Triplanetary · Chapter
III: The Fall of Rome explained
The chapter opens with an Eddorian conversation between the All-Highest and Gharlane, who discusses his manipulation of Rome through figures like Mithradates, Sulla, and Marius, and his plan for Nero to destroy the republic.
What happens
The chapter opens with an Eddorian conversation between the All-Highest and Gharlane, who discusses his manipulation of Rome through figures like Mithradates, Sulla, and Marius, and his plan for Nero to destroy the republic. In Arisia, Eukonidor and Drounli lament the necessity of Rome's fall, constrained by the need to avoid revealing their powers. In Rome, gladiators Patroclus and Livius plot a rebellion against Nero, with allies at court and a plan to assassinate him during a torch-lit spectacle, though their hope is tempered by the Eddorian's pervasive control.
Themes in this chapter
Hidden Manipulation of History
Eddorians like Gharlane secretly control Rome's decline through puppets like Nero, while Arisians watch helplessly.
Sacrifice for the Greater Good
Arisians allow Rome to fall, accepting suffering as necessary for the ultimate triumph of Civilization.
Cyclical Rise and Fall of Civilizations
The chapter explicitly discusses the fall of Rome as a necessary phase in the cyclical pattern of civilization.
Characters to notice
- Gharlane of Eddore
Discusses his manipulation of Rome's history with the All-Highest, expressing suspicion of interference from within the Eddorian Circle.
- Patroclus
A Thracian gladiator plotting rebellion against Nero, organizing a conspiracy with Livius and allies at court.
- Livius
A Bithynian gladiator and cellmate of Patroclus, skeptical but committed to the plot against Nero.
- Nero
The Roman emperor, revealed as Gharlane's puppet, presiding over the arena and unaware of the gladiators' conspiracy.
- Drounli
An Arisian Moulder who explains to Eukonidor the necessity of Rome's fall for the ultimate triumph of Civilization.
- Eukonidor
A young Arisian Watchman troubled by the suffering he foresees in Rome's fall, but unable to intervene.
Key passages
“Rome will fall. It must be allowed to fall.”
The Arisians accept that Rome's destruction is inevitable and necessary for the long-term plan.
Drounli explains to Eukonidor the necessity of Rome's fall.
“I am beginning to suspect that chance is being strained beyond its elastic limit, for my particular benefit, and as soon as I can find out who is doing that straining there will be one empty place in the Innermost Circle.”
Gharlane suspects that someone within the Eddorian leadership is manipulating events against him.
Gharlane expresses suspicion of internal Eddorian interference.
“We have powerful friends at court; one of whom has for days been carrying a knife sharpened especially to slip between Nero's ribs.”
The gladiators have an ally in Nero's court ready to assassinate him.
Patroclus reveals the conspiracy's inside support to Livius.