.

A marble statue of a man, Marcus Holconius Rufus, in military dress

Stage 11: candidātī

Bribery, corruption, scandal and supporters of rival factions beating each other up in the street - politics Pompeian style.

Story explorers

A marble statue of Marcus Holconius Rufus
Page 178

titulī: in hortō

The house is buzzing with political debate, but Lucia disagrees with Caecilius’ assessment of the candidates.

Line drawing of Sulla the signwriter and Quintus.
Page 178

tituli: prope vīllam I

A chance encounter with a signwriter leads to an election slogan being “corrected” by Quintus! Will everyone agree?

Illustration of a painted Roman graffito referring to Lucia and Quintus
Page 179

tituli: prope vīllam II

Another “correction” and another fee for the signwriter. At least now everyone can agree on the final slogan!

Detail from a painted Roman election notice at Pompeii
Page 181

Lūcius Spurius Pompōniānus: in vīllā

In a scene straight out of Roman comedy, Grumio has a cunning plan to make money out of the forthcoming election – meet Lucius Spurius Pomponianus!  

Line drawing of a crowd of men in togas listening to a speech in the forum. A placard reads "Pistores Rufum II virum rogant"
Page 182

Lūcius Spurius Pompōniānus: prope amphitheātrum

Grumio, with Clemens in tow, heads towards the crowd of bakers who are meeting near the amphitheatre.

Photograph of the forum at Pompeii, showing the platform used for making speeches in the foreground
Page 183

Lūcius Spurius Pompōniānus: in forō

It's showdown in the forum! Amid the political punch-up, there's a shock waiting for Grumio...

Line drawing of a money bag with coins of various sizes next to it.
Page 184

Lūcius Spurius Pompōniānus: in culīnā

The conclusion of the story. Grumio and Clemens are back in the kitchen and Clemens reveals that he's managed to exploit the situation for his own gain!

Line drawings of Metella and Lucia
Page 186

Lūcia et Metella

Caecilius is in negotiations again, but this time he’s not arranging a business deal but a marriage. How will Lucia feel about this?

Language activities

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Sorting Words

Cases

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Sorting Words

It's personal

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Sorting Words

Meanings

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Sorting Words

Which Person

Word endings icon
Word Endings

Verbs with the Dative

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Vocabulary Tester

Stage 11: Vocabulary Tester