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PROLOGVS
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Marcus and his suite return to the Villa Auream, where frantic preparation are being made for the journey to Greece.
After a farewell meal, Marcus and his immediate entourage retire for the night after a long day at the Ludi.
"That's good !", Marcus said approvingly.
"Now the next nearest suite I want for my Tribune, Petronius - and then a suite situated in a quiet part of the villa, close to the library - if that's possible ?", Marcus continued.
"Yes....I can arrange that, Dominus.", Heliodorus replied.
Marcus then looked to Adonios -
"So where shall we put Faunus ? - that is if he decided to come with us ?", Marcus said, suddenly realizing that he had no recollection of seeing Faunus during the voyage.
"I wouldn't worry about Faunus.", Adonios said......
They had been walking through the villa as they talked - through the vestibule, into the main atrium, and on into the peristyle, which led to the gardens.
'A Day in the City' - After breakfast preparations were made for a trip into the city, and carriages were prepared.
Archos and Adonios were remarkably quiet, obviously stunned by the unexpected announcement that Markos had made.
Novius had been provided with a small carriage which he was to share with Heliodorus, who would act as his guide.
The other, large carriage was to be taken by Markos, Patroclus, Faunus and the 'boys'.
Novius was intending to visit the Library that had been used by Aristotle, as the 'Akademos' of Plato had been destroyed some time before by the Roman General Sulla.
Meanwhile Markos was intending to show the 'boys' and Patroclus the gymnasion that he had used when he was a boy.
Of course Faunus knew the particular gymnasion well, as he had often observed Markos there when Markos was a boy - but of course Markos had been unaware that he was being observed by his future 'mentor'.
At the end of the morning it was arranged that they should return to the villa for a relaxed midday meal, and then they would make a second foray into the city in order to visit the Acropolis.
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath furnished her table.
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the high places of the city,
Whosoever is ignorant, let him come hither: as for him that wanteth understanding,
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.'
Please note that this chapter may contain sexually explicit and violent images and text.
The following morning they rise early and travel by coaches to Brundisium, to board the Naval Galley provided by Titus for their journey....
This is undoubtedly the critical point in the first part of the story, as Marcus returns to the city where he grew up as a boy, and the city near the town where Petronius and Aurarius were born and grew up before they were sold into slavery.
Most significantly, however, the visit coincides with the celebration of the 'Eleusinian Mysteries' - and Faunus has determined that it is essential that Marcus, Petronius and the 'boys' attend the 'Mysteries', as it appears that their future depends on their initiation.
This is undoubtedly the critical point in the first part of the story, as Marcus returns to the city where he grew up as a boy, and the city near the town where Petronius and Aurarius were born and grew up before they were sold into slavery.
Most significantly, however, the visit coincides with the celebration of the 'Eleusinian Mysteries' - and Faunus has determined that it is essential that Marcus, Petronius and the 'boys' attend the 'Mysteries', as it appears that their future depends on their initiation.
MARE IONIAN
'The Ionian Sea' - With the help of of his friend, Titus, (eldest son of the Emperor Vespasian), Marcus, as a Roman senator, is able to 'hitch a lift' on a Roman galley from Brundisium - in Italy - to Piraeus - in Greece....The last time that Marcus made a similar journey - in the opposite direction - he was kidnapped by pirates (see Chapter I - 'Pirates').
So what will happen this time ?
'Caresse sur l'océan
Porte l'oiseau si leger
Revenant des terres enneigées
Air éphémère de l'hiver
Au loin ton echo s'éloigne
Chateaux en Espagne
Vire au vent tournoie déploie tes ailes
Dans l'aube grise du levant
Trouve un chemin vers l'arc-en-ciel
Porte l'oiseau si leger
Revenant des terres enneigées
Air éphémère de l'hiver
Au loin ton echo s'éloigne
Chateaux en Espagne
Vire au vent tournoie déploie tes ailes
Dans l'aube grise du levant
Trouve un chemin vers l'arc-en-ciel
Se découvrira le printemps..''
It was daybreak - the sea was calm, with hardly a ripple.
The well dressed young man was standing by the rail of the Galley, looking expectantly and hopefully at the longed for sea, and watching the sea-birds circling high above.
And so Marcus' thoughts turned back to the young boy standing by the cargo ship's rail, looking expectantly and hopefully for the first sight of land, and watching the sea-birds circling high above.
For years afterwards, during his time as a slave - and even later, when he was given back his 'freedom', and finally inherited and became the Dominus - the sun on the sea still represented to him the 'breath of freedom'......but a greater 'freedom' than that which he had seemingly achieved.
And now, once again, he was gazing on the sparkling blue sea, on his way to what he hoped would be that greater 'freedom'.
This would be a return to the 'youth' that had been stolen from him, so seemingly long ago - and a chance to reappraise his position, and his life.
As Faunus had said - a chance to 'find himself' - and lay all the ghosts of the past.
And so Marcus' thoughts turned back to the young boy standing by the cargo ship's rail, looking expectantly and hopefully for the first sight of land, and watching the sea-birds circling high above.
For years afterwards, during his time as a slave - and even later, when he was given back his 'freedom', and finally inherited and became the Dominus - the sun on the sea still represented to him the 'breath of freedom'......but a greater 'freedom' than that which he had seemingly achieved.
And now, once again, he was gazing on the sparkling blue sea, on his way to what he hoped would be that greater 'freedom'.
This would be a return to the 'youth' that had been stolen from him, so seemingly long ago - and a chance to reappraise his position, and his life.
As Faunus had said - a chance to 'find himself' - and lay all the ghosts of the past.
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| Sun over the Bay of Neapolis |
"So, Dominus, we return to Hellas (Greece)." Aurarius said.
"Yes...", Marcus said quietly.
"And I suppose it's a return for you, Aurarius, as well as for me - after all, you originally came from Hellas."
"I think we all did, at one time or the other - even Glaux - so we're not really very Roman, are we ?", Aurarius said, very pertinently.
"Well all of us - except Novius.
"He's a true Roman - well almost Etruscan.", Marcus said.
Achaea was a province of the Roman Empire, consisting of the Peloponnese, eastern Central Greece, and parts of Thessaly, and often referred to by the Geeks as Hellas. In the north, it bordered on the provinces of Epirus vetus and Macedonia. The region was annexed by the Roman Republic in 146 BC following the sack of Corinth by the Roman general Lucius Mummius, who was awarded the cognomen "Achaicus" ("conqueror of Achaea"). It became part of the Roman province of Macedonia, which included the whole of mainland Greece. Achaea was a senatorial province, thus free from military men and legions, and one of the most prestigious and sought-after provinces for senators to govern. Athens was the primary centre of education for the imperial elite, rivalled only by Alexandria, and one of the most important cities in the Empire. Achaea was among the most prosperous and peaceful parts of the Roman world.
"I think that you want to go back to Hellas very much, Dominus...", Aurarius said, following Marcus gaze far out to sea.
"Yes, very much - but I don't think there will be much there for me.
Perhaps I might find the house where I used to live - and recognise some of the streets and buildings, but I don't think anyone will remember me.
But it will be good to be there once again.", and Marcus paused, obviously thinking about his younger days.
"Apparently, according to Terentius, I own a villa there, just outside the city, so we will have somewhere nice and private to stay."
"Yes....and I wonder how big this one will be ?", Aurarius asked, grinning.
Adonios then joined them, with Glaux.
Glaux was looking far from happy.
The sea spray was being blown into his feathers, and he was a little wary of the big seagulls flying overhead - after all, Glaux was only little.
"Greetings, Dominus." Adonios said respectfully.
"As you can see, Dominus, Glaux does not like the sea very much."
Marcus ruffled Glaux's feathers.
"Yes, I can see that... and where is Petronius ?", Marcus asked.
"Well....promise you won't laugh - but he's not feeling very well.
I don't think he would make a very good sailor.", Adonios said, barely able to suppress his own grin.
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| Piraeus Boat Sheds |
A day later they arrived at Piraeus.
Conon rebuilt much of the port in 393 BC, founded the temple of Aphrodite Euploia, and the sanctuary of Zeus Sotiros and Athena, and built the famous Skeuotheke (arsenal) of Philon. The reconstruction of Piraeus went on during the period of Alexander the Great, but this revival of the town was quashed by Roman Lucius Cornelius Sulla, who captured and totally destroyed Piraeus in 86 BC. Subsequently the Romans rebuilt the port for commercial and naval use.
Conon rebuilt much of the port in 393 BC, founded the temple of Aphrodite Euploia, and the sanctuary of Zeus Sotiros and Athena, and built the famous Skeuotheke (arsenal) of Philon. The reconstruction of Piraeus went on during the period of Alexander the Great, but this revival of the town was quashed by Roman Lucius Cornelius Sulla, who captured and totally destroyed Piraeus in 86 BC. Subsequently the Romans rebuilt the port for commercial and naval use.
Piraeus was of little interest to the travellers, as it was only a port - with all the hustle and bustle and smells and inconvenience that any port brings with it.
There to greet them was the Greek freedman who managed Marcus' affairs in Athens.
The man in question, who was called Heliodorus, proved to be young, elegant and very polite.
He had been appointed by the late Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, and had never met the new Dominus, Marcus Octavianus Gracchus.
On their first meeting he was pleasantly surprised, as he took his new master to be Greek - which of course, Marcus wasn't - he just spoke Latin with a Greek accent, and spoke Greek perfectly, but with an Athenian accent.
As Marcus' was greeted by his new senior freedman, Marcus' party came on deck, with Petronius looking far from well, but obviously relieved that the voyage was over.
Glaux was excitedly looking round, (that is 'excitedly' for an owl - who never allow themselves to be anything but 'dignified').
There was a warm breeze blowing from the land, bringing with it all the sweet aromas that Marcus associated with his boyhood - and it was good to be 'home' - even if Marcus was supposed to be a Roman.
Carriages were drawn up at the quayside, and soon everyone was accommodated, while slaves unloaded the endless crates and chests which were to be take to the Villa on the outskirts of the city.
Wealthy patricians, in these times, rarely travelled light.
As they travelled through the streets of Athens Marcus excitedly pointed out various monuments, temples, shopping streets and other sights to Aurarius, who was amazed that Marcus could remember all these places from a time before he had become a slave of Gracchus.
'At the Villa' - By the time they arrived at the villa the sun was high.
The Villa Athena - as it was appropriately called, was in a very pure classical style - the only Roman touch being the Tuscan columns.
The Tuscan order is a simplified Doric order, with un-fluted columns and a simpler entablature with no triglyphs or guttae. In its simplicity, the Tuscan order is seen as similar to the Doric order, and yet in its overall proportions, intercolumniation, and simpler entablature, it follows the ratios of the Ionic. Roman precedents, for this order are the Arena of Verona and the Pula Arena.
Carriages were drawn up at the quayside, and soon everyone was accommodated, while slaves unloaded the endless crates and chests which were to be take to the Villa on the outskirts of the city.
Wealthy patricians, in these times, rarely travelled light.
As they travelled through the streets of Athens Marcus excitedly pointed out various monuments, temples, shopping streets and other sights to Aurarius, who was amazed that Marcus could remember all these places from a time before he had become a slave of Gracchus.
'IN VILLA ATHENA'
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| Villa Athena |
The Villa Athena - as it was appropriately called, was in a very pure classical style - the only Roman touch being the Tuscan columns.
The Tuscan order is a simplified Doric order, with un-fluted columns and a simpler entablature with no triglyphs or guttae. In its simplicity, the Tuscan order is seen as similar to the Doric order, and yet in its overall proportions, intercolumniation, and simpler entablature, it follows the ratios of the Ionic. Roman precedents, for this order are the Arena of Verona and the Pula Arena.
The villa had presumably not been the work of Marcus' eccentric architect, Severus, but rather would have been designed, on the instructions of the late Dominus, by an architect who was a native of Athens.
The villa looked deceptively small from the entrance, but in fact it sprawled out into the large parkland that surrounded it - but only rising to one story, and remaining intimate in style throughout.
Undoubtedly, the late Dominus had built this elegant villa as a place for rest, relaxation and quiet contemplation, although Marcus has never known Gnaeus go to Athens during the time that he had been with him.
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| The 'Apollo of Piraeus' |
Among the countless treasures kept at the villa was an ancient bronze statue of the God Apollo, (ancient to the Romans that is), of the type known as a 'kuros'.
The God Apollo, of course, was the 'patron God' of Marcus, and the House of Gracchus.
The slaves immediately began unloading the chests and crates, while Aurarius and Adonios entered the villa with Heliodorus, the senior freedman in order to be shown the suite that had previously been occupied by the late Dominus.A kouros (Ancient Greek: κοῦρος, plural kouroi) is the term given to free-standing ancient Greek sculptures that first appear in the Archaic period in Greece, and represents a nude male youth (ephebe). In Ancient Greek 'kouros' means 'youth, boy, especially of noble rank'. Although Kouroi have been found in many ancient Greek territories, they were especially prominent in Attica and Boiotia. The term 'kouros' was first proposed because many of such sculptures were depictions of the God Apollo. Such statues are found across the Greek-speaking world; the preponderance of these were found in sanctuaries of Apollo' with more than one hundred from the sanctuary of 'Apollo Ptoion', Boeotia, alone. These free-standing sculptures were typically marble, but the form is also rendered in limestone, wood, bronze, ivory and terracotta. They are typically life-sized. The 'Apollo of Piraeus', as the sculpture is now known, dates to C. 520–485 BC.
"That's good !", Marcus said approvingly.
"Now the next nearest suite I want for my Tribune, Petronius - and then a suite situated in a quiet part of the villa, close to the library - if that's possible ?", Marcus continued.
"Yes....I can arrange that, Dominus.", Heliodorus replied.
Marcus then looked to Adonios -
"So where shall we put Faunus ? - that is if he decided to come with us ?", Marcus said, suddenly realizing that he had no recollection of seeing Faunus during the voyage.
"I wouldn't worry about Faunus.", Adonios said......
They had been walking through the villa as they talked - through the vestibule, into the main atrium, and on into the peristyle, which led to the gardens.
'IN HORTO'
 |
| View from the Peristyle of the Gardens |
'In the Garden' - Adonios looked out over the patio that led to the main path through the gardens.
He gestured with his hand.
"This, I think is where Faunus will probably stay, and I have a good idea that he will turn up here a little later."
"Of course.", Aurarius added.
"After all the work's been done !".
Marcus smiled.
And so the task of unpacking began, while Marcus briefed Heliodorus about his requirements, including how the 'boys', and in particular Glaux were to be treated.
Meanwhile, Petronius, 'hung-over' from his seasickness, decided to take to his bed in his suite
What surprised Aurarius was the fact the Marcus, on going to their suite, busily involved himself in the process of unpacking, seemingly enjoying the task.
As Petronius was sleeping, Adonios went to see Marcus.
As Petronius was sleeping, Adonios went to see Marcus.
"Marcus, ....may I go out to the gardens this evening, and see if I can find Faunus ?", Adonios asked, as Marcus busied himself unpacking the numerous chests.
Marcus looked up and smiled.
"Yes of course, Adonios - and I think I shall retire early, as I'm so tired from the voyage - so when you come back, try not to make too much noise, as I - like Petronius, shall probably be sleeping.", Marcus replied, dropping the clothes that he was about to put away, as he slowly moved into his bedroom.
Adonios looked around him.
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| Path through the Woods |
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| Villa Athena at Sunset |
It was all very odd.
There was not a sound in the huge villa - no idle chatter of slaves, no noise from the kitchens, and not even the distant sounds from the city.
Then he noticed that the sun was setting, bathing everything in a violet glow - but it seemed only moments before it had been the early afternoon.
By then he could hear the deep breathing of Marcus, who was obviously sound asleep, and Aurarius seemed to have disappeared.
Adonios then went out into the villa gardens, wondering if the sudden transformation, and the unnatural stillness were in some way the work of Faunus.
At the same time Glaux fluttered past him, and flew on to where a narrow path led into a deeply wooded area - and a voice in his head, which he knew to be Glaux, said, softly "Follow me."
At the end of the path was a huge rhododendron, almost identical to one that Adonios had found in the gardens of the villa at Tibur.
Everything was so beautiful, bathed in a the violet fading light of the sunset.
Adonios very much wanted to wake Marcus, and let him see the magical gardens - but he knew that this was no ordinary sunset, and that Glaux was leading him to a reunion with Faunus.
Glaux was fluttering over the rhododendrons.
"So where have you been all this time ?", and voice said - seemingly from nowhere.
"Very clever.....Faunus.
Well some of us actually have to travel from place to place in the normal way - and it takes time...", Adonios replied, glad to hear his friend's voice.
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| Faunus Among the Rhododendrons |
And of course Faunus finally made himself visible, slowly appearing among the rhododendrons.
"Oh.....so there you are...", Adonios said, pretending to be unimpressed.
"And what's all this business with the really weird sunset, and no afternoon ?
And, what's more to the point...how did you do it ?", Adonios somewhat foolishly asked.
"The reason for getting rid of the afternoon was that people unpacking their belongings is rather boring...so...when Marcus, Aurarius Petronius and Novius wake up - and they do all need a good sleep - it will all be done.
As for the sunset, well that's just all in your mind.
Don't think that the people in Athens were all gazing at the sky in wonderment.
The sunset was just for you.
And it was rather good, wasn't it ?, Faunus said grinning.
"Well yes it was.", Adonios agreed, and it was then that he realised that the sun had finally set, and the sky had turned a deep, dark blue, and was glittering with stars.
"So....another beautiful sky..... just for me ?", Adonios said, doing his best to identify the constellations.
"Sort of...", Faunus replied, as he sat himself down among the rhododendrons.
"But actually no one has ever really seen the sky - as it actually is.
You see it's all in the mind.
What Faunus was really taking about was - to some extent - 'Plato's Allegory of the Cave'. Plato describes a group of people who have lived chained up in a cave all of their lives, and facing a blank wall. The people watch shadows projected on the wall from objects passing in front of a fire behind them, and give names to these shadows. The shadows are the prisoners' reality. It is possible, however, to be freed from the cave and come to understand that the shadows on the wall are not reality at all, and to perceive the true form of reality rather than the manufactured reality that is the shadows seen by the prisoners. This allegory, however, is in some respects an inaccurate misrepresentation, as we cannot normally break free from the bonds of our human condition - we cannot, by ourselves, free ourselves from our phenomenal state, just as the prisoners could not free themselves from their chains. If, however, we were to escape our bondage, (in this case, for Adonios, with the help of Faunus), we would find a world that we could not really understand. This would be because we would encounter another higher and true reality which, according to Plato, is is the realm of 'the Forms'.
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| Plato |
Faunus continued....."The real sky would be far too intense and overwhelming for you humans to see as it really is - just as everything else would be - so this odd little brain of yours gives you a simple picture that you can cope with.
Now I can occasionally let you have a little peek - just for a short time, and in a reduced form - at some things - just to let you know that this world that you live in, at the present moment, is a very wonderful and remarkable place.", Faunus explained - but not really......
And Adonios didn't really understand, but he nodded, as he always tried to be polite, particularly to Faunus.
"Well I haven't had much time to see any of it, having just got off the boat....", Adonios said, wondering where this conversation was going.
"I think you'll like it,....", Faunus said.
"And remember, this is where Marcus lived as a boy, and where you came from, originally.
More to the point, however, this trip is important - for all of you, except maybe Novius.
So keep alert, and pay attention.", Faunus said, firmly.
"Yes, of course.", Adonios said, still ensuring that he was being polite.
And Adonios didn't really understand, but he nodded, as he always tried to be polite, particularly to Faunus.
A little bit more about Plato - as he's important to our story.......Πλάτων - Plato (348/347 BC) was a philosopher in Classical Greece and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely considered the most pivotal figure in the development of philosophy. The 'Theory of Forms' is Plato's argument that non-material 'Forms' represent the most accurate reality - in fact they are reality - (hence Faunus' comment - 'this is all illusion') - and this concept is developed in Plato's 'Analogy of the Cave' (see above) . When used in this sense, the word 'Form' is usually capitalized. Plato speaks of these entities only through the characters of his dialogues, who sometimes suggest that these Forms are the only objects that can provide true knowledge (gnosis). The theory was later considered to be a classical solution to the problem of universals ('universals' is an academic problem in philosophy which we won't bother with here)."So......how do you like Greece - and Athens ?", Faunus asked, changing the subject.
"Well I haven't had much time to see any of it, having just got off the boat....", Adonios said, wondering where this conversation was going.
"I think you'll like it,....", Faunus said.
"And remember, this is where Marcus lived as a boy, and where you came from, originally.
More to the point, however, this trip is important - for all of you, except maybe Novius.
So keep alert, and pay attention.", Faunus said, firmly.
"Yes, of course.", Adonios said, still ensuring that he was being polite.
'GRAVE FACTI SUNT'
'There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us.
What is this thing that builds our dreams,
Yet slips away from us ?'
'There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us.
What is this thing that builds our dreams,
Yet slips away from us ?'
'Things Become Serious' - Faunus looked to Adonios sombrely.
"From now on things are about to become very serious.", Faunus said quietly.
"What do you mean ?", Adonios asked, his voice pitched high, as if he were panicking - just a little.
"I thought when the conspirators tried to kill Marcus - and when Servius murdered the 'late Dominus' - I thought then things were serious.
So what do you mean ?, Adonios questioned.
"Yes......but, the future undoubtedly holds events that are even more serious - as you will eventually discover.", Faunus said.
"Yes....And what ?.....what events.", Adonios questioned defiantly.
"That I may not say.", Faunus replied.
"But I must tell you something very important.
It is essential that all of you go to Eleusis - to the Mysteries.", Faunus insisted, as he played with a bloom he had plucked from the Rhododendron bush behind him.
for information about Eleusis and the Mysteries go to:
"And why ?", Adonios asked, determined to get to the bottom of what Faunus was saying.
'Well....you should know, Adonios, that Socrates said that 'one who is initiated into the Mysteries becomes truly perfect'.
And as Pindar said - 'Blessed is he who has seen the Mysteries before he dies; for he understands that the end of one life is but the beginning of a new life, given by the God.', Faunus explained.
"You mean that we live forever ?", Adonios said - and then he paused to think for a moment.
"Yes....but who wants to live forever....", Adonios then asked, "if maybe your friends, and those you love are not with you ?".
"Yes...but what if they are ?", Faunus suggested.
Adonios looked puzzled.
"So that's why we should all attend the Mysteries......now I begin to see.", Adonios said smiling -
and Faunus smiled as well, and nodded - 'Yes."
"So, Adonios, I suggest that while you are here in Athens you enjoy your time, along with Marcus, Petronius and Aurarius - and also listen carefully to all that Novius has to tell you.", Faunus said, trying to make the mood a little more relaxed.
"But Faunus - I still don't really understand.....why this obsession with the Mysteries ?
Why is it so important ?", Faunus asked, obviously becoming exasperated.
Suddenly Faunus rose to his feet, dropping the flower he had been idly playing with.
The young faun then appeared unnaturally tall and threatening.
"Adonios !", Faunus said in a remarkably loud and serious voice.
He paused for just a moment, staring intently at Adonios.
"I see, and I know all the ages in the endless past - to the very beginning of all things !
I see all that is present, in all places, and in all the worlds !
And I see all the infinity of possible futures, in all the worlds that are to come !
I know that without the Sacred Mysteries you, and those around, you will disappear...... into the endless depths of Hades !
So you will attend the Sacred Mysteries - and that will grant you the new life that awaits you.....".
And as if to emphasise Faunus' words there was a distant rumble of thunder from far away, beyond the Acropolis.
Adonios took an unsteady step back, unsure what was happening.
"Yes....of course, Faunus.
I'm sorry if I upset you...", Adonios stuttered, not fully understanding the full import of what Faunus had said.
"So....my friend....", Faunus continued, in his usual, soft and friendly tone.
"I hope that you now understand.".
And Glaux, who was sitting on a branch nearby, blinked at Adonios and nodded.
"And now Glaux will take you back to the villa.
They will all be fast asleep, so return quietly - go to bed without disturbing anyone, and get a good night's sleep - after all, tomorrow is going to be an important day for you."
Adonios wondered what Faunus might mean by this, but thought it better not to ask.
"Goodnight Faunus....And I'm so glad that you are now with us...", Adonios said, turning and following Glaux, who fluttered lazily along the path between the trees
"But Faunus - I still don't really understand.....why this obsession with the Mysteries ?
Why is it so important ?", Faunus asked, obviously becoming exasperated.
Suddenly Faunus rose to his feet, dropping the flower he had been idly playing with.
The young faun then appeared unnaturally tall and threatening.
"Adonios !", Faunus said in a remarkably loud and serious voice.
He paused for just a moment, staring intently at Adonios.
"I see, and I know all the ages in the endless past - to the very beginning of all things !
I see all that is present, in all places, and in all the worlds !
And I see all the infinity of possible futures, in all the worlds that are to come !
I know that without the Sacred Mysteries you, and those around, you will disappear...... into the endless depths of Hades !
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| The Sanctuary at Eleusis |
And as if to emphasise Faunus' words there was a distant rumble of thunder from far away, beyond the Acropolis.
Adonios took an unsteady step back, unsure what was happening.
"Yes....of course, Faunus.
I'm sorry if I upset you...", Adonios stuttered, not fully understanding the full import of what Faunus had said.
"So....my friend....", Faunus continued, in his usual, soft and friendly tone.
"I hope that you now understand.".
And Glaux, who was sitting on a branch nearby, blinked at Adonios and nodded.
"And now Glaux will take you back to the villa.
They will all be fast asleep, so return quietly - go to bed without disturbing anyone, and get a good night's sleep - after all, tomorrow is going to be an important day for you."
Adonios wondered what Faunus might mean by this, but thought it better not to ask.
"Goodnight Faunus....And I'm so glad that you are now with us...", Adonios said, turning and following Glaux, who fluttered lazily along the path between the trees
ATHENIS PRIMO MANE
'The First Morning in Athens' - The following morning Adonios awoke to find Marcus padding around the bedroom, looking in seeming amazement in the closets and chests in the room.
"Good morning, Adonios.
Strange....I've never seen everything put away so neatly and tidily.
And the floor swept and everything clean and polished.
And you did it all without waking me up."
"Yes, well it had to be done.", Adonios replied, equally amazed, as he looked bleary eyed round the sparkling, immaculate room.
"Yes, well it had to be done.", Adonios replied, equally amazed, as he looked bleary eyed round the sparkling, immaculate room.
"It's making me wonder if I might regret what I'm planning to do today.", Marcus said, cryptically.
Adonios was puzzled by what Marcus was saying, but was equally puzzled that Marcus, after the exhausting sea voyage was looking so healthy and youthful - however, he put it down to the fresh, healthy Athenian air.
Moments later there was a soft knock at the door, and a young, Greek slave-boy reported to the 'despotes' (Greek for 'master'), that the breakfast was ready to be served.
And so, Adonios helped Marcus to dress, and then they both went to the triklinion (note the different, Greek spelling).
On arrival they found Petronius, Aurarius and Novius all waiting for them.
As soon as Marcus was seated, the others sat down, and waited for the slaves the serve the food and drink.
Once everything had been served, Marcus ordered the slaves to leave the room - a sure sign that Marcus was about to speak confidentially.
They were not, however, to be left undisturbed.
At that moment Faunus arrived, looking every inch a young Athenian aristocrat, (except that the Greeks of that time didn't have inches).
He was wearing a beautiful white chiton, (tunic), along with gold bracelets and white calf-skin boots.
"So, you did come, after all !", Marcus said, rising from his seat and smiling.
"Indeed...mainly to see if Petronius had recovered from his seasickness.", Faunus said, with a wry smile.
Petronius nodded and smiled.
"Thank you, Faunus.
As usual you know everything...so you will also probably know that I am fully recovered.", Petronius replied in remarkable good humour.
Adonios quickly found Faunus a chair, and much to everyone's surprise it was discovered that an extra place had been set for Faunus at the table.
"So, my friends,", Marcus began.
"Here we are in Athens, and we need to make some adjustments to our new situation."
"First, all of us, with the exception of Novius, are Greeks, who live in Rome, but have returned to our native city, Athens for a holiday in our out of town villa - at least that is our story.
Novius, I am sure, won'r mind me saying that he could never pass as a Greek with his Latin accent."
Novius nodded and smiled.
"I shall be known as Markos.", Marcus continued.
"My elder cousin Petronius, shall now be known as Patroclus.....my younger cousin - Aurarius, shall be known as Archos, and my other young cousin is still - as always - Adonios, as it's a Greek name in the first place.
So...are we all happy with that ?", Markos asked, hopefully.
They all nodded.
"And now, Archos and Adonios, I want you to remove your gold slave collars, which are now yours to keep, as a present from me - and this evening, at dinner, I will give you the documents granting your citizenship and freedom."
Archos and Adonios looked at one another, unable to believe what Markos was saying.
"Well, I did say last night that today was going to be an important day for you.", Faunus said, slapping Adonios on the back.
They were not, however, to be left undisturbed.
At that moment Faunus arrived, looking every inch a young Athenian aristocrat, (except that the Greeks of that time didn't have inches).
He was wearing a beautiful white chiton, (tunic), along with gold bracelets and white calf-skin boots.
"So, you did come, after all !", Marcus said, rising from his seat and smiling.
"Indeed...mainly to see if Petronius had recovered from his seasickness.", Faunus said, with a wry smile.
Petronius nodded and smiled.
"Thank you, Faunus.
As usual you know everything...so you will also probably know that I am fully recovered.", Petronius replied in remarkable good humour.
Adonios quickly found Faunus a chair, and much to everyone's surprise it was discovered that an extra place had been set for Faunus at the table.
"So, my friends,", Marcus began.
"Here we are in Athens, and we need to make some adjustments to our new situation."
"First, all of us, with the exception of Novius, are Greeks, who live in Rome, but have returned to our native city, Athens for a holiday in our out of town villa - at least that is our story.
Novius, I am sure, won'r mind me saying that he could never pass as a Greek with his Latin accent."
Novius nodded and smiled.
"I shall be known as Markos.", Marcus continued.
"My elder cousin Petronius, shall now be known as Patroclus.....my younger cousin - Aurarius, shall be known as Archos, and my other young cousin is still - as always - Adonios, as it's a Greek name in the first place.
So...are we all happy with that ?", Markos asked, hopefully.
They all nodded.
"And now, Archos and Adonios, I want you to remove your gold slave collars, which are now yours to keep, as a present from me - and this evening, at dinner, I will give you the documents granting your citizenship and freedom."
Archos and Adonios looked at one another, unable to believe what Markos was saying.
"Well, I did say last night that today was going to be an important day for you.", Faunus said, slapping Adonios on the back.
DIE IN URBE
'A Day in the City' - After breakfast preparations were made for a trip into the city, and carriages were prepared.
Archos and Adonios were remarkably quiet, obviously stunned by the unexpected announcement that Markos had made.
Novius had been provided with a small carriage which he was to share with Heliodorus, who would act as his guide.
The other, large carriage was to be taken by Markos, Patroclus, Faunus and the 'boys'.
Novius was intending to visit the Library that had been used by Aristotle, as the 'Akademos' of Plato had been destroyed some time before by the Roman General Sulla.
 |
| The Local Gymnasion in Athens |
Of course Faunus knew the particular gymnasion well, as he had often observed Markos there when Markos was a boy - but of course Markos had been unaware that he was being observed by his future 'mentor'.
The gymnasium (Greek: gymnasion) in Ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked".Athletes competed nude, a practice which was said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body, and to be a tribute to the gods. Gymnasia and palestrae (wrestling schools) were under the protection and patronage of Heracles, Hermes and, in Athens, Theseus. The gymnasium was used for exercise, communal bathing, and scholarly and philosophical pursuits because of the strong relation between athletics, education and health in Greek culture. Plato considered gymnastics to be an important part of education (see Republic iii. and parts of Laws) and according to him it was the sophist Prodicus who first pointed out the connection between gymnastics and health. Having found gymnastic exercises beneficial to his own weak constitution, Prodicus formulated a method that became generally accepted and was subsequently improved by Hippocrates. Galen also put great stress on the proper and frequent use of gymnastics. Throughout other ancient Greek medical writings special exercises are prescribed as cures for specific diseases, showing the extent to which the Greeks considered health and fitness connected. The same connection is commonly suggested by experts today.
An acropolis (Greek: ἀκρόπολις, from ákros (άκρος) or ákron (άκρον) "highest, topmost, outermost" and pólis "city"; is a settlement, especially a citadel, built upon an area of elevated ground - frequently a hill with precipitous sides, chosen for purposes of defence. The 'acropoleis' became the nuclei of large cities of classical antiquity, such as ancient Athens and Rome. The most famous example is the Acropolis of Athens, which, by reason of its historical associations and the several famous buildings erected upon it (most notably the Parthenon).
The Acropolis - Athens
'and the story continues -
'Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath raised up her pillars:Markos, Patroclus, Novius and the 'boys' visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Later they are given a lecture by Faunus about the Gods, and in particular Athena.
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath furnished her table.
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the high places of the city,
Whosoever is ignorant, let him come hither: as for him that wanteth understanding,
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.'
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