045: Roman Triumph
A fierce wind blew through the streets of Rome, the forests outside the city, and the nearby ports. Although the wind was strong, the Romans waiting there early made no sound. To them, the howling wind was like heavenly music; the vast sea and sky blessed the earth with the sun's grace.
Only because today, a Triumph would be held.
A Triumph is the ceremony held when a general with supreme command returns to Rome in formation after a victorious campaign. Being honored with a Triumph is the highest military award in Rome, and the recipient gains the title of "Triumphator." It is said that Romulus was Rome's first Triumphator.
This ceremony was a momentous event in Rome's military and political life, a grand festival celebrated by the entire nation. All senators and government officials would go out of the city to welcome the procession. Thousands of citizens would line the streets, creating a spectacular scene with empty streets, lasting one or several days.
Theoretically, victory in a civil war did not qualify for a Triumph. Also, the identity of the enemy was a condition—successfully suppressing a rebellion did not qualify; it had to be a foreign enemy. However, due to the Jews' large-scale killings in the province of Syria Palestina and the miracles, the emperor and Senate had prohibited the existence of Jewish civilization, so it could be considered as a foreign enemy outside the Roman Empire.
Time came to noon, the moment when the sun was brightest.
Outside the Servian Wall of Rome, on the Campus Martius, Novia stood on a gorgeously decorated chariot pulled by four white horses. He wore a shining purple Triumphal robe, holding an ivory scepter adorned with a golden eagle in one hand and a laurel branch in the other—
This was the Roman symbol of victory.
Moreover, traditionally, a bell and a whip should hang at the front of the chariot. Because Romans used bells to clear the way when escorting criminals. This was done to remind the Triumphator that fate is unpredictable—today's glory and wealth might lead to the severest punishment tomorrow. But after discussion between Emperor Claudius and the Senate, this was removed.
According to tradition, the Triumphator's face should also be painted with bright red rouge. Novia was no exception.
"Teacher, please don't move."
"No need to apply it to the ear area as well."
Novia lowered his head, meeting the gaze of the golden-haired girl standing on tiptoe.
Nero blinked her emerald green eyes, showing an expression that said "it must be done this way," and said:
"I'm going to stand beside you later and hold the golden laurel wreath above your head. Well, from my perspective as an artist, when I stand next to you—my left ear, your right ear—this symmetry looks better. And I worked hard to secure this position; I must create an unparalleled effect."
According to tradition, the one holding the golden laurel wreath above the Triumphator during the Triumph should be a slave.
Even so, the Roman soldiers who participated in the war unusually volunteered to stand beside Novia during the Triumph. Probably because they sincerely revered Novia, who brought victory and was protected by a god.
Therefore, standing beside the Triumphator held great significance. Presumably, this tradition would change from now on.
Among the many candidates, Nero, who had swept the southern region of the province of Syria Palestina and was the empire's undeniable next emperor—and since Novia was her teacher—with these identities, Nero naturally secured this role among the many soldiers.
"Alright, then you should scold lightly later."
Novia replied with a smile.
Because the person beside him holding the golden laurel wreath not only signified the Triumphator's glory reaching its peak but also had to continuously whisper in the Triumphator's ear to remind him that he was merely mortal.
"I don't want to do that." Nero gently shook her head, then lowered her eyes as if holding back something. "No one exists who can insult you, Teacher. You are amazing. Let me say it again: you are truly amazing!"
"If that's the case, then say whatever you want."
After that, the two continued with some meaningless chatter until the Triumph began.
Novia's chariot advanced amidst the entourage. Walking before him were the stern guards carrying the 'fasces'—the bundle of rods with an axe, symbolizing Rome and power.
Behind him were the Roman soldiers selected for their military achievements in this campaign, also dressed in red and riding tall horses.
Beyond that was the procession carrying the spoils. According to the magicians accompanying the army, the wealth from the First Temple alone would take a week to transport. In other words, this Triumph would last a week, not including propaganda items like pictures depicting battle scenes to boast of achievements.
The biggest difference from traditional Triumphs was the absence of a procession of conquered captives. In the past, Roman commanders believed that if there were no high-ranking enemy generals or leaders among the captives, it wouldn't add color to the ceremony or please the Romans.
Those captured often committed suicide to avoid this humiliation, preventing the Roman commander from using them to satisfy the Romans' curiosity.
In 30 BC, Cleopatra, who had fallen into Octavian's hands, chose to die from a snakebite rather than let Octavian take her to Rome.
Now, for obvious reasons, no captured Jews could be found, so this was canceled.
When Novia reached the city gate, he met the senators and other officials waiting there. These people would accompany him in the Triumph.
From this moment, the final part of the Triumph officially began. Novia would proceed from the Triumphal Gate along the Via Triumphalis to the Flaminian Circus, then along the Via Sacra to the Forum, and finally climb the Capitoline Hill to the endpoint—the Temple of Jupiter.
However, this final location was vetoed. After discussion between the emperor and Senate, it was changed to the Pantheon. Moreover, only the Christian symbol—the cross—now widely spread in the Roman Empire, would remain inside the temple.
On the road, Novia and his procession received cheers from the crowd throwing petals along the way. But unlike previous Triumphs, no one in the large army whispered, pointed, praised, mocked, or condemned their commander—Novia—as they pleased.
This was because Romans believed that a commander granted a Triumph reached the peak of honor and glory, envied not only by mortals but also by Roman gods. To prevent the Triumphator from experiencing a reversal of fortune after extreme joy, they intentionally let soldiers mock and insult the Triumphator as much as possible, hoping to appease the gods' jealousy.
For example, when Caesar held his Triumph for conquering Gaul, soldiers took the opportunity to mock his lustfulness, shouting to the Roman citizens lining the streets:
"Guard your wives, citizens! We bring the bald-headed lecher..."
But now, everyone in the army only cheered along with the crowd with awe and reverence, without any mockery or insult.
"This is the symbol of prosperity and passion. In everyone's eyes, Teacher, you are truly filled with radiance and benevolence."
Nero kept whispering softly into Novia's ear.
"The shining Rome is blessing
After the triumphal procession concluded, Novia was customarily required to self-fund public banquets, games, gladiatorial contests, and beast hunts. However, in the end, following Nero's suggestion, she held a concert where she was the lead singer, allowing the entire city of Rome to hear her heavenly voice throughout the entire night.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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