The last time Severus entered the city after a campaign it had been at the head of a column of his picked men. This was over five years ago and now he entered it as a private citizen, albeit a very famous and wealthy private citizen. His baggage train, guarded by armed off-duty men of the 9th legion, pulled through the Porta Tiburtina into the city. Cart traffic was restricted during the day, so the men dismounted and began carrying large sacks towards the Palatine.

There was much to be done in his return. Although Severus had been considering erecting a temple to Mars, he had decided to erect a forum instead. His travels abroad had demonstrated Rome's growing merchant market. This sort of facility would allow larger quantities of goods to be brought into the city in volume. Preparations would begin immediately, though the forum would take at least two years to construct. Hopefully the marble quarries near Ostia were still producing...

Passing by the Basilica Aemilia, Severus nodded to one of his men who led a man poorly dressed man with a sack over his head into the Praetor's office...

The group departed, heading for the Palatine. Rome hadn't changed much. Bands of wandering homeless, capite censi, wandered the streets. Perhaps the tribunes have been entered into the payroll of the Patricians, one would have thought they would have been more proactive about providing for their needs. Finally the winding path that led up the Palatine came into sight. Half of the party departed for the Temple of Saturn where the booty would be publicly displayed for some time, the rest made their way to Severus' house.

After some preparation, Severus made his way to the Curia.