THE SCENE: The greatest honor a Roman general could receive was a “Triumph” – a parade through the streets of Rome. However, certain steps were also taken to ensure that even at this pinnacle of success, the mighty would not forget their humility.
THE TEXT: But lest these exalted rewards should swell the heart, and make the favorite of fortune forget his birth and mortal character, three causes of annoyance were attached to them. First, a slave sat on his right hand in the chariot — which served to hint that poverty and unmerited degradation were no bars to the subsequent attainment of the highest dignities. The second annoyance was that the slave should inflict upon him several severe blows, to abate the haughtiness which the applause of his countrymen might tend to excite — at the same time saying to him, “Nosce te ipsum” (that is, know thyself), “and permit not thy exaltation to render thee proud. Look behind thee, and remember that thou art mortal.” The third annoyance was this, that free license was given, upon that day of triumph, to utter the most galling reproaches, and the most cutting sarcasms, against the victor while enjoying his triumph.
– Gesta Romanorum, 13th Century AD
[Image Credit: Le Triomphe de Titus et de Vespasien by Jules Romain]
