Chapter 11: A General’s Advice
Chapter 11: A General’s Advice
After arriving in Rome, I spent several days forgetting all complicated matters, eating well and sleeping well. Only then did the fatigue from the long journey begin to fade.
“Varius, come with me somewhere today.” On the seventh day, Grandmother Julia Maesa took me somewhere.
Were we going to meet someone important?
It was a small villa located on the edge of the Campus Martius. From the outside it looked ordinary, but it was apparently famous as a discreet meeting place for key figures of the Roman military.
(Translator’s Note: The Campus Martius (Latin for 'Field of Mars') was a publicly owned area of ancient Rome about 2 square kilometres (490 acres) in extent.)
“The person we are meeting today is General Comazon,” Julia Maesa said quietly inside the carriage. “He is also from Syria and currently holds considerable influence within the Roman military.”
(Translator’s Note: Publius Valerius Eutychianus Comazon (died after 222) was a Roman general and ally of emperor Elagabalus. Comazon began his career as an ordinary army recruit under the Emperor Commodus, whom he served as a soldier in the province of Thrace.)
“Grandmother, how can he help us?”
“Varius, bloodline alone is not enough in Rome. To obtain real power, you need the support of the military.” Her gaze turned serious. “Comazon is one of the very few people capable of providing that support.”
Comazon greeted us in the villa’s courtyard.
He looked like the model professional soldier. Of average height but broad-shouldered and muscular, his face bore scars from countless battles. A long scar carved across his left cheek seemed proof of his bravery.
Even without Grandmother’s explanation, hearing the name Comazon reminded me how important he was.
He had acted like Julia Maesa’s right hand when striking back against Emperor Macrinus, when raising Varius to the imperial throne, and later again when deposing Emperor Elagabalus and proclaiming Alexander emperor.
In fact, he went even further. He was the one who first concluded that Emperor Elagabalus was beyond saving and must be removed, forcing Grandmother to make her final decision.
During Elagabalus’s reign, he was appointed commander of the Praetorian Guard and wielded enormous power for four years—so much that even the reckless emperor dared not act against him.
“Lady Julia Maesa!” Comazon greeted us with soldierly brevity. “It is an honor to meet the wise heroine of Syria here in Rome.”
A Syrian accent still lingered in his Latin, but years in Rome had refined his manner. His brown hair was cut short in military fashion, and sharp intelligence flashed in his dark eyes.
“Good to see you, General. This child is my grandson, Varius,” Julia Maesa introduced.
Comazon looked me over, as if evaluating me. “It’s good to finally meet the clever boy I’ve only heard rumors about. News of your service as high priest in Syria has reached here as well.”
I bowed politely. “It is an honor to meet you, General Comazon.”
“Come inside. Let’s talk.”
The reception room was simple and practical. Weapons and legion standards hung on the walls, and a large map of the Roman Empire lay spread across a table. Several red pins marked locations in Syria, showing how closely he still followed events there.
“You know I’m from near Emesa, right?” Comazon said while pouring wine. “When I was young, my mother often prayed at the Temple of Elagabal. When I learned that Lady Maesa’s family guarded that temple, I was deeply moved.”
“Do you still believe in Elagabal?” I asked cautiously.
“When I was young, yes,” Comazon said with a wry smile. “But after coming to Rome… one must also show respect to Roman gods. For survival.”
“General, how is the atmosphere within the military these days?” Julia Maesa asked, turning the conversation to politics.
Comazon’s expression hardened. “To be honest, it’s complicated. Opinions are divided.”
“In what way?”
“Ordinary soldiers like Emperor Caracalla. He doubled their pay. But generals like us are worried.” He lowered his voice. “The emperor has completely alienated the Senate and relies only on the army. That makes the entire political system unstable. In the long run, that’s bad even for the military.” After a pause, he added: “Even the Antonine Constitution hasn’t helped much. Increased tax revenue cannot keep up with excessive military spending and endless campaigns. Add administrative costs for millions of new citizens… this cannot last.”
I cautiously spoke. “Then what solution do you see, General?”
He looked at me sharply. “A smart question. The answer is simple. A new leader is needed—one who can win the support of the military, the Senate, and the people.”
He says treasonous things so casually…Bold indeed.
“A new leader…” Julia Maesa murmured meaningfully.
“Lady Maesa, I know your wisdom well,” Comazon said quietly. “If… circumstances change, I would like to stand on your side.”
“What do you mean by circumstances changing?”
He hesitated briefly before answering. “Emperor Caracalla… won’t last long. He’s made too many enemies. Even within the Praetorian Guard, dissatisfaction is growing.”
Seeing my tension, he added calmly, “Not immediately, of course. But politics is always about preparing for the future.”
“Varius,” Comazon said, leaning forward, “if you want influence in Rome, you must operate on two fronts simultaneously.”
“Two fronts?”
“First, the Senate. Like your great-aunt Julia Domna, earn respect through learning and refinement. Participate in philosophical debates, try legal advocacy, attend literary gatherings. Make them see you as a civilized Roman, not a barbaric Easterner.”
I nodded, and he continued.
“Second, the military. Watching developments along the Rhine campaign is a good start, but not enough. Build relationships with gladiators and veteran centurions as well. You must gain their trust.”
Why gladiators?
Probably because games maintain public favor and social control.
“Varius,” he asked, “have you received military training?”
“Yes. I learned basic swordsmanship and horsemanship in Syria.”
“Good, but not enough. To earn soldiers’ respect, you must prove your courage on the battlefield.”
“I’ve been thinking about that as well.”
“Then I have a proposal.”
His eyes sharpened.
“I can recommend you as my adjutant—unofficially. You’ll gain real combat experience and expand your military network.”
Julia Maesa looked intrigued. “What mission?”
“Next month, a small expedition is planned toward the Rhine to suppress unrest among Germanic tribes. It isn’t especially dangerous, but it would be good experience.” Then his tone darkened further. “And Varius, keep an eye on Praetorian Prefect Macrinus.”
(Translator’s Note: Marcus Opellius Macrinus (c. 164–218 AD) was the first Roman emperor who was not a senator, rising from an equestrian background to become Praetorian Prefect under Caracalla. After orchestrating Caracalla's assassination in 217 AD to avoid his own execution, he ruled for just over a year before being defeated by forces loyal to Elagabalus and executed.)
“Macrinus? What about him?”
“He’s been meeting senators privately. Officially delivering imperial orders, but in reality, he seems to be building his own political base.” He lowered his voice even more. “Macrinus is from the equestrian class. Senators see him as a ‘successful commoner.’ If political change occurs, he’ll be a formidable contender.”
Something felt off.
Grandmother had stepped back, occasionally commenting, but mostly letting Comazon and me speak. Had they discussed this beforehand?
“Then how should we respond?” I asked.
“For now, observe. Don’t move too hastily. But learn which senators Macrinus meets and what they discuss.”
“Thank you sincerely for your advice, General. One question,” I added. “If political change truly comes, why would you support us?”
Comazon smiled approvingly. “A fine question. First, we share Syrian roots. Second, I trust Lady Maesa’s political ability. Third, hearing about your performance as high priest, I see future potential in you.” After a pause, he added, “And above all, the Roman Empire needs change. Rome-centered thinking alone cannot govern such a vast empire anymore. Eastern wisdom must combine with Western strength.”
As the sun began to set, the meeting ended.
Comazon stood and extended his hand. “Varius, if you truly wish to gain influence in Rome, I’ll help you. But the road won’t be easy. You must win recognition from both the military and the Senate.”
I clasped his hand. “I will follow your advice. I look forward to your continued guidance.”
“Good. I won’t forget that promise.”
On the carriage ride back, Julia Maesa spoke. “Today you’ve taken an important step, Varius. Comazon is trustworthy. With his support, our plans to expand political influence become much more realistic.”
So this is how complicated and dangerous the path to becoming emperor really is…
“But don’t you also feel that the possibility is becoming more real?”
By the way, are you really planning to go to the Rhine as General Comazon’s adjutant?
“It’s an important opportunity. Shouldn’t we take it?”
A perfect chance to tour Gaul as well.
(Translator’s Note: Gaul (Latin: Gallia) was an ancient region in Western Europe (c. 5th century BC–5th century AD) encompassing modern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Northern Italy. )
An opportunity we absolutely cannot miss.