Chapter 84: Cleopatra
Chapter 84: Cleopatra
The Roman delegation to Alexandria consisted of three senators and their accompanying army. Marcus, a young senator, led the delegation. The other two senators were also young: Curio, a former member of the youth group that defended the Republic, and Cassius, a recent addition to the Senate.
Marcus brought Spartacus with him, as usual, along with the regular escort soldiers, but he did not include anyone directly related to his business. He was not planning to open a bank immediately; this visit was primarily for discussions.
Marcus viewed this trip as a much-needed break. Having been constantly busy, he saw the visit to Egypt as a chance to relax and enjoy the exotic atmosphere. The political situation in Rome was stable enough for him to take this month off. The Senate was focused on restoring its authority, while Caesar and Pompey managed state affairs efficiently. Crassus, who had been citing health issues, was now actively preparing for the upcoming election. The Senate’s strategy was to forgo this year’s elections and aim for a decisive victory next year, ensuring their faction secured key positions such as consul, praetor, and tribune.
As the registration deadline approached, the Senate faction ceased obstructing Caesar and concentrated on presenting their candidates and appealing to the citizens. The aristocrats welcomed Crassus’s return, viewing it as a positive development in this crucial period. Crassus used his political influence to propose esteemed candidates, and while the aristocrats supported him, they remained cautious about the election’s outcome.
“Wow, is that the famous Lighthouse of Pharos?” Curio’s exclamation drew Marcus’s attention. He saw that everyone on deck was admiring a massive white tower glowing in the sunlight. The lighthouse, made of white limestone, stood over 100 meters tall. A constant fire burned at its top, and a large mirror reflected sunlight during the day.
Marcus was eager to visit the lighthouse and enjoy the view of Alexandria. Curio noticed Marcus’s interest and lowered his voice with anticipation. “Have you heard that Egypt’s welcome ceremony is quite passionate? Their women’s clothing is very different from what we wear in Rome.”
“It’s a hot region, so naturally, they wear lighter clothing,” Marcus replied.
“Some might criticize it as too revealing, but in such a climate, they can’t be wrapped up tightly. Even royalty wear revealing clothes here, so we should respect their culture,” Curio added.
“You seem quite excited about experiencing other cultures,” Marcus observed with a smirk. Curio scratched his head with an awkward smile.
Cassius, observing their exchange, interjected sternly. “We are here as representatives of the Roman Senate. We should maintain our dignity, even if we are excited.”
“Of course, we should. But being too rigid might give the impression that Rome is a staid place that doesn’t know how to enjoy itself,” Curio retorted.
“I’d prefer to be seen as dignified rather than indulgent,” Cassius replied.
Marcus, ignoring their argument, continued to admire the view. As the harbor came into view, he saw a large crowd waiting to greet them. It was clear that the welcoming party, with its elaborate decorations and array of musicians and dancers, was more about showcasing pride than offering a sincere welcome.
As Marcus’s ship docked, the musicians played their instruments and the dancers performed. Marcus disembarked and observed the lively welcome ceremony with a mix of surprise and amusement. Curio’s eyes were fixed on the dancers, while Cassius struggled to maintain a stern demeanor but couldn’t help glancing at the spectacle.
Even Marcus, accustomed to interactions with figures like Julia, Danae, and Selene, felt a flicker of interest in the vibrant display. He stepped forward and addressed the gathering.
“Thank you for the warm welcome. Who is in charge here?”
A guard clad in Greek-style armor and a splendid purple tunic approached Marcus and bowed his head. He had a typical Macedonian appearance, reminiscent of Eucoras, whom Marcus had seen recently.
“Welcome, honored guests from Rome. Pharaoh has instructed us to greet you with the highest courtesy.”
“We greatly appreciate Pharaoh’s kindness and friendship. When can we meet him?” Marcus inquired.
“We have prepared a splendid banquet for you,” the guard replied. “However, we thought you might prefer to rest first after your long journey. We have arranged the most comfortable and luxurious accommodations in the palace for you. Would you like to go there first to relax?”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Please lead the way.”
The captain of the guard signaled to the coachmen, who then approached with three magnificent carriages.
“These carriages are for the senators. Please get in. We will escort you to the palace.”
“Thank you.”
Marcus, Cassius, and Curio each boarded a carriage, and the horses began their slow, steady pace.
The carriages rattled as they moved forward. It had been a while since the senators had experienced such an ancient mode of transport, and they found themselves smiling wryly.
Curio’s voice broke the silence with a grumble. “It’s amazing how quickly we get used to comfort. Ten years ago, we would have considered these carriages perfectly normal, but now they seem so inconvenient that riding them feels like a hardship.”
“It’s natural. Once we become accustomed to better conditions, it’s hard to go back,” Marcus agreed.
“I knew that in theory, but experiencing it firsthand makes it clear. By the way, it seems the rumor about Alexandria’s dislike of Rome might be true.”
Curio gestured toward the Egyptian citizens who had gathered to observe the delegation. Most of them were not native Egyptians, and the remarks they shouted were in Greek with a Macedonian accent.
“According to the rumor, the Ptolemaic dynasty doesn’t speak Egyptian at all. They are essentially a Hellenistic kingdom with an Egyptian facade. They might take pride in serving a living god as their king, which seems more in line with Egypt. Perhaps that’s why they resent being under Rome’s protection?” Curio speculated.
“That’s one way to interpret it. Their high self-esteem might make it difficult for them to accept their status as a protectorate,” Marcus replied.
“Regardless of their past brilliance, what matters most is their current strength. I hope at least the ruling class has some sense,” Curio added.
Marcus turned his attention away from the discontented faces of the Alexandrian citizens. The weather in Alexandria was sunny in May, with a slightly scorching sun, low humidity, and a gentle breeze making it more bearable.
The road to the palace was paved with marble and displayed considerable elegance. Ptolemy XII had allocated an entire building in the royal palace for the Roman delegation and granted them access to all areas except the pharaoh’s private quarters.
The meeting with the pharaoh was scheduled for four days later.
Cassius and Curio spent most of their time exploring the palace, relaxing from their journey, and enjoying Alexandria’s cultural offerings. Meanwhile, Marcus, accompanied by Spartacus, explored various parts of Alexandria.
Alexandria was an impressive city with well-developed sewage systems, sophisticated buildings, and the Heptastadion causeway, which connected the island to the mainland and was nearly 1 kilometer long.
The highlights of the city were the Alexandria Museum and Library, located in the royal district. The museum, known as Mousaion, was a renowned academic institution of the Hellenistic era, attracting top scholars for research and lectures. The library, divided into Bruchium and Serapeum, housed hundreds of thousands of books, thanks to Egypt’s systematic collection of literature.
Visitors to Alexandria had their baggage inspected to ensure that any unique books were submitted. These were copied, and the original was returned to the owner, reflecting the city's pride in its vast collection of global knowledge.
Marcus noted, “It’s similar to Rome in terms of development, but it feels quite different. I suppose it feels a bit rigid.”
Spartacus's impression of the city, voiced after seeing half of Alexandria, was unexpectedly sharp.
Marcus felt the same way.
Alexandria was divided into five districts, each strictly segregated by class. The wealthiest Macedonian elites kept their area exclusive, barring outsiders. Wealthy Roman merchants had their own separate district.
Of the city's population, which exceeded one million, only 10% held Alexandrian citizenship. The rest had merely residence rights and lived in the city without full civic status.
“The class rigidity is even worse than I expected. If you’re not of Macedonian descent, you can’t rise to the top of the social structure, right?”
Alexandria was a society where new forces like Rome had little chance of rising. Macedonian-blooded Greeks had the only real opportunity for advancement, whether in the public or private sector. Discrimination against native Egyptians was so severe that it was almost absurd. Pure Egyptians rarely lived in Alexandria, yet the Macedonians absorbed much of Egyptian culture despite their oppression of the natives.
The behavior of the Ptolemaic dynasty, although Macedonian by blood, was not much different from that of the Egyptians.
This irrational and oppressive social structure was also reflected in their policies. When Marcus inquired about relief measures for the poor, he discovered that Alexandria had none.
“Rome provides free grain to the poor? Ha, don’t make me laugh! Where would you find such a place?” the citizens scoffed when Marcus mentioned Rome’s grain distribution system.
Despite the presence of many Roman merchants, the rumor didn’t seem to spread. The reason was simple: there was little interaction between different social classes.
After two days of exploring, Spartacus showed clear disappointment compared to his initial impression.
“It’s an exceptionally sophisticated and unique city, but sadly, its social conditions don’t match its grandeur.”
“It’s because the rulers are incompetent. It’s shocking that in a city of over a million people, there isn’t a single policy to assist the poor.”
“Do Eastern rulers lack compassion for their people?”
“Compassion? Don’t be absurd. The rulers of Rome don’t possess much either.”
“Really? But Rome ensures that the poor don’t starve and allows them free entry to gladiator games.”
“A well-fed dog doesn’t complain to its master. Rome’s relief for the poor is purely a political measure, but it prevents starvation. Alexandria, on the other hand, is building up anger among its poor. Anger is contagious and will surely lead to trouble eventually.”
Marcus gazed at Alexandria from the high lighthouse with a cold stare. His initial excitement about the city had long since faded. He felt a pang of sadness seeing such a magnificent city marred by inept rulers.
He resolved to take this experience as a lesson: Rome could also face decline if its growth momentum faltered.
‘I came here for a break, but I’m thinking about this... I’m completely absorbed in work.’
Feeling reflective after witnessing the city’s decline, Marcus returned to the palace with Spartacus. With one day remaining before Ptolemy XII’s banquet, he decided to explore the palace buildings with the best views.
The palace, home to the royal family and high-ranking officials, boasted many buildings with beautiful vistas. Marcus particularly enjoyed a garden with a clear view of the sea.
“This is a place the royal family often visits. You can see the natural sea, not the busy harbor. It offers a very beautiful view,” the guide explained as he poured Marcus some of the finest wine from Chios.
“This is a place restricted to outsiders. You should appreciate how much Pharaoh is welcoming you.”
“Of course. I will express my gratitude personally when I meet him tomorrow.”
Marcus took a sip of the exquisite wine and smiled warmly. He handed his empty glass to the servant for a refill. Just then, he heard the clear voice of a young girl nearby.
“Hey, who are you to come here without permission?”
Marcus turned his head slightly, resting his chin on his right hand.
“Are you talking to me?”
“Get off your seat and show some respect! You’re being so rude!”
“Who is this child ordering me around?”
The anxious servant quickly leaned in and whispered, “She is Arsinoe IV, Her Highness, the princess of Pharaoh’s bloodline.”
“Oh, a princess.”
Marcus didn’t know any of Pharaoh’s siblings except Cleopatra, but he straightened his posture anyway. He didn’t bow or kneel; he simply turned to face her fully.
The owner of the sharp voice looked no older than seven or eight.
‘Cleopatra’s sister.’
Arsinoe had blond hair and fair skin, true to the Ptolemaic lineage. Though her face was cute, her piercing eyes gave her an authoritative presence despite her youth. She was adorned with numerous pieces of jewelry, which seemed excessive for her small frame.
Seeing Marcus’s subtle smirk, Arsinoe’s temper flared.
“You’re so insolent! Don’t you know how to kneel and show respect? Haven’t you heard my status from the servant? How dare you display such disrespect?”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness.”
Marcus replied in a gentle yet firm tone, “A representative of the Roman Senate does not kneel to a foreign king, let alone to a royal family. I will show respect, but nothing more. You should not expect otherwise.”
“How dare you! Don’t you know I am a princess of pure Ptolemaic blood? Or are you perhaps a royal yourself? I heard an envoy came from Rome. Are you a prince of that land?”
“Your Highness, Rome is a republic, not a monarchy. Did your tutor not teach you that?”
“A republic? Then you must show me respect! Kneel before me at once!”
Arsinoe, only eight years old, struggled to understand the difference between a monarchy and a republic. Educated from birth to believe she was a descendant of gods, she had never encountered anyone who stood upright before her. Now, a foreigner in an unusual white outfit was acting disrespectfully in her presence.
She immediately ordered her attendants to deal with him.
“Make that impudent man kneel right now!”
The attendants looked around nervously, unsure of what to do. A higher-ranking eunuch among them, judging by his high-pitched voice and thin hair, stepped forward to intervene.
“Your Highness, these are guests whom Pharaoh has instructed us to treat with the utmost courtesy. They may not be royals, but they hold a status equivalent to kings. You cannot make unreasonable demands on them.”
“Not royals, but equivalent to kings?”
“I will explain more in your next lesson. Such countries do exist.”
“What strange countries…”
“Those ‘strange countries’ are leading the world right now. You still have much to learn.”
A new female voice came from behind Arsinoe. She turned sharply, her expression showing irritation.
A girl with slightly lighter hair than Arsinoe’s stood there. She wore less jewelry, but her presence was striking. She appeared to be of similar age but radiated a much more mature aura. Her sparkling eyes, prominent nose, long eyelashes, and full lips hinted at future beauty.
The girl walked gracefully past Arsinoe and stood before Marcus.
“I apologize for my younger sister’s rudeness. She is still lacking in education. I hope you will forgive her.”
“There is nothing to forgive. I was not upset. By the way, may I ask your name, Your Highness?”
Marcus had already guessed her identity but asked politely. The girl smiled warmly and gave a slight bow.
“I am Cleopatra, Cleopatra VII Philopator.”