Octavian's Triumph: A Dalmatian Tale More Bitter Than Sweet

16th August, 29 BCE

As Romans, we fancy ourselves a cultured, urbane lot. We raise our cups to Mars and Apollo, and pride ourselves on our grand aqueducts and unparalleled military might. But here's a thought: perhaps we've been lying to ourselves.

Yesterday, Octavian's grand triumph, celebrating victory over Dalmatia, was a spectacle to behold. Can I get an 'Io Triumphe!' for our commander? Sure, why not? But let's not get carried away in the frenzied jubilation. We ought to peer beyond the gilded veneer of this grand spectacle.

You might ask, "Gossipia, why the sour grapes? Isn't a triumph a triumph?"

I've no qualms about enjoying a good party. Pass me an amphora of Falernian wine and I’ll show you how to get down with Bacchus. But here’s the catch: when the dust from the parade settles, it's the Dalmatians who bear the brunt of this all-too-Roman celebration.

Before you toss your bread and call me a buzzkill, let me break it down. What we see as a victory parade is a stark reminder to the Dalmatians of the subjugation they've faced at our hands. Imagine being paraded through the streets of Rome, a spectacle for the masses, stripped of your dignity, your freedom, and your autonomy.

Talk about a mare nostrum nightmare.

Now, I'm not suggesting we toss our laurels and togas in fits of guilt. Rome thrives on its diverse tapestry of peoples. We've got everyone from the Greeks to the Gauls, contributing their bit to the great Roman mosaic. But here's the rub, Rome - conquest doesn't equal culture.

How about this for a radical idea? Instead of celebrating conquests, let’s celebrate cultures. Let's not just absorb, but appreciate. Let’s not merely stamp with the ‘SPQR’, but learn, evolve, and grow.

After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, and it certainly wasn't built by Romans alone.

So, as we toast to Octavian’s triumph, let us also remember the price paid by the people of Dalmatia. Let’s strive to be a Rome that’s as inclusive as it is invincible.

And to the Dalmatians, salve. You've found yourselves in the belly of the beast, but remember: Every lion's den has an exit. And Rome is no stranger to uprisings.

In the words of our beloved Virgil, Audentes fortuna iuvat — Fortune favors the bold. So, let’s be bold, Rome. Let’s be better.

Gossipia Gladiatrix