Death of Vitellius
Vitellius, the deposed Roman Emperor, is dragged through the streets of Rome by a vengeful mob and executed on the Gemonian Stairs after his brief and disastrous reign. The Praetorian Guard, once his
Setting
The Gemonian Stairs, a steep and infamous flight of steps leading from the Capitoline Hill to the Roman Forum, used for displaying the bodies of executed criminals. The surrounding area is lined with grand public buildings and temples, their marble facades towering over the scene.
Characters
Vitellius
primary
A corpulent man in his late 40s with flushed, sweaty skin and thinning hair plastered to his scalp. His double chin trembles with fear, and his small, deep-set eyes dart wildly. His once-imperial bearing has collapsed into desperate flailing, with meaty hands grasping at empty air.
Praetorian Guard
secondary
A hardened soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build earned through years of military training. His face is weathered by campaigns, with a prominent scar running from his left temple to cheekbone. Dark, close-cropped hair and a square jaw give him an imposing presence.
Angry Citizen
secondary
A gaunt man in his late 40s with sunken cheeks and a weathered face marked by years of hard labor. His knuckles are calloused, and his posture carries the permanent stoop of manual work. Dark eyes burn with long-held resentment.
Slave Boy
background
A thin adolescent boy of about 12-14 years old with sunken cheeks and wide, fearful eyes. His dark hair is cropped short in the slave fashion, and his olive skin bears several old scars from past punishments. His slight frame trembles visibly.
Dialog
Vitellius
The emperor... the emperor gave you games! Spare me and I'll... I'll fill the Circus again!
Praetorian Guard
Move the prisoner faster. This isn't a triumph procession.
Angry Citizen
Look at the fat pig squeal! Should've eaten less and ruled better!
Vitellius
Nolmus... please... by the Lares of my household...
Praetorian Guard
Up. The tribune wants this done before sunset.
Angry Citizen
Throw him down the stairs like the trash he is! Let Dis Pater sort him out!
Vitellius
I am still your Caesar! The Senate... the Senate will...