Otho's Regret

L. J. Trafford worked as a tour guide, after gaining a BA Hons in ancient history. This experience was a perfect introduction to writing, involving as it did the need for entertainment and a hefty amount of invention (it’s how she got tips!). She now works in London doing something whizzy with databases.

• Rome—Palatine HillMarcus Salvius Otho—the emperor*Salvius—the emperor’s nephew*Tiberius Claudius Epaphroditus—the emperor’s secretary* Onomastus—the emperor’s dwarf*Marcus Celsus—a valuable military advisor*Servius Sulpicius Lysander—the emperor’s announcer Statilia Messalina—professional empress*Sporus—empress-in-waiting*Artemina (Mina)—the empress’ bodyguard Cassandra—the empress’ secretaryBrutus—a star gladiatorHonoratus*, Proculus, Lucullus, Paulus—a collection of PraetoriansRome—ElsewhereFlavius Sabinus—city prefect*Titus Flavius Domitian—Flavius’ nephew* Antonia Caenis—a former imperial secretary*Tiberius Claudius Philo—an imperial freedman Teretia—his wifePompeia Minor—his mother-in-law Verenia—Teretia’s cousinClaudia Aphrodite—Epaphroditus’ estranged wife Nymphidia Sabina—a grieving mother*Elsewhere in the EmpireAulus Vitellius—the other emperor*Fabius Valens—the other emperor’s commander (the cruel one)*Caecina Alienus—the other emperor’s other commander (the handsome one)*Asiaticus—the other emperor’s freedman* Gwencalon—a wise woman Salonina—Caecina’s paramour**Historical personages