Downfall of a Despot
The journal of Petronius Secundus
September 16, 96
Now that Domitian has executed the Praetorian Prefects, Norbanus and I (Petronius Secundus) must watch our backs very carefully, because now we have the position of the Praetorian Prefect. Yesterday eve I saw the emperor in a fit of rage when a servant brought him stale bread with his meal. Domitian cut off his hand, just because he brought the emperor stale bread. From my position at the doorway, waiting so that he might sign a legal document, I could see the madness burning in his eyes. After having Domitian sign the document I hurried off before I could incur his wrath. I later met with Norbanus to discuss what we should do. First we thought that we should poison him, but that would give a painless and quick death. Finally we decided that we should just hire someone to kill him. We left it at that for right now. We decided that we Should meet at the public gardens at eight o'clock tonight to discuss our plot further. Finally sunset came and I had dinner with the emperor. The meal cosisted of stuffed suckling pig witth a cream sauce, roasted kid, chicken a la fronto, lentils with artichoke bottoms (they were marvelous), and for desert savillum. Of course there was plenty of the finest wine available. After that I relieved myself and headed off to the public gardens. Rome was awake with laughter tonight. For what reson, I no not. Everyone mirthfully drunk on wine and love. Luckily the lamps in the street were lit, otherwise I would have had a very hard time navigating the streets of Rome. When I reached the gate to the gardens, I saw a woman with Norbanus. It was Domitia! I kept a cool face, but inside I was extremely nervous. Norbanus told me that Domitian's wife, Domitia, wanted him dead, as did we. We discussed our idea further and we decided that we would hire a freedman named Stephanus to do our dirty work. We left it up to Norbanus to hire Stephanus. After that we departed in silence. And here I am now. And hear I end the tale of today.
September 17, 96
I have just heard from Norbanus that after our little meeting in the gardens last night Norbanus paid off Stephanus. Stephanus will make his move tomorrow, around two o'clock. We have made arrangements so that no-one will be close enough to come to Domitian's aid until it is too late.
I have my own little plan. I will hide in his closet and leave the door cracked so that I can see Domitian. Right after Stephanus has dealt with the emperor, I will be the first one to get to the scene of the murder and to sound the alarm. Then, whoever shows up to help will help me kill Stephanus. I cannot let this journal fall into the wrong hands; if it did I would be executed, or worse. If our plan fails, I would hate to see what would happen to Norbanus and me. Today Domitian had no outbursts of hatred or disgust. He actually acted very civil, like a great Caesar. He even signed some taxes that would tax Germany. I will miss him in some ways. However his strange and despotic ways must go. I know why Domitia wants her husband dead. He abuses her and Domitia has fallen in love with one of the senators I am oddly excited about tomorrow. Now I must sleep.
September 18, 96 (morning)
The day of the downfall of Domitian is at hand. After this day Norbanus and I will be safe from Domitian's wrath. Now I must go to work.
September 18, 96 (nighttime)
It feels great to be free from a despot. All went according to plan. After leaving this morning I had breakfast with Domitian and we had a light hearted conversation. He told me that Domitia was acting awfully excited and happy today. I said that maybe she had a nice sleep and a good dream . After breakfast I had Domitian signed a few legal documents. I had nothing to do till two o'clock. After that it was almost two o'clock. I hurried over to my designated hiding place and waited for the end of Domitian. Soon after I had settled myself in the closet Domitian walked in, sat down in his chair, and gave a big sigh. A few minutes later Stephanus walked in and asked Domitian to sign a document. Right when Domitian started to sign it, Stephanus drew his knife and stabbed Domitian in the groin. Then they started to wrestle on the ground for control of the knife, but eventually Stephanus slit Domitian's throat. After this I leapt out of the closet and yelled "Caesar occisus est!". Suddenly a pack of guards rushed in. We quickly dealt with Stephanus before he could utter a single word about me. I wonder what will happen to Rome?
By Blake M '02 Germantown Academy