A. David Singh's Blog
March 10, 2016
King Tarquin and the Tall Poppy Syndrome
Four hundred years before Julius Caesar, Rome was a city-kingdom ruled by kings. The seventh king was the tyrant, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, often called Tarquin the Proud.
Wanting to subjugate the neighbouring towns, Tarquin insisted that they sign treaties with Rome, and those who refused, did so at the risk of war.
One such town was Gabii. It had refused to sign the Roman treaty, and when attacked, did not succumb to the might of Tarquin the Proud.
Tarquin hatched a plot and instructed his son, Sextus, to infiltrate Gabii. Pretending to be ill-treated by his father, Sextus sought asylum with the enemy. The people of Gabii welcomed the ‘wronged’ Roman prince with open arms. Once he had gained their confidence, Sextus sent a message to his father. ‘What next?’
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Wanting to subjugate the neighbouring towns, Tarquin insisted that they sign treaties with Rome, and those who refused, did so at the risk of war.
One such town was Gabii. It had refused to sign the Roman treaty, and when attacked, did not succumb to the might of Tarquin the Proud.
A life well lived is the best revenge.
Tarquin hatched a plot and instructed his son, Sextus, to infiltrate Gabii. Pretending to be ill-treated by his father, Sextus sought asylum with the enemy. The people of Gabii welcomed the ‘wronged’ Roman prince with open arms. Once he had gained their confidence, Sextus sent a message to his father. ‘What next?’
Continue reading this story >
March 4, 2016
The Defeat at Dyrrachium
It was the third watch of the night when Pompey attacked.
Julius Caesar peered at the distant battle from his fortifications. The air was filled with metallic clangs and piercing cries from afar. The land between his fortifications and Pompey’s was spread out like a map, but alive with violence and death.
The multitude of torches carried by the legionaries swarmed on the battlefield, mimicking the undulating movements of a giant beast in the throes of agony.
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Julius Caesar peered at the distant battle from his fortifications. The air was filled with metallic clangs and piercing cries from afar. The land between his fortifications and Pompey’s was spread out like a map, but alive with violence and death.
Resilience is a quality that distinguishes great leaders from the humdrum of humanity.
The multitude of torches carried by the legionaries swarmed on the battlefield, mimicking the undulating movements of a giant beast in the throes of agony.
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Veni. Vidi. Vici.
The battle done, Julius Caesar turned his attention to dictating messages for his supporters back in Rome. In his tent sat his favourite scribe, Didius, scribbling on one papyrus after another, frantically keeping pace with Caesar’s thoughts. Beside Didius sat two teenage lads, similar to each other in build and facial features, but with an important exception: one was bald, while the other possessed a lush growth of curly, black hair.
“I have to send a message to the Senate urgently. That is the most important of all,” Caesar said.
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Veni. Vidi. Vici. Brevity paired with finesse creates a lasting impact.
“I have to send a message to the Senate urgently. That is the most important of all,” Caesar said.
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The Elephants of Numidia
Julius Caesar clamped his palms upon his ears, but the sound of elephants trumpeting in the distance continued unabated. Shrill and ominous, the din emanating from the enemy camp sent a chill down his spine. It would go on all night and the following day. If his enemies were trying to intimidate him on the eve of battle, they were indeed succeeding.
His officers and Centurions huddled about in small groups within his tent. He had asked for their counsel, but so far no one had uttered a sensible word. The men spoke in hasty whispers with each other while avoiding eye contact with him.
He banged his fist on the table. “Silence!”
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Turning an imminent defeat into victory was a skill that Julius Caesar had mastered.
His officers and Centurions huddled about in small groups within his tent. He had asked for their counsel, but so far no one had uttered a sensible word. The men spoke in hasty whispers with each other while avoiding eye contact with him.
He banged his fist on the table. “Silence!”
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