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At his villa, Octavian addresses a gathering of wealthy Roman women, offering a history lesson on Rome's men, who were "fierce but uncouth" before they acquired wives – which is when "our rise to greatness truly began". He praises "the steely virtues and chaste morals" of the women of Rome, as just a few villas away, his mother engages in a vigorous round of sex with Mark Antony.
Honouring the women for raising a nation of wise statesmen and invincible warriors, Octavian promises that "when the time is right," he will ensure laws are enacted to reward fertility and sanctity in marriage, while severely punishing "adultery, promiscuity and vice of all kinds". His audience stands silent.
"They bought it wholesale," Maecenas declares afterward, ruffling Octavian, who insists he meant every word. Maecenas points out "the young piece" he told him about, Livia, an attractive, wide-eyed young woman. "Very presentable," Octavian agrees. "As ordered," says Maecenas. "Impeccable family. Young. Healthy. Proven fertility." In fact, she has one son, Tiberius. After a brusque introduction, Octavian gets straight to it: "Tell me, how would you like to be married to me?" Gasping at first, she manages a reply: "I would like that, if my husband does not object". Upon hearing her husband is Claudius Nero, Octavian is certain the patriotic family will allow for a divorce.
Maecenas agrees to attend to the details, but first there's another business matter: Herod's gold has arrived off shore at Ostia, and he's been liaising with the former slave Posca on the delivery, considering using the men of the Aventine for transport. Octavian agrees to the plan since the men are allied with both him and Antony. Just one caveat: the entire business must be invisible. "If the bribe comes to light, it must be Antony's fault alone," he tells Maecenas.
Timon, stoic and saddened, leads his family through Rome with a cart full of baggage. "When we get to Jerusalem," his oldest daughter asks, "will Uncle Levi be there?" Timon grimaces.
They pass by Posca outside a high-end jewellery shop, an ecstatic Jocasta gushing over him and a new necklace he's bought her. He sends her off to look for more as he enters a garish litter, where Maecenas is lounging opposite two nude lovers. Before discussing business, Posca insists the prostitutes leave. Maecenas sighs disdainfully, but Posca is firm, "We are stealing from our own chiefs, no precaution we take is too absurd".
In his office above the tavern, Vorenus lays out the gold transport plan to Pullo and Mascius. Since he's told Octavian and Antony's men they will travel via the river, they'll go by road instead, to avoid any leaks at the other end. He assigns Pullo to the task, angering Mascius – he always handles Ostian business. Octavian and Antony both know and trust Pullo, he explains. When they leave, Vorenus finds Vorena the Elder sweeping up the landing outside his office.
Honouring the women for raising a nation of wise statesmen and invincible warriors, Octavian promises that "when the time is right," he will ensure laws are enacted to reward fertility and sanctity in marriage, while severely punishing "adultery, promiscuity and vice of all kinds". His audience stands silent.
"They bought it wholesale," Maecenas declares afterward, ruffling Octavian, who insists he meant every word. Maecenas points out "the young piece" he told him about, Livia, an attractive, wide-eyed young woman. "Very presentable," Octavian agrees. "As ordered," says Maecenas. "Impeccable family. Young. Healthy. Proven fertility." In fact, she has one son, Tiberius. After a brusque introduction, Octavian gets straight to it: "Tell me, how would you like to be married to me?" Gasping at first, she manages a reply: "I would like that, if my husband does not object". Upon hearing her husband is Claudius Nero, Octavian is certain the patriotic family will allow for a divorce.
Maecenas agrees to attend to the details, but first there's another business matter: Herod's gold has arrived off shore at Ostia, and he's been liaising with the former slave Posca on the delivery, considering using the men of the Aventine for transport. Octavian agrees to the plan since the men are allied with both him and Antony. Just one caveat: the entire business must be invisible. "If the bribe comes to light, it must be Antony's fault alone," he tells Maecenas.
Timon, stoic and saddened, leads his family through Rome with a cart full of baggage. "When we get to Jerusalem," his oldest daughter asks, "will Uncle Levi be there?" Timon grimaces.
They pass by Posca outside a high-end jewellery shop, an ecstatic Jocasta gushing over him and a new necklace he's bought her. He sends her off to look for more as he enters a garish litter, where Maecenas is lounging opposite two nude lovers. Before discussing business, Posca insists the prostitutes leave. Maecenas sighs disdainfully, but Posca is firm, "We are stealing from our own chiefs, no precaution we take is too absurd".
In his office above the tavern, Vorenus lays out the gold transport plan to Pullo and Mascius. Since he's told Octavian and Antony's men they will travel via the river, they'll go by road instead, to avoid any leaks at the other end. He assigns Pullo to the task, angering Mascius – he always handles Ostian business. Octavian and Antony both know and trust Pullo, he explains. When they leave, Vorenus finds Vorena the Elder sweeping up the landing outside his office.
