Asteropê’s answer to “I wonder if Scarrow will ever depict the Year of the Four Emperors. History says Vespasian won. Sin…” > Likes and Comments

Thanks for sharing. Very informative about the author's thoughts and plans. The thing about civil wars, and Rome has had quite a few, is that it is brother versus brother. Cato and Macro are more like buddy cops.

The other limiting factor besides history is aging. Even Cato as the younger one can't stop the passage of time. He's 17/18 in 43 AD. By the time Vespasian becomes Emperor, 26 years have passed. Macro would definitely be an old man. Cato's son would have become a man.

It would be interesting to see how Scarrow deals with this issue. As for Pompeii, very nice as well. We all know how that turned out.

You're welcome!

Yeah, age-wise the series would have to end eventually anyway. By the time Vespasian is emperor then, Cato would be 42/43. Not too old. Not sure about Macro. 50-60 years old? Again, not too old. But it is the later part of their life. I do hope they are able to retire and live comfortable. I was a bit worried about Pompeii mentioned, because of Vesuvius, but that occurs in Titus' reign, not Vespasian's. Vespasian ruled for 27 years and by that time Cato would be in his 60s and Macro in his 70-80s, if alive at all. So it's be okay.

I do wonder if the author will write about Vespasian as a main character during his 27 years. I'd be willing to read it as it'd be a nice continuation of the journey through time.

I do hope after this series is done with he writes more books set in Ancient Rome, though.

Don't forget that their life expectancy was much shorter. Vespasian lived to 70 years and died naturally. Not bad for someone in Roman politics with all the civil wars and backstabbing. If C&M die in Pompeii after everything, it'd be a let down IMO.

True, regarding life expectancy. I guess we'll have to wait and see! :o)

I hope the ending is satisfying enough after possibly 25 books spent on them and their life.

Though personally, if in the last book they retire to Pompeii as mentioned in the article, I'd be okay with that as the eruption and their possible death wouldn't be for another 27 years. So in my mind, they'd have lived a nice retirement and life and could have died in their sleep before Vesuvius even erupts. As long as their death isn't detailed, then I'd just picture something like that. LOL.

If the author does decide to write more books set in Ancient Rome, such as during Titus' rule, then there might be more details on Pompeii, but I assume that series, if it even was written, would have new main characters and Macro and Cato might not even be mentioned. Or be mentioned in passing.

The fact is, both will die eventually. I don't mind the thought of 25 possible years of retirement before they do, even if they end up dying in Pompeii during the eruption. But I can see where you are coming from re: that possibility. ;-)

There is a strange coincidence regarding the Battle of Bedriacum, where Primus (Vespasian's general) led his army to the victory against forces of Vitellius. The last men standing are both important characters in the series. I am sure both you remember Vitellius, a tribune, who got laid with the same slave that Cato loved in the early years in Britannia. It's the same Vitellius, who was the later the Roman emperor, which was defeated by the hands of Vespasian's army. I dare to say that ending is gonna have something to do with the year 69 A.D. As a fan od Primus, the general, I am hoping that Cato and Macro will come into contact with him and I also hope for their participation in this civil war. If any of you want to discuss the theme more, you are more than welcome to send me a message, since I would love to talk about this more.