Military Consulus A. Titus Sabaco was a man renowned for his prickly temperament, when he felt his dignitas impinged upon. He believed in Rome's old ways. A rigid social hierarchy, with each citizen in their place. As to non-citizens, they never entered in to his personal, or political calculations. The possibility of holding a great games though was an idea that appealed to his religious, political and social inclinations. More importantly, he was a man wealthy enough to act upon his inclinations.

He called his chief steward and asked him simply to find the funds to pay for a great games and public festival to be held in Rome in honour of Titus' Patron god Mars. It was to be held as soon as the resources, animals for the beast hunts, Gladiators and additional food supplies could be procured.

The steward looked pensive for a few moments then asked what for him was the most important question. "How much am I allowed to spend on this, one, perhaps two million sisterces?"

"No, what ever it takes. My only caveat is that what I spend shall not exceed what is spent by the Emperor in the Imperial Budget. I am not seeking election to office. I simply wish to pay homage to the god that has made Rome great!"

The steward retreated hastily from Titus' study, his mind awhirl with a thousand details that had already sprung to mind with this command from his master (he was a Greek Slave trained to run a great Aristocrat's household)

The sun rose slowly over the horizon, bathing a city that was buzzing with excitement for the huge games that would begin that day. It had taken months to bring exotic animals from all points of the compass. there were lions, crocodiles, wild beasts from within the Empire and far outside its limits. Most amazing, and reputedly shockingly expensive, were strange white bears from the far North that were reputedly able to swim like fish!

There would be one hundred pairs of trained Gladiators, in addition to the beastiarii who would fight the various wild animals. The Imperial prisons had been emptied of 300 convicts, who would find "interesting" deaths to entertain the crowds between the "Main Events" of the two day spectacular.

The crowds began to gather early. seating for most was free, but the number of seats that offered good views of the Arena were limited. Thousands had come to Rome to view the games and join in the feasts. It would be a Public Holiday for all, in all but name and funding. So those Plebeians who wanted a good view had to come early. already crimpers, whores and street vendors were plying their trades. Praetorian Guards and soldiers of the Urban Cohorts kept a close eye on the crowds to ensure that there was no public disorder.

By mid morning the Arena was full to the Brim. the best seating was in the first tier of seating. The Imperial box of course was the best seating in the whole stadium. Also on the lowest tiers of seating were the seats assigned to Senators, Equites, soldiers of the Praetorian Guard and those foreign dignitaries that were though "worthy".

Above them, was the seating for the common people of Rome. Higher still sat slaves and highest of all women.

The Emperor acted as the presiding magistrate the first day. Titus did not even attend the games that he had spent millions to provide Rome. On the second day though, Emperor Tiberius very thoughtfully excused himself from the day's games and asked Titus himself to preside. As guest of Honor, to sit in the box with him, Titus invited Proconsulus Brutus Crassus Dio. There were a few other young senators and aspiring military offices invited to join the two men in the box, although they would have seats in a second row behind the Consulus and Proconsulus. Among them was Officer Rufus Actius Dio- a man of potential, in the eyes of Titus Sabaco.

The games went well on both days. The weather had been kind and the games had been exciting to see. The polar bear had been a show stopper of course. The festivities had also provided thousands with food in a huge out door extravaganza that had fed and entertained all who wished, while laying honour upon the Mars for his obvious favour of Rome.
Titus went to bed that night a happy man. What was 5,000,000 to him? He had paid honour to his patron god and revered Emperor.

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By: Augustus Titus Sabaco