1 Earliest Rome

I O . R O M E O U T S I D E R O M E
6. For these, see 10.3a, n, 5-
7. The arrepboroiwcre two sacred maidens who lived for a time near the ancient temple of
Athena Polias, performed secret rites and were then replaced by a new pair (see
Pausanias, 1.27.3). They represent the most ancient elements ol the cult of the goddess.
See Parke (1977) 141-3; Simon (1983) 39-45.
8. The altar of the 'Sebastoi' (Latin: Augusti) was in honour of Roman emperors (and their
immediate family) from Augustus onwards.
10.6 Outside reactions to the worship of the emperor
Our knowledge of the worship comes almost exclusively from Rome and the
cities participating in the cult; but occasionally we may have a glimpse of a different
- even hostile - perspective.
10.6a A barbarian observer
This passage offers an image of a barbarian reaction to the presence of an imperial
prince and to the cult of the imperial family: it is, of course, a Roman image
of that reaction. Velleius was no doubt concerned to suggest that even the
German barbarians appreciated the nobility of his hero, Tiberius. The incident
described took place during the campaigns rhat the future emperor Tiberius
undertook on Augustus' behalf; Velleius accompanied him on these campaigns.
Velleius Paterctilus, History of Rome II. 107
See further: Vol. 1, 352-3; Woodman (1977) 146-8.
I cannot resist inserting a minor incident even into this narrative of great events. Our
camp was on the nearer bank of the river I have just mentioned; 1
on the far bank there
was a glittering array of the enemy's troops, but hastily retreating [at every movement of
our ships]. 2
But one of the barbarians, a senior man in years, very tall, high-ranking as
shown by his dress, embarked in a canoe - a hollowed out log, as is their custom - and
steered his own course to the middle of the river. Then he asked if he could have
permission to land in security on our bank, and to look at Caesar. 3
Permission was
granted, so he beached his canoe and gazed at Caesar for a long time without speaking.
Then he spoke: 'Our young men are crazy: they worship your divine power when you are
absent; 4
but when you arrive they would rather go in terror of your arms than put
themselves under your protection. But I, Caesar, by your kind permission, have seen the
gods of whom I used once only to hear; nor have 1 ever hoped for or experienced a
happier day in my life.' tie was given permission to touch Caesar's hand; and then he
went back to his boat, and carried on ceaselessly gazing back at Caesar until he reached
his own side's bank of the river.
1. The Elbe.
258
2. The text is corrupt and the sense uncertain.