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 My name is Yusuf ben Eliezer. That was the name given to me by my father in Judea, the land of my birth, some forty summers ago.
As a youth, I was a Zealot and fought against the occupation of my homeland by the gentile Roman, until the day of my capture in the hills east of the City of David. On account of my tender years, I was not crucified but sold into slavery. I was purchased by a high born Roman named Lucius Sergius Corvus, who caused me to be trained for the Arena.
Seven times I fought to the death, and upon my seventh victory, Corvus took me into his personal service as a bodyguard. Surely the Lord, my God smiled upon me.
I accompanied Corvus on an inspection of holdings in Africa Proconsularis, whereupon our train was set upon by brigands who had devised a most ingenious ambush. In short order, our party lay dead or dying, save Corvus who had been wounded and myself.
Armed with gladius, I engaged six of the brigands, slaying three before the balance -- woeful of their declining numbers -- retreated.
Much as I despised Corvus, I was loathe to leave him to die a slow death in the desert. I carried him to the shelter of a rock overhang and over days tended his wound and fed him. When he was sufficiently recovered, I carried him out of the wilderness and to safety.
Corvus was vain and often a fool, but he was not lacking in gratitude. I received not only my manumission for my deed, the childless Corvus took me as his adopted son. With the passing of a single year, Corvus expired and I discovered myself a freedman, a citizen, and heir to his considerable wealth.
Not possessing the aversion to trade and commerce affected by some high-born Romans, I have multiplied that which Corvus bequeathed to me many times over. I have expanded Corvus' estates and mines, built merchant fleets and branched into shipping, and the importation of goods -- licit and illicit -- into Rome. I provide silks from the Middle Kingdom far to the east, the fruit of the poppy and the juice of the haoma mushroom, any vice, or indeed any virtue, can be supplied from my storehouses or my brothels. I have also discovered a talent for usury, and in these decadent times, many a high-born Roman is indebted to me far beyond his or her ability to repay.
My Roman citizenship, my new name, my wealth and many a bribe spared me from the general deportation of my birth-countrymen by Tiberius. I wear the toga, speak this Latin tongue, yet I build my fortune for one purpose. Though my beard begins to gray, my hatred for the Roman burns undiminished. Has he not despoiled my country? Has he not come into the Temple unclean and defiled the Holiest of Holies? Does he not hold my people in thrall?
The Day of Reckoning approaches, when all accounts shall be balanced and paid.
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All Posts (11) Messages posted by Josephus
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Josephus's 1 Group
ResPublica Romana
Position: Observer
Level 1
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Complete List of Josephus's 1 Groups
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