Changing of the Gods

By C. Norman Noble

It’s 66 A.D. Young Lucius is the son of the Roman Legate in charge of military affairs in the district surrounding the Greek city of Corinth, which is under the protection of the Roman Empire. The inexperienced innocent is recruited as a “salesman” by a pair of unscrupulous promoters aiming to raise a large sum of money from influential people—but not in the least interested in anything but accumulating and fleeing with all the money. The adventure intensifies when young Lucius boldly approaches the Roman Emporer, Nero, who not only endorses the project but also comes to Corinth to dedicate the site. Only after Nero has bestowed his blessing and given the project the appearance of legitimacy does Lucius discover that his employers are actually excaped convicts whose intentions are far less than honorable. The tale then follows Lucius through the ups and downs of growing into manhood and building a challenging dream, only to see it die as the criminal implement their plan, then “take the money and run,’ thus forcing Lucius to accelrate his growth as a man by pursuing the thieves, not only to recover the investors’ money but also to rescue his own apparently ruined reputation. A swashbuckler, with just a touch of romance and significant religious overtones, Changing of the Gods is a wonderful read for all who see history as fundamentally a gigantic, engagingly human drama.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. Norman Noble
• Release date: Jan 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9780978697136

C. Norman Noble

Norm Noble has been writing professionally since 1963 and has published over 100 articles and booklets covering fields as diverse as marketing, sales, aircraft electronics, marine electronics, and energy management. Following a successful career in the aerospace industry, where he managed international sales and marketing groups for major corporations, he was the owner of THE NOBLE GROUP, a publisher of custom newsletters for corporations. In 1989, his non-fiction book titled Advertising Your Church Services was published, and in 2004, his novel, In the Still of the Night, a story of tragedy in the skies, was published. An historical adventure novel, Changing of the Gods, about a con game in 66 AD Corinth, was published in 2006, and in 2007 he published an aviation spy thriller entitled Prophet. Details on all these books can be found on the author’s website, which is located at www.normoble.com. Norm has traveled extensively (up to 150,000 miles a year) and has spent time in 78 countries on six continents.

Book preview

CHANGING

OF THE

GODS

C. Norman Noble

***

Changing of the Gods

Copyright © 2006, C. Norman Noble and Ironwood Publishing

All rights reserved

ISBN 13: 978-0-9786971-3-6

ISBN 10: 0-9786971-0-0

Smashwords Edition – 2012

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Published by Ironwood Publishing, Sun Lakes, Arizona

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E-Book Adaptations, 2012

***

The Canal at Corinth Today

The Corinth Canal intersects the Isthmus of Corinth, cutting a straight line through an uneven landmass that reaches a maximum height of 259 feet above sea level. The total length of the Canal is 6,933 yards.

Ancient writers relate that in 602 B.C., Periander, Tyrant of Corinth and one of the Seven Sages of Antiquity, was the first man to consider the possibility of opening a canal through the Isthmus. Periander gave up his plans, fearing the wrath of the gods.

In 307 B.C., Demetrios Poliorketes made up his mind to cut a naval passage through the Isthmus. He actually began excavations before he was talked out of continuing with it by Egyptian engineers who predicted that apparently different sea levels between the Corinthian and the Saronic Gulfs would inundate Aegina and nearby islands with the sea.

In Roman times—two and a half centuries after Poliorketes—Julius Caesar, in 44 B.C. and Caligula, in 37 B.C., again flirted with the idea. In 66 A.D., Nero reconsidered earlier plans and brought in teams of war prisoners from the Aegean islands and six thousand slave Jews to work on the canal. They dug out a ditch 3,300 meters in length and 40 meters wide before Nero had to rush back to Rome to quell the Galva mutiny. Subsequently, the unfinished canal fell to oblivion and was overtaken by tales of superstition and supernatural lore.

The next historic personality to be associated with the canal of Corinth was Herod of Atticus. He tried, as did the Byzantines and the Venetians—but all to no avail.

Another mammoth-scale canal project, the Suez Canal, opened its gates to naval traffic in 1869. In view of that event, the Greek government sought to proceed with their long-overlooked Corinth Canal project. The French started it for them. A Greek company finished it. And in 1893, the Corinth Canal opened, fulfilling a dream first conceived some 2,495 years before. It is quite surprising (and a historic irony) that modern engineering plans followed exactly the plans that Nero’s engineers had proposed so long ago. The 6,933 yards of canal length that Nero’s engineers had mapped out still proved to be the most feasible economic alternative.

***

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my wife DenisAnn, who presented me with good ideas when I had none and who encouraged me to write when golfing sounded better.

***

Foreword

To the best of my ability, I have preserved history in this novel as it actually unfolded. I have portrayed historical personalities and events just as my extensive research determined. Nero actually visited Corinth in 66 A.D. to commence the dig of the canal across the isthmus. The Imperial Court and the Roman army functioned as described. Food, clothing, furniture, buildings, palaces, housing, society, economy, city descriptions, schooling, marriage, worship, gods and goddesses, slaves, ships, jewelry, money, and names have been depicted accurately.

Of course, most of the characters are creations of mine. That's the nature of a novel. However, I believe my characters, had they been real, would have behaved in the ways I have portrayed.

For me, historical novels have always been special reading treats. I cut my teeth on Kenneth Roberts and F. Van Wyck Mason, who made the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War become real through the lives of their characters and their faithfulness to describing actual events. I do not place myself in their company but at their feet.

C. Norman Noble

Sun Lakes, Arizona

May, 2006

***

An Introduction to

Changing of the Gods

Major and Minor Characters:

Aemilius Calvus Lucius -– Son of Roman Legate and Jewess mother

Naomi -- Mother of Lucius

Aemilius Calvus Marcus -- Father of Lucius, Legate in charge of Korinthian Legion

Soterides -- Changed his name from Trophimus.

Herclides --Changed his name from Diodotus.

Paul -- Apostle who came to Corinth in 50 A.D. – left in 52 A.D.

Timothy --Disciple who came to Corinth in 56 A.D.

Nero -- Roman Emperor

Aulus Salvius Primus -- Best friend of Lucius

Sentia --Girl who captivates Lucius – then becomes his wife

Puer (Brennus) -- Male slave in the Calvus’ household – becomes the personal slave of Lucius

Quintus Sentius Scaevola -- The Tribunus Laticlavius, 2nd in command of the Legion, father of Sentia

Carantus -- Older brother of Lucius – killed in battle

Faustus Quinctius -- The Praefectus Castrorum, camp commandant

Messalina -- Jewess -- Wife of Belenus

Belenus – Jew, Moved from Roma with his wife Messalina

Opiter Nigidius -- Centurion who works for the Legate

Tribunus Publius Annius Sulla –- Tribune in the Legion

Artemidorus -- Man who knows Herclides’ background – becomes a partner

Caius Arrius Fortunatus -- Senator and friend of Gallio, Proconsul of Achaia, and of Sextus Afranius Burrus

Theodora -- Wife of Caius Arrius Fortunatus

Appulia -- Female slave of Theodora, wife of Fortunatus

Corsicus -- Slave in the household of Caius Arrius Fortunatus

Musculus -- Slave in the household of Caius Arrius Fortunatus

Bruttius -- Thief in Roman subura

Cnaeus Abudius -- Home where Lucius recovered from beating

Cnaeilla -- Daughter of Cnaeus Abudius

Titius Justus -- A worshipper of God

Crispus -- The chief synagogue ruler

Gallio -- Proconsul (governor) of Achaia – brother of Seneca

Erastus -- Korinthos’ Treasurer and a friend of the Apostle Paul

Seneca -- Philosopher-orator-playwright, and tutor of Nero

Sextus Afranius Burrus -- Prefect of the Praetorian Guard and advisor of Nero

Sosthenes –- Synagogue ruler

Tertius Cassianus Adventus -- Friend of Aemilius Calvus Marcus and canal investor

Vibius Talmudius Didicus -- The Lion of Thessaloniki – and investor in the canal

Amulius Papellius Dignus -- An investor in the canal project

Spurius Pomponius Gessius -- A non-investor in the canal project

Aconia Paulina --Married to Spurius Pomponius Gessius, the non-investor

Quadratus Nestorius Herenus -- An investor in the canal project

Centurion Oppius Nasennius -- He and his Century were aboard the Pollux.

Porphyrius -- Assistant to Gallio

Plocamus -- Former suitor of Sentia; threatened Lucius

Patroclos -- Shop owner in the Agora

Parmenides -- Ruffian; friend of Plocamus

Amandio -- Chamberlain in Lucius’ home

Dexippus -- Slave replaced Amandio as Chamberlain

Mithridates -- The banker who took the money from Soterides

Theodotus -- A banker who didn’t take the money

Parmenion -- Banker in Marathon

Tarautas -- Banker in Argos

Nicoteles -- Banker in Korinthos

Numerius Duronius -- A disliked schoolmate of Lucius

Periander -- Ruler and tyrant of Korinthos who proposed digging a canal across the Isthmus in 600 B.C. Instead, he constructed the Diolkos (towpath).

Demetrios Poliorketes -- A Greek who warned that digging the canal would cause flooding because the sea levels were different on either side of the Isthmus.

Quintius -- Legionnaire who killed Annius

Arria -- Wife of Puer (Brennus)

***

Glossary

Days of the Week

Solis (Sunday) – Sun

Lunae (Monday) – Moon

Martis (Tuesday) – Mars

Mercurii (Wednesday) – Mercury

Jovis (Thursday) – Jupiter

Veneris (Friday) – Venus

Saturni (Saturday) – Saturn

Roman Months of the Year

Janus, Roman god of doors, beginnings, sunset and sunrise, had one face looking forward and one backward. (January)

Februarius, Latin to purify. On February 15, the Romans celebrated the festival of forgiveness for sins. (February)

Martius, Mars was the Roman god of war. (March)

Aprilis, perhaps derived from aperire, (Latin to open, as in opening buds and blossoms) or perhaps from Aphrodite, original Greek name of Venus. (April)

Maius, Roman goddess Maia was mother of Mercury by Jupiter and daughter of Atlas. (May)

Junius, named after Juno, queen of the gods. (June)

Julius, renamed for Julius Caesar in 44 BC, who was born this month.

Quintilis, Latin for fifth month, was the former name—the Roman year began in March rather than January. (July)

Augustus, formerly Sextilis (sixth month in the Roman calendar), re-named in 8 BC for Caesar Augustus. (August)

Septem, Latin for seven—the seventh month in the Julian or Roman calendar, established in the reign of Julius Caesar. (September)

Octo, Latin for eight—eighth month in the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar instituted by Pope Gregory XIII established January as the first month of the year. (October)

Novem, Latin for nine—ninth Roman month. (November)

Decem, Latin for tenth month. (December)

Some of the Roman Gods and Goddesses

The Romans inherited and assimilated their gods and goddesses from the Ancient Greeks.

Apollo was the god of the arts, especially poetry and music.

Bacchus (Dionysos) was the god of wine and mysteries.

Diana (Artemis) was the goddess of the hunt and protector of children.

Juno (Hera) was the goddess of marriage; consort of Jupiter.

Jupiter (Zeus) was the god of the sky; ruler of the Roman pantheon.

Mars (Ares) was the god of war.

Mercury (Hermes) was the god of merchants; messenger of the gods; god of travel.

Minerva (Athena) was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts.

Neptune (Poseidon) was the god of the sea and earthquakes.

Venus (Aphrodite) was the goddess of love and beauty.

Vulcan (Hephaistos) was the god of smiths and metalworkers.

Latin/Greek Words and Places

Korinthos = Corinth.

Roma = Rome.

Lechæum = Port on western shore of Korinthos Isthmus – about 3 km from Corinth.

Cenchreæ = Port on eastern shore of Saronic Gulf – about 6.5 miles from Corinth.

Peloponnese = Peninsula where Korinthos is located.

Mare Nostrum = Mediterranean Sea.

Aegaeum Mare = Aegean Sea.

Scutum = Long curved rectangular shield carried by Roman soldiers

Testudo = A massive human shield which provided armored protection with good coverage for soldiers.

Gladius = Short, double-edged thrusting sword.

Pilum = A standard weapon of legionnaires. It had an iron head connected by a long, thin neck to an iron socket into which the wooden shaft was fitted. The head of the pilum penetrated the enemy shield and the soft neck bent over the shield, making the shield useless.

Diolkos = A marble roadway (towpath) constructed so that ships could be unloaded onto wheeled barges and towed from the eastern port of Cenchreae, in the Saronic gulf, to the western port of Lechæum, in the Corinthian gulf.

Akrokorinthos = the imposing mountain that framed the city of Korinthos, standing sentinel to invaders from the south.

Lumen totius Graeciae -- the light of all Greece = what Korinthos was called by the Greeks.

Popina = a tavern.

Carcer = prison.

Roman Money

2 unciae = 1 sextan

6 sextantes = 1 as

2 asses = 1 dupondius

2 dupondii = 1 sestertius

4 sestertii = 1 denarius

25 denarii = 1 aureus (plural = aurei)

***

Prologue

In The Twelfth Year Of Nero

The bustling, cosmopolitan city of Korinthos, five times the size of Athens, was one hundred years young, unprejudiced by any single, dominant religious or intellectual tradition. The city was populated with a mix of displaced persons, generally without strong ethnic identities, all seeking to discard their former low stations in life by achieving social honor and material success.

In the heart of the city was the Forum, filled with temples and shrines venerating the Emperor, Nero, and various members of his family, built alongside statues and temples dedicated to the older Greek gods; along with a pantheon built by the a former Roman Emperor, Tiberius, to please all gods, lest any be offended.

I enjoy Korinthos now, Primus, Aemilius Calvus Lucius said to his best friend as they walked away from their tutor’s home into the city. When we moved here from Roma three years ago, I thought my father was being punished by the Emperor. Roma is the capital of the world; I felt that Korinthos was no better than an outpost. But then I was only fourteen years old—and I thought like a fourteen year old.

Had you read nothing about Korinthos?

I knew that the Roman Consul Mummius leveled the city, looted and burned it two hundred years ago. I knew that he killed the men and sold the women and children into slavery. And I knew that one hundred years ago, Julius Caesar ordered its reconstruction. I knew there was a Roman Legion stationed here, but I did not expect the city to be so modern.

Lucius, as the son of the Legate, the supreme commander of the Korinthian Legion, didn’t you think that your life here in the outpost, as you called it, would be pleasant?

To be honest, I gave it no thought. All I knew was that I didn’t want to leave Roma.

Primus scoffed and shook his head. I guess being fourteen is an excuse, but it is not the best I have heard.

As my best friend, you are supposed to encourage me, not mock me. Lucius tried his best to look fierce, succeeding only in making a funny face.

No, my job is to challenge you to do your best through all available means. It is not my fault that you give me opportunities like this one. However, I will give you this; today you are older and wiser than you were three years ago. You are no longer doing and thinking childish things. For example, you have excelled in your studies, proving that you are smart and dedicated. In three months, we will leave school and become Roman citizens. We have unlimited opportunities ahead of us. So what plans have you made for your future? Primus chewed on a leaf he had plucked from a tree as he walked alongside his friend.

Lucius fell silent for a moment, and then answered, I have none. I thought I would do nothing for a time—just enjoy having no responsibilities.

I see, said Primus, who didn’t.

What about you, Primus? Do you have plans? Lucius was anxious to turn the attention away from himself.

A smile crossed Primus’ face. I plan to prepare for the games. I want to compete in the pentathlon—running, discus, long jump, javelin, and wrestling. It is something I have always wanted to do. Turning to Lucius with an idea that had just occurred to him, he said, Why don’t you compete in wrestling? You are very good. I think you could win a medal.

Thank you, no. Right now, that is more work than I wish to do.

He shook his head. Lucius, you will have to come up with some plan. I expect your father will pick something for you if you don’t.

Lucius pondered the suggestion, biting his lower lip. That is something I do not want. Father wants me to follow his example. He wants me to be a soldier like he is, like my brother was. His eyes were distant as he shook his head. I am proud of my father, and I want him to be proud of me . . . but not because I am in his Legion. He made a face. I want him to be proud of me because I have accomplished things on my own.

As they rounded a corner of the Temple of Apollo and headed for the Agora, a nemesis from earlier school days, Numerius Duronius, rapidly approached them. There you are, Lucius. I have been looking for you. His voice was loud, his manner pushy.

Lucius stiffened and was not overly gracious in his response. Why? He faced Duronius with a sense of dread that he couldn’t explain.

You took something of mine today . . .—his lips curled menacingly—and I want it back. His face was fat, his olive skin burnished with a reddish glow from long exposure to the warm Korinthian sun.

Duronius, the suggestion that I would have taken something of yours is ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing of yours that I would ever want. As for taking something today, that, too, is ridiculous. Ask Primus. He looked toward his friend with a puzzled look. He and I have been together since early this morning.

That’s true, Duronius. Primus nodded his head in agreement. We have been with our tutor studying military tactics and rhetoric.

It was at your tutor’s home that you stole it.

And what was that?

His daughter.

His daughter? That mousy little girl? You think I stole her from you? Lucius laughed. I did not steal this child from you. I have barely noticed her, except to know that she has no appeal to me.

Perhaps.

"There is no perhaps about it. I have no interest in her. To think otherwise is to foolishly exercise your imagination. You are dim-witted, Duronius. That’s something you can’t help, and that’s a burden you will bear the rest of your life. As for the girl, she is a burden I gladly give to you."

Duronius’s mouth moved, but at first no sound came out. Then he said through compressed teeth, You call me dim-witted. I do not take your insults lightly. He squeezed his fists together threateningly.

Lucius’ eyes bore into those of his accuser. Before you clench your fists, be certain you know your opponent. He studied his adversary for a moment before continuing, wanting to produce the greatest impact. Then, drawing out his words, he said in a steely tone, You have proven, Duronius, without room for doubt, that a person can overcome being born ugly. You are dismal, hairy, meaty-lipped, with an appearance that frightens children. Yet here you are, pretending strength you don’t possess. He stared at him. I commend you.

Duronius’ mouth dropped open. He had been insulted before, but never so successfully. You will regret saying that, Lucius. He backed away, thinking that flight might be in his best interest.

My only regret, sneered Lucius, is that I have waited this long to let you know what I think. He stomped his right foot on the ground and moved aggressively toward Duronius, who turned and began running into the Agora.

That felt good, Lucius said as he watched his adversary disappear behind a meat stall.

Shame on you, Lucius. You’re supposed to be even-tempered.

Really? Well, it felt good, anyway. He grinned.

Duronius is an idiot, Primus observed. He thinks he is smart, but he is an idiot. He wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped him in the face. He has no concept of what is true and what isn’t. I remember one time he accidentally stumbled over a truth. As good fortune would have it, he was able to pick himself up and hurry on as if nothing had taken place.

Lucius exploded in laughter.

***

Chapter 1

De Minimis Non Curat Lex

(The law takes no account of trifles)

Diodotus crouched above the wet floor, staring at the wall. We die tomorrow, Trophimus. They will shove us into the arena and we will die. Tears formed, although it was difficult to see them in the near darkness of the dungeon. I don’t want to die, Trophimus. He looked at his co-conspirator and fellow prisoner with a look of despair. It’s your fault. I didn’t want to be involved in your scheme. It was almost a whimper. I was content with stealing from ordinary merchants. You said we should think bigger. And look what it did to us. Instead of simple punishment where the law takes little account of what we do, we are condemned to die.

Get a hold of yourself, Diodotus. The swarthy Greek moved closer, sloshing through ankle-deep water. It was dank and musty and smelled like wet dirt. He whispered, You are not going to die, because we are escaping from this prison tonight.

How? There was scorn in the frightened man’s voice. How? The walls of this pit are solid stone. The guards have weapons. If we escape, they will be killed. That’s the law of the Legion. They will fight to the death to keep us here.

Others will help us to escape.

Hicesius limped closer as he overheard Trophimus and his brother arguing, And why will they do that? he muttered, mockingly.

Because they are fools. And because they will have no idea what is happening.

You need to explain. The two others spoke almost in unison.

"Just follow my lead. We are going to start a fight. Not just a fight, a brawl. We are going to hit every man within reach. Not just one, every man, he emphasized. Every prisoner in here is going to be fighting before we are finished. Sooner or later, the guards will come in to stop it. When they do, that is when we will make our escape—while they are distracted."

But where will we go when we get out? Hicesius asked. We are rather well known in Piraeus.

You are right, Hicesius. Not here in Piraeus, that is for certain. We must go where we will not be recognized, preferably to large cities where we can get lost in the crowds. To be safe, we need to split up, at least for a few months. Then we can get back together. I have thought about this for a while. I plan to go to Thessaloniki. It’s far enough away that I can vanish. I think you should go to Cappadocia, Diodotus.

I am not going all the way to Cappadocia. That’s too far, and I know nothing about the culture there.

All right, where would you like to go?

Korinthos. I was there once and liked the city. The people come from everywhere—Greek, Roman, Thracian—everywhere. Besides, I like Korinthos’ reputation.

Which is?

It’s a city where anything goes, including sacred prostitutes in the temple of Aphrodite on the Akrokorinthos.

Then that’s where you should go. He nodded as if confirming his own thought on the subject.

As for you, Hicesius, you should go to Delphi. It isn’t too far, yet it’s far enough away from hereto make me doubt that anyone would look for you there.

You say it is not far, but it is over one hundred miles. With my bad leg, it will take a long time. His voice whined, as it frequently did.

No one said you had to walk. Steal a horse. Find someone who will take you in their wagon. Trophimus frowned at his brother’s constantly negative attitude. The point is, you must go where you will not be recognized. Then he added, After three months, we will all meet in Korinthos. That sounds like the perfect place to begin our new venture.

And that would be? Diodotus asked.

I have no idea. It will come to me. Now, let us look after the business at hand.

The tiny room held thirty prisoners, all of whom had been condemned to death, some by strangulation, some by starvation, and some in the arena. The low ceiling held in the horrible, vile smells caused by men confined for days. It wouldn’t be difficult to begin a riot under these conditions.

Trophimus struck the first blow, hitting a man who was standing next to him. Diodotus did the same to the man next to him. Hicesius quickly followed suit. As others crowded around to watch the fights, it was easy to involve them all. Soon, everyone was fighting everyone. Without knowing the reason for the fight, the action became vicious, then frighteningly cruel. Eyes were poked, ears were bitten and torn. Some were having life squeezed out of them. Trophimus experienced almost sadistic joy in the battle, while Diodotus tasted bile in his throat. Hicesius cowered on the outskirts of the battle, fearing for his life.

The heavy iron door creaked open and four well-armed Roman legionnaires charged down the steps, all of them swinging their swords indiscriminately. Screams, more penetrating than before, erupted as blades tore into flesh. Within moments, the fight became a scene of carnage as ill-equipped prisoners fought with battle-trained legionnaires.

Trophimus yelled at Diodotus and Hicesius, Now. With his signal, the three of them raced for the doorway and the narrow staircase that led away