ABSTRACT
As the man made his way through the huddled throng outside the theater his attendants parted the crowds for him. Those in the know paused and put their hands to their mouths, pointing at the man and his retinue, and whispering to one another in tones ranging from admiring awe to bitter disapproval. To be the object of such attention was a new experience for Fortunatus, a man born into servitude who had made his way in life and eventually purchased his freedom. Now, as he entered with his attendants, the theater was humming, and many eyes were upon him as he took his seat among the official attendants of the tribunes (inter viatores tribunicios) for the first time – a seat Fortunatus had purchased with blood. Fresh in the crowd’s mind was Fortunatus’ betrayal of his former master, turned patron, L. Antistius Vetus, a well-connected man of consular standing whom he had charged with conspiracy against the princeps.1
