Reading Group--Caesar's Legion

[SHARK]

Greetings!

Pompey's death was sad. Indeed, Maldur, the Centurions that they killed seemed like a casual afterthought, huh? However, Pompey was very important to kill. They made sure he died.

Pompey covering his face--indeed, Dignitas, was a prime Roman virtue, so preserving one's Dignitas, for a Roman, especially a powerful General and member of the Equestrian class like Pompey, it would be very important. Thus, he sought to cover his face so that his enemies would not gain the pleasure of watching him die. Romans took honour and dignity very seriously. Many Romans would fall on their swords when disgraced, as well. True, not all embraced these concepts consistently, but they were cultural values that were taught from a young age to every Roman, and they were virtues that every Roman was expected to embrace and observe.

I have been very busy with work and school my friend! What have you been doing? Feel free to write me privately Maldur, ok? It would be great to chat with you.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

 

[Maldur]

I would say that Pompeys death is not really sad, it's more anticlimactic.

He deserved to die in battle or something, not butchered like he is now. Or Ceasar should have done it himself, His nemesis deserved a more personal touch. ( that sounded worse than I meant).

 

[Maldur]

The egyptians proudly informed him[Caesar] of Pompey's inglorious fate. He refused to look at Pompey's severed head when it was presented to him by the egyptians.

Again the Romans Dignity?

Some classical authors say that Caesar cried at the meanness of Pompey's end. Perhaps he did. Nowhere, in any account of Caesar's life, is there any suggestion that h'd wanted Pompey dead.

That reinforces one of my earlier questions. Caesar could easily have seen Pompey as a worthy adversary. Not worthy of a inglorious death.

He merely wanted to remove an obstacle to achieving his ambitions.

That also reinforces an earlier idea I had. Caesar wants to rule it all. Ambition and vanity make a dangerous combination as this civil war can not have been a good thing for the roman republic.

 

[SHARK]

Greetings!

Roman Dignity indeed, Maldur! Yeah, Pompey could have been even officially executed, and it would have had more dignity than a squad of assassins hacking him to death under the pretext of deception!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

 

[mmadsen]

Chapter XIII -- The Murder of Pompey the Great

The last that the young, beautiful Cornelia had heard, Pompey was about to complete the defeat of Caesar. So when a fearful messenger knocked on the door of her villa at Mitilini with the news that her husband had arrived in the harbor -- with just a single commandeered round ship and not the fleet of six hundred sleek warships that had sailed for him a week before -- she realized what had happened before she was even told of Pompey's defeat, and fainted with shock.

That would be a shock. At least he's alive -- still.

 

[Maldur]

According to Appian, Pompey's remains, either bones or ashes, were buried there on the Pelusium shore, and a memorial built over them inscribed "Rich was this man in temples, but poornow in his tomb."

Im going to Egypt in two weeks, when we visit the shore Ill see if I can find it. ( Im not sure we'll visit the shore, but ill bring some nice pictures anyway)

 

[Maldur]

Chapter XIV The power of a single word.

In this very short chapter, Ceasar uses his skills as a politisian to get the legions ( particullary the 10th) back in line. With the clever use of words, and playing on the sentiments of the legion he gets them back fighting for him.

DnD comment: I would rate this a good succes in diplomacy ( maybe a crit?) combined with a very high Charisma.

What strikes me as odd is the fact that the mutinous legions, do answer the call for assembly? Given the rutal methods of punishment, why would you assemble if there is a big chance 1 in 10 will be beaten to death by his mates?


note: as it is a very short chapter, without any juice bits. I thought to make some comments instead of finding and sharing quotes and observations.

 

[optimizer]

Howdy!

I have a related question -- do the legionaires assemble in full armor and weapons? If so, then why would a unit submit to decimation if it could fight back?

Thanks.

Mike

 

[Maldur]

Disipline, dignity....and the other 7 legions there!

I dont know could be all kindsa factors.

 

[Maldur]

Eh??? SHARK, MMadsen?? Where are you guys?