The Appian Way

 January 26^th 44 BC, The Appian Way

There is a deafening roar that greets Caesar as he rides on his horse upon the Appian Way back to Rome. Cheers, whoops, hoorays, and cries of joy fill the company’s ears as they pass by the crowds.

“Rex!” The call of a voice alerts Caesar, which makes his spin his head to spot a man that was like every other beside him. It was not the man’s status, nor the man himself that brought him to Caesar’s attention. It was the chaos that ensued.

“Rex!” “Rex!” “Rex!” The people take up the man’s call, and soon enough, the road is echoing with the title of King.

Caesar becomes uneasy; and so do his men. He stops his horse, and raises his hand for silence. The excited welcomes turn into muffled chattering, then there is no more sound upon the Appian Way.

“My dear friends from all places, of all ages,” Caesar begins slowly, “I have heard that some refer to me as Rex.” There is still no sound, as if the Romans were all holding their breath at the same time. “Yet I must correct you,” his gaze lands on the man who started it all, “For I am Caesar, not Rex.” The crowds applaud him, as does the man. The man bows his head for a second, ashamed under the crowds’ gaze. But as soon as Caesar continues on, the man lifts his head back up and starts to chant enthusiastically with the crowd.

“Caesar!” They yell, “Caesar is back!”

Caesar does not know, nor do the rest of the cheering crowds: The man who yelled Rex will soon be arrested by Marullus and Flavus. No one knows, and as they go oblivious, merry in their own way, the chanting fades, replacing it a gasp of shock and a trickle of tear that runs along the cheek of the pleb.

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→ Part 5: The Festival of the Lupercalia