The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Maternus
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 20
There's something unsettling in his transformation from soldier to outlaw leader, the kind of dangerous ambition that comes from recognizing that the established order can be challenged. His presence suggests someone who has discovered power beyond his original station.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult during events
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 20
- Books
- 1
Maternus began as an ordinary private soldier whose daring boldness exceeded what his station should have allowed, eventually collecting bands of robbers into what amounted to a small army. His rebellion represented one of many challenges to Roman authority from within its own military ranks during periods of instability. Though his attempt ultimately failed, his story illustrates the dangerous potential when military experience combines with personal ambition and the grievances of those living outside the law.
Description
A man whose military background is evident in his bearing, but whose transformation into rebel leader has given him the dangerous charisma of one who has gathered outlaws into organized resistance. His appearance reflects both his origins as a private soldier and the bold ambition that drove him beyond his original station.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
Meet Maternus in Bookworm
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