It was the second day of Sextilius in the fifteenth year of Pertinax Veno’s reign as Princeps Senatus, Imperator, and Tribunician Potestas, in Anno DCCCXVIII Ab Urbe Condita (818 AUC, 65 AD), during the Consulship of Agrippa Maxus and Marius Vitellius. The people of Rome were jubilant. Imperial forces had emerged victorious against the rebel Vibius Varro, and Rome’s old nemesis the Pontic dynasty of Asia had collapsed from internal dissent. Alexandria, the second-largest city on earth, was under the sovereignty of the Senate and People of Rome. Emperor Pertinax brought home this magnificent and symbolic gift for the populace…. subjugation of a city and a nation. It was true that conquest of Egypt had been both costly and incomplete. But these thoughts were not on the minds of the plebeians and patricians who hailed the Imperator’s return. The people had other reasons to celebrate as well. The treasury remained full, and several leading politicians proposed new projects benefiting the general public.

The citizens cheered Pertinax as he processed into the city, followed by lictors and legionaries wearing togas, a sign of peace and the sovereignty of law. The Parade of Triumph moved toward the Capitoline Hill along the grand avenues of the city. Flower pedals were scattered before him, and smiling citizens waved colorful banners in the air. The joy of the occasion overwhelmed any possibilities of dissatisfaction. Pertinax Veno was at the apex of his power and glory.

After offering sacrifices to the gods in honor of victory, Pertinax and the leading men of Rome moved to the Antonian Courtyard adjourning the Palatine forum. Tables and couches were laid out for an outdoor banquet celebrating the return of the Emperor. However, only a small handful of the assembled notables had any hint of the event that was about to take place.

At the invitation of the Emperor, Brutus Terpus addressed the gathering. “Men Of Rome, I welcome you to this festival that is here to honor those military men that fought, lived and died in the Eastern Theatre. They were led by a great Emperor Pertinax Veno to victories that have brought us great new territories.”

The aristocrats cheered and saluted the Emperor.

Pertinax spoke, “We also celebrate the defeat of the snake Vibius, and the beginning of a new age in Rome. One of Pax Romana…”

Goblets were raised in approval. “Ave Pertinax! Long live Rome.”

Brutus nodded. “Yes, a Pax Romana has spread throughout our Empire. But before the Great Imperator gives his speech I would like to honor a few soldiers of Rome.”

“They deserve it, Brutus, Rome’s men have earned amazing honors these past few years,” added Quinus Vitellius.

“Could we please let Brutus speak?” requested the Emperor. The elite of Rome moved from the comfortable courtyard and stood before the open Palatine forum, before a large crowd of people.

The Praetorian Prefect paused before continuing. “First to the fallen men of this war, including Legate Titus Varro and Cassius Vitellius at Alexandria. Also to those who fell in other ways including the Magister Militum Tiberius Julianus and the Legate Bonetius Terpus. They died perhaps not in battle, but their deaths were still a great loss to Rome. And now to honor those Proconsular Legates and Legates that led us to this great victory- Marcus Sabaco, Justius Alus, and Fortunus Julianus were integral in our duties of winning the East. The Legates Brutus Vitellius and Sarius Varro were also excellent testaments to Roman Resolve. But to the true man of the hour our great Imperator Pertinax Veno who saw it fit to go to the front and lead our troops in this wonderful victory. Now, I return the floor to our leader.”

Marius Vitellius stepped forward. “First, Imperator, may I speak?”

Pertinax granted permission, and the new Magister Militum addressed the notables. “Romans, today is a happy day for us and for our beloved Rome. The victory over the Eastern nations was a deed that Rome and her people will not forget, I assure you that. Needless to say, there was great political, military, strategic and economic importance in the conquest of Egypt and the neighbouring lands. This conquest has already permitted us to lower the tax and increase the quality of live of Romans and provincials alike. However, all this was possible thanks to our Emperor’s vision and wisdom , the courage and disciple of our soldiers, the strong and competent leadership of our military, and also our political class who put forth some great efforts for support of the war in the East. To our beloved Emperor, to the Romans, to the Senate and the commanders involved in the conquest, I offer my sincere congratulations!”

Petinax acknowledged Marius’ praise, and reciprocated. “Thank you Marius, without your tireless efforts in Germania, keeping that area of the Empire under control, we would not have had the opportunity to be where we are today. I have been Emperor for fifteen years. Those fifteen years saw much turmoil. We began on the brink of a civil war, with barbarian attacks in Germania, budget deficits, conflicts in the Senate… but with the thanks of the Senate, the military leadership, and the People of Rome, we have triumphed. Even with the war in Egypt, and the traitorous acts of Vibius could not dampen our resolve, and today, we stand on the brink of unprecedented expansion in Rome. Not expansion of territory wise, that is complete, but a huge upgrade in infrastructure, reforms to various laws, expansion of senatorial welfare programs- it is a Golden Age for Rome. All of us here today, along with those mentioned previously, who gave their lives to Rome, have been a part of creating that. Because of all this, I now feel that I have accomplished what I set out to accomplish fifteen years ago- to stabilize Rome, to bring peace and prosperity to her citizens, and to expand the Empire. Now, Senator Disius would like to have a few words.”

The Consular Senator nodded. “Thank you, Imperator. As many of you here can attest, I am an old man. I have lived through the reigns of five emperors, I have seen civil war and corruption, And now I have seen prosperity and peace. Pertinax and I served long in the Senate upon my return to Rome. We have not always agreed, though not many of you have agreed with me. I consider it my privilege to serve Pertinax. He has been and will be a fine Emperor, and above all, he remains a true and loyal Roman.”

“Thank you all,” said Pertinax. “because I want peace to continue in Rome, I have chosen as my successor one who has a firm understanding of what Rome is about, a man who has the ability to keep the Empire together and continue the legacy that I have created. What I gathered you all here to celebrate was not only our victories in the east, but also my deepest regrets, in that I must retire from the position of Emperor of Rome. I have served my 15 years, and have taken Rome where she needs to be. it is up to you all to continue that… I hope you can all work together to keep this dream of mine alive. Brutus Terpus will succeed me as Emperor, and I will retire to Hispania and become Proconsul there until I am too old to serve. Hopefully Brutus's years as Emperor will be more peaceful than mine. Before I step down I want to ask the Senate to build a structure in Rome to commemorate my 15 years, and the triumphs accomplished. It will be a coliseum for games, far larger than any arena in the world, and it will stand as a monument to Rome and her victories. I hereby abdicate all powers as Emperor vested in me by the Senate and People of Rome, and pass the throne to Brutus Terpus. Brutus, you may speak.”

The Praetorian Prefect, now Imperator-designate, addressed the assembly. “People of Rome, I ask that you honor the outgoing Imperator Pertinax Veno, for he is blessed by the gods. And I now ask for your allegiances to myself and to the Empire. I ask that you declare your loyalty hear, publicly by order of your rank, beginning with the Magister Militum and continuing with those of Consular Rank on down through the Senators and all those who have been invited to the banquet.”

Hail Imperator Brutus Terpus, and hail Imperator Veno!” shouted Brutus Disius. They saluted in typical style, but Pertinax silenced them.

“Romans, please be silent, Brutus will call each of you to swear loyalty to Rome, and him.”

Marius Vitellius pledged his obedience. “Pertinax Veno was a great Emperor and thus I respect his will, I and my legions are with you! Also I command to the army to show their loyalty toward the new Emperor Brutus Terpus! Hail Brutus, Emperor of Rome!”

To Brutus, however, the salute and declaration of loyalty was not enough. He extended his hand, presenting his ring. Evidently, he expected a kiss!

Marius was confused, but eventually figured it out and kissed the ring.

“Consular Tacitus Disius, come forth and present yourself before me,” instructed Brutus.

Tacitus obeyed. “Emperor Brutus Terpus, the family Disii pledge their loyalties to your reign, may it be marked with lasting peace.”

“Consular Quinius Vitellius, come forth and present yourself. I ask for your allegiance.”

Quinus cleared his throat and walked up to Brutus, bowing his head. He kissed the ring. “My service is yours, Emperor.”

“I will not forget our talk in the Memorial Garden,” Brutus said.

Quinus smirked and whispered back, “I thank you Brutus.”

“Proconsular Legate Actius Julianus, present yourself,” said the Emperor-designate.

Unlike the Consulars, who had merely bowed to kiss the ring, Actius knelt before Brutus. “I pledge my life and my service to you, Imperator.”

“I thank you Actius.”

“The pleasure is mine Imperator.”

Legate Actius Varro was next. He also knelt and kissed the ring, repeating the same phrase. Then came time for Legate Brutus Vitellius.

“You have been around my entire life and taught me everything I know today: I honor your reign and pledge my allegiance and my men,” said Brutus Vitellius.

The homage continued for a considerable length of time. When they were done, Brutus again addressed the assembled crowd, both the elite and the masses.

“Now I ask that you all honor the Great Emperor Pertinax. And so that we may all honor him I call for 150 days of Games in honor of his reign.”

The people cheered and saluted Pertinax once again.

“My first order of business I request that a proposal be posted in the Senate for a Festival. That will include a processional to honor our fallen Magister Militum, to honor the great deeds of Pertinax Veno and his Proconsular Legates in Aegyptus, and to honor the great reign of Pertinax Veno himself. Also many days of games that will conclude with another tribue to our great past Emperor Pertinax Veno, before his move to Hispania. I would expect the Senate to have this proposal before me as soon as possible.”

“Of course, the Senate will have it soon. Congratulations sir,” said Quinus.

And so began a new reign. Thanks to Pertinax’s direct involvement, the transition was relatively smooth. But Brutus’ position was not yet secure… it would take time.
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Written By: Everyone who participated in the IRC event
Edited By: Jupiter Optimus Maximus (GM)


AD 65