The Triumph of Severus Vipsanius Magnus
Thousands of citizens had turned out to see their Consul, Severus Vipsanius Cincinnatus, now known as "Magnus" celebrate his triumph over the Gallic tribes. The I Victrix, the most famous legion of the Republic, chanted obscene songs about Severus as they entered the gates of the city. Their armor was polished to a splendid sheen so fine that one could hardly stand to look at them long in the strong midday sun. They wore plumes in their helmets and their banners were wonderfully adorned. Between the cohorts large carts filled with spoils passed. The wagons were overflowing with weapons of all sorts; swords, spears, shields, bows, javelins. Eventually the procession was continued byh a more pitiful scene.
The legionaries were followed by a procession of 500 Italian cavalry. Spears glinting in the sun, they cheered loudly and shook their shields. They were greeted enthusiastically by the crowd who welcomed them now as fellow citizens and brothers instead of only friends.
Thousands of captures Gauls, heads bowed and backs bent, some stripped nude, came into view. Their hands were bound and many wore neck shackles that burned wickedly into their flesh. The crowd met them with jeers, throwing rotten produce and insults at the humiliated men. Sitting atop a wagon in the middle of this shameful procession was the wretched figure of Catugantrix. He wore a filthy brown robe and his long hair shielded his face from the view of the crowd. His hands were tied behind his back.
The enslaved Allobroges were followed by more men of the I Victrix and finally the chariot of the Consul drew into view. Roars of praise and jubilation erupted from the crowd.
Standard bearers from all three legions under his command as well as the fasces of his high office accompanied him. A large crowd had formed behind the Consul as the procession made its way up the Via Sacra to the Curia. Severus wondered how the senate would receive him, this being the largest military victory in over a decade. There would be massive celebrations in the forum for days following the event.
Eventually all were gathered before the Temple of Saturn and on the steps of the Curia.
The Triumph culminated with prayers made by priests of various cults and eventually the appearance of all the senators on the steps. With the religious rites out of the way, it was time for the festivities to begin. As had already been arranged, mass distributions of food were held, items from Gaul were displayed and dancers, actors, and poets performed for the entertainment of the crowd. The Consul, wearing his full regalia, approached the senators and addressed them
"Noble Senators, today I have been honored first among all Romans for my services to the Republic. I will have you all know that I serve my country out of a sense of duty, and all honors that result are mere trappings. I thank you for this honor and ask you to join me in celebration!"
With that Severus stepped off his chariot and made his way over to massive tables set up in the streets , his, reserved for members of the Senatorial class only.
.jpg)
Originally Posted by Horica666
