Ludi Romani

Despite a shadow being drawn over the proceedings, Sertorius was determined to enjoy the last few days of his Consulship. Taking a seat amongst his clients and allies, he eschewed the honour of sitting above the proceedings to mix in with the people. His own honoured guests were largely from outside the city, the numerous Italian nobles and equestrians that had come into the city on the day of his election upon his behalf being granted the best seats in the Ludi. While not so popular in Rome before his recent victories, the Consul had cultivated a serious clientele in the Italic countryside, especially in his native Sabinia. Many were invited to give speeches on the Consuls behalf before the Equirra. Sertorius' own son was among the racers, and performed admirably - much denarii was won or lost on betting.

All in all, it was a fine spectacle. A chance to forget about the recent political violence, although Metellus and many of his nobile clients had conspicuously chosen not to attend. The attention of the crowds was drawn by creatures great and small - some lions had been brought in from Africa, along with a lone elephant purchased at great expense from Antiocheia - and a grand parade made its way around the chosen venue to showcase these marvellous creatures. Some would be employed to fight against Gladiators in a local arena, the combatants duly provided by the tribune Saturninus. That these were some of the same men that previously had been present in the Concilium Plebis did not seem to bother the crowd as they cheered the spilling of barbarian blood.