Death of Vitellius
Vitellius, the deposed Roman emperor, is dragged through the streets by Vespasian's forces and brutally executed on the Gemonian Stairs. The mob cheers as his body is mutilated and thrown into the Tib
Setting
The Gemonian Stairs, a steep and infamous staircase leading down to the Tiber River in Rome, used for public executions and displaying the bodies of criminals. The steps are worn smooth by centuries of use, and the area is surrounded by the imposing architecture of the Roman Forum.
Characters
Vitellius
primary
A corpulent man in his mid-forties, with a fleshy face marked by years of indulgence. His fair skin is now bruised and bloodied from rough handling, his thinning brown hair matted with sweat and filth. His once-imperial bearing is broken, his body bearing the marks of a recent beating.
Legionary
primary
A battle-hardened soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build from years of military service. His face is weathered by sun and wind, with a prominent scar running from his left temple to his jawline. His dark brown hair is cropped short in military fashion, and his piercing grey eyes reflect both discipline and a simmering rage.
Mob Leader
secondary
A burly man in his late 30s with a weathered face marked by old scars and a broken nose. His muscular frame suggests years of manual labor or street brawling, with thick forearms covered in crude tattoos of Mars and Fortuna. His dark hair is cropped short in military fashion, and he has a missing front tooth.
Slave Boy
background
A thin, malnourished boy of about 12 years, with tangled dark hair and wide, fearful eyes. His skin is sun-kissed from long hours of outdoor labor, and his small frame trembles uncontrollably at the sight before him.
Dialog
Vitellius
Good soldier, we command you—release us! The gods will remember mercy!
Legionary
Silence, glutton. Mars has judged you already.
Mob Leader
Ecce! The hog of the Palatine squeals at last!
Vitellius
Noble Romans—we fed you! We—
Legionary
Your feast ends here. The Tiber hungers.
Mob Leader
Eia! Let his belly fill with iron, not pheasant!
Vitellius
Mother...