Book VII: The Imperial Races of Augustodunum

1) The emperor was partial to gladiatorial shows and other forms of athletic demonstration, and these contests were held frequently. Chariot races were another thing; the emperor had seen one or two but never thought of sponsoring a race. He was not really a horse racing man. There was another good reason: there was no appropriate circus in which to hold the races. Of course, a circus could be built but the greatest objection was the immense cost, something Magnentius had to keep a critical eye on. His soldiers had to be satisfied with their pay before money was spent on building projects. Had this not been the case the emperor might have become a great builder.

In spite of this, there were memorable races held not long after Magnentius' ascension and certainly was the most extravagant entertainment held during his reign. Naturally enough, it was Decentius who pushed for the races, as he had a team of horses and a driver he thought were sure winners. In approaching his brother, Decentius let his enthusiasm gush forward knowing his brother's opinion was often turned by good humor.

"Races!" Magnentius shouted at the mere mention of the proposal. "Where are you going to have them? In the troop camp? You know there isn't a circus in Augustodunum. There is a theater and an amphitheater, but not a circus. If we were in Rome, yes, and even Lugdunum. But this is my chosen capital. I live here and as the saying goes: where the emperor lives the empire begins!"

"That is not a problem. We can build a circus."

"What! It is expensive enough to have the races and feed everyone let alone build a circus seating thousands. Think of the cost of the stone! Did you bid farewell to your senses?"

"I thought we might put up a temporary structure made of wood. The small fortune Constans left has not entirely disappeared. Think of the attention you would gain. All the drivers in the empire would come to this city. Foreign dignitaries. Fame over night!"

2) Magnentius paused to think. Because he craved fame he could not find an immediate argument for Decentius.

"How much do you think an circus made of wood would cost?"

"Perhaps a million solidi. A trifle, a mere trifle. People would flock to Augustodunum. Money would be made by the people, wealth would flow in bringing new business and, of course, taxes would be paid."

"If there is an admission fee, at least a few coppers, I might agree."

"A fee? But this is a festival! The people don't pay, you have to."

"Ah, yes. I forgot. Very well, I can live without races, so everyone can do the same!"

"Do you want to be seen as ungrateful? Think of how much your popularity will increase with these races. Can't you see yourself leading the parade of chariots through the circus. The cheering crowds. The glamour."

3) Decentius was clever in appealing to his brother's sense of vanity.

"A parade? There is a parade at chariot races?"

"There has been for centuries. The benefactor of the people leads a parade at the start of the races. It's a glorious affair. But you've never been to one."

"The only races I have seen were in the soldier's camp. Nothing fancy, just ordinary excitement."

"But as emperor you must have splendor, show off your wealth. Make those who serve Constantius wish they had you as their master."

Magnentius warmed up instantly. "How right you were to suggest these races, my dear brother! What would I do without you?"

4) Decentius immediately went into action. The races would be scheduled for three days and be declared holidays. That was all the time Magnentius would allow. If a longer time was mentioned he made threatening faces. Decentius consulted with Etruscan seers to find days in the calendar that were free from bad omens. When these were found, at the end of June, Decentius issued an edict in Magnentius' name declaring the holiday. That he had not consulted the emperor hardly made any difference since it was easy enough for the Caesar to convince his brother that he had, in fact, issued the decree. Such were the pressures of power the emperor sometimes had no idea what he had just done. The response from the people was overwhelmingly positive, but if you were going to be fed and entertained for three days what would you have to grumble about. Now all Decentius had to do was build the circus.

5) The Caesar knew of a shallow depression near the city that would be a perfect natural location for the circus. He also knew a cheap contractor; an ex-slave named Decimus Fortunius. Naturally, the area needed to be prepared for the circus even if it was roughly the right dimensions. Measurements were taken. It was found that the track of the circus would have to push the hillsides back quite a distance if the correct allowance for four chariots abreast was to be observed. When informed of this heavy work, Fortunius, a short, fat gray-haired cheapskate, examined the hills and studied the height, mentally calculating the amount of dirt that would have to be removed. He shrugged his shoulders saying: "A tight corner makes the race more interesting."

6) Work went on at a brisk pace; Decentius saw to that. The track of the circus was laboriously cut from the hills and leveled, but a few bumps were left to make the races more interesting, as Fortunius maintained. The spina was created from heavy beams placed end to end and nailed together. Concrete poured around the base was smoothed and notched to look like stone and produced a pleasing effect. Decentius demanded a small obelisk be placed on both ends of the spina and a large one in the center, about two hundred feet tall. The center obelisk bothered Fortunius a great deal, even though he was an expert at constructing deceptions. How was he supposed to build the thing? The small obelisks, both about fifty feet, were no problem; they could be made from some scrap wood and with a few licks of paint would become monoliths.

Decentius wanted the big obelisk to look like stone with hieroglyphs carved into it! Fortunius was too cheap to even consider using bricks and set layer upon layer of wooden rails until the desired height was met. A wooden pyramid was put on top. Then it was covered with concrete, whitewashed and hieroglyphs painted in black ink on it by workmen who had no idea what Egyptian symbols looked like. To remedy this, they copied what they found in books about Egypt and competed drawing caricatures of Magnentius as pharaoh. From a distance the obelisk looked quite spectacular, an effect that wore off the closer one came, when it looked like a reject from Karnak. But who would look at it, Fortunius reasoned.

7) As the spina neared completion Fortunius turned his attention to the seating. Some marble fragments he had found were set into the earth tier by tier. When the marble ran out Fortunius used wood, whitewashed to make look as close to marble as possible. The hillsides were not tall enough to provide all of the required seating, so Fortunius built bleachers that were raised to a steep pitch, towering above those who sat on the hill. When Decentius saw it he demanded that earth be piled under the bleachers to hide the unsightly beams of wood and make it look like the rest of the seating. It looked like Fortunius would be forced to comply but he was always so charming he convinced the Caesar that the gaps could be covered with boards, whitewashed and dribbled with blue paint to resemble marble; a far better effect!

Bricks were used to build a wall along the track to protect the spectators: a concession for safety for which Fortunius charged double. An imperial box was built of wood at the start/finish line and was hung with red banners and flags (the emperor's favorite color) that made the structure look regal. Statues decorated the spina every few yards and were placed at the tops of the stands. There were over 100 statues, including many of the emperor.

To supply all this artwork was a difficult feat and Fortunius ransacked the palace, law courts, and disused temples for their statues. When not enough were "acquired" he made some from plaster and had them painted to resemble marble, which he passed off for the real thing. In these times when pagan and Christian were arguing and people swaying back and forth from religion to religion, Fortunius had real concern that his precious statues would be smashed by an offended group. There were groups of heretics that were even capable of burning the circus for an incorrect statue. So, he removed the names. In this way the gods would become whatever Fortunius said they were, depending on who asked. Demeter could become Mary Magdalen and Zeus became Saint Peter. A statue of Bacchus was transformed into a young Jesus; John the Baptist was Apollo in disguise. Ornamental trees were placed on the spina in huge planters and flowers appeared to climb up the wooden walls of the imperial box, but these, too, were painted.

8) In the matter of a few weeks Augustodunum had a circus of spectacular dimensions. Magnentius visited the finished structure, looked it over and was quite impressed.

"You have outdone yourself brother. I had no idea that such things could be done so quickly. It is a miracle of construction!"

"You've been taken in by the look of the place. Its mostly made of wood, not stone."

"Well, can people sit in the place, or is it just meant for looking?"

"For the three days it is needed the circus will stand as if it were stone."

Magnentius said nothing; his look of uncertainty spoke for him.

9) As the great festival drew closer, crowds began to descend on Augustodunum, filling all the available rooms. In the spirit of good fellowship, citizens moved out of favorite rooms and offered them to the public at inflated rates. Many famous chariot drivers from the racing factions: white, red, blue and green arrived in the city bringing their magnificent teams and, in many cases, exotic manners. There were representatives from Africa, Egypt, Arabia Felix, Judea, Asia Minor, Greece, Britain, and Spain. The Arabs, who had brought magnificent horses, camped outside the city, away from everyone. They were the most interesting and mysterious of the visitors being fierce to any who invaded their camp. Few people actually saw them, being put off by the horrible smells emendating from their camp and the murders of two citizens, who ventured too close. All this may have been to safeguard their horses but earned them much hostility. In general, there were few disturbances as soldiers patrolled the streets.

There were endless preparations to be made. Food, to name one item, had to be provided; the baking of bread alone occupied twenty bakers for seven days. The circus was decorated with garlands of vine leaves and lengths of linen, anything to hide the fact everything was fake. The cloth was dyed in the colors of the racing factions and were draped over the stands, decorated the bases of statues, and hung from posts placed at the ends of the spina. Adding to the excitement was the daily exercising of the teams of horses. Each team tried to have no observers, as if to hide the strength of their horses or prowess of the driver, but some spectator was always present. Rumors spread about the strengths and weaknesses of the teams; all except the Arabs. They ran trial races in the dead of night lighting the circus with many torches and posting guards around the track. Many wanted to catch a glimpse but the risk of bodily harm kept them away. Were they using magic spells? Just what secret weapon did the Arabs have?

10) Decentius looked after his own team with his driver, Victor. Victor wasn't the poor man's real name, Decentius had chosen it because he thought having a driver named Victor would bring him victory. He had been uncertain which faction to join but he had always been fond of the color blue. The Caesar had four strong black horses whom he treated like his children, so much so that Victor had to watch what he did to the animals. This may have been because the horses were females. He was not allowed to use a whip. One threatening gesture and Decentius would become enraged. It was no use if Victor would explain how tough racing was and his fine horses would be crashed into and scarred, even run to death! After one training session one of the horses, Victor was not sure which one, bit its driver when he wasn't looking causing an unfortunate raising of a fist which provoked Decentius to attack.

"How dare you raise a hand to my beauties! Do you think they are just animals!"

Then the Caesar slammed a fist into Victor's face, sending him into unconsciousness. Still, it was better to be a race driver than being a private in the army.

11) The emperor was looking forward to the races, despite the cost and the disguised wooden circus. He did not care to know the cost and insulated himself from reality as much as possible, handing the chore of planning to his chief steward and his army of freedmen. Magnentius worried more about what he planned to wear each day. He had thought of wearing a different color each day to honor the racing factions but that would mean a fourth day and one could not upset detailed plans at this late date.

As it was, the emperor would wear all of his gilt breastplates, each depicting a heroic scene from history or mythology. A gilt laurel crown would sit upon his head. For the parade he would flourish a purple cloak. Naturally, the emperor would have to change his clothes for the afternoon games with something sumptuous for the banquets held each night, to be attended by high officials of each racing faction. Most of all, Magnentius was looking forward to awarding the crown of victory and practiced the routine with a slave so he could be as graceful as possible. The last race on the third day would be run by the four victors, who had won two races each. To the lucky winner would be awarded a crown of golden oak leaves (actually gilt bronze to save money).

12) There were twelve races altogether: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The imperial supervisor of games had arrange for between race entertainment and had arranged some novel fights. An army of dwarves was to be pitted against giants; Amazonian women would fight off a group of men. Few animals were to be had and there were no exotics, so a hunt was planned using antelope and a bear would have two men to contend with. On the last day a group of female warriors would battle an army of dwarves. The number of available dwarves was astonishingly large.

13) The holiday arrived. Businesses closed, except those services who wanted to make extra money selling food or themselves to the visitors. Everyone walked, rode or were carried in litters to the new circus. There was much excitement as scarcely any of the people had seen a chariot race. The Egyptian visitors saw the grand obelisk and laughed so hard a general hysteria seized the crowd. When asked why they were laughing the Egyptians could only point at the great white shaft, unable to say anything for their laughter. It seemed that they took the hieroglyphs to be a creation story with Magnentius starring as Amun. There was something about a great spear between the legs of the god that was a magic wand, or some such story. Eventually, they were ordered out of the circus.

Much color was to be seen as the members of the four racing factions gathered for the parade. The track, spread with plenty of sand, giving it the look of the great circuses in Rome, was smoothed out by slaves with brooms until there was no trace of a footprint. Then, trumpets sounded and the parade began. Magnentius rode in a splendid gilt chariot, magnificent in his armor and purple cloak, wearing a golden crown. Even Magnentius' enemies thought he looked regal. Following the emperor were dignitaries of the empire: knights, senators, prefects. Then came the charioteers, driving their magnificently decorated chariots; the horses were garlanded with flowers.

14) Decentius was seated in the imperial box with friends who he had taken the liberty of inviting. He watched for Victor and his horses. When they passed, he was proud to see them all decked out in sky blue and pointed them out to everyone like a proud father. Once his team had passed Decentius took out his dice and started a game calling for some food. A tray of fried squash with garum was served, and the Caesar played merrily with his friends. Magnentius arrived in the imperial box flushed by the cheers of the crowd to be jolted by the game-in-progress.

"How dare you bring these thieves into the imperial box! You have dirtied my private box with your gaming. Send them away or I'll have 'em all executed!"

"Come now, brother. Even Alexander played dice during the races. It's a tradition."

"Well, you might have waited for me!"

Magnentius ignored the game which, in any case, ended in a few moments later, so as not to provoke his wrath.

15) Magnentius took his seat and the honored guests followed suit; Decentius continued to practice at throwing his dice. With the parade finished the spectators were chatting with one another anxious for the first race to begin. The majority had never seen a race before so curiosity ran high. The drivers had drawn lots and were ready in the wooden stalls, below the imperial box, waiting to be released. The judges were in place at the finish line. All was ready; there was palpable excitement in the air. However, Magnentius had forgotten the information passed on to him by his steward that he had to signal the beginning of the race by throwing a white cloth. When this happened, a freedman would pull the cord on the stalls to release the horses. The signal had not arrived; instead Magnentius looked at the judges and nodded his head. The judges were rather perplexed my this movement and wondered why the emperor had not given the signal. Magnentius noticed this and gave another nod. Still nothing.

"Those fools won't start the race," Magnentius grumbled. "What does one have to do to get things going?"

"Have you give the signal?" Decentius asked, pausing before he threw his dice.

"Well, of course! But those men ignored me! The Emperor! Instead they sit there like a pack of monkeys."

"You threw the white cloth, of course? What did they do, run and pick it up?."

16) "I have inclined my head in the direction of the judges to let them know I am ready. They have to begin the race! After all, they are the ones who figure out who won!"

"You must throw that white cloth next to you into the circus! You are the one who starts the race."

"I am?"

"Well, you are paying for them!"

Deftly Magnentius threw the cloth over the side of the imperial box. Immediately, there was a sharp rumble; the horses shot out of their stalls and thundered down the track. The crowd came alive and began to cheer loudly. Like almost every chariot race, things do not get interesting until the fifth lap when the horses are tired and the drivers become desperate. The rivalry between the blue and green is famous. In the first race, the green driver bumped the blue into the spina where he was "shipwrecked," that is, his chariot broke into pieces. The blue driver scrambled onto the spina with minor cuts and the horses continued along the track until rescued. The green driver won the first race and the crowd went wild. (The Arab white team, which had been running in this race, came in last. Disgusted with their performance the heathens went home. So much for the "secret weapon.")

Decentius, who had placed a sizable bet on the blue driver, was in a bad humor. Magnentius delighted in his role as host and gave vent to raucous cries. When the winner had taken his place in the imperial box he held the laurel wreath in the air for the crowd to see, to make the cheering even more outrageous, before placing it on the victor's head with all the pomp he could muster.

17) Food was passed among the crowd: figs, bread and melon. Small fare which was nothing more than an appetizer. The same was brought to the imperial box.

"Bring me something with substance to it. A chicken will do," Magnentius bellowed.

The imperial guests looked at each other as the emperor tore into a whole chicken, quickly consuming the flesh, dropping the bones beside his chair, while they contented themselves with the fruit and bread. While the crowd was being fed, a comedic performance of gladiator fighting took place between dwarfs dressed in armor that was a little too large for them and carrying wooden swords and tridents. Their helmets kept falling in their eyes when a good blow was being aimed which caused much laughter. They returned later on to spar with a group of women.

18) While this was going on, the new teams drew position lots and prepared for the next race. This time a freedman delivered the white cloth to Magnentius who held it in a fist. A minute when by.

"Should I throw the rag?" Magnentius asked his brother.

"That is up to you, brother. But, otherwise, we shall be here until the earth cracks."

Magnentius saw that the freedman was ready to draw the cords and threw the cloth. The horses were set free and another race began. This one was much like the former race except that in the fifth lap the blue driver drew a dagger and slashed at the green team. This caused the green driver to veer out of the way and collide with the white team who crashed into the track wall smashing his chariot. The crowd screamed with pleasure and Magnentius rose to his feet in excitement. The white team left the field under its own power and the blue chalked up a victory.

19) With the end of the second race, more food was served. Figs, apples bread and guinea hens cooked with pepper. The crowd was pleased with this fare. Wine was sent around. Two more races were run with a gladiator combat in between. In the fourth race, Decentius's team ran and the Caesar was at his wits end, tearing his tunic to tatters from nerves. He need not have worried. The red team in going through the Fortunius's narrow turn on the sixth lap, at top speed, lost control and crashed into the green shipwrecking both chariots. Victor glided into the winner's spot.

"I've won a fortune!" Decentius cried as he received the congratulations of his friends. Magnentius was silent.

20) With the victory of the Caesar the festivities ended for the day. Magnentius held a banquet that, due to the victory of Decentius, lasted long into the dawn hours. The high ranking members of the racing factions were in attendance. Because the blue and green members at odds with each other, the steward made certain they were seated far from each other. Magnentius was a model host and made toasts saluting all of the teams.

The second day of racing was much like the first. The blue and green factions won two and one race respectively with the red team taking one. The hunt entertainment was held with several antelopes released into the circus chased by archers. Several of the animals escaped finding their way out through the team waiting area, startling the horses. One of the spectators was wounded when an archer missed his target. It was decided not to let the bear loose. Much of the same food was served except for sweet cakes that were brought out in the afternoon.

21) The third and final day promised to be spectacular and the circus was jammed with people. The spina took on the overflow and was dangerously crowded. The races would all be made up of those who had won on the previous two days culminating in a final race to see who would win the golden oak crown. Because only three more races were to be run, and the day was still young, more food and combats were planned. On the menu were figs, melons, figpeckers, guinea hens, bread, what was left of the sweet cakes, and wine, a little more watered down than usual. The day commenced with the battle between dwarves and women, which was quite bloody: the women won. Because of their size compared to the male dwarves the women could easily take off a head without much exertion. The poor dwarves with their short swords were at a disadvantage and many ran for their lives only to be cut down. Those who were left alive were spared by the emperor.

Following a period of cleanup and adding fresh sand, the first race would begin. Decentius's blues were to race and betting had been fierce. By now Magnentius had become accustomed to starting the race and threw the white cloth without being prompted or asking questions. Once again, thanks to Fortunius's hairpin turn the green chariot had a collision. The chariot was not damaged but precious time was lost and the green driver was the last to cross the finish line. Blue won again, although the driver of the white chariot came close to taking the prize. Victor deftly flecked his whip across the white driver's face so the team dropped behind.

22) Decentius went wild. Not only had he won a fortune but was assured a spot in the final race, the most important race. The emperor, who had put a large bet on green, sat in shock and said nothing for several minutes. During the next race and the combat that followed he would bet everything he could to break even. The second race was a bloody affair. The blue driver, in attempting to stay ahead, struck at the green driver with his dagger but lost his balance and was stabbed in the chest by the green driver. With the driver dead, the blue chariot crashed into the spina, knocking off a huge piece of concrete, and smashed into splinters. The white team, which was the underdog, won the race. After the race, Fortunius showed up with four workmen to patch up the spina. The contractor had already gotten five new contract from his work on the circus so he didn't want his "fans" disappointed by less than perfect work.

The combat was between women and men. The women were German barbarians and the men from various countries: Gaul, Britain, Spain; and some were criminals. The numbers of women were slightly greater than the men because they were thought of as frail creatures. Such a mistake! From the beginning, the women had the advantage as they cornered men, in packs of three and four, aiming blows from every angle until their quarry was dispatched. Then, the pack would move on to kill another man. These Amazons went on murdering one man after another apparently taking great pleasure in what they did. Some of them toyed with their victims by giving them flesh wounds when they were down before delivering the final blow.

Most of the women were quite plain, if not downright ugly, and something in this (no doubt they had to pay for male companions) may have driven them to be so savage. Magnentius did not enjoy the spectacle (he thanked the gods he had not wagered money on these poor specimens of manhood) but the crowd cheered as the women mowed down their adversaries as efficiently as a machine. As the fighting wound down, there were only five men pitted against thirty women. These unfortunate men did the only intelligent thing they could: surrender. They threw down their weapons and fell to their knees. The women put sword tips to their throats and waited for the decision of the emperor. The crowd was divided: the men shouted for mercy; the women wanted them all to be made eunuchs. The emperor showed mercy and spared the five. A rumor had it that all five men married one of the conquerors.

23) For the last time fresh sand was spread to cover the blood and smoothed to prepare the track for the final race. By this time the crowd had had their fill of food and wine and was in an uproarious mood. They were expecting a spectacular race with bloodshed and WOE if they were disappointed. As had become the custom, Magnentius received the white cloth from his freedman. Decentius had come back to the imperial box breathless having made untold bets for his team to win. He signaled his good humor to his friends by smiling.

Without any ceremony, Magnentius threw the cloth and the gates burst open. The veteran drivers tore along the track, slowing slightly to negotiate the Fortunius hairpin, then speeding along again. The spina was packed by still more people anxious to be close to the action. Some were close enough to be hit by sand thrown up by the horses. Victor had placed his blue team on the inside, riding along the spina; by far the best position to have. The green driver was desperate to win and made many mistakes running afoul of the white and red teams instead of his target: the blue driver. This slowed his progress greatly. Decentius saw victory headed his way. Four laps, then five! Victor was running his horses carefully and did not make any errors that could slow him; he was perfect. The green driver had found a place on the outside with the red and white teams to the left of him. He was gaining on the blue team.

24) Time was running out for the green driver and in a desperate attempt to gain the lead whipped his horses and crossed ahead of the white team, just to his left. But as he did so he crashed into the red team chariot, next to the white team, who was urging his horses forward. The collision was what one might call a lucky hit for the wheel of the red chariot broke off, leaving the axle dragging in the sand. The driver tried to gain control but the stress on the remaining wheel was too great. A loud crunch was heard and the red chariot was in splinters.

The crowd roared its approval. The chariot had been close enough to the blue team for the remaining wheel to be catapulted into the blue chariot. The wheel made contact on the axle pole between the horses. There was a loud snap and Victor's chariot was sent crashing into and flipped on top of the spina, into the densely packed crowd, crushing five people. The horses continued along the track.

Victor had the presence of mind to cut the reigns with his dagger at the critical moment when the chariot and horses separated. No doubt he would have been seriously injured, if not killed, had he not reacted so quickly. Experts determined later that the chariot center pole had snapped allowing the team of horses to go on but sending the driver straight into the large obelisk. The obelisk took the full impact. Pieces of concrete fell off onto the heads of the crowd. The structure tottered for a moment, while the crowd held its breath. Then it fell like a tall tree and crashed onto the track, the tip coming to rest in the first six rows of the stands. Chunks of concrete flew in every direction and hit many in the crowd.

The blue horses had just passed this point and the remaining two teams were cut off from the finish line: technically a victory for Decentius. Twenty people lost their lives in the disaster and an unreported number were injured. The crowd, stunned briefly, ran for their lives putting greater stress on the stands than it could take. One portion, where many people had fled and were pushing to get out, collapsed in a cloud of dust.

By a miracle, there were only minor injuries but the cry was raised by everyone:

"Earthquake!

Earthquake!"

25) Magnentius heard the cries and, wasting no time, fled the imperial box, taking the golden crown of victory, with his two bodyguards. He mounted his horse and was back at the palace before any of the crowd reached their homes. Magnentius had been so quick that the friends sharing the imperial box and even Decentius were left behind. Naturally, cries of earthquake served to increase the ferocity of the crowd as they pushed, punched and clawed their way out of the circus. In the crush of bodies few were seriously injured. There was the odd broken bone and who can tell how many noses were smashed or feet crushed. Fortunately, the remaining seats did not fall apart.

The clouds of dust raised by so many fleeing feet was enough to choke anyone. When Decentius had fully realized what had happened he jumped to his feet screaming, then fainted. He was carried back to the palace where he learned the last race had been declared invalid by the judges due to the fall of the obelisk; nobody had finished the course. Had Decentius been forced to pay his bets he would no longer have been Caesar but the imperial janitor.

After he came to his senses Decentius laid the blame on Fortunius who defended himself saying he had only done what the Caesar had ordered. Arguments went back and forth with each side accusing the other of overlooking details and shoddy workmanship. For a time, the contractor was lodged in the palace prison but was released after a week. Still, he could never put up a sand castle under his old name and changed it to Lucius Primus Secundus, later accused of building flimsy apartment buildings that fell apart.

26) Victor, fearing the wrath of Decentius, fled for his life and later became a famous charioteer in Constantinople where he was the darling of Constantius. He became the darling of the blue faction. In truth, Victor need not have been worried as the Caesar was prepared to forgive him; however, knowing his master, he did not want to take that chance. Decentius sold his fine team of horses (even though it broke his heart), but the memory of the final chariot race haunted him and was responsible for many bad dreams.

The ruins of the circus were left as they were and gradually melted away. The cost of the races greatly depleted the money Magnentius had acquired from Constans. Although the emperor was not too concerned the later lack of cash would be blamed on the chariot races.

© David A. Wend 1998