Challenges Entered: Mistress Alys's Research Challenge
Project: A Roman Letter on the Death of Caesar
For Mistress Alys' Research project, I have chosen to write a letter in my persona's voice to her elder brother in Rome, talking about the recent news of Julius Caesar's 'recent' assassination, and the frightening quiet between that date and the funeral, leading to the beginning of yet another civil war.
Full English text:
"To Lucius Aelius Lamia from Aelia Fortunata, greetings.
I have received your letter, brother, and pray for the safety of all who live in the City. The news reached us here in Luna before your letter did. Do not worry after us, as Mother and I are quite safe. It is as quiet here as you say that it is in the City; people speak in hushed tones and nearly all activity has ceased.
I fear that, like a spark which seems to die before the fire is lit, those who loved the Consul and those who support these so-called liberators will soon take up arms. Mother says that if this happens, we will move further north into Gallia Cisalpina, to the villa in Mantua.
In the meantime, I will write to our brother in Mediolanum, and caution him to stay safe.
Send Father my love, and know that I will pray for you both.
Di vos incolumes custodiant"
Partial Latin text:
"L. Aelio Lamiae Aelia Fortunata salutem dicit.
Epistolam tuae antequam adveniet, Frater, et sospitatique saluti popularium Urbis oro. Secura sum in Luni simul mater nostra secura est. Non anxia!
Simul Urbs, hic quiescit..."
Bibliography:
Primary sources:
P. Oxy I 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122
Secondary/Tertiary sources:
Julius Caesar- Philip Freeman
The Last Assassin- Peter Stothard
Caesar: Life of a Colossus- Adrian K Goldsworthy
Guðrún Sveinsdóttir (Rosie of Mtn Freehold) wrote on June 7th, 2021
I love this! Great research, wonderful persona details, and impressive that you started translating it, too! Thank you for sharing!
Elizabet Marshall wrote on June 4th, 2021
Fantastic. I love pieces of persona development like this. Thank you for sharing and joining in the challenges.
Jan Janowicz Bogdanski wrote on June 1st, 2021
I love anything from a persona's perspective, and this feels "right". Nicely done!
Isabel del Okes wrote on May 27th, 2021
This letter is so heartfelt and interesting. Thank you for doing the research and sharing your work with us.