by Petrus Silvanus
Undoubtedly, the party for the promotion of Revus Cornelius Patavius took place amongst one of the most elegant and important events in Subura. His paterfamilias, Petrus C. Silvanus, had intended to host a "simple" ceremony in the Basilica Cornelia, dedicated to their ancestor Sulla.
There he revealed the relic of the "corona graminea" won by Sulla during the siege of Nola (89 BC). (The "corona graminea," otherwise known as the "grass crown," was given to a general who saved his entire army from a besieging enemy and is the most glorious military honor bestowed by the legion.) Such relics are commonly carried in a procession during the funeral of a member of the family, but this time he wanted to use it as a presage of glory for his cousin.
Starting from the basilica, the informal but spectacular walk of the officers of the XIII legio in full dress, together with the other guests, led to the domus of Revus Cornelius, where a sumptuous banquet was prepared and musicians played the most modern dances.
Rumour has it that the matronas had bribed the servants of Patavius in order obtain the secret recipes of Domina Tiberia, who's epicurian was employed to prepare the courses.
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