Transcript
Lindsey Graham (0:00)
There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at IntoHistory.com It's September, 46 BCE in the field of Mars, a parade ground in the heart of the city of Rome. On the back of a magnificent white horse, 17 year old Roman nobleman Octavian rides past ranks of soldiers in gleaming armor to salute the day's guest of honor, the 54 year old Roman general and Octavian's great uncle, Julius Caesar. With a blast of a horn, thousands of soldiers begin marching away from the parade ground and onto the streets of Rome. Octavian nudges his horse forward to follow. Three years ago, after conquering Gaul, Julius Caesar ordered his army south. Crossing the Rubicon river, he entered Italy with his army and plunged the Roman Republic into civil war. Since then, Caesar has defeated almost all his rivals and had himself appointed dictator by the Senate. It seems that the old Roman Republic is dying and giving way to the rule of a single man. And. And now Caesar's arranged for a triumphant procession through Rome to demonstrate his power and his great nephew, Octavian. As part of the festivities, Octavian guides his horse along the side of the marching column. But it's not easy to maneuver in the packed streets. Thousands of Romans have turned out to cheer their leader. Octavian passes a group of soldiers carrying chests bursting with ornate jewels and coins. This loot will fund further free food and entertainment for the people of Rome. Next, Octavian encounters monkeys in cages from the far off lands that Roman armies have conquered. And finally, Octavian catches up with a filthy barefoot man walking with his hands chained together. Vercingetorix was the leader of Gaul who was defeated by Caesar six years ago. Since then, he's been kept in prison. But not for much longer. Octavian knows that the culmination of this triumphal procession will see Vercingetorix publicly executed at the Temple of Jupiter. Caesar has waited for the perfect moment to kill his enemy. Not only will Vercingetorix's death symbolize Caesar's conquest of Gaul, it'll also show what happens to anyone who dares get in his way. This triumphal procession shows to all the world that Julius Caesar is the most powerful figure in Rome. But he won't remain so for long. Within only two years, Caesar will be stabbed to death on the Senate floor. His assassination won't restore the Roman Republic, as his killers hoped. However, instead, it'll give Caesar's great nephew Octavian the chance to seize power for himself, beginning a rise to dominance that will effectively see the end of the Roman Republic when Octavian is named Emperor Augustus on January 16, 27 BCE.
Jorge Gaviria (3:08)
With a Spark Cash plus card from Capital One, you earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. Plus no preset spending limit helps your purchasing power adapt to meet your business needs. Jorge Gaviria, founder of masienda, reinvests his 2% cash back to help grow the business with new products. What could the Spark Cash plus card from Capital One do for your business? Capital One what's in your wallet? Find out more@capital1.com SparkCashPlus terms and conditions apply.
