Triplanetary · Chapter
Rome explained
In Nero's Rome, gladiator Patroclus conspires with Livius and others to assassinate Nero, but their plot fails due to Nero's Eddorian powers.
What happens
In Nero's Rome, gladiator Patroclus conspires with Livius and others to assassinate Nero, but their plot fails due to Nero's Eddorian powers. Patroclus is killed in the arena, and the Arisian Elders allow Rome to fall as part of their genetic program.
Themes in this chapter
Hidden Manipulation of History
Nero's Eddorian influence and the Arisian decision to let Rome fall illustrate hidden manipulation of historical events.
Sacrifice for the Greater Good
Patroclus and the gladiators risk their lives in a plot to save Rome from Nero's tyranny.
Cyclical Rise and Fall of Civilizations
The fall of Rome is depicted as a necessary step in the Arisian genetic program, emphasizing the cyclical nature of civilizations.
Characters to notice
- Patroclus
Grand Champion gladiator leading a conspiracy against Nero; killed in the arena.
- Livius
Bithynian gladiator and cellmate of Patroclus; joins the conspiracy.
- Nero
Emperor of Rome; target of the assassination plot; revealed to have Eddorian powers.
- Petronius
Arbiter of Elegance and co-conspirator; fails to stab Nero due to his evil eye.
- Tigellinus
Commander of the Praetorian Guard; targeted by Patroclus for vengeance.
- Fermius
Grand Champion Gaul; fights Patroclus in the arena.
Key passages
“But what have you, Livius, or any of us, for that matter, got to live for?”
Patroclus questions the purpose of a gladiator's life, seeing it as devoid of freedom and hope.
Highlights the despair and motivation for rebellion among gladiators.
“I have been more or less expecting something of this sort...”
Livius reveals he suspected Patroclus was planning something due to his knowledge of gladiator behavior.
Shows the underground network of trust and conspiracy among the gladiators.
“He has the evil eye—I couldn't move a muscle, I tell you!”
Petronius explains his failure to assassinate Nero, attributing it to Nero's supernatural power.
Reveals Nero's Eddorian influence and the supernatural elements at play.
“Thus ended the last significant attempt to save the civilization of Rome; in a fiasco so complete...”
The failure of Patroclus' plot marks the end of any meaningful effort to preserve Roman civilization.
Emphasizes the theme of inevitable decline and the Arisian plan.