Coup D'état or Coup De Grace: Rome's Repercussions in Ricimer's Reign

Op-Ed by Gossipia Gladiatrix, spreading the word around the Roman Forum before it sets on fire

Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between: welcome to the most intriguing political spectacle since Caesar crossed the Rubicon. An event so dramatic, even the gods on Olympus are reaching for their popcorn.

We're all aware of the latest high-drama saga in our city's soap opera: Ricimer's Reign has begun. And oh, isn't it just brimming with more backstabbing than a Senate meeting on the Ides of March?

Our dear Generalissimo Ricimer, the barbarian with a bigger power complex than Jupiter himself, has just given Emperor Anthemius the proverbial boot, and in its wake, he's shuffling his puppet, Olybrius, on to the throne. As if we Romans are simpletons who wouldn't notice the marionette strings!

Let's call a spade a spade here, folks. Ricimer, who we've come to know as Rome's shadow emperor, has just staged a coup d'état. Or should we call it a coup de grace, considering the dire state of our Empire lately?

Ricimer, if you're reading this: we see you. Your power grab is as transparent as a glass of our finest Falernian wine. You've overthrown Anthemius, sure, but we Romans, we're not as fooled as you might think.

Let's face it, Rome isn't what it was. No, we're not in a golden age, far from it. We miss the glory days when our eagle standards were raised high across the world, from the foggy Brittanica to the sun-kissed sands of Aegyptus. But do you think replacing our emperor like changing togas is going to return us to our past splendour? Please, we've seen more creative ideas from a gladiator in the arena.

And as for you, dear Olybrius, don't think you're off the hook. We see you there, lurking in the shadows. You're just Ricimer's puppet emperor, a puppet too afraid to cut his strings.

But you know what? Rome's been around the block a few times. We've faced barbarians, plagues, and some really terrible emperors (looking at you, Nero). But we, the people, we're still here. We're resilient. We're Roman.

So, Ricimer, go ahead. Take your puppet and your power. But know this: Rome is not just its emperors and generals. Rome is its people. And we, the people, are watching.

As they say, "Roma Invicta". Rome is invincible, and she always will be, irrespective