THE SCENE: The Emperor Pertinax probably expected to be thought of as a martyr when he was assassinated after he took bold steps towards trying to stabilize the Roman Empire after the lawlessness of his predecessor. His obituary, however, focused on different details.
THE TEXT: Pertinax was an old man, of an appearance that commanded respect, with long beard and hair brushed back. In figure he was rather stout and his stomach projected somewhat, but his stature was that of an emperor. As an orator he was mediocre. He possessed charm rather than kindliness, and he was never regarded as straightforward. While he was affable in conversation, in reality he was ungenerous and almost mean – to the extent of serving half-portions of lettuce and artichoke at banquets while a private citizen. However many friends were present he used to serve nine pounds of meat in three courses. Moreover, if anything extra had been sent he would keep it over for the next day, although he always invited a great number of people to his banquets. Even as emperor, if he ever wanted to send friends something from his meal, he would send a couple of scraps or a piece of tripe, occasionally chicken legs. He never ate pheasant at his private banquets or sent them to anyone else.
– The Augustan History, Julius Capitolinus, 4th Century AD
