Rome
2 Seasons | 22 Episodes | TV-MA
Every city has its secrets. HBO presents this epic series about the furious historical events that saw the birth of the Roman Empire.
Passover
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by </b>Tim Van Patten<br><b>Written by</b> Bruno Heller</p><p>Moments after Caesar's murder, Mark Antony emerges from the Senate in a state of shock, only to face Quintus Pompey and his thugs, who immediately set off after him. Brutus returns home shaking, his mother already plotting for him to fill Caesar's shoes. "Our name is redeemed," she tells him. "The Republic is saved." Back inside the Senate, Posca weeps over Caesar's body.<br><br>In the courtyard just below their apartment, Vorenus cries over the limp body of Niobe. When young Lucius approaches, he lurches for the boy, just as his two daughters return with their aunt Lyde and catch sight of their ashen mother. "Whose child is this?!" Vorenus demands, hoisting the boy in the air as if ready to hurl him over the gates. As Vorena the Elder reaches for the boy, he smacks her to the ground, then lets the boy go, redirecting his anger. "I curse you!" he says, pointing a crooked hand at his kids before stumbling out of the courtyard, leaving them to weep over their mother's corpse.<br><br>Having just heard the news about Caesar, Atia collapses in grief, as Octavia festers with fury, realizing Servilia used what she shared about Vorenus's wife to leave Caesar defenseless. Octavian instructs his sister to never speak of it again. Atia begins plotting to flee the city, convinced Mark Antony must be dead since he hasn't come for her. Octavian argues against it, insisting it's what Servilia wants. They are interrupted by Antony himself, still out of breath from Quintus Pompey's chase, but Atia's relief soon turns to anger; he talks of heading north and raising "an army of monsters" to avenge Caesar's death...all without her. Eventually he gives in and invites Atia to join him.<br><br>In a meadow in the Roman countryside, Pullo proposes marriage to Eirene, both of them oblivious to the chaos unfolding in the city. When he explains that she is no longer a slave and can say no to his proposal, Eirene accepts, and Pullo smears wet dirt on their faces to make it official.<br><br>At Caesar's villa, his long-forgotten widow Calpurnia presides over her husband's body as formal mourning rites begin. Mark Antony, Atia and her children arrive to pay their respects - and they are the only ones to do so. Calpurnia rejects Mark Antony's offer to escape the city under his protection; she is happy to die in Rome. She insists that Posca read Caesar's will, which stipulates that every citizen receive 75 denarii, and every soldier and veteran 100. Atia scoffs at "the waste."<br><br>None are prepared for what's next. All of Caesar's property and remaining money, as well as the legal obligations and benefits of his estate, are left solely to one person: Octavian, whom Caesar has designated sole heir and his lawful son. Atia can hardly believe her luck; Antony can't conceal his wounds. But he quickly recovers, explaining that Brutus and his men are now the law, and Caesar's money and land will go to them. "They will declare his death a rightful tyrannicide," Posca concedes, "and his will and all his acts become null and void."<br><br>While Antony plows ahead with plans to head north, Octavian announces he must stay in Rome. "I am Caesar's son. I must defend my status and rights." He insists his mother stay too, so that the family appears united. Antony laughs at the boy, but Octavian explains his logic: Brutus will have to declare Caesar a tyrant to justify his killing, but all the acts of a tyrant are unlawful, including those that put Brutus and Cassius in power. Antony continues to dismiss him, but Atia is coming around, realizing she could still be the mother of the richest man in Rome.<br><br>Lyde leads the children in preparing Niobe for her journey to the afterlife, when their ritual is interrupted by Erastes Fulmen and his men, who have come in search of Vorenus, realizing he's no longer protected by Caesar.<br><br>At Servilia's villa, Cicero arrives to applaud Cassius, Quintus and the others - he wished he wielded the knife himself, he says to derisive stares. Brutus assures him that the city is secured with 2,000 armed men, and that Caesar's people have all fled. Still, Cicero is disappointed to learn they left Mark Antony standing, and suggests they take care of the matter. Making a hasty exit, he comes face to face with the man himself. "Friend Cicero," Antony says with casual confidence, "Why so pale?"<br><br>As Mark Antony takes a seat at Servilia's table, Cicero insists he knew nothing of the plot to kill Caesar. Antony explains he's come alone, in good faith, to help them out of the "wolfpit" they've created. To their scoffs he responds that despite the man's tyrannical tendencies, "a great many people will worship Caesar until they die... and those people are mine now." They don't need such people, Cassius insists; they've secured the city, the Senate and the knights and the Pontiffs are with them. "Best wait 'til after the elections," Antony responds, before offering up Octavian's logic: all of "the tyrant's" acts and appointments will be nullified, and "messy" elections will have to be held for them to reclaim their powerful posts.<br><br>Realizing he has a point, Brutus and the others hear him out. Their strengths are balanced, Antony claims, and neither can win without terrible bloodshed. "I want peace and stability," he tells them. His proposal is for a general amnesty: Caesar will not be declared a tyrant, and they will not be killers. His death will be a natural death, and all his acts and his will shall stand - allowing all of them to keep their positions. And for a show of unity, they will hold a public funeral for the fallen leader.<br><br>And after that? Antony assures them he will serve out his term and retire to the provinces, to "plough my fields and f**k my slaves like old Cincinnatus." Skeptical, they ask him to leave and debate his offer. Brutus is furious that his co-conspirators tried to kill Antony as well, setting him up to be dishonored twice. While conceding Antony is "a vulgar beast," he insists the man has broken no capital law, and should not be killed. Alas, Brutus convinces no one, not even his mother. But when he meets Mark Antony outside, he accepts his offer of "friendship." On his way home, a smug Antony turns to Quintus and slashes his throat.<br><br>Pullo and Eirene return to Vorenus's villa to find him holding Niobe's limp hand. "I cursed my own children," he says through a fog of remorse. "It wasn't their fault." Pullo assures him they'll be back and he can lift the curse, especially since he didn't kill any animals on it.<br><br>Pullo pays a visit to Octavian, who tells him how Vorenus was lured away...ultimately admitting it was he who passed on the detail Pullo shared about Niobe's son. Octavian apologizes and asks him not to mention it to anyone. When Pullo learns Octavian has been named Caesar's heir, he offers to help exact vengeance.<br><br>As Niobe's body is carried out to the countryside in a handcart, Caesar's body is carried on an elaborate litter, lined by regal magistrates and mourners carrying candles that light the masks of his ancestors. Mark Antony, Atia and her family take their place on one side of the litter, Brutus and the conspirators line the other. As the doors of Caesar's villa open, a massive crowd roars at the sight of their ruler's body.<br><br>By the time Vorenus, Pullo and Eirene make their way back towards the city from Niobe's funeral pyre, Caesar's body is engulfed in a large plume of smoke, set atop a sprawling bonfire, an unruly mob of rioters unleashed throughout the city. By the time Brutus and Cassius arrive at Servilia's, they are greeted by Mark Antony, who has a new proposal: they are all to leave town, save for Servilia. He will offer Brutus a grain monitor post "to leave the city in dignity." Furious by what has transpired, they steadfastly refuse, insisting they still have "the men of quality" behind them. "And I have an angry mob," Antony fires back, "and they will roast and eat your men of quality in the ashes of the Senate house."<br><br>Returning to the apartment, Vorenus, Pullo and Eirene catch Clarissa rummaging through their cupboards, though she insists she's only taking back what she loaned Niobe. They demand to know where the kids are. "Erastes Fulmen took them," she says hesitantly.<br><br>At the Aventine tavern, Erastes holds court before a tableful of hard-faced gamblers and gangsters. One of his men reports on Caesar's funeral: Brutus carried on monotonously about the Republic and its laws. Then Antony got up, gave Brutus a hug, and pulled out Caesar's bloody toga. He paced the stage lamenting the loss of the great man, stirring the crowd to tears before he tossed the toga into the crowd. That's when they turned into an angry mob. Disgusted with Antony and the lack of respect shown at Caesar's funeral, Erastes warns his tavern men to stay away from the "disgraceful" rioting, or risk being "disjointed." He heads to the tavern's steam room, and just as he lies down, he's startled by the wraith-like appearance of a bloodied Vorenus - sword in hand - demanding to know where his children are. Erastes manages to escape past him back into the tavern, where he finds Pullo standing over the bodies of all his men. Resigned to what's next, he tells Vorenus he took his kids as payment for his many slights. "I f**ked them. Then I killed them. Then I threw them in the river." With barely a pause, Vorenus swings his sword at the man, killing him with a single blow.<br><br>Just outside the city's walls, Brutus and Cassius escape on horseback, a large retinue and a baggage train in tow. Back in the city, a blood-streaked Vorenus walks through the streets carrying Erastes Fulmen's head, lost in a furious haze, Pullo following along behind him.</p></div>
Son of Hades
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> Allen Coulter<br><b>Written by</b> Bruno Heller<br><br>With Erastes Fulmen gone, the Aventine is up for grabs, and rival gangs have taken to the streets in a struggle for control, stabbing each other in the open markets.<br><br>Having surrendered to his grief, Vorenus refuses to leave his bed, staring catatonically at the head of Erastes Fulmen, still rotting in a corner. Pullo tries to talk Vorenus into a new start, noting the mourning period has ended, but Vorenus won't hear of it.<br><br>Now Consul of Rome, Mark Antony is preparing for the arrival of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, which has Atia up in arms. To assuage her jealousy, Antony describes the woman as a "dark, skinny little thing who talks too much." Octavian interrupts to press him about the money Caesar left him, but Antony puts him off with talk of paperwork and lawyering.<br><br>Cleopatra is far more subdued than she was four years earlier, which puzzles Mark Antony, whom she doesn't recall meeting. She's in mourning over Caesar, she tells him, as he was "like a husband to me." Antony scoffs. "Roman Consul, Egyptian wife? Wouldn't do."<br><br>The Queen's counsel, Charmian, interrupts to begin negotiations: the Consul of Rome will guarantee armies to protect her throne in exchange for the value of her grain shipments. Posca ups the price, and they settle on an amount. But the Queen has one more issue to put on the table: her four-year-old son, Caesarion. Soon she must tell him that his father's people do not accept him as a true legal son. She wants a public declaration of the boy's paternity, "simply for his happiness." With a lecherous grin, Antony attempts to privately negotiate something in return, earning himself a fierce slap. "Nice manners for a whore," he tells her. "If I must prostitute myself for the good of my country and my family, I will," she fires back. "But the customer pays first does he not?" "Your son will eat sh** and die before I make him legal," he replies.<br><br>At the Basilica, an irritated Antony receives petitioners. A representative of the merchants complains about the violence in the Aventine killing commerce, "the root of civic virtue." Cicero jumps in, warning that whoever controls the Aventine controls the docks and the grain supply. And if the violence spreads, the whole city will descend into chaos and famine, "and you will be blamed, I'm afraid." Antony growls before presenting Cicero with a list of candidates for next year's elections, claiming Posca found them among Caesar's papers. "Ah. Another lucky find," Cicero smirks, claiming the list contains every scoundrel in the city who paid off Posca. After a threat from Antony, Cicero agrees to endorse them, but only if they cross off the worst of the lot.<br><br>At a loss with Vorenus, Pullo seeks out the new Consul of Rome. Mark Antony accompanies him back to the cursed villa, jarring his former soldier out of his funk. He reprimands Vorenus harshly, accusing him of letting "our great father die" and starting a war in the Aventine by killing Erastes. Vorenus insists he would kill himself, but "Dis" is his master; he's at the mercy of the God to end his life. "Dis is not your master. I am your master," Antony responds, and despite Vorenus's protests, he insists that no man is beyond redemption, "not even you."<br><br>As Atia prepares to host a party for the Egyptians, Octavian spots Timon and his henchmen, armed for battle, and confronts his mother about her latest plot, which as he suspects involves killing Servilia. "There is a truce, ratified by priests," he tells his mother. "The political situation is extremely delicate. Her death would throw the Republic into an uproar." When he threatens to go to Mark Antony, Atia stops him, then sends Timon and his men away, furious with her impudent son.<br><br>A retinue of exotically dressed servants and courtiers arrive with the wide-eyed four-year-old in tow, his hair done up like Caesar's. Not far behind is the stunning Queen - dressed to kill, and high on opium. She takes Mark Antony's hand affectionately and, ignoring Atia, captivates the room.<br><br>Timon returns home to find a surprise visitor - his older brother, Levi, an observant Jew from Jerusalem, resurfacing after nine years. Levi claims he's come to expand his business where the money is - he's in the spice, cloth and oil trade. "You hate Romans," Timon challenges him. "Vile oppressors. Babylonian whores." Levi finally concedes that he was forced to leave his homeland, as he spoke too freely about the "so-called leaders licking the boots of Roman soldiers." Timon reproaches his brother. "I've got a wife and children to think of. Keep that cac to yourself."<br><br>After torturing Atia with her beauty and overt affections toward Mark Antony, Cleopatra makes a scene as she leaves, telling the Consul she shall weep 'til she sees him again. Turning to Atia, she demands a kiss. "Die screaming you pigspawn trollop," Atia whispers into the monarch's ear. Antony is in for a rough night.<br><br>As the gang wars escalate in the Aventine, the Priests of Concord call a summit. Six roughhewn captains of the underworld, each with their own band of henchmen, gather before the priests and their statue of Concordia, goddess of harmony. An alliance has formed between the two biggest gangs, the Caelians, led by Memmio, and the Quirinali, under Hannibal Cotta. Across from them, a quartet of smaller gangs stand in equal numbers, including the Oppians, led by Acerbo. Pullo and Vorenus make a dramatic entrance.<br><br>Vorenus announces that he speaks under the authority of Mark Antony, Consul of Rome, who declares their battle to control the Aventine finished. "All violence will cease." The men look amused. "As killer of Erastes Fulmen, I claim his Captaincy of the Aventine...as my rightful spoils." Acerbo points out that he has no men; they're all dead or run away. "I will find men. Rome has no shortage of criminal scum. Maybe I'll take some of yours."<br><br>As the men stir in protest, Memmio reminds them the Goddess is present. When order is restored, Vorenus explains they'll receive a monthly stipend of 5,000 denarii from Mark Antony - under Vorenus's supervision. In return, they will limit themselves to their "traditional liberties and malpractices...nothing that will disrupt trade or politics." Acerbo objects. "Why would sane and respectable men like ourselves do business with a poor curse-hounded beast like you?"<br><br>With this, Vorenus pushes aside the priests and grabs the Goddess, then smashes the statue repeatedly against a pillar until it shatters into shards. The captains and horrified priests look on in astonishment. "I'm a son of Hades," Vorenus announces. "I f**k Concord in her arse. The truce is raised." Pullo panics, but Acerbo quickly agrees to do business, as Memmio and Cotta stare at the remains of the statue, speechless.<br><br>Outside Atia's villa, a young boy is beaten by a pack of larger ones, until Castor intervenes. The grateful boy, Duro, kisses Castor's feet and begs him for work, offering to do anything, including sexual favors. Castor seems to consider the offer.<br><br>Octavian seeks out Mark Antony one more time to remind him about his inheritance - he intends to give the plebs the money Caesar promised them. "You are a fool then," Antony tells the boy. "Once they have their money and spend it, they will only want more." Octavian explains he's enlisted a lawyer to help Posca transfer the money without further delay. This infuriates Antony, who tells him he's getting none of it. Atia tries to placate him, then scolds her son after he leaves. "Don't you see we're dependent on Antony now? Who will protect us if you drive him away from me?!"<br><br>When Octavia confronts her brother about his insolence, Octavian shares his secret plans with her. As he sees it, the Republic is on the brink of collapse, with a weak and cowardly Senate and angry, starving plebs. And Antony is nothing but "a destructive brute." So he plans to assume a leadership role and offer new initiatives. Octavia bursts out laughing at her little brother, until she realizes he's dead serious.<br><br>In the forum, a newsreader announces a pledge from "Gaius Octavian Caesar, the lawful son of Gaius Julius Caesar," who plans to personally fulfill the terms of his beloved father's bequest to the people, delivering the money they are due. "Let it be known that Caesar's son has sold away all his own property to honour his father's wishes," he adds. Hearing the news, Mark Antony enters the boy's bedroom in a fit of rage.<br><br>Octavian tries to assure him the offering was not meant as a direct challenge to his authority, claiming he wants to make a public display of unity. His name - Caesar's name - can offer Antony protection from his enemies in the Senate. This only infuriates Antony more, and when he learns that Octavian was able to borrow against the money given his legal claim, he attacks the boy. When Atia hears how much he's given away (three million Sestertii), she jumps in, too.<br><br>Watching Antony unleash all his fury at the small boy, Atia finally tries to stop him. "Forget about him. Let's go," she says to her lover, turning away from her son. "Fucking whore!" Octavian screams, inspiring Antony to pummel the boy a few more times, until Octavia finally intervenes.<br><br>At the Aventine tavern, Vorenus moves into Erastes Fulmen's former office, as Pullo begins interviewing applicants for jobs in the more orderly collegium. A bold, scantily-clad woman named Gaia enters, impressing Pullo. A former supervisor at a brothel who kept the customers in line, she negotiates a similar job with better pay. Mascius, a former soldier from the 13th, arrives next, desperate for work. They warn him of the questionable nature of the work, but he lost his farm and now he's homeless. He'd already heard about the "black-hearted villain" named Vorenus who's in with the Gods below. Vorenus smiles wickedly at this, worrying Pullo. "What more can the Gods do to me?" Vorenus asks him. "Don't know," Pullo says, shaking his head. "Don't want to find out."<br><br>Cicero pays a visit to Servilia, who is thrilled with the news of Octavian's bold initiative, certain that the Caesarion house divided will destroy itself. Though Cicero doubts the boy will be a true rival to Antony, Servilia believes Caesar chose him for a reason. She also thinks the Senate should ask her son to return. As Cicero talks of caution, waiting to see what develops, Servilia does not look pleased.<br><br>Atia returns to her son's room to find a note bidding her farewell. Her face streams with tears as she reads it: "I hope in time you will understand the gravity of your mistake," he writes. Determined as ever to pursue a political career, he's headed south for Campania to stay with a friend, Agrippa, who is well established there.<br><br>On a dusty road along the Italian countryside, Octavian rides on horseback, accompanied by several servants and guards. They pass a large slave transport full of bodies chained together, moaning in pain. In the very back, Vorena the Elder, Vorena the Younger, Lucius and Lyde are huddled on the floor, their faces blank and hopeless.</p></div>
These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> Alan Poul<br><b>Written by</b> Scott Buck<br><br>nAs Vorenus sleeps, a tearful Niobe appears. "I thought you were dead," she says. "The boy is blameless." Vorenus bolts awake to find himself lying in his office, overlooking the Aventine tavern. Below, a brawl breaks out between two prostitutes, drunken customers cheering them on, until Gaia breaks them apart. Mascius and Pullo catch each other admiring Gaia, as Eirene watches on.<br><br>nAs the new head of the Aventine, Vorenus receives an official visit from Memmio and Carbo. A young nephew of Carbo's, a boy of 12, was "defiled" by an Aventine man, Quintus Bubo. Carbo comes to ask Vorenus' permission to avenge his family's honor and kill the man. Vorenus dismisses the request after learning that the boy accepted money for the exchange. No offense was committed and Mark Antony gave strict orders to maintain the peace. Besides, Bubo "is a man of property and respect." Vorenus orders Memmio and Carbo not to touch Bubo.<br><br>nPullo speaks up on their behalf, "Money or not, he took advantage of the boy," suggesting maybe a moderate form of punishment. Vorenus shuts Pullo down, stoking the ire of Memmio. "We came to you out of politeness, a mere formality," the gang leader tells him. "Even your own man..." "My man doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut," Vorenus snaps before insisting his decision is final. After they leave, Pullo confronts Vorenus, who responds, "Do not question my authority under any circumstances." Pullo pulls back, "Authority?" They're interrupted by Gaia, bringing Vorenus food.<br><br>nOctavia is hosting a friend, Jocasta, the daughter of a wealthy businessman. She's just returned from Macedonia with two sacks of hemp. With the help of a slave girl, Octavia tries smoking the seeds for the first time, only to choke on the smoke. They're interrupted by Atia who reprimands them for stinking up the house - before taking a hit of the hemp herself. Atia wants to know more about Macedonia; they are going there once Antony takes up the Governorship. Jocasta tells her the place is "ghastly," with a "filthy climate, vile food and beastly people." Octavia snickers, the hemp seeds finally hitting her, but her mother is not amused. "Perhaps you did not mix in quite with the best society," she says to her friend. Jocasta explains her father is "hideously rich," but there is no "society" to be found in the region. The women are so awful the men resort to their sheep. "It is truly the end of the world."<br><br>nAtia scowls at the young woman. "I am no snob, my dear," she says to Octavia. "I do not mind that you bring home a tradesman's daughter. But let's stop there, shall we? No actors, or gladiators, or that sort of thing..." Jocasta stares up at her in disbelief. Octavia tries to assuage her friend after her mother leaves. "She's been in an infernal grump since Octavian left."<br><br>nTimon tries to pay a visit to a depressed Atia in her chambers, but she sends him away before he can speak, throwing him into a fit outside her villa. Servilia's servant, Castor, witnesses the outburst while he is there summoning Duro, Atia's handsome boy servant, for sex. The boy struggles to endure his latest obligation in the horse stalls. When Timon returns home, his older brother Levi is helping his kids learn Hebrew, angering him even more. He throws back a glass of wine.<br><br>nIn their rural slave barracks, Lyde and the children, Vorena the Elder, Vorena the Younger and Lucius, try to sleep in their small stall wearing little more than rags. Lyde watches the guard saunter by.<br><br>nOver breakfast, Atia confronts Mark Antony about coming home so late, puking drunk and mauling her. She's also unhappy about going to Macedonia after his Consulship is over. He insists they have dressmakers and jewel merchants in the capitol, but she's already ruled it out. Once he leaves Italy, she tells him, his enemies will no longer fear him, and he will be powerless to strike at them. "I don't want to strike at them," he responds. "There's no juice in it anymore. I want peace and quiet and a nice rich province to squeeze." She tries a more direct approach to stoke his paranoia: "Your enemies will not rest until you are dead. You have a wolf by the ears. You cannot let go of it now."<br><br>nBack in the Aventine, Timon finds his brother hovering with a suspicious-looking man. When he confronts him, Levi claims the man is a saffron trader, but Timon doesn't buy it. A bloodied and incoherent Quintus Bubo is presented to Vorenus and Pullo, his hysterical wife by his side, begging for justice. Memmio's boys got to him, Gaia explains. Enraged that his command was disobeyed, Vorenus plots Memmio's punishment as Pullo tries to talk some sense - Memmio will have to retaliate and he'll start a war. Vorenus insists he has no choice, then blames Pullo for questioning him in front of Memmio. He orders Pullo to go after Carbo. "This isn't the mumping legion. I take orders from no man," Pullo fires back. As Vorenus seethes, Pullo tells him his thinking is backwards, and that he's just trying to keep him alive. "You'd like nothing better than a gang war eh? Get yourself killed and be done with your misery. Take half the city with you...It won't bring back Niobe. Or the children. Or Caesar."<br><br>nWhen Vorenus insists Pullo never helped him, Pullo starts ticking off a list, which includes getting rid of "that snake Evander." Realizing what he's revealed, Pullo finally admits to knowing about Niobe's child, and to killing the man who fathered him. "She loved you. You were happy together," he says, attempting to talk him down. "What was I supposed to do? If I'd told you...you would have killed her." Vorenus throws him out.<br><br>nMark Antony meets with Cicero, who casually informs Antony of the considerable army Octavian has raised. Antony mocks the "cripples and fools" the boy has likely bought, but Cicero lets him know he's enlisted veterans. Standing up before a potted plant adjacent to the senate leader, Antony lifts his tunic and begins urinating in it as he informs Cicero of his new plans: he no longer wishes to take the Governorship of Macedonia; he wishes to take Gaul. The weather is better. The Senate will not pass such a measure, Cicero tells him, as they will see it as emulating Caesar, camping on the border with his legions, scaring Rome into doing whatever he wishes. Antony laughs, insisting he'd never thought of such a thing.<br><br>n"You are the Senate, Cicero," Antony says before suggesting he propose his new Governorship at the next meeting. Cicero protests. "The Senate would know I was backing you through fear of death." He refuses Antony's offer of a bribe, so instead he receives a threat, a reminder of how his old friend Crassus died (molten gold poured down his throat). "Enough," Cicero says, giving in. "It is correct what you say. The weather in Macedonia is dreadful."<br><br>nWhen Pullo tries to explain and apologize to Vorenus for not telling him about Niobe, he is quickly forgiven. "How can I not forgive you, Pullo. You're all I have left in life." They embrace stiffly, as Pullo, looking confused by his friend's sudden turnaround, changes the subject back to the Aventine war. He suggests they let Carbo pay a fine and talk to Memmio. "You may be right," Vorenus allows, "but it's too late now."<br><br>nIn fact, Carbo is entering a public latrine to take care of business, two of his men in tow. They're interrupted by Mascius, Appius and three other gangsters, who knock out the men before turning Carbo upside down, head first into the open toilet seat. As Mascius beats the struggling Carbo, Appius rips his pants off.<br><br>nAt Atia's villa, a strapping young man arrives announcing he has a message for the mistress of the house - from her son. As he waits for her, he stumbles upon Octavia practicing the lyre. Enchanted, he watches until she notices him, then introduces himself: Marcus Agrippa, a friend of "Caesar Octavian". Her brother is now a powerful man, he explains, in charge of an army 10,000 strong. "I have written him 100 times asking him to stop this madness - he doesn't listen to me," Octavia tells Agrippa. "On the contrary," the man replies, "I think you are the only person he listens to." Atia enters, overhearing this last part, and receives the message from her son: he wants to know that she is well, and to assure her of his respect and fidelity. And in the name of family, she should keep an open mind about her future prospects. In response, Atia threatens to tell Mark Antony "where the traitors are," given that Octavian is deliberately challenging him. Her daughter begs her not to. "He's your son's friend...no telling what Antony will do to him." "I have no son," Atia responds.<br><br>nIn the meantime, Atia's boy slave, Duro, pays a visit to Eleni. Duro demands to speak to Servilia. After being refused, he threatens to leave until Servilia stops him - demanding to know why Atia is still alive. He can't find the right time, he tells her; she always eats with her daughter. If she doesn't mind killing both of them, he could do it tomorrow. "No harm to the girl," Servilia insists. He asks her for patience - and more money. When she gives in and hands it over, he insists on one more parting gift - a kiss. At first appalled at his gall, she reconsiders in the name of her mission and plants one on the boy.<br><br>nAt a Bithynian salon, Cassius is making an appeal for money to the local dignitaries. "Those who help us now will have good friends in Rome when the traitor Mark Antony is deposed...With or without your help, we shall raise an army...Antony's head will rot on a spike." Ignoring his request, the Vizier asks about the shows where Roman women have sex with baboons. At a loss, Cassius explains it's "more of a punishment" than a show, and suggests they could always train baboons in Bithynia. "You need my money to raise an army. I want to see a Roman woman f**ked by baboons," the man responds. Cassius allows that "arrangements can be made."<br><br>nIn the background, a tipsy Brutus is bragging to the other Bithnyians about killing Caesar, but the men appear more amused than impressed. "Seems rather cowardly..." a Pontic dignitary says to him. "Perhaps I shall find a fresh corpse to stab and become great myself." Brutus becomes enraged, calling the man a dog and telling him he'll pay for his insult. Cassius intervenes and escorts Brutus to another tent, where he tells him he's lost his way.<br><br>nMark Antony informs Atia he knows all about Octavian's friend - Agrippa's in Rome meeting with Cicero, attempting to form an alliance against him. Unfazed, he tells her the Senate leader will refuse, as "I have my foot on Cicero's throat." Worried what Antony will do to Octavian, she makes him swear on Jupiter's stone he will not harm the boy.<br><br>nIn the rural slave barracks, Lyde manages to wriggle open the slave cage and escape, but the others are caught. Torn over what to do, she makes a run for it into the night.<br><br>nEirene stumbles upon the body of Appius, hanging upside down. Mascius is sure that its Memmio's work - a Caelian coin was left in the gangster's mouth. Vorenus is ready to declare a war, but Pullo challenges him, setting off his suspicions that he's on Memmio's side. "Can't you see what's happening to you?" Pullo asks, incredulous. "A demon has possessed you!" Upping the ante, Vorenus accuses him of having an affair with Niobe. Beside himself, Pullo swears "on the bones of my mother" nothing happened between them. But when nothing appeases him, Pullo gives up. "Okay I f**ked her. Me and every guy..." The two go at it until they crash through the second-level office onto the men below. Vorenus can barely move, but Pullo manages to get up, gather Eirene, and leave the Aventine.<br><br>nFar from Rome, a gaunt, long-haired Brutus rides his horse to a river, disrobes and wades in to his waist. With his arms lifted to Janus, the God of new beginnings, Brutus begs to start his life anew. "As the shore is scoured by the tide, let me be cleansed..." He submerges himself.<br><br>nOn the Senate floor, Mark Antony arrives late, only to find that Cicero has not arrived at all. A clerk announces Cicero has left a speech he insists be read into the rolls. Confident of what's ahead, Antony sits back. "'When I was a young man, I defended our state,'" the scrolls begin. "'As an old man I shall not abandon it." The clerk pauses when he realizes what he is to read next. Addressed directly to Mark Antony, Cicero says, "'Please listen as if you were sober and intelligent, and a not a drink-sodden, sex-addled wreck." The senators begin leaving in droves as the blood rushes to Antony's face. The clerk trembles. "'You have brought upon us war, pestilence and destruction. You are Rome's...Helen of Troy." Refusing to read on for fear of what will come next, Antony demands the clerk continue, as the senators continue to scurry out. "But then a woman's role has always suited you best." With this, Mark Antony bludgeons the clerk with all his rage, then looks around to find an empty senate.<br><br>nOutside of Rome, Cicero rides in a litter with his slave Tyro, dictating a note to Octavian "Caesar." "Tell him I've exposed Antony for the debauched wreck that he is...At this time the Republic would be most grateful to accept Caesar's offer of assistance. We shall need his army at once."<br><br>nAfter escaping Vorenus and traveling to Massilia for several months, Pullo and Eirene return to the Aventine, where all that's left is a burned out carcass of buildings. They stumble upon Mascius, who explains that Vorenus went north with Mark Antony. "Ever since we gave Carbo one up the ass, the Caelians boys and their friends have been going at us like Belgians." They lost ten men this month alone, he adds, begging Pullo to stay on. A bewildered Pullo is convinced the gods are playing tricks, as he was certain they told him to go back to Rome and find Vorenus. He tells Eirene its best they get out of Italy before the next civil war comes.<br><br>nAs they leave the city, they're interrupted by a sickly-looking beggar woman looking for directions to the Aventine. She recognizes Pullo. "Lyde?" he says, as she collapses, overcome with relief. She tells him the children are still alive.<br><br>nAlone at the dinner table, Atia asks after Octavia. She won't be joining, her servants inform her. Back in the kitchen, Duro waits for the others to leave before pouring a liquid into the stew. He watches in the wings as the young cook, Althea, delivers the bowl to her mistress.<br><br>nOn a country road, a horse gallops into the afternoon sky. Pullo leans forward in earnest, his mission finally clear.</p></div>
Testudo et Lepus
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by </b>Adam Davidson<br><b>Written by</b> Todd Ellis Kessler<br><br>Atia's kitchen slave, Althea, carries her bowl of stew from the kitchen, stopping to steal a taste before she enters the dining room to present it. Lacking company for dinner, Atia demands to hear music, but Castor and Merula inform her that the flute girl is sick and the lyre player has died. Learning that Althea sings well, Atia demands to hear "Crown of Sappho." The girl hesitates at first, but nervously follows orders, soon revealing a powerful, operatic voice. Just as she has everyone frozen in awe, Althea stops mid-verse, turns flush and collapses, gasping for breath. "Poison!" Merula announces, hovering over her. Castor catches a glimpse of Duro the slave boy darting out of the servant's quarters and heads after him.<br><br>Octavia and her friend Jocasta arrive home to the tortured screams of Duro. Outside by the stables, Timon is whipping and branding the boy with hot metal implements, as Atia and the other servants look on. "What have you been doing to the servants that they want to murder you?" Octavia asks her mother when she learns of the crime. Atia suspects Servilia; with Antony gone, she thinks she can do as she pleases. When she offers to spare the boy in exchange for a name, he confesses he is working for Servilia.<br><br>As Timon leads the boy down winding alleys, he begs desperately for his life and claims Servilia loves him like a son. "I expect she'll get over it," Timon responds before plunging the knife.<br><br>When Timon returns home soaked in blood, his brother is outraged. "Look at what you've become - you are an animal!" Levi yells. Timon turns to his wife, Deborah, seething. "Did he tell you of his righteous life back in Judea? Eh?...Thieving, gambling, chasing whores." Deborah is furious with Timon.<br><br>Levi insists he's changed his ways. "All Rome's wealth is not enough to buy what Ha-Shem has given me," he tells Timon, chastising him for forgetting he is a Jew. When Levi raises a fist to strike him, Timon pulls a knife. "I'm not your little brother anymore." His young son walks in to the sight of his father holding a knife to his uncle's throat, and freezes in fear.<br><br>In the Forum, the newsreader announces that a battle is imminent in the north: a "great army," under the leadership of Generals Hirtius and Pansa, assisted by Caesar Octavian, versus "the forces of the traitor Mark Antony." All citizens are requested to make "offerings" for the soldier's success.<br><br>By the time Pullo arrives in the north, there is nothing left but a smoldering battlefield of bodies and limbs piled atop each other. Searching for Vorenus among the fallen, he's interrupted by someone calling his name. He looks up to see Caesar's standard, and under it a rider on a white horse: Octavian, all grown up, and the clear victor in the battle. Pullo is unable to conceal his astonishment that the fragile boy he once trained has won his first battle, but Octavian humbly credits the legions, the generals, and his man Agrippa. Hearing the news about Vorenus' kids, Octavian points the way and gives him the Caesarian seal to help clear his path. Pullo heads straight for the hills, where Mark Antony and his wounded army have retreated.<br><br>Returning to their military tent, Octavian and Agrippa are greeted by an arrogant man reclining on a bed, gripping a quill. "Another brilliant poem, Maecenas?" Agrippa asks. "Victory is not victory until it has a song," he replies before delivering news about the Generals: they died from their wounds, but, alas, victory is "ours alone." He commends Octavian for teaching "the old bully a proper lesson" and paying him back with interest. "This was not a personal matter. It was necessary for the good of the Republic."<br><br>Ready to claim his victory, Octavian sends Agrippa to Rome to deliver the news - and asks him to visit his sister. Agrippa can hardly contain his excitement. Maecenas tells the commander it's time to make the speech about the money - their men are mostly soldiers for hire, and barely any Romans at that. With some hesitancy, Octavian stands before his legions to announce that Rome is in their debt, and they will head to the city to receive a "great deal of money."<br><br>In the hills above the battlefield, Pullo weaves in and out of beleaguered soldiers until he finds a battle-worn Vorenus, who's ready to pounce on his old friend until he hears the news. Higher up the mountain, a wounded Antony takes in a report of his losses: 8,000 men dead. Posca suggests they "offer terms." "Slave talk!" Antony fires back. Vorenus approaches to request permission to go in search of his enslaved children, and Antony acquiesces, realizing he's just one more loss. As Pullo and Vorenus prepare to leave, Antony gets some of his bravado back. "Tell everyone you meet that Mark Antony is not defeated. He will return! And all those who defied him shall pay. That f**king little brat Octavian shall be first."<br><br>In the Province of Asia, Western Turkey, Cassius helps Brutus suit up in a soldierly uniform with armor. He reads him a document: "Word from Patara is they have capitulated to our demands," sending talents and troops. With nine legions, 25,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry, they are "almost a match for Antony." Admiring how far Brutus has come, Cassius tells him he should have his portrait done. "It would please your mother." Brutus agrees.<br><br>Back in Rome, Servilia kneels before a statue of Isis and chants a prayer, as two priestesses attend to her. They're soon replaced by two shadowy figures who approach her from behind and drape her head in a dark cloak. When it's removed, she's kneeling in a dank, dungeon-like room with Atia and her henchmen all around her. "A slow and painful death, that's what you promised me," Atia taunts. "That's what you deserve," Servilia responds, only her heaving chest giving away her fear. At Atia's dare, she speaks her mind: "I think that you're a sad, lonely little creature," Servilia says. Atia tells her she will "kiss my feet" and beg for mercy before being killed. "You think it's me you degrade now, but it's not - it's you," Servilia responds. "As long as you live, you will feel degraded and defiled by this."<br><br>As Timon and his henchmen torture Servilia, Atia watches stoically. Convinced she'll beg for mercy, Atia interrupts and stands before her, only to have Servilia spit in her face. When Atia demands the torture continue, Timon's allegiance finally wavers. He cuts Servilia free, helps her up, and tells her to leave. Then he turns to Atia, grabbing her by the throat: "I am not an animal!"<br><br>Blood-streaked and stumbling, Servilia manages to drag herself through the city streets. At the sight of Timon's outburst, Atia's servants desert her, leaving her collapsed against her dungeon wall.<br><br>On their trek to find the slave camp, Pullo finally gets Vorenus to talk. He assures him he never had anything with Niobe - he just said it to make him angry. As for his kids, he warns him they're likely to be different after being in a slave camp, and he "best treat 'em gentle." As for the boy? "Honor demands that he die," Vorenus tells him. It won't sit well with the girls, Pullo says.<br><br>Back in her villa, Servilia's servants try to comfort her, but she recoils in terror, still traumatized by what she's just endured.<br><br>At Atia's, Marcus Agrippa arrives to find Octavia and delivers the news of her brother's victory and his plans to return to Rome with his army. "He will always protect you, but you must accept his protection and his advice." Octavia is disturbed. "He will look after me after I swear him my allegiance? I am not one of his soldiers!" Fretting over how much he's upset her, Agrippa begins professing his feelings for her, until she cuts him off. He quickly apologizes. "I'm sure when I know you better, we'll be good friends," she tells him.<br><br>Atia grips her chest when she sees the young soldier-general, fearful of the news. She exhales when she learns Octavian's alive, but she can hardly believe what she hears next: her young son has defeated her lover.<br><br>Finished with his first mission, Agrippa heads to the Senate house to meet with Cicero, who is thrilled with the news from the battlefield. His joy turns to alarm when he hears about the army Octavian is bringing to Rome. He's even more dismayed to hear the name he's using. "Another Caesar. Just what we need… I am so tired of young men and their ambitions." Agrippa tries to assure him Octavian has only the interests of the Republic at heart. "Oh I'm sure he believes that. I thought the same when I was a young man. But it is all vanity..."<br><br>Pullo and Vorenus arrive at a desert-like pit mine where emaciated, sunburned slaves carry heavy rocks and dig at cliffs as overseers whip at their backs. Worried about Vorenus's temper, Pullo insists he'll do the talking and bribes their way to the main office. When they meet with the camp's procurator, Pullo explains they're on official business for Gaius Octavian Caesar, they are to retrieve three runaways, private property of the man himself. The chief doesn't buy it, but Pullo moves in close with a menacing stare and the man leads them to some barracks to avoid conflict. Vorenus discovers the dead-eyed face of his youngest daughter and picks her up in a fierce embrace. Not far away, the boy Lucius hides behind a stall. Vorenus reaches for him and stops himself for a moment, then gathers him into an embrace. The procurator figures out they're not retrieving Caesar's servants; Pullo grabs him by the tunic and demands he take them to the older daughter. With no choice, he leads them past stalls filled with naked girls, the last one fronted by a man zipping up his pants. Behind this man, Vorena the Elder is recoiled on a cot, covered in a small cloth. In a fit of rage, Vorenus turns and slashes the procurator in the throat, then grabs his daughter to lead her out of there. Pullo scoops up Lucius and Vorena the Younger. The children are finally free.</p></div>
Heroes of the Republic
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> Alik Sakharov<br><b>Written by</b> Mere Smith<br><br>In a synagogue in the city, Levi and Timon are side by side, deep in ritual prayer. Far north of Rome, in the woods of Cisalpine Gaul, a bearded Mark Antony brings a slaughtered deer to his starving soldiers.<br><br>Closer to the city, Vorenus and Pullo steer a horse-drawn wagon, the three kids sleeping in the back. Pullo suggests Vorenus might want to avoid the collegium when they get back, since Mark Antony's orders no longer stand and it's a dangerous place for the kids. But Vorenus insists it's the only place where they can live honestly.<br><br>They're interrupted by a roadblock of soldiers from Octavian's army who inform Vorenus and Pullo that 15,000 of them have headed back to Rome with the triumphant new "Caesar". While the men are distracted, Vorena the Younger nudges her sister awake. The older one tells her they can't run off until they get some money.<br><br>Back in Rome, Octavian meets with Cicero, who salutes him as a "hero of the Republic" for his victory over Mark Antony. However, Cicero cannot give Octavian the triumph he requests. Cicero states that the victory is not quite complete since Antony is still alive. In fact, he had to send General Lepidus and two legions to finish the job. The Senate leader further warns that the people will not look kindly on such a celebration with Octavian's army at the city walls.<br><br>Not to be dissuaded, Octavian suggests another way to celebrate his glory - giving him the Consul's chair. "It's a vanity, I know, but I think I deserve it, and it will please my men." Cicero scoffs - he's too young to be a Senator, much less Consul; he lacks the experience and connections. Agrippa interjects with a reminder about his army, and Cicero reconsiders - on condition that the boy takes his counsel. "I will not utter a word without your advice, your consent," Octavian promises.<br><br>On her way to meet her brother after his long absence, Octavia tries to convince her mother to come along, but Atia insists the "ingrate" must come to her.<br><br>Back at the Aventine, Vorenus introduces his children to the tavern crowd, informing them that his oldest was prostituted and the boy was fathered by another man. "You will treat them with respect and kindness," he demands. Taking the kids to their new room, he tells them things will be awkward between them at first, but family should be together. "We will not speak of the past," he adds. "Yes, father," Vorena the Elder says coldly.<br><br>When Octavia tries to get her brother to make peace with their mother, he's wounded that she's taken her side. "You know what kind of mother she is...She put her lover to beating me!" Octavia chastises him for being "pious" and throwing the family into terrible debt. He tells her he's now Consul of Rome, but she's not impressed. "Why would you invite such trouble?!" she asks. He dismisses her with talk of how busy he is, but she's sure to have the last word: "What a stupid ass you've become!"<br><br>Now back in charge of the Aventine, Vorenus tells Mascius that he is third in line behind Pullo. The news doesn't sit so well. They're interrupted by Lyde, dressed in the nun-like garments of a temple acolyte, eager to see the children again. Vorenus warns her she won't be taking the children away from him.<br><br>Pullo has his own family problems - Eirene is still upset with him for leaving her in the Aventine with the criminals, while he took off to help Vorenus. "Him you love. Me, no." But Pullo assures her that if they both were drowning in the river, he'd save her first.<br><br>At his headquarters, Octavian gets a surprise visit from his mother, who falls to her knees when she sees him, begging his forgiveness. "I have been wicked and cruel. Beat me! Kill me! ...I spit on that pig Antony for leading me astray. I have been a terrible mother..." Octavian appears genuinely moved. "I forgive you," he says quietly, as she breaks into sobs, embracing him. "I can change," she tells him. Octavian doesn't suspect a thing.<br><br>Vorenus takes the kids to a shrine, where a priest cleanses them of "dark spirits," smearing the blood of a sacrificed rooster on their faces. Vorenus thanks the gods for returning his family, and promises to "renounce darkness and walk in the path of light."<br><br>North of Rome, Mark Antony's men bring him a defeated General Lepidus who is still astonished at how quickly his men deserted to the other side. "I had no idea how popular you were with the rank and file," Lepidus tells his rival. Antony suggests the General was a little too aristocratic; soldiers like "spit and dirt in their leader." Rather than kill him, Antony offers the General the job as his second in command. He accepts, realizing he has no choice.<br><br>When Pullo pays a visit to Octavian, the boy inquires about married life. "Strange awkward arrangement, to be thrust up and bound against another so," Octavian says before admitting he's been "looking into" the idea. As for Vorenus, Pullo explains he's under loyal oath to Mark Antony, but will do what's best for the city and keep the peace as before. If Antony came back with full armor, however, Vorenus won't answer for the future.<br><br>In the Senate, Cicero presides over Octavian's swearing in. The boy takes center stage with confidence, insisting he will honor his "father" by ushering in an era of moral virtue and dignity. "Rome shall be as it once was - a proud Republic of virtuous women and honest men." The Senators applaud, until he makes his next move. Speaking as "a grieving son," Octavian motions to declare Brutus and Cassius murderers and enemies of the state. A horrified Cicero interrupts to warn him that the unity of the Republic is at stake, but Octavian won't be deterred.<br><br>"I've been outmaneuvered by a child," Cicero tells his man Tyro afterward, before dictating a note to Brutus and Cassius.<br><br>At the Aventine tavern, the two Vorenas sneak coins from their father's office. Later that night, Gaia offers herself to Vorenus once more, and this time he takes her up on it, telling her to go as soon as they're finished. "F**k you...I'm not a whore," she scoffs, admitting she thought he liked her. "Oh, what a happy couple we'd make," Vorenus says scornfully, before demanding she take his money. Hearing the anger in his voice, she finally gives in.<br><br>At a smoky club, a nervous Agrippa watches as scarcely dressed slave girls dance themselves into a frenzy, musicians play instruments, and guests including Maecenas inhale opium bongs. "We are seconds to the Consul now, we should not be in such places," Agrippa tells his deputy before leaving without him. He spots Octavia on his way out, high as a kite with her friend Jocasta. He scoops her up and carries her back to her mother's villa. "You stupid drunken slut!" Atia yells when she learns where her daughter has been. While her brother has been in the Forum "selling piety and virtue to the plebs," she's been off "sucking slave c**k at an orgy!" Octavian will likely banish us both, Atia warns her.<br><br>Agrippa swears he'll never tell his commander, and when Atia asks why, he admits his feelings for Octavia with a convincing speech. Turning to Atia, he warns her not to speak to her daughter like that again in his presence.<br><br>Hearing the news of Octavian's motion, Brutus sees an opportunity. "He was set to unite the Senate and the people behind him," he tells Cassius. "Now the Senate fears it has created another tyrant." And with Octavian's four legions and Antony's seven, the two are likely to fight each other off for supremacy. "We need only wait and mop up the survivors." They write back to Cicero with their plan.<br><br>Vorenus tries to make peace with Memmio and Cotta, claiming he doesn't want his children to live in fear and that the new Consul insists on it. Eyeing him suspiciously, they agree on terms for dividing the spoils. After parting ways, Vorenus tells Pullo the truce will give them time to recruit men and restore order. In the meantime, Memmio and Cotta are already disagreeing how to divide their own shares.<br><br>Having hoarded up some money, the girls escape with Lucius and run to see their Aunt Lyde. They can't stay with "that evil man" anymore, they tell her; he killed their mother and cast them into slavery and disgrace. Lyde is sympathetic, but warns them of what will befall them in the streets - thievery and whoring. She urges them to go back, hide their hatred and be obedient. "Your mother wants you to live. Believe me this is your only chance."<br><br>With <g class="gr_ gr_155 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" data-gr-id="155">word</g> in from Brutus and Cassius, Cicero demands that Octavian <g class="gr_ gr_156 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" data-gr-id="156">surrender</g> his army. The Senate feels he has used them coercively. And since Brutus and Cassius are returning to the city with 20 legions, a war would not be to his advantage. If he disarms now, Cicero might convince them to treat him leniently, given his young age.<br><br>Back at Caesar's villa, an anxious Octavian strategizes with Agrippa and Maecenas. Even if Cicero exaggerates, they still need to gather more legions and they're out of cash. Atia interrupts to find her son looking glum.<br><br>A few days later, far north of Rome, Mark Antony plots his return to the city in the spring, when the roads are dry. He's interrupted by a surprise visitor: Atia, on a white horse, draped in furs. The two waste no time getting reacquainted, and only after does he ask how she managed to get to him all alone. "I'm not alone," she smiles. He steps outside his tent to find Octavian waiting on horseback, flanked by Agrippa, Maecenas, and a large legion of men. Antony's expression turns cold. The two approach each other silently. Antony holds out his arm and they embrace, solidifying an alliance.<br><br>Back in Rome, Pullo and Eirene join Vorenus and his family for a dinner prepared by the children and served by Gaia, who refuses to look at Vorenus, turning her attentions to Pullo instead. Vorena the Elder smiles at her father for the first time, left hand shaped like horns behind her back, cursing him.</p></div>
Philippi
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> Robert Young<br><b>Written by </b>Eoghan Mahony<br><br>Riding across a barren landscape in Northern Greece, Cassius agonizes over how they will continue to feed 100,000 soldiers, as Brutus revels in the view: an infinite road of men. He's confident they will have no problem taking Octavian and his legions.<br><br>Far north in Rome, Mark Antony plots to surprise Brutus and Cassius by teaming up with Octavian and his forces. Scoffing at the obviousness of the strategy, Octavian insists they must kill Brutus and Cassius's most prominent supporters before their plans are revealed. Reviewing his list of targets, Lepidus looks up in horror. "These are among the finest men in Rome!" Maecenas reasons that the money of the noblemen will be useful, as Octavian hands the list to Agrippa with instructions to bring it to Vorenus, who will divide the names among the gangs.<br><br>As Antony adds a few additional enemies to the list, Atia interrupts to add one of her own - Jocasta's father. Octavia's friend is a bad influence, she says. "This is not a game mother," her son scolds, but he reconsiders when he learns the father is immensely wealthy.<br><br>Back in the Aventine, Vorenus erupts at Gaia when he catches her putting makeup on Vorena the Elder, and orders his daughter to wash it off. Gaia turns on Mascius after he leaves, angry that he didn't stand up for her. "I like you," he admits, "But be careful, slave, I have my limits."<br><br>Vorena the Elder angrily scrapes off her makeup, then heads outside with her sister and brother, a slave chaperone in tow. Chasing after her siblings, she catches the attention of a well-dressed young man out by the docks. He casually wanders up to her to ask for directions. The chaperone quickly pushes him away, but not before he and Vorena share a moment.<br><br>With orders received from Mark Antony, Vorenus convenes a meeting of all the collegia men, assigning each captain a list. Their collective mission: to kill 80 percent of the richest patricians in the city and to rob them of their fortunes. The question is how they will spend their "blood money," and Vorenus has a suggestion - the Feast of Pomona is coming soon, and he thinks they should return to the old custom of distributing fish and bread to the people, a gesture of goodwill that will change their image. "People used to come to the collegia for help - for justice," he tells them, sounding more like the senator he once was. "Money for marriage or funerals, extra grain." The men scoff - they're in the violence business, why pretend otherwise? "Whoever wins in Greece, wins Rome, and some kind of peace will follow," Vorenus explains. "The collegia must change or die." As the men stir in protest, he announces that the Aventine Collegia will honor Pomona - the rest of them may do as they wish. Memmio jumps in to support his plan, later explaining to Cotta that Vorenus is a "man of vision," and it's their duty to support him. But Pullo is suspicious of the endorsement, warning Vorenus that he doesn't trust the man.<br><br>Outside, Vorena's handsome suitor ties together two small human figures made of straw, then summons Lucius to bring the creation to his sister. Admiring her gift, Vorena steals coy glances at the man, careful not to stir the dozing chaperone.<br><br>Pullo gets the top job of taking out Cicero at his country estate, and decides to turn his mission into an extended family picnic, inviting Vorenus and his kids, their aunt Lyde and Eirene along for the day. He leaves them in a sunny field as he cheerfully gallops off to Cicero's with his assassination "kit." But a messenger beats him to the estate - delivering news that Antony plans to join Octavian in the attack against Brutus and Cassius. By the time Pullo gets to his door, Cicero is hastily scrolling a note to warn his fellow senators in Greece. He hands it off to the messenger before resigning himself to his fate. "Ah. The famous Titus Pullo," he says when he sees his Grim Reaper, "I am honored." Pullo returns the compliment, and learns that his work will earn him immortality. "I will live on in the history books," Cicero explains. "My killer's name will no doubt live on also." Pullo is disappointed. "Oh, my name. I thought you meant me."<br><br>As a terrified Tyro charges at Pullo with a sword, Cicero waves him off. "If you could see how absurd you look you would not protest," he tells his loyal servant. Cicero has freed him in his will, and he asks him to take care of his people. At Pullo's suggestion, he kneels to accept the sword.<br><br>Awaiting Pullo's return, Lyde comments to Vorenus on how beautiful Vorena the Elder has become, and suggests she could marry some day - if he would let her. "Niobe would only want her married to a descent man," he responds, and no man that she deserves would marry a prostitute. They're interrupted by the sounds of a startled horse - Lucius has run into the road, where he's nearly trampled by the messenger Cicero sent to Greece. Dropping the letter case, the messenger curses Vorenus and the kids and nearly earns himself a Centurion beating, until Lyde screams for Vorenus to stop. The messenger rides off - leaving Cicero's message behind.<br><br>North of Rome, Agrippa is disturbed to learn that even more names have been added to the assassination list. He excuses himself for air. Pacing outside, he gets a visit from Octavia, on a visit to her brother. She asks if he's been avoiding her, and he begs her not to toy with him; he's aware his feelings for her are hopeless. "I have not a drop of good blood in me...You'll not be married to the commendable son of a nobody." Indignant, Octavia insists she'll marry whomever she wants. "No...you'll marry some useful nobleman of your brother's choosing." Octavia turns away.<br><br>At a synagogue in the city, a Rabbi asks a congregation for money - to lobby Rome to keep King Herod in as King of Judea. Levi interjects: "In this holy place, you conspire in bribery so that idolaters can rule over your own people." Better a ruler they know and can work with than Ptolemy or the Seleucids, the Rabbi responds before asking Levi to identify himself: "We are the sons of Arod, from the families of Manasseh. We are the wrath of Israel." Calling the Rabbi a traitor, he then spits on him, setting off an all-out brawl, with Timon, Saul and two of his thugs joining in to help. When they finally escape, Timon explains their mission to their confused henchmen. "We are redeeming the kingdom of Zion."<br><br>As soldiers prepare to head off to war, Pullo confides to Vorenus that he's worried about the peace that will follow. "Violence is the only trade I know," he tells Vorenus, fearing he'll soon be jobless again. Vorenus tries to assure him they will do big things, but Pullo cannot be convinced.<br><br>In a trysting house, Octavia and Agrippa steal a few passionate hours together, far from anyone they know. When the time comes for him to go, Octavia breaks down in tears. She rushes home to send her brother off to war, ignoring Agrippa at his side. Her mother doesn't miss a beat. "How long have you two been lovers?" she asks, reminding her daughter she won't be marrying the soldier. "I know," Octavia concedes. "But I love him." Atia shakes her head. "Soft as cheese."<br><br>They're interrupted by the horrified screams of Jocasta, collapsing in their atrium, her clothes torn and muddied. Her family has been murdered, she tells them, and the killers dishonored her. Octavia runs to her side and offers her refuge at their home, pleading to her mother. Atia freezes. "Of course - we'll protect you."<br><br>Admiring his old war helmet, Pullo confides to Eirene that he wishes he was leaving with the soldiers. "It will be a short campaign," he says as she bursts into tears. "I'm pregnant," she finally announces. Pullo has to repeat the word, in a state of shock.<br><br>As Cassius and Brutus prepare for the arrival of Octavian and his forces, Brutus admires his father's gold signet ring, sent to him by his mother for good luck. A breathless aide interrupts with a warning: Octavian's troops are one day's march away, and he's joined by Mark Antony. "Impossible," Brutus says as they calculate the numbers: 19 enemy legions to their 14. Cassius urges an immediate retreat, but Brutus protests. "No more running...If we win, all the more glory for us. And if we are to die? This is as good a place as any. It is in the hands of the Gods."<br><br>Their soldiers outnumbered, Cassius and Brutus head into the battle, while Mark Antony and Octavian watch from a remote hilltop, Antony as cheerful as a spectator in the Coliseum, Octavian looking terrified. Unable to resist a good sport, Antony leads them into the action.<br><br>As their right flank quickly goes down, one of Cassius's guards is taken - and he goes down next. Cassius is taken to the rear of the battle, where Brutus hovers over him, refusing to leave when his men warn him of the encroaching soldiers. After waiting for Cassius to die, Brutus sends his men on their way to save themselves. "Give my best to my mother. Tell her...something suitable."<br><br>Resigned to what's next, Brutus walks toward the soldiers, rips off his armor, and pulls his sword. Wading into the front ranks, the men do nothing at first, until he slashes a soldier's calf to provoke them. They take turns thrusting their swords.<br><br>Hours later, Mark Antony and Octavian search the smoldering fields, as bodies are piled on bonfires. Agrippa informs Antony that the body of Cassius has been found, but they are still searching for Brutus. Pleased, Antony orders him to pack Cassius's head in salt for transport back to Rome. "People appreciate the little touches, I find."<br><br>As the group continues on, Antony misses seeing a peasant tugging fiercely on a hand from one of the dead soldiers. The peasant severs a finger from the body and holds it up, with Brutus's signet ring shining brightly in the dust.</p></div>
Death Mask
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> John Maybury<br><b>Written by</b> Scott Buck<br><br>Servilia cradles a mask of Brutus' face. She weeps as she holds it up to her own, prompting Eleni to pry the delicate mask from her hands, and urge her to get some sleep. "No more sleep," Servilia cries, the grief too much to bear.<br><br>Jocasta is also beset with tears, as attendants prepare her to be wed - a marriage arranged by Atia. Impatient with her lack of gratitude, Atia informs her daughter's friend that there are not many men willing to marry a penniless orphan. "I'm sure he's a very nice man...I've always imagined I'd wed someone...different," Jocasta whimpers, as she's lead to a makeshift altar outside Atia's villa. There, Posca waits eagerly for his young bride.<br><br>As the two exchange vows, Atia suggests to Mark Antony that they could marry next, while they have the augur there. "Oh that wouldn't do," he says quickly. "When we get married, we would have the biggest wedding ever seen. You deserve nothing less."<br><br>They're interrupted by the sounds of Servilia's austere voice outside. "Atia of the Julii, I call for justice." Embarassed, Atia excuses herself from the party and heads to her front door, where she peers through a window hatch to see Servilia kneeling in the street - hands stretched out, clothes tattered, and Eleni sprinkling ashes on her head - the embodiment of humiliation and indignation. "Atia of the Julii, I call for justice," she chants over and over. Atia closes the hatch.<br><br>Vorenus, with Mascius by his side, negotiates new berths for their grain shipments with Memmio. Vorena the Elder's young suitor, Omnipor, stands nearby, idly twisting a piece of straw and awaiting his next order. As he follows his boss out, he passes Vorena the Elder and drops the straw animal for her on the steps. She waits until no one's looking and picks it up, scurries up to her room and adds it to her collection.<br><br>At Caesar's villa, Lepidus informs Octavian and Mark Antony that he's been approached by a number of "eminent friends" in the Senate, concerned that the three of them will extend their regime beyond the five years agreed upon, establishing some form of tyranny. Realizing they cannot all rule at once, Octavian suggests they divide up Rome into thirds. But Lepidus objects; Rome is too complex a machine.<br><br>Mark Antony has a new solution - he picks up a sword and slashes a map of the world in half. "You shall take Rome and the West, I'll take Egypt and the eastern provinces," he says to Octavian. Through his poker face, Octavian lays out what Antony is offering him: the rowdy Gauls, Germans, a fractious Senate and the Roman mob, all so Antony can run off with the grain supply and all the revenues. "We'd share the revenue equally of course,"Antony counters. Lepidus inquires about his territory. Mark Antony slices off the bottom of the map and hands him the pieces - Africa.<br><br>When Antony returns to Atia's villa, Servilia is still pleading for justice outside her door, as a crowd gathers. Atia is in her bed, pillows covering her ears. She scolds Antony. "It wasn't me who killed her precious son. She should be wailing outside your house!" She won't leave until Atia sees her, Antony says, suggesting she simply face Servilia and let her rant. Atia refuses to give her the pleasure.<br><br>Spotting Gaia lounging in the sun, Eirene orders her to bring in wood. "Kiss my arse," Gaia spouts back, provoking a pregnant Eirene to pick up a stick and threaten her. "Go ahead and try," Gaia warns, "I'll shove it down your throat." Eirene opts to sic her husband on the slave girl instead, warning that he'll "beat you in pulp." When Pullo learns of the showdown, he tries to get Mascius or Vorenus to punish the girl's insubordination before realizing he's on his own.<br><br>In the tavern storeroom, Gaia tries to seduce her way out of a whipping, calling Eirene a mouse - unfit for a lion like Pullo. Flustered, he stalks her around a table until he catches her - then catches a fist to his nose and knee to his groin. Unaccustomed to being outmaneuvered, he fights back. The two go at it - biting, choking, smashing and gnashing until they are in the throes of rough sex. Gaia laughs at him for succumbing to her wiles, and taunts him when he's finished, prompting him to add one more round to their bout. Afterward, he tells her it was a mistake. "This is never to happen again." "Shame," she says. "You and me go nicely together."<br><br>After two days and a long rainy night, Atia can stand it no longer: she confronts Servilia outside her front door. A crowd has gathered to watch the now-wretched looking spectacle of the noblewoman on her knees, her slave beside her, her voice still strong. "...You crazy b**ch," Atia says, with a look of madness all her own. "Gods below!" Servilia announces, gaining strength. "I am Servilia of the most ancient and sacred Junii, of whose bones the seven hills of Rome are built...Curse this woman. Send her bitterness and despair for all of her life...All that I have left I give to you in sacrifice, if you will make it so."<br><br>Her mission complete, Servilia picks up a knife and thrusts it into her heart. Atia freezes. Eleni quickly follows suit, stabbing herself in the stomach. Antony tries to usher mother and daughter inside, but they're both paralyzed.<br><br>Prince Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee, has arrived in Rome, and the newsreader warns that "all mockery of Jews and their one God shall be kept to an appropriate minimum." The Prince of Judea wastes no time offering a "gift" to Mark Antony - as he understands Roman gentleman do not solicit bribes. "Yes, we are awful hypocrites," Antony allows, before requesting 20,000 pounds of gold to help Herod take the throne of Judea.<br><br>Antony adds a caveat: keep your Jews in line. "They will do as I say," Herod assures him, before inquiring about Octavian and Lepidus. "We speak in one voice," Antony insists. "Your gift is for all of us."<br><br>After the meeting, Posca inquires about his share, but is rebuffed; "There was no gift," Antony insists, they spoke only of administrative matters, such as taxes on olive groves. "Ever since you were freed from slavery, you have become insufferably greedy," he scolds. Posca heads straight to Maecenas to inform them of the transaction. Protecting his source, Octavian tells Antony he learned from one of Herod's men about the deal - and demands Antony pay up their share. "It's a bribe for political and military favors. The cost of which favors will be borne by the state," Octavian responds.<br><br>As Herod passes through the walkways of the basilica, Levi eyes him with malice. "I'm telling you, he's worse than his father," Levi tells Timon. "He'll not stop until he's made our people slaves and idolaters...The bastard should die."<br><br>Still furious with Antony, Octavian warns him he won't stand for his self-aggrandizement, which prompts a derisive laugh from Antony, who accuses his rival of declaring Caesar a God so that he'd be known as the son of one. "You have no accomplishment - you seek to borrow the glory of others," Antony goads him. "It's true," Octavian responds, "it was no accomplishment defeating you at Mutina." This is enough to rile him. Octavian calls Antony a "crude, arrogant lech" and turns to leave, but Antony is sure to get in the last word "That's right...And still f**king your mother."<br><br>A few blocks away in a basement bedroom, Vorena the Elder lies naked under a sheet, talking dreamily about a farm as Omnipor tries impatiently to coax her into sex. They're interrupted by Memmio, who flies into a rage when he recognizes Vorenus' daughter, chastising her for disrespecting her father. "I don't care. I hate him," she says defiantly. Memmio insists he has to tell Vorenus or risk slaughter, perceived as concealing it from him. Vorena begs him not to,. "You know him. He's an animal. He killed my mother. He'll kill me." Offering to do anything in exchange for his silence, she agrees to spy on her father. Memmio's plan has worked.<br><br>With Maecenas negotiating and Atia bearing witness, Octavian and Antony renew their vows of amity and settle on a three way division of spoils. Atia suggests that a marriage between their two houses would settle any doubt about their unity, and Octavian thinks it's not a bad idea. The plebs love a good wedding, Maecenas notes. "I have no objection," Antony finally adds. Atia is asked to leave as they negotiate the details. "It's hardly appropriate for a woman to be present," Octavian tells his mother.<br><br>Giddy with excitement, Atia leaves to share the good news with Octavia, who is off in a trysting house with Agrippa again. When the big wedding news reaches Levi, it prompts an idea: with everyone watching the bride and groom during the big public parade, no one will pay any mind to Herod. Timon is concerned about the layers of guards that will surround their target "You're not losing your nerve are you?" Levi goads. "We made an oath on the Torah...We might even make it out alive." No chance of that, Timon is certain. "We'll be hacked to pieces quick as pan."<br><br>When Vorenus catches Vorena the Elder in his office, she freezes before finally settling on an explanation - that her sister needs a new dress. Suspecting nothing, he happily hands over some change, and asks her for a kiss.<br><br>When the ceremony finally arrives, Mark Antony takes his place at the altar with a frozen Octavia standing by his side. As Atia forces a false smile, she watches as her son joins the hands of her lover and her daughter - an expectant crowd watching on. Later, Atia succumbs to her rage and curses the entire spectacle. "Please try to see beyond your own desires," Octavian tells her. "I couldn't let you marry him...this match is clearly a political statement of unity."<br><br>Antony tries to assure Atia he had no choice, that her son would have it no other way. "You love power more than you love me." He tries to convince her he still loves her, and puts a hand to her hip. "First you betray me, and now you propose to betray my daughter."<br><br>A band of musicians leads the wedding procession through the city, as crowds gather to cheer and wave palm fronds. Levi and Timon wait under colonnades, pulling knives hidden from their tunics. Levi is crouched with a cruel grimace on his face, determined; Timon looks at the happy faces, then he spots Atia in the crowd. "I can't do it," he announces, grabbing Levi's sleeve. "I'm sorry...No more killing. Herod is just a man. His death is useless...If we kill him, another will take his place." "You made an oath!" Levi yells. "I break it then...I have a wife, I have children..." Levi calls him a coward, and heads toward the crowd, determined to go it alone. Timon tries to stop him and pull the knife, and the two wrestle for it - until Levi is suddenly bleeding from the mouth. "You are not my brother," he gasps before dying.<br><br>Octavia lies in bed next to Antony, staring up at the ceiling in misery. "It is our wedding night," he reminds her. "Do as you like," she says, resigned. He asks her to roll over. Outside, Atia stands staring at the spot where Servilia took her life, her final curse returning to haunt her.<br><br>Gaia stops by a stall to request two special herbs. The attendant glances at her stomach. "You've caught it early," she says. Gaia nods as she awaits her vials. The woman suggests willow tea to dilute the strong taste, and horsetail in case there's much bleeding. "That's alright, I don't need that."</p></div>
A Necessary Fiction
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> Carl Franklin<br><b>Written by </b>Todd Ellis Kessler<br><br>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.<br><br>Honoring 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.<br><br>"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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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, as his wife tries to shift his focus to when they met, how she knew he was a good man.<br><br>They pass by Posca outside a high-end jewelry 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."<br><br>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 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.<br><br>Downstairs in the tavern, Gaia brings Eirene her tea, stealing a glance from across the room to watch her sip from her cup. Hours later, Pullo tears out of their room screaming for a doctor. Eirene lies under a pile of red-soaked sheets, growing weaker as a medicine woman works some spells. "Please, no burning," she says to Pullo. "In my country, we are buried." Choking on his words, Pullo insists she's not dying.<br><br>With Pullo in mourning, Mascius takes over the gold transport, but is ambushed en route, all but one of his men killed and all of the gold stolen. When Vorenus delivers the news at Caesar's villa, Maecenas accuses Mark Antony, who in turn suggests it could have been any of them. Octavian asks Vorenus about his men, but he insists they're too afraid of him. Still, Antony demands the Aventine chief take full responsibility for his failed mission. Vorenus assures him he'll return the gold or suffer the consequences. Maecenas is still suspicious of Antony, and pulls Posca aside to accuse him of double-cross.<br><br>Vorenus heads straight to Memmio's hide out, where he interrupts a party of gangsters and prostitutes, including Omnipor, his daughter's lover, twisting a straw figure for a bare-breasted woman. "Celebrating something?" Vorenus asks, searching their faces for signs of guilt. He warns them of the horrible death that will befall the thieves should they fail to return state property. Memmio advises him to look to his own people.<br><br>Angry with Octavian for shrugging off the stolen gold, Maecenas tells him it's a gross personal insult. "Someone somewhere is always insulting me," Octavian says. "The price of fame." He won't jeopardize his alliance with Antony just because Maecenas doesn't like the man, he tells him. Maecenas finally plays his cards: "He's been making a fool of you," he announces before revealing that Antony is still bedding his mother, the marriage to Octavia a sham. His sister has her own reasons for keeping silent.<br><br>Memmio summons the other captains of the collegia to offer a proposal: they put their rivalries aside to team up and take on Vorenus, putting an end to his rein and taking over his grain trade. When they dismiss him, he opens up his crates and begins tossing gold coins.<br><br>At his villa, Octavian asks his new fiancée, Livia, if her husband or her father ever beat her, warning that he will on occasion ("with a hand or a light whip"), but it is not because she's caused him offense - it is only for his sexual pleasure. "Yes, sir," she says without a blink.<br><br>He leads her to a dinner gathering and introduces her to his family, Antony, and Agrippa, before making it clear why he has brought them together. "I am master of this family, and you have rebelled against me," he announces, his voice turning fierce. "I wish I had such courage," Octavia responds, prompting her brother to reveal that he knows about her "treachery" - as well as his mother's. When Antony tells him to mind his business, Agrippa steps into the brink - confessing for all of them.<br><br>Octavian announces he's sending his mother and his sister into seclusion, under guards, and sending Antony east to his own provinces - never to return. And if he refuses, he will tell the world their story, that Antony was cuckolded by a low-born pleb in his army. "Proles will laugh at you in the street. Your soldiers will mock you behind your back." Antony steps up to Octavian, ready to strike. But he contains himself, realizing he has little choice. "Take care," Octavia says to Livia as they all file out. "You are marrying a monster.<br><br>Agrippa apologizes to Octavian after they leave, attempting to take blame for seducing his sister, but the new Caesar doesn't buy it. And he will not banish him - he needs his top soldier, and his sudden disappearance would suggest a scandal.<br><br>Vorenus riles Pullo from his state of mourning when he tells him about his visit to Memmio's. They both suspect Mascius was their leak and set upon interrogating him. They're interrupted by Vorena the Younger, chasing Lucius for a straw figure. As Pullo moves in closer to press Mascius, Vorenus grabs the straw doll from the kids, and flashes back to Memmio's. His suspicions gaining on him, he runs up to Vorena the Elder's room and tears through it -- until he finds the box of straw figures. She flees downstairs, confirming his worst fears, but he stops her before she can escape. "It was you told Memmio," he announces. "You've been whoring yourself out to one of Memmio's men!" Vorena protests: "He loves me and I love him!" "He was only using you to get to me," Vorenus yells, "And for the love of this scum, you betray your own father!"<br><br>Unfurling all of her pent-up rage, Vorena accuses her father of killing their mother, cursing them to Hades and turning her into a whore. "We all hate you! I wish you were dead!" Overcome by his own rage, he hits her. She dares him to try and kill her like he did her mother. "I didn't kill her," he says. "Liar! She didn't love you and you killed her for it!" Pushed to the edge, Vorenus wraps his hands around her throat, until Pullo finally intervenes, directing his attention to the other children. He lets go and storms out. Pullo gathers a gasping Vorena into an embrace.<br><br>As the newsreader announces Mark Antony's departure for Alexandria, where he will take up his seat as "supreme Governor of Egypt and the Eastern Provinces," he pays a final visit to Atia's, bullying the guards into letting them talk. When the time is right, he promises to send for her, and tells her to be patient. Atia turns away before she can break down.<br><br>Vorenus pays a final visit to Antony - informing him that he knows who has the gold, and that Pullo will be taking over the Aventine and the mission to reclaim it. He's resigned from the Collegium, a personal matter, and he's come to offer his services in Egypt. Annoyed at first that he's left important business undone, Antony sees the anguish and intent on his face, and realizes he could use him. "I'll need good men."<br><br>Hearing his new plans, Pullo tries to assure his old friend that his daughter will come around some day. She's young, and she has his blood in her, which is to say she doesn't forgive easy. Vorenus is certain his leaving is for the best. He asks Pullo to take good care of the kids. "Tell them I tried."<br><br>Octavia gets a surprise visit from Agrippa, arranged by her mother, and pleads with him to runaway with her. "I would go with you to Hades, to Britain even, if I thought we had the right," he tells her. "But we don't." Devastated, she asks him what right her brother has to keep her captive. Agrippa insists he has every legal and moral right, and now that Octavian has forgiven him for lying, he cannot betray him a second time. He has come to end their affair. "I understand," she says angrily. "You love my brother and the power he gives you. Why throw it all away for a woman?" She stalks out, stopping at the door. "By the way, I'm having a baby." He gains his composure enough to ask who the father is. "Who knows? Neither man is worth a brass obol, so what matter?"<br><br>In the forum, Pullo, Mascius, Gaia and the men of the Aventine face off against the united rival gangs, armed for battle. He meets Memmio in the middle. "It's that madman Vorenus took us to this pass," Memmio offers. "No reason you and me can't do business." Pullo holds out a hand as if to shake, then hauls him into a vicious headbutt and bites out his tongue. Pulling his sword, the others follow. "Thirteenth!" Pullo screams as he hacks a bloody swathe through the ranks of the opposing gangs, the full power of his grief and rage laying waste to all before him.<br><br>Far south in Egypt, Mark Antony enters a quiet palatial courtyard, dressed in full military regalia. Awaiting his arrival, in a diaphanous gown streaked through with sunlight, is Cleopatra.</p></div>
No God Can Stop a Hungry Man
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> Steve Shill<br><b>Written by </b>Mere Smith<br><br>You're no coward, but you do have a strong disease in your soul. A disease that will eat away at you until you die." When asked how he can be so sure, Vorenus replies "I recognize the symptoms, I have the same sickness." Vorenus is awakened from a pleasant dream of being with Niobe by the bald, naked prostitute he has, in actuality, spent the night with. Replacing her black wig, she jolts him back to reality. He is in Alexandria, and he must don his Roman uniform and head back to Cleopatra's castle. Finding Posca who has succumbed to the numbing drugs and dissolute atmosphere, he asks after Antony. 'Where is he? Where indeed?" Posca replies. "His mortal flesh is in the throne room, meeting a deputation from the Senate."<br><br>Vorenus finds Antony instructing Cleopatra on the finer points of archery while the Senator Bibulus vies for attention on the matter of Rome's dwindling grain supply. The Senator agrees to triple the price for the grain and Cleopatra demands Carthage as well. When Antony marvels at how desperate Octavian must be to agree, Bibulus responds: "Octavian will do what he must to prevent further suffering." Angered at the implied insult, Antony demands that Spain be thrown into the deal as well. But this Bibulus cannot agree to.<br><br>Cleopatra suggests that Antony "Cut the cord" and declare war on Rome. But Antony wants to return "home as a savior not as a conqueror."<br><br>Back in Rome at the Aventine Collegium, Pullo reluctantly disentangles himself from Gaia's arms and arises from their bed to address the unruly crowd outside. They are demanding that the granaries be opened. But Pullo urges them to go home and await the next day's rations. As he descends from his pulpit he is greeted by Vorenus's children. He urges them to return inside --"Hungry people will do strange things."<br><br>Pullo heads inside himself with Mascius to discuss the situation. As he tosses a bone to the caged Memmio, Gaio chastises him for wasting food, but Pullo insists, "He reminds the other men to stay honest." Seeing no other solution, Pullo orders Gaia to fetch his best clothes so he can bring the matter to Octavian.<br><br>Octavian reports to Pullo that the state granaries are empty and the army needs what is in the military silos. Agrippa suggests they send three legions to Africa. "Let Lepidus feed them. That would free up a month of grain for the city." Octavian agrees to the temporary solution, but asks who the people are blaming. "You," Pullo responds honestly.<br><br>Octavian, Agrippa and Maecenas discuss the possibility of war against Antony, but Maecenas points out "War on Antony is doomed unless the people are with us." Octavian sends for his mother and sister to dine that evening. Meanwhile back at Atia's villa, Atia watches her granddaughter Antonia playing, and wonders why Antony hasn't yet sent for her, Octavia chastises her mother for holding out such hope.<br><br>At dinner, Octavian asks his sister to go to Egypt to talk to Antony about the grain situation. In disbelief, Octavia says it is Atia who should go since "she's his real wife." He bids them both go, and though Atia is eager to, she holds out for a villa in Capri for herself and cash for Octavia.<br><br>After some rigorous intercourse, Octavian's wife Livia wants to know why he's sending his mother and sister to Egypt when he knows Antony will refuse his request. She figures out his move: if Antony refuses them, the public will turn against him, and if he still loves Atia and yields to her plea, their grain problem will be solved. "Clever boy."<br><br>Caesarion, Cleopatra's son, demands to know about his father from Vorenus. Vorenus provides a description of Pullo, most of which can also be said of Caesar. "Fine horseman. Bad gambler. Though he'd never admit to it. Liked the women. Liked to eat. Eat the table if you'd let him." This last catches the young boy's attention, as he'd heard his father had an abstemious diet. Vorenus is glad to be interrupted by an anxious Posca, who brings news of Atia and Octavia's arrival.<br><br>After a rough voyage, Atia and Octavia are left to wait outside the palace while Antony, stoned on opium, struggles to think through his strategy. Cleopatra insists that as long as Antony sends them away, Octavian will be forced to start the war -- which is what Antony wanted. But he knows his public image will be harmed. As they argue over how to handle the visitors, Cleopatra comes up with another plan: kill them. When he refuses Cleopatra becomes enraged, sensing that he still has feelings for Atia.<br><br>Finally the doors outside the palace open and Jocasta greets her old friends in her full Egyptian finery, assuring them that "things move ever so slow around here. It's the heat." Posca comes to retrieve his wife, leaving the women waiting once again in the heat, with no explanation.<br><br>Meanwhile Antony and Cleopatra's battle turns to lovemaking and in the afterglow, Antony appears to acquiesce to Cleopatra's plan and urges Vorenus to go on a "delicate mission."<br><br>Vorenus greets Atia and Octavia, telling them Antony has ordered him to escort them back to the ship. When Atia refuses, Vorenus explains he's been told to use force if necessary. "You tell my husband he's cowardly scum," Octavia orders Vorenus as they depart.<br><br>Posca and Jocasta are racing to pack their things to escape on the ship with Atia and Octavian when Vorenus comes upon them. When he agrees to let them go they urge him to join them but he refuses, asking only that if they see Titus Pullo, "ask him to kiss my children for me."<br><br>Atia delivers a slap to her son upon her return home. He grants her the villa in Capri that she demanded. But she wants something different now: that he crush Antony. Posca hands over a valuable gift: the last will and testament of Antony and Cleopatra, insisting that the despicable document, when opened, will make the people understand that war against Antony is desirable.<br><br>The scroll is unraveled, and the contents of the will quickly disseminated to the people. Antony declares Cleopatra his wife and promises to his children by Cleopatra the Eastern provinces, and to her son by Caesar, Rome and the west. Plus, he pays homage to foreign gods. The people and the Senate are quickly rallied for war.<br><br>Octavian, Posca and Pullo meet. Octavian asks Pullo to come with him to battle Antony in Egypt, hoping that Pullo and Vorenus may be able to help broker a peace. In relaying his plans, he explains that Caesarion must die, given what he's been bequeathed in the will. Struck by this news, Pullo agrees to go.<br><br>Back at the Aventine Collegium, Pullo breaks the news to Vorenus's children that he will be going to Egypt and may see their father. He gives Vorena the younger and Lucius a kiss from their father. But they refuse to send him one in return, insisting that he killed their mother, an unforgivable act.<br><br>Pullo says his goodbyes, ordering the men of the Collegia to stay in line in his absence. That night, Gaia begs him to take her with him but he refuses. Going to fill his flask with vinegar at the Tavern, Pullo notices that the cage is empty just as Memmio attacks him from behind and knocks him out. As Memmio is about to stab an unconscious Pullo, Gaia pounces and kills him, but she is mortally wounded.<br><br>As she lays dying, Pullo demands of the gods to know why he is being punished. Gaia makes a deathbed confession of her murder of the pregnant Eirene. Enraged, Pullo strangles the last breath from Gaia and carries her limp body outside, dumping it like a bag of trash in the muddy water.</p></div>
About Your Father
<div class='episode-body-left-aligned' style='text-align: left'><p><b>Directed by</b> John Maybury<br><b>Written by </b>Bruno Heller<br><br>Vorenus, Mark Antony and several tired oarsmen make their way across the Aegean, returning from battle, as Antony notes, unconvincingly: "All my life I've been fearful of defeat. But now that it has come it's not near as terrible as I'd expected. The sun still shines, water still tastes good...glory is all well and good but life is enough, nay?"<br><br>Back in Rome, the newsreader declares that the forces of Octavian Caesar under the command of Agrippa have won a decisive victory over Cleopatra and "her slave Mark Antony." While at Caesar's villa, Livia holds court about Antony's cowardice before her captive guests, Atia and Octavia.<br><br>At his camp in Alexandria, Octavian rejects Antony's offer of defeat in exchange for being able to live a private life. But Octavian asks his emissary to return to Antony with the news that he will only accept complete surrender, and to bring word to Vorenus that if he opens the palace gates for them, his life will be safe. Octavian pressures Pullo to offer up some private message to Vorenus that will prove his safety and Pullo acquiesces: "Tell him his children are well, and I hope my child is well also." Responding to Octavian's quizzical look, Pullo explains "Private joke."<br><br>Inside the palace, Antony and Cleopatra preside over a debauched, orgiastic party. Antony, drugged and worn out, refuses to surrender to Octavian. Cleopatra suggests they flee, but death is the only solution Antony proffers. Meanwhile, receiving Pullo's and Octavian's message, Vorenus refuses to turn against Antony. Suddenly, Antony calls out to the emissary with another solution: "I challenge your master to meet me in single combat."<br><br>While Antony practices for battle, high on opium, Octavian and Agrippa discuss how to handle Antony, not wanting to get into a lengthy battle or further anger the Egyptians by burning down the palace with the Queen inside. Instead, Octavian appeals to a sober Cleopatra directly, promising her she can retain her crown and her life if she delivers Mark Antony dead. When she receives the written offer, Cleopatra is tormented: "My life for my honour." Antony finds her upset, and tells her they must decide together how to end their lives before Octavian's legions attack. She urges him to wait until the next day and he returns to the party, to drink some more with Vorenus. When Antony asks if he believes in an afterlife, concerned that there are some who say this is all there is, Vorenus responds: "Greeks talk a whole pile of nonsense. F**k 'em"<br><br>Antony gets a note from Cleopatra, delivered by her slave, saying goodbye. "With her last breath, she called your name." Devastated, Antony, impales himself, with Vorenus holding the sword, "Tell the people I died well. I died Roman." As he falls to his death, the slave runs off to give the news to Cleopatra, who is, in fact, still alive.<br><br>Vorenus, dressing Antony's body in the armor befitting a Roman general, is surprised to see Cleopatra, who walks through Antony's blood to weep over his body. Disgusted with the Queen, Vorenus confronts her and insists that he take Caesarion with him, so that Octavian won't kill him. He vows to take him to his real father, Titus Pullo.<br><br>Vorenus and the boy escape in traveling clothes, while Cleopatra opens the palace doors to Octavian. Insisting that they are to be friends and vowing that Cleopatra and the children are safe, Octavian asks but one favor, that Cleopatra sail with him tomorrow to Rome to show that Egypt and Rome are reconciled.<br><br>Though steely throughout the meeting, afterward Cleopatra realizes the mistake she has made. As Antony had predicted, Octavian's only interest after killing Caesarion is parading the Queen "in chains for the mob to spit on.<br><br>Weighing the options, Cleopatra decides on the snake as the means to her end. She lays the asp on her breast and the Romans arrive just in time to see her take her last breaths as she spits out at Octavian: "You... have a rotten soul." "Find the children!" he orders.<br><br>Learning that Caesarion has escaped with Vorenus, Octavian sends Pullo out to look for them, telling him to persuade Vorenus to return, as only the boy has to die.<br><br>Vorenus is camped in the desert with his young charge, beneath the ruined head of a pharaoh. Pullo finds him there: "Never thought I'd see that old bastard glaring at me again." "I knew you'd remember," Vorenus replies. Pullo delivers the news of the death of the boy's mother bluntly and Caesarion rebuffs him rudely, but realizing he has no other options, remains by the campfire crying. "I thought he'd be bigger," Pullo notes of his son. He explains to Vorenus there are ten legions out looking for them. The only way to go is south. Pullo gives his friend an update on his children, hoping to lure him home. But Vorenus agrees to go only as far as Judaea with them.<br><br>Octavian returns to Rome and heads to Atia's Villa to report to his mother and sister the news of Antony's death by his own hand. He asks Octavia to look after Antony's young children. "Kindly Uncle Octavian shows mercy. People will love it. Clever. No end to your cleverness," she says.<br><br>Coming upon a road block with Roman legionaries along the route, Pullo suggests they attack immediately but Vorenus insists they try to talk their way through. When Caesarion can't hold his tongue, a sword fight breaks out. They are victorious, but Vorenus has been stabbed through and collapses, begging Pullo to take him home to die so he can see his children.<br><br>One month later, on the day of celebration for Octavian Caesar's official return as first citizen, Atia is despondent, unable to dress for the occasion. "I don't know what I shall do if you give up," Octavia pleads with her mother.<br><br>Pullo arrives home with the dying Vorenus, but his children don't want to see him. Watching Lyde nurse him, Vorena the Elder finally comes to her father to say goodbye, and her brother and sister follow her lead. Vorenus can die in peace.<br><br>Atia arrives just before Livia, Octavia and the women of Octavian's party are to enter the Forum, taking the first place of honor even though Livia insists it is the wife who takes precedence. But Atia will have none of it, she sees through Livia: "You are swearing now that some day, some day you will destroy me....Remember: far better women than you have sworn to do the same. Go look for them now."<br><br>The women take their seats in the Forum, as Octavian Caesar rides in on his chariot and takes his throne. Atia looks at her son, but memory and regret triumph over aristocratic pride.<br><br>Afterward, Titus Pullo visits Octavian and reports that he killed Caesarion in the desert and that Vorenus has died. Octavian rewards him. "He bought it," Pullo tells Caesarion outside. As the boy spews forth his oaths to avenge his mother and his father, Pullo interrupts: "Listen, about your father...." as they disappear into the crowd.</p></div>
