Image: a painting of an ancient sea battle.

Story Summary

As we continue reading the story Caedes Intellecta, it is important to remind ourselves of what has happened previously and the events that we can expect to read about in the upcoming chapter. So, let's review and get ready for the next part of the story!

Look at the image to the right and consider the Latin phrase: Cognoscere nunc situm nostrum, necesse est nobis casus rerum cogitare. - To understand our current situation, we must consider the causes of things. Painting by Laureys a Castro, 1672.

Story Notes

Marcellus, the son of Octavia and nephew of the Emperor Augustus, has died. He was traveling in Campania with his Numidian friend, Juba, when it happened. The circumstances surrounding his death are murky, as Marcellus appeared to be a healthy young man. The people closest to him, his friends and his teacher, begin to worry that foul play may have been involved.

The death of their friend has stirred up deep emotions. As Pseudolus and Selene were discussing their recollections of coming to Rome for the first time, Selene shuddered and closed her eyes remembering that terrible, humiliating day. One word came to her mind, again and again: metus - fear.

Selene was not alone in her fearful recollections. Pseudolus also had clear recollections of the triumph: the dread he felt was not so much for himself, but for the young wards for whom he took responsibility. At that time, there was one thing he thought he would never feel again: spes - hope.

How did Pseudolus, Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios arrive in Rome? What was their first experience in Rome? Before moving forward in the story, let's take a look at how everyone got to this point.