, rebelled against Nero's tax policy, with the purpose of substituting Servius Sulpicius Galba, governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, for Nero.
Gaius Julius Vindex was a member of the former royal family of Aquitania, which had lost its throne when Julius Caesar had subdued their country. However, it was still an influential family, and the father of Julius Vindex became a Roman senator after the emperor Claudius had permitted noblemen from Gaul to enter the august college. Vindex subsequently committed suicide.
Servius Sulpicius Galba
Vindex's revolt in Gaul was unsuccessful, and Galba was declared a 'public enemy' by the Senate.
Servius Sulpicius Galba was born into an aristocratic family on December 24, 3 BCE to Gaius Sulpicius Galba and Mummia Achaica. An older brother, Gaius, (ten years his senior) would later commit suicide in 36 CE, due to “financial embarrassment,” after incurring the ire of Emperor Tiberius. It was reported that the Emperor Augustus singled Galba out of a group of young boys and said, “You too will taste a little of my glory, boy,” suggesting that Galba would one day be emperor. Galba is almost unique in Roman accounts as being described as, what we would term today, a 'homosexual', being solely attracted to mature, muscular men.
In June 68, the Praetorian Guard prefect, Nymphidius Sabinus (who later became the 'husband' of the boy Sporus - see above), as part of a plot to become emperor himself, incited his men to transfer their loyalty from Nero to Galba.
IN VILLA
'At the Villa' - It was after the revolt in Gaul that, back at the villa, Gracchus decided to consult the oracle of the God Phoebus Apollo at Cumae.
Now to the average reader, seeking the advice of what in 'modern' times would be considered to be a 'fortune teller' appears to be the height of ignorant superstition.
Gracchus, however, was by no means an ignorant man.
Well educated, and well read, - a student of philosophy, and in many ways a sceptic, he was, however, as we all are, 'a man of his times'.
Throughout the ancient world, as we have already explained, from the most ignorant peasant to the most learned, and the most powerful, people sought the advice of, and believed in the great oracles, and one of the greatest was the Cumaean Sibyl.
Of course Markos, along with the other slaves in the villa, had no knowledge of the disturbing events in Gaul and Rome, and for Markos life continued as usual, with lessons, training, and the occasional amorous interlude, mainly with Cleon.
(It should be borne in mind that this was a world without newspapers, radio, television, internet etc, and so most of the servile inhabitants of the Villa Auream were effectively completely cut off from the outside world.)
One morning, however, while he was performing his usual duty helping Glykon at the entrance hall, Terentius, (who was once again in favour - having brought some excellent slaves from Brundisium) called him over.
"The Dominus wants you to accompany him on a short trip.
I will be coming as well.
Dress well, and be sure to bring your cloak, as we may be away for more than one day."
Markos was shocked and surprised.
It was to be the first time, since the precipitous carriage ride with Terentius from Brundisium, that he had left the villa.
Apollo was the patron god of Octavian Augustus, and the Sibyl was the prophetess of Apollo.
Virgil's 'Aeneid', which refers specifically to Apollo, Cumae and the Sibyl, is written partly in praise of Octavian Augustus.
After 36BC, Augustus refurbished the temple of Apollo at Cumae, and also the cave of the Sibyl.
'Then to Apollo, a temple of solid marble shall I found,
and holy days, in the name of Phoebus*.
For you, too, there awaits a great shrine in our kingdom,
and here I shall place your oracle, and the riddling prophecies spoken to my people,
and to your service, O gracious one, I shall dedicate chosen priests.
Only do not consign your words to leaves,
to be confused and mocked by every wind that blows,
Sing them in your own voice, I beg of you.'
Virgil - 'Aeneid'
* Phoebus is another appellation for Apollo.
Of course, as soon as the other slaves in the villa heard that Markos had left the villa, along with Gracchus, and his senior freedman, Terentius, the rumors began once again.
Gracchus used the same carriage that Markos had rode in when he had been brought from Brundisium to the Villa.
Markos, however, had no idea where they were going, or what the reason was for the trip, and he was too nervous to ask.
After the events of the 'Convivium' and the 'Munera' Markos didn't know what to think about Gracchus, Terentius and the events in the Villa.
When young Cleon had regaled him with tales of 'debauchery' and 'mayhem', which he had described as occurring in the banqueting hall, Markos had thought that Cleon was exaggerating - making up 'scary' stories for a 'new-boy'.
Since the 'Convivium' and the 'Munera' Markos knew that what Cleon had described was true - and he wished it wasn't - but for two competing reasons.
On the one hand he had found it all frightening - knowing that Gracchus had the power to force him to take part in such possibly lethal displays - but on the other hand he had detected in himself a strange fascination, particularly with the 'munera', and also with the funerals that followed.
It wasn't just the violence and the sexuality that attracted him, however, but also the mystery and and strangeness of the religious ritual which seemed, to Markos, to bring the aura of the Gods close to him for the first time.
Now, this trip to Cumae would have a similar effect on him - but also it would have ramifications and consequences that would effect him for the rest of his life - as you will see.....
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The carriage that they were riding in was, by Roman standards, luxurious and comfortable - an Roman version of a Rolls Royce or a Cadillac.
Markos found the journey uncomfortable, however.
This was not a physical discomfort, though.
The carriage was provided with many well filled cushions, and blinds to keep out the dust from the road.
The discomfort for Markos was caused by the fact that the whole journey was completed in utter silence.
Neither Gracchus, nor Terentius, who both looked serious and preoccupied, spoke a single word.
Fortunately, Cumae is only a few kilometres from Baiae, so Markos did not have to endure his discomfiture for long.
After a short while Terentius leaned forward to Markos, and whispered in a conspiratorial tone, so as not to disturb Gracchus, who was obviously deep in thought:
"This is Cumae !".
Markos knew about Cumae from his studies with his Latin tutor, Lucius, but had no idea that famous town was so close to the villa.
On their arrival at Cumae, Gracchus decided to have a light meal at a local hostelry.
Markos was unceremoniously 'parked' at a table, which was laden with delicious delicacies, while Gracchus and Terentius stood some distance away, in the bright sunshine, apparently deep in conversation.
Eventually Gracchus and Terentius walked over to where Markos was sitting, and sat down opposite him.
"So, Markos, what do you know about Cumae ?", Gracchus asked, seemingly a little more relaxed.
Marcus, surprised that Gracchus was finally speaking to him, cleared his throat, nervously,
"Well, Dominus, my Latin tutor has been teaching me about Virgil, and the 'Aeneid', where Aeneas goes to Cumae, and meets the Cumaean Sibyl.
Lucius gave me the scrolls of the 'Aeneid' to study, and I read there about the cave of the Sibyl."
Markos then decided to show off, and quoted a piece from the 'Aeneid' that Lucius had got him to learn 'by heart'.
"A spacious cave, within its far most part, Was hew'd and fashion'd by laborious art Thro' the hill's hollow sides: before the place, A hundred doors a hundred entries grace; As many voices issue, and the sound Of Sybil's words as many times rebound."
Gracchus smiled.
"That's very good, Markos ! It seems that my tutors deserve their pay."
By now Markos, Gracchus and even Terentius were all smiling, and the earlier tension of the journey seemed to have lifted.
"Well, Markos, we are going to Apollo's temple first, and then to the cave that you have so eloquently described.", Gracchus continued.
Markos, of course, was bursting to know the purpose of Gracchus' visit.
Was it just a sightseeing visit, the like of which so many wealthy Greek and Roman tourists made, or was Gracchus intending to put a question to the Sibyl ? - and if it was a question, what was it about ?
They finished their meal, Terentius paid the hostelry keeper, (Gracchus never handled money) and, returning to their carriage, they were taken to the Temple of Apollo.
Icarus
In Virgil's 'Aeneid' VI, Daedalus flies to Cumae, using his remarkable wings, and founds a temple there, dedicated to the god Apollo, and long afterwards Aeneas confronts the sculpted golden doors of the temple - and after 36BC, Augustus refurbished that temple, and also the cave of the Sibyl. In Greek mythology, Δαίδαλος - Daedalus ("to work artfully") was a skilful craftsman and artist. He is the father of Icarus.
Daedalus and Icarus
The most familiar literary telling of the story of Daedalus, explaining Daedalus' wings, later left in the temple, is a late one, that of the Roman poet Ovid: in his 'Metamorphoses' (VIII:183-235). Daedalus set to work to fabricate wings for himself and his son Icarus. When both were prepared for flight, Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too high, because the heat of the sun would melt the wax. However, the boy, forgetting himself, began to soar upward toward the sun. The blazing sun softened the wax which held the feathers together and they came off. Icarus quickly fell in the sea and drowned.
Markos thought the Temple of Apollo very beautiful.
Temple of Apollo - Rome
It was, in fact, very similar to the larger Temple of Apollo Palatinus that Augustus had built in Rome
Octavian built the temple in thanks to his patron god, Apollo, faced in Carrara marble, in thanks for the victory over Sextus Pompeius at the Battle of Naulochus in 36 BC, and over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium 31 BC, and was built on a site where a lightning bolt had struck the interior of Octavian's property on the Palatine. It was dedicated on October 9 of 28 BC. Octavian Augustus' private house was directly connected to the terrace of the sanctuary via frescoed halls and corridors.
Temple of Apollo - Cumae
It must be understood that Roman priests were in no way like the sanctimonious, (and in many cases, celibate,) individuals who pass as priests in modern times.
Rather, Roman priests were charged with performing the rituals of the Roman religion with exactness and scrupulous care, so as to maintain the gods' good will and support for Rome.
Priest of Apollo - Cumae
They didn't necessarily have to understand the words, but there could be no mistake or untoward event; otherwise, the ceremony would have to be re-staged.
They were, in many ways, administrative officials, often members of the government, rather than mediators between men and gods.
These priests were very respectful towards Gracchus, and fussed over Markos, who they knew had been Gracchus' 'cup-bearer' at the 'convivium', and who was therefore presumed to be Gracchus' 'favourite'.
Gracchus, having planned this trip sometime earlier, had prepared the way, and had ordered a new cult statue of Apollo to be created for the temple, (the model for the sculpture was young Petronius -
the teenage gladiator who had fought in the 'Munera' for Augustus).
It was therefore no problem for Gracchus - along with Terentius and Markos, to be taken immediately to the cave of the Sibyl.
The cave of the Sibyl is, to say the least, 'spooky'.
The cave itself has many entrances, though not the hundred mentioned by Virgil, and is 5 meters high by 131 meters long, with several side galleries and cisterns.
At the entrance there are cisterns, cut into the rock, and filled with water, where visitors could cleanse themselves before approaching the more sacred areas of the cave.
There are also seats cut into the rock, where visitors could sit while they discussed matters with the priests
Undoubtedly, the one person who would have benefited from a consultation with the wise Sibyl would have been the wayward Nero - and perhaps, if he had listened to the advice of the oracle, he might have avoided the appalling fate that awaited him.
But that was all in the future - the future that Gracchus was so eager to know.
So ... while Gracchus was in deep conversation with two of the priests of the oracle, and Terentius was organizing a sacrifice on behalf of Gracchus, in the temple above, Markos wandered around the dark and dank cave - wondering, nervously, if he might 'bump into' the Sibyl - and if he did - what he should do - there were, after all, many questions that he would like to put to her.
The most disturbing aspect of the Sibylline cave was the echo.
The slightest sound would reverberate, and then seem to return from everywhere, distorted and unreal.
And this was, apparently, one way in which the oracle made its presence felt.
After what seemed to Markos an endless conversation, the priests left Gracchus sitting on one of the stone benches.
They then went off into the bowels of the cave, presumably to give Gracchus' request to the Sibyl.
Markos stood uneasily, and watched his master, who sat patiently, while far above the sacrificial victims were being bled on the altar of Apollo on Gracchus' behalf.
In what, seemed like the distance, dogs barked, although the echo meant that they must be in the cave - somewhere.
Markos also thought of the three boys, sacrificed at the 'Munera ad Augustum', and wondered if their blood, seeping through the earth to satiate the infernal spirits, would have also assisted Gracchus in his search for answers.
The silence deepened, and seemingly also the darkness.
Then Markos could hear a voice - a woman's voice - muttering and moaning, as if troubled by long forgotten dreams.
The voice echoed strangely, and Markos was unable to distinguish any words, in either Greek or Latin.
This, in fact, was the answer to Gracchus' question, but it would need the priests to interpret it.
The Sibyl, it was said, wrote her prophecies on leaves which, when blown about in the draughty caves, could mean almost anything - until deciphered by the priests.
The prophecy would then be written out on vellum, and given to Gracchus, but only after the priests had discussed the contents of the oracular pronouncement with Gracchus.
At this point Terentius returned from the temple.
And as Terentius arrived, Markos saw the leading priest return to where Gracchus was sitting.
There then followed another one of those long discussions, and finally the priest was given a scroll by a slave, which he then handed, rather ceremoniously, to Gracchus.
Hesitantly, Gracchus unrolled it - and read, while the priest backed away - obviously trying to avoid any further questions.
The Latin of the Sibyl was weird and ungrammatical, having been translated from Oscan - the original ancient language of the Samnites.
And this is what it said (in English):
'Four shall seek to follow the path of the 'Comet Star',
and three - one fat and two bald - shall fall.
Then from the east shall come a saviour - and peace.
But you - Gracchus - shall be an end in the new beginning -
but not forever, and by your own hand -
for the 'golden boy from the sea', shall bring your name to life once more -
and all your works shall prosper.'
at the top of the scroll were the words 'novum initium et finis'
and at the bottom of the scroll were the words 'aurea puer ad mare' -
meaning 'an end and a new beginning', and 'the golden boy from the sea'.
SIGNIFICATIO
'Meanings' - So what did it all mean ?...
Gracchus shook his head, completely puzzled.
He handed the scroll to Terentius, who read it, at least twice, and then shrugged his shoulders.
Both men were completely baffled.
Now this is not surprising.
Oracular pronouncements from the Olympian Gods, (in this case the God Apollo), were notoriously opaque, and often contained information that could be easily misinterpreted - bringing tragic consequences in some cases.
Obviously, as Markos was just a slave, (and a Roman patrician never went anywhere without at least a slave and a freedman), he was not shown the scroll - after all, it had nothing to do with him....
Gracchus, Terentius and Markos then quickly made there way back to the temple of Apollo, where the carriage was waiting.
Immediately they set off.
The journey back to the villa was very different to the 'silent' outward journey, and Gracchus and Terentius were deep in conversation.
Markos tried to 'listened in', without making it too obvious.
It seemed that fortunately, Gracchus had a very old friend - a venerable person of Oscan origins, Novius, who had arrived late at the convivium the previous evening, and who was well known for his deep an wide knowledge of the auspices, oracles and Etruscan ritual.
He had helped Gracchus in organising the 'Munera', and would probably be willing to try to help decipher the Sibyl's pronouncements.
Apparently the only lead that Gracchus had was the phrase 'Comet Star' - but he needed to get back to his study and consult his scrolls to be sure of the exact meaning of the phrase.
It was evening when the carriage arrived back at the villa.
Young Glykon was at the doors to the villa to greet them.
"I hope you had a successful trip, Dominus !",Glykon asked cheerfully, obviously 'fishing' for information.
"Yes ! Very successful !", Gracchus replied, somewhat untruthfully, as he firmly grasped the baffling scroll.
Gracchus them thanked Markos very profusely for accompanying him, which thoroughly embarrassed Markos, particularly as Glykon was listening.
Markos then went off to his room, trying to avoid any awkward questions from Glykon, (there would be enough of those in the morning), while Gracchus instructed Terentius to send a messenger-boy to Novius, asking him to visit the next morning.
Markos, of course, couldn't sleep.
He hadn't been shown the scroll, and so he had little idea of what it contained.
Gracchus and Terentius, however, had been talking about a 'stella cometa' (comet star) on the journey back to the villa, so in the end, Markos got out of bed and starting searching through his scrolls for that elusive phrase.
And he found a reference - to a comet sighted after the assassination of Gaius Julius Caesar - popularly known as 'Caesaris astrum'.
Caesaris Astrum
Of all the ancient writers on comets, the one to emerge with most credit is Lucius Seneca, a Roman of the first century AD. Seneca contested Aristotle’s view that comets were sudden fires, arguing instead that they were celestial bodies moving on orbits like planets and that they might reappear, given time. Prophetically he wrote: ‘Men will some day be able to demonstrate in what regions comets have their paths, why they move so far from the planets, what is their size and constitution’. Caesar's Comet was known at the time of our story as the 'Caesaris astrum' ("Star of Caesar"). Caesar's Comet was one of only five comets known to have had a negative absolute magnitude and may have been the brightest daylight comet in recorded history. It was not periodic and may have disintegrated.
Markos was puzzled.
If the comet appeared after the assassination of Julius Caesar, did the reference to a comet in the oracle mean that Nero was to be assassinated ?
What Markos didn't realize, of course that this was highly dangerous information, and perhaps having overheard the conversation, it would be best if he forgot it, and did not pursue the matter,
What Markos didn't realize, however, was that initially the comet that appeared after Julius Caesar's death was popularly associated with the idea of the 'genius' of Gaius Julius Caesar, ascending to the Olympian heavens - thus confirming his divinity.
Subsequently, in January 42, the Senate pronounced Gaius Julius Caesar 'Divus Julius' (Divine Julius), thus officially confirming him as a god of the Roman people, and so the comet was no longer required as proof of his divinity.
There was, however, a new Caesar, and 'Caesaris astrum' then became the star of that new Caesar - Gaius Octavian - the 'Divine Augustus' celebrated at Gracchus' recent 'convivium' and 'munera'.
Cometes Stella Templo'
In the light of this development, the 'Cometes stella templo' (Temple of the Comet Star), or more correctly 'Aedes Divi Iuli' (Temple of the Divine Julius), was built by Octavian (Augustus). The young Octavian (he was only just out of his teens) loved to be considered the real subject of any kind of 'Messianic' prophecies and accounts ... so, during the public speech about the appearance of the comet, he specified that he, the new ruler of the world, was born (politically) at the very appearance of his 'father' (actually great uncle), Julius Caesar as a comet in the sky of Rome, and his (adoptive) 'father' was announcing his own (political) birth. So he was the one who had to be born under the comet, and whom the appearance of the comet was announcing. The temple therefore ended up representing both Julius Caesar, as a deified being, and Octavian himself, as the 'newborn' under the comet, and the 'comet-star' itself was an object of public worship
But what had all this to do with Gracchus ? - apart from the fact that he had recently held a 'convivium' and 'munera' in honour of Augustus (Octavian).
Confused and wondering, Markos returned to his bed, and to dreams of flaming comets in the skies.
When morning came, it was back to the main entrance of the villa for Markos.
Young Glykon, of course, was bubbling over with questions.
Markos, however, felt that he had to be careful with his answers.
He knew only too well that there were many rumours floating around the villa, and while he felt that he could trust Glykon, it was more than likely that the boy might let slip information that could cause problems.
Markos explained that they had gone to Cumae, to the temple of Apollo, to visit the priests, who were Gracchus' 'clients', and to discuss arrangements for the new cult statue of Apollo that Gracchus was having made.
That seemed to be enough for Glykon, and Markos carefully made no mention of the Sibyl's cave, or the oracle.
Novius
Early on, an old man turned up at the doors of the Villa, and introduced himself to Glykon as Novius, saying that Gracchus was expecting him.
It seems that earlier Terentius had advised Glykon that this visitor would be arriving, and so Glykon asked Markos to escort Novius to the main atrium, and then inform Gracchus that his guest had arrived.
As usual, Markos was nervous as he walked down the corridor to the huge doors leading to Gracchus' study.
The tall, muscular slave-boys who guarded the door, recognizing Markos, immediately opened the doors for him.
Gracchus was there, and as usual he was sitting at his desk surrounded by numerous scrolls.
"Good morning Dominus !", Markos said, quietly.
"Your visitor Novius is here to see you, as you requested."
"Excellent, Markos ! Show him in straight away !".
Considering how perturbed Gracchus had seemed the previous evening, Markos was surprised to find him so bright and cheerful.
So then Markos returned to the Atrium, where Novius was waiting patiently.
"My master will see you now !", Markos said politely to the old, grey-haired gentleman.
The two of them then proceeded to Gracchus' study, where the doors were opened.
Gracchus instantly rose from his desk.
"Novius, my friend ! Welcome !"
"Gnaeus Octavian! You look so well ! It is so good to see you after all this time !"
Markos was surprised to hear someone address Gracchus by his first name - and it was obvious that the two men were old friends.
Gracchus turned to Markos.
"Thank you Markos ! You may leave us !"
And so, at least at that point, Markos was not to hear anything further about the oracle.
"Nice looking boy !", Novius said, once Markos had left the room.
"Is he new !", Novius asked, trying to be casual.
"Yes - and he's a bit of a puzzle. But nothing like the puzzle that I've got for you this morning."
Gracchus looked intently at Novius.
"Now I don't want you to be offended. We've known each-other a long time - and I trust you - but you must promise not to say a word about the matter I wish to discuss with you to anyone !"
"Of course, Gnaeus !" Novius replied, intrigued by the secrecy.
"I want your advice about this !", Gracchus said dramatically, as he passed the scroll of the oracle to Novius.
Novius read the scroll carefully, at least twice.
"So this is from the Sibyl - yes ?"
"How did you guess !", Gracchus asked, surprised.
"Well, the Latin is so strange - obviously the oracle was originally given in Oscan."
Oscan is an ancient Indo-European language of southern Italy. The language is also the namesake of the language group to which it belonged. As a member of the Italic languages, Oscan is therefore a sister language to Latin and Umbrian. Oscan was spoken by a number of tribes, including the Samnites, the Aurunci (Ausones), and the Sidicini. The latter two tribes were often grouped under the name "Osci". The language was spoken from approximately 500 BC to AD 100. Oscan had much in common with Latin, though there are also many striking differences, and many common word-groups in Latin were absent or represented by entirely different forms.
"So - you are right, but what does it mean ?", Gracchus asked, leaning forward, and then speaking more quietly.
"Terentius and I have been puzzling over it all night, and all we can recognize in it is the 'comet-star', which we take to be 'Caesaris astrum' - and that could make the document dangerous, because the 'comet star' was associated with an assassination - and we don't want any involvement with any plots regarding assassinations - particularly if they involve the Domus imperialis (the Imperial House)."
"Well I don't think that you need necessarily connect the 'Caesaris astrum' with an assassination -" , Novius interjected.
"The text refers to 'the path of the comet star', which I would interpret as the path that the 'Divine Augustus' took - the path to Imperium - so it may suggest that there will be four individuals who will seek to be Emperor - probably around the same time.", Novius explained, cautiously.
"Yes ! And that implies the possibility of civil war ! ", Gracchus murmured.
"It seems so - and obviously only one will succeed."
"So what about this saviour from the East ?", Gracchus asked.
"That's difficult.
Perhaps a general from the eastern provinces, who brings an end to the civil war, but it's not clear if he will be one of the four.", Novious opined.
"Well - if three have fallen, and one remains - then it seems likely that he is the 'saviour from the east'.", Gracchus stated, feeling that he had neatly settled the matter.
"Probably !", Novius agreed.
"So what of the next section, which mentions me ?", Gracchus then asked.
"That's difficult.", Novius said, now looking very serious.
"I'm afraid to say that it may - just may - refer to your demise - but only after the upheavals mentioned at the beginning of the text."
"I see.", Gracchus said thoughtfully.
"I think that is the meaning of the words 'novum initium et finis'." Novius added.
"Yes - you may be right,", Gracchus agreed.
"And what's all this business about a 'golden boy from the sea'.", Gracchus asked tetchily.
"Well - you have many slave-boys.
So - to be obvious - do any of them come from the sea !", Novius asked, smiling.
"Well no ! Not that I know of.", Gracchus answered, puzzled.
"Well, as a suggestion, the gold may refer to fair hair, or maybe skin colour, or maybe the amount paid for the boy - in gold.
They're just suggestions.
As for the 'sea' - I don't know." Novius continued.
Gracchus, however, was feeling very uneasy, and troubled.
"I really don't like this.", he muttered.
"The fair haired slave-boy who brought you here.....
He was bought in Crete for much 'gold,' and he was brought to the slave market by pirates, who captured him at 'sea' !". Gracchus said, weakly.
"Well, it looks like you have found your 'aurea puer ad mare' !", Novius said, with a glint in his eye.
"But the Sibyl ! How would she know about a young slave-boy? Emperors and generals perhaps. - Even Gracchus ! But a mere slave-boy!", Gracchus groaned, becoming quite overwrought.
"My dear Gnaeus ! Calm yourself ! The great Apollo knows all things, and through his oracle at Cumae he will make known those things which men need to know.
This 'mere' slave boy, I feel, may be much more, and of great importance to you.
As the oracle says, 'he shall bring your name to life once more - and all your works shall prosper.' - and that shall be 'by your own hand'.
So take this boy 'in hand', while you still have time - for he may be your salvation - in a way that none now can even imagine."
Gracchus sat stunned.
It was almost as if Apollo himself had spoken through his dear old friend Novius.
There was silence in the room for a moment.
Novius then rose from his seat.
"I must go now, Gnaeus.
I fear I have maybe said too much.
But we should meet again - soon - for I think that momentous events shall soon transpire."
And with that he quietly left Gracchus' study.
Gracchus remained cloistered in his study for the rest of the day - seeing no one - not even Terentius.
He retired late, but was unable to sleep - his mind troubled by the disturbing contents of the prophecy that had been given to him by the god Apollo, through his oracle, the Sibyl.
Statue of Apollo
As the first rays of the morning sun turned the sky a delicate pink, Gracchus rose from his bed and went down, accompanied by two of his young bodyguards, to the peristyle where the almost finished statue of Apollo had been placed.
The marble was still in the process of being polished, and the god's lyre was still to be gilded, but it was almost complete.
The model for the nude statue of Apollo, holding a lyre, had been Gracchus' teenage slave-boy, Petronius.
As one of Gracchus' most handsome slaves, he was an ideal model for the most beautiful of all the Olympian gods.
As Gracchus stood and contemplated the magnificent statue, he said, quietly to himself, a prayer to the great god - patron god of the young Octavian - later known as the 'Divine Augustus' - asking for the god's guidance in the difficult future that undoubtedly lay ahead.
'Listen - the Holy One is near.
The rustling of cypresses announce him,
We sing to him our dark, resounding song,
We move around his white, pillared temple,
Look below where the cool streams run;
There all roam today in nakedness.
Blissfully they drink in the scents and sounds of the meadows,
And all gaze up into the blue heights.
And all rejoice, and all gather
This world's great blossoms of joy.
We, however, will bend down to take the fruit
that falls, golden, between dreaming and waking.
We bring it in silver bowls
To the temple, beside the spear and the shield.
Spread your fragrance, and shine forth
to the world this glorified image !'
After having a little breakfast, Gracchus called for Terentius.
Terentius arrive at Gracchus study looking understandably concerned.
"I was worried, Dominus......", he began.
"After you saw Novius, you locked yourself away, and I was concerned about what the old gentleman might have said to you."
"Well, Terentius, I needed time to think.", Gracchus explained.
"And what did Novius have to say about the scroll, Dominus ?", Terentius asked.
"Well, he agrees with us about 'Caesaris astrum', but he says that it is meant to represent the desire to become Emperor - and this is where the contents of the scroll become dangerous for anyone, including you, who becomes aware of the meaning of the oracle.", Gracchus explained.
"I understand, Dominus.
My lips are sealed.", Terentius said, reassuring Gracchus.
"So it seems that there will be four individuals who will attempt, soon it seems, to become emperor, but only one will succeed - and this will probably result in some kind of civil war.", Gracchus continued wearily,
"Well, there's nothing we can do about that - except avoid getting involved.", Terentius said, wondering where all this would lead.
"The most worrying thing that Novius said was that that he foresaw my demise some time after the political upheavals - and that's where the strangest part of the prophecy lies.
It seems that the 'aurea puer ad mare' is our young Markos.", Gracchus went on.
"But that's doesn't make sense !", Terentius exclaimed, "He's only a slave-boy ! Why should he be included in a prophecy from the Sibyl ?"
"Exactly !", Gracchus replied, "And that's what I said to Novius, but the prophecy seems quite clear and quite specific."
"From the way that I read it, it appears that after my demise he should take my name, and position, and carry on my work.." Gracchus continued to an incredulous Terentius.
"But that's absurd !", Terentius blurted out, forgetting for a moment his position as Gracchus freedman.
"Absurd it may seem,", Gracchus replied, "But I knew from the beginning that there was something strange about the boy. His manner, his bearing - his speech. He was not a normal slave-boy. And what about that tale that Arion gave you - where the boy claimed to be the son of the Roman official killed by the pirates, and not the official's Greek slave-boy."
"Yes. But that's a story many slaves give, claiming to be freeborn." Terentius interjected.
"Yes - but they don't get a prophecy from an Olympian god to back up their claim !". Gracchus retorted.
There was silence in the room for a moment, as the implications of what Gracchus had just said became plain.
"I'm sorry, Dominus.", Terentius then said, quietly.
"I was forgetting myself.
You are quite right.
There is much more to this than appears on the surface, and you need to plan what you should do carefully.
And I swear to you that I shall help and support you in every way that I can." Terentius continued.
"Thank you Terentius.
I knew I could rely on you."
"So what shall we do ?", Terentius asked.
"About the men who would be emperor, and the civil war ? Nothing !", Gracchus replied.
"The god has given us a timely warning, and it should enable us to avoid becoming involved.
For our own safety we must say absolutely nothing about this.
As for my demise - that is in the hands of the gods.
As for Markos - that will need some thought." Gracchus continued.
"First you must go back to Arion, the slave trader, and question him thoroughly, but without letting him know the real reasons for your questions.
Say that your questions are prompted an inquiry from Rome.
Meanwhile I must speak carefully to the boy today - and start making plans
And before you go to Arion, see that the statue of Apollo is gilded and finished immediately, and then have a second statue made, with young Petronius as the model.
The original shall be dispatched as soon as possible to the temple at Cumae as an offering to the God.
And get the architect to design a shrine to Apollo in the main Atrium - opposite the shrine to Hermes, - and have him bring me the drawings as soon as possible."
"Of course, Dominus !", Terentius replied.
While Tarentius started his long and arduous journey to Brundisium, Gracchus called for a messenger-boy to go and collect Markos.
At the same time, he called for Quintus, as he wanted a record of his intended conversation with Markos.
Quintus bustled into the room, with his cerae (wax tablets) and stylii..
"Quintus - I want a record of my interview with this boy.
When he enters the study, see that he is seated, as I want him to feel comfortable.
In that way we may be more likely to get at the truth.", Gracchus said, as he tidied his desk.
"Yes, Dominus !" Quintus replied, as he prepared a chair for Markos.
Markos, as usual in the morning, was at the main entrance to the villa with Glykon when the messenger-boy found him.
"Gracchus wants to see you !", the boy said breathlessly.
Glykon raided his eyebrows, wondering what was afoot, while Markos looked worried.
Markos started to think about all the possible occasions, recently, when he may have said something untoward, that Gracchus might have taken exception to, especially regarding the trip to Cumae, but could think of nothing.
Reluctantly, he followed the messenger-boy to Gracchus' study.
As soon as he entered, Quintus offered him a chair.
This was very odd - as slaves never normally sat in the presence of their master.
"Don't worry, Markos.", Gracchus said reassuringly.
"Sit down.
I want you to be comfortable for our little chat."
Markos sat - by now very worried at this strange turn of events.
Meanwhile, Quintus settled himself in a corner, with his stylus hovering over his wax tablet.
"Thank you, Dominus !", Markos said nervously.
Markos noticed that Gracchus looked very tired.
"You have been here some considerable time, Markos - and I have been very pleased with your work, and your attitude towards your studies and your training.",Gracchus began.
"I have given you privileges, and special treatment because you are obviously intelligent - but also because you are already well educated.
Some have suggested that you are too well educated for an average slave - so there lingers in my mind the question of who you really are.
Well ?", Gracchus leaned back, leaving the question hanging in the air.
"You know who I am." Dominus, Markos said unsteadily.
"Arion, the slave dealer explained that to Terentius."
"Yes, but even Arion was unsure of his facts." Gracchus retorted.
Markos was by then panicking.
"But Dominus - if I say anything else, I may find myself being beaten, or something even worse !"
"If you tell me the truth, then no harm will come to you.", Gracchus said, reassuringly.
Markos began very quietly, and haltingly, frightened that at any moment Gracchus would lose his temper.
"My father was Gaius Agrippa Aelius, and my name, before I was captured, was..... Marcus Gaius Aelius.", Markos said slowly and with difficulty.
Marus in Athens
"I was born in Athens.
I never met any of my parent's family, and have no idea who they are.
My father saw that I was well educated, but I had problems with both my parents, and spent most of my time with my father's Greek slaves, and other Greek friends - which is why I have a Greek accent.
When my parents were killed, I deeply regretted being a bad son, and so as not to disgrace them any further, I allowed people to think I was my parents' Greek slave-boy.
Now I am happy here in your 'domus' (house).
The pirates could have killed me, but instead they allowed me a new chance in life - and although I am now a slave, I consider that Tyche has been kind to me."
Tyche (Τύχη) meaning "luck"; Roman equivalent: Fortuna - was the presiding deity that governed fortune and prosperity. She is the daughter of Aphrodite and Zeus or Hermes.
In literature, she might be given various genealogies, as a daughter of Hermes and Aphrodite, or considered as one of the Oceanids, daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, or of Zeus. She was connected with Nemesis and Agathos Daimon ("good spirit").
The Greek historian Polybius believed that when no cause can be discovered to events , then the cause of these events may be fairly attributed to Tyche. The constellation of Virgo is sometimes identified as the heavenly figure of Tyche, as well as the goddesses Demeter.
As Markos finished, he hung his head, as if ashamed - and there was a palpable silence in Gracchus' study.
"If you wish to beat me now, or do worse, then do so - if you think I have lied, but I swear to you that I have told you the truth.", Markos finally said.
"Leave us !", Gracchus said quietly to Quintus, "And say nothing of this to anyone !".
Quintus, obviously confused by what had transpired, bowed and left the room.
Gracchus was staring at Markos.
"Well, young Marcus, it looks like Terentius has made an unnecessary journey.
I sent him to speak to Arion, but I hardly think that is needed now.", Gracchus smiled, but Markos (or was it Marcus ?) didn't realize, because he was still sitting shamefully, with his eyes lowered.
"So, young man - what are we to do with you ?"
"I do not know, Dominus.", Markos mumbled.
"For the moment, Marcus, nothing will change.
You will continue to be the slave-boy Markos - but I intend to give you further training in the work of my freedmen, such as Terentius." Gracchus said, and Markos nodded in acknowledgement.
"You will say nothing about our conversation, - nothing about your parents, and nothing about your time in Athens.", Gracchus continued.
"I will only say this to you - in confidence.
It has been given to me that the Gods, and one in particular, favours you, - and that there is a great future for you - if you can be patient.
Study hard - learn - and wait."
Gracchus sat back, waiting for a response - but there was none.
Markos was simply too confused by all the many things that had happened to him recently to take in , fully, what Gracchus was saying to him.
Gracchus of course understood.
"Just take your time, my boy, and think about what I have been saying - and if you have any quetions, or need any help, just speak to Terentius.....
You may go !".
"Thank you, Dominus !", Markos replied, quietly - and with that he left Gracchus' study - bewildered, but somewhat relieved.
'Favoured by the Gods' - the phrase kept ringing in his ears.
Which God, and why, and what would come of it......
But what Markos didn't realize was that, on that morning, the first rays lighting the dawning of his eventual freedom had began the illuminate an otherwise dark sky.
SECUNDI ORACULUM
'The Second Oracle' - And this is what the scroll contained - written in a strange form of Latin, which Novius had previously explained was badly translated from the original Oscan - although why Apollo should prophesy in Oscan, Novius could not explain.
SECUNDI ORACULUM
'The Second Oracle' - And this is what the scroll contained - written in a strange form of Latin, which Novius had previously explained was badly translated from the original Oscan - although why Apollo should prophesy in Oscan, Novius could not explain.
'Civitatis magnae septem montes sunt
Primum est ubi telum haeream
per vestigia nymphae
Tollere rettu - tangere puer
et bene habebunt
An nova aureus puer ascendat
cum seniorem fratrem eius dextram
aurea puer ad sinistram
Semper - usque ad consummationem saeculi
Aurarius nomen puero
Gracchus - Deus veniet cito'
"So, Novius..... what does it mean ?, Gracchus asked, scrutinising the parchment.
"Well, the 'seven hills' of the 'great city' must obviously refer to Rome." Novius began.
"Yes, I can see that.", Gracchus agreed.
"The next line tells us that Marcus' pugio had a spell put on it on the first hill - and there we have a problem.
Which is the first of the seven hills of Rome ?", Novius continued, looking very puzzled.
Gracchus, of course, knew Rome well, as he had a large town villa on the Esquiline Hill - even more sumptuous than his villa at Baiae,.
Seven Hills of Rome
"As you say - the problem, of course, is - which is the first ?
It all depends on from which direction you are looking at them.", Gracchus said, obviously frustrated.
"Yes Gnaeus, but you are thinking about the hills in space, but what about in time ?", Novius answered.
"There, my dear Novius, you have lost me !"
Gracchus replied, even more frustrated.
"Well - which was the first to be settled - or perhaps the first in importance.
Think back to Romulus and Remus and the beginnings of Rome."
"I see !", Gracchus replied, fascinated by his old friend's agile mind.
"That would be the Palatine !"
The Seven Hills of Rome are:
Aventine Hill (Latin, Aventinus; Italian, Aventino)
Caelian Hill (Cælius, Celio)
Capitoline Hill (Capitolinus, Campidoglio)
Esquiline Hill (Esquilinus, Esquilino)
Palatine Hill (Palatinus, Palatino)
Quirinal Hill (Quirinalis, Quirinale)
Viminal Hill (Viminalis, Viminale)
The Vatican Hill (Latin Collis Vaticanus) lying northwest of the Tiber, the Pincian Hill (Latin Mons Pincius), lying to the north, and the Janiculum Hill (Latin Ianiculum), lying to the west, are not counted among the traditional Seven Hills.
Tradition holds that Romulus founded the original city on the Palatine Hill, and that the seven hills were first occupied by small settlements that were not grouped nor recognized as a city called Rome. The seven hills' denizens began to participate in a series of religious games, which began to bond the groups. The city of Rome, thus, came into being as these separate settlements acted as a group, draining the marshy valleys between them and turning them into markets (fora in Latin). Later, in the early 4th century BC, the Servian Walls were constructed to protect the seven hills.
"So, we need to go to Rome and find someone living, or working on the Palatine who could cast a powerful spell on a pugio." Gracchus said, imagining he had already solved the puzzle.
"Yes, but there's more to the prophecy than that, and we are coming to the Villa, so you go and see Marcus, and I, if I may, will go to your study, and look at this scroll more carefully.", Novius said.
IN VILLA
'At the Villa' - The Carriage pulled up, and Gracchus quickly got out, and went round to where the horses of Servius and Petronius were standing, panting and chomping at the bits.
Holding Servius horse by the reins he quickly, and confidentially spoke to his Tribune.
"I have some information !
Question Glykon and Petram - particularly Petram - about Rome and the Palatine Hill.
Get some information out of them.
I don't care how you do it - except that I don't want them killed or castrated.
Is that clear ?
"Of course, Dominus !", Servius replied, and he and Petronius rode off to the Amphitheater where the two slaves were being held.
When Gracchus arrived in Marcus' apartments Marcus was still apparently 'asleep'.
"Any change ?", Gracchus asked Agathon, but with little hope in his voice.
No !", Agathon replied.
"He 'sleeps', and Adonios feeds him soup, - and that is all........
Did you get any help at Cumae ?"
"Maybe." Gracchus replied, "But Novius needs time to work out the meaning of the prophecy."
"Well, I'm just a physician - and I have no knowledge of the will of the Gods - but I would be interested to know what you eventually find out." Agathon said, returning to his scrolls.
Gracchus, seeing that there was nothing for him to do in Marcus' room, quietly left,and made his way to his study.
There Novius was carefully studying the scroll.
Novius
Novius e looked up.
"How is the boy ?" he asked.
"No change.", Gracchus said flatly.
"Well, the way I see it the prophecy says - the weapon was enchanted by a follower of the 'Nymph'.
That I take to be a follower or supporter of Nymphidius.
It goes on to say - very simply 'To remove the spell - touch the boy and all will be well'.
Presumably if the spell is removed from the pugio, then touching Marcus with it will take away the enchantment." Novius said.
"Yes, but first we must find out who cast the spell, and then make them remove it from the wretched weapon." Gracchus replied.
"So use your many clients in Rome to find out about the supporters of Nymphidius, and any dealing they might have had with a practitioner of magic. - It can be done !", Novius said, emphatically.
"Yes, - your right." Gracchus replied, sounding weak and tired.
"But the prophecy is in two parts.
The second part appears to assume that Marcus recovers - which is good news.",Novius said excitedly.
"Yes, that sounds excellent.", Gracchus agreed.
"So what does it say ?" Gracchus asked, his interest piqued.
"And a 'new golden boy' is to come - With an older brother at his right hand - The 'golden boy' shall be at his left hand - Always - 'until the end of time'."
"Strange !" Gracchus said, rubbing his chin. "Whose left hand, and whose right hand ?".
"I take it to be Marcus' right hand - and the older brother to be Petronius - as Marcus has no real older brother, but Marcus looks to Petronius like an older brother, and Petronius treats Marcus like a little brother who needs protecting.", Novius explained.
"Interesting, and possible ?", Gracchus mused.
"But who is this new 'nova aureus puer' - 'new golden boy' ?", Gracchus asked, somewhat agitated.
"This all started with 'aurea puer ad mare' - the 'golden boy from the sea'.
"Now I don't want you to misunderstand me, - I love Marcus deeply, but my whole life has been turned upside down ever since he appeared here at the villa - so can I cope with another 'aureus puer - another 'golden boy' ?"
"Well that's the first time I have ever heard you say that you 'love' Marcus - and perhaps it's about time that you told him yourself !", Novius said forcefully.
There was a prolonged silence in the study as Gracchus considered carefully what Novius had said.
"Yes." Gracchus answered softly.
"You are right, - and I have been a fool."
"I'm sorry Gnaeus - but it had to be said.", Novius explained, putting a hand on Gracchus' shoulder.
"I don't know who the 'nova aureus puer' is - but it seems that he will be a good friend to Marcus - unlike Cleon.
"Perhaps Terentius will bring him from Brundisium - who knows ?"
"Perhaps.", Gracchus said with resignation.
"And his name is to be 'Aurarius'." Novius concluded.
"Well why not ?
He is supposed to be a 'golden boy'", Gracchus said with a smile on his lips.
"The very last sentence of the prophecy is addressed to you - my friend.
It is, I think, a timely reminder.
'Gracchus - Deus veniet cito' -
'Gracchus - the God will come soon !'", Novius said, gently.
"Yes I know.
"My time is running out." Gracchus said, slowly.