If you have arrived here before knowing what this project is about, you can do so by reading the Preface.
It explains the idea behind the project and what you can expect to discover as it progresses 🏛️
LETTER 1
1 January 52 BC
Crassipes’ Gardens, near Rome
From Tullia to her dearest Sophrona, greetings.
This is a short note to wish you the best of trading days today.
As it is unusual for market day to fall on the Kalends, with the first day of the month being reserved for family gatherings, I hope it will still prove a profitable one. The nundinae is always so enjoyable for traders and the people alike, as this ninth day bears so much tradition for our Republic. But please don’t tell Father I made mention of this superstition as he will think I have lost my senses to mindless omens! I jest only.
But I do wonder if it will be the topic of conversation when he joins us for lunch here at Horti Crassipedis. I shall let you know, as I’m sure it will delight you to hear of the banter you must so miss since you left us.
I will finish now as Acastus is readying to carry other letters for my husband into Rome.
I will write more later.
Always your loving friend, Tullia.
LETTER 2
1 January 52 BC
Crassipes’ Gardens, near Rome
From Tullia to her dearest Sophrona, greetings again.
As promised, here is my longer letter to bring you up to date with all that is going on.
The day was filled with good company and conversation, and the skies above so blue. You would have loved being here in the gardens as we enjoyed lunch in the summer house. It is favoured by Crassipes.
Father arrived just before midday, prompt as usual. You know how fastidious he is with arriving on time, or even early, to all dinner engagements.
Crassipes did press Father on the unusual occurrence of market day falling on the first day of the month and if he thought it was a sign of bad things to occur, to which he was reminded that there were already enough bad things going on without the usual ninth day for market happening to land on the first. It was yet another year beginning with no consuls elected and no government in place due to blocking and delaying tactics from the tribunes.
I added that the talk of dictatorship should be more of a concern for any citizen. With the mood being as chaotic as it is, and the growing rivalry between Pompey and Caesar since Crassus met his end in Parthia, we had more to consider than portents of an owl being seen and caught in the city, a meteor darting from south to east, or the clap of thunderbolts and stones flying through the air. Father agreed wholeheartedly, and as always, is complimentary of my contributions to the state of politics.
But enough talk of affairs of state. You must be glad to be free of constant discussion of senate and tribunes.
Your departure, now just four months on, still leaves a hole in my heart and in our home. But I will not let my selfishness cloud what is the most wonderful thing of all – to have your freedom. I want only the best for you, and for Felix. You married a good man.
To know that my two most trusted companions in you and Tiro now have the opportunity to explore new horizons, brings me the greatest of joy. I know how happy Father was to deliver Tiro the news just six months ago. I trust that you both know the gladness it brings us, and to know our deepest love and friendship will be everlasting.
Now, before I end this letter, and get it in the hands of Philogenes, who will be passing by here on his way back from Fabia’s Gardens to Rome, I want you to keep a lookout for any new fabric for a new tunic. I favour a deep green colour, something new! You know what I will like better than anyone, even more than me. Your years of attentive care for my health and my fashion sense is held in the highest esteem.
Now please write as soon as you can. You know how much your letters cheer me.
Yours in the greatest of friendship, Tullia.