How Lucius Marcundus accidentally brought down the Roman Republic

By Eric Damon
(Part VIII)

„Gaul looks so different compared to Italy“ Lucius thought, riding slowly on a horse through a newly built Roman road through a hillside terrain in southern Gaul. He was now rich enough have his own guide, a Gaul who spoke Latin and Celtic, and eight Roman veterans serving as his body guards. The whole group on horses included a large carriage, carrying something hidden from the public eye.
Later that day the group reached a few Roman soldiers working on the new stretch of the road. The centurion, a man called Sura, approached them and asked them where they were heading.
With a strong voice of determination Lucius answered: “The camp of Aulus Claudius Nero. I’m here on private business.”
The centurion pointed out the way and at dawn they reached the tremendous large camp that contained Nero, the Roman Senate, two Roman legions and a large army of Gauls. But Lucius was unimpressed since he was used to such a sight. He had seen countless soldiers, countless battles and he was tired of these things. Especially if it was Romans killing Romans.

The Praefectus Castrorum welcomed the Roman sculptor who had to state his business with Nero. Afterwards he was admitted to a small house were important visitors would wait until Nero could see them. It was already close to midnight when a senior officer approached Lucius in his room and told him that the general was ready to see him. The senior officer escorted him to a large building that already stood here before Nero and the Senate encamped here.

The senior officer saluted his master with the Roman Salute and announced the visitor.
Nero was sitting relaxed on a bench with simple cloths and a glass wine in his hand.
“I’m surprised to see you here. After all you are one of Caesars clients and therefore my enemy. But my officers told me that you had some urgent offer with me that help me could end the civil war.”
“Senator Nero…”
“No need for formalities. Sit down and drink with me.”
“With great pleasure. I’m thirsty after all this travelling.”
Lucius grabbed a glass of wine and started to drink.
“These southern Gaul wines aren’t too bad, don’t you think?”
Lucius looked up and mustered Nero. He couldn’t say what it was, but Nero somewhat lost his glance since the last time they met. But they said that Nero had become a simple man who slowed down and was unfortunate enough to be caught between Caesar and the Senate.
“Yeah, they are pretty good, I guess.”
“So why are you here?”
“I have to repent for my mistakes I committed against the Roman people.”
Nero gasped.
“Is this some religious nonsense? If so, I have no time for it.”
“No. It’s not like that.”
“So?”
Lucius took a deep breath.

“I think I am the reason that the Republic is falling apart.”
Nero didn’t say anything.
“I talked to Caesar about my life, my mistakes and everything. I said that I should have acted when I had the chance to. And I think my speech about these things made him make his own decision to invade Italy.”
“You are ridiculous, are you aware of that?”
“Listen to me” Lucius said with a strong voice. “I told him to act, because one cannot hesitate about important decision. That was the day when Caesar received the news ordering him to disarm and return to Italy. Yet I was talking about love and life, not about bringing down thee Roman Republic.”
“I find that hard to believe. Yet I am interested how you want to atone for what you said you did.”
“I brought all my money that I made during Caesars campaigns. Well not all of it, but a lot. You can have it. I made the money working for a tyrant. And I don’t support that, I am a firm believer in the Republic.”
“Well to be honest, I think you are delusional. But I will not say no to any money if you mean to save the republic.”
Nero had the reputation to be an honest man.

Suddenly a soldier entered the Room.
“Senator Nero, I have urgent news”
“Speak.”
“Caesar started marching against your position. He will reach us in two days.”

Lucius realised that he was more or less caught in the spot. His master was about to attack Nero and the Senate.