Romans and Gauls!

The time is first century CE, when Rome ruled over a vast empire in Europe, including the area called Gallia, home of the Gauls (now France, roughly). After a Gaulish uprising, Roman soldiers took Gaulish prisoners, including a Gaulish Queen. They have been brought to Rome to hear the word of the Emperor Augustus Caesar. He shall decide their fate, though their actions in Rome may temper his decisions.

Augustus Caesar and Praetorian Guards

Roman Centurion and his soldiers.

The Gauls. Imprisoned in Rome awaiting their fate. They hope the Queen will bargain for their freedom, though they are also spoiling for a fight!

The Romans approach the prison. The Queen asks the Gauls to be polite and respectful.

While the Gauls respect their Queen, some are still planning an attack on Caesar.

Armed with only their bare hands, Gauls rush the Emperor! They are quickly subdued by the Praetorian Guards and other soldiers in the court.

Some Gauls fall to their knees in front of Caesar while some remain hostile.

The Barbarian Queen asks the Emperor for mercy and freedom. Augustus seems unmoved.

Emperor Augustus first listens to advice from Gauls and Romans before he makes his final decision on the rebel Gauls.

After the events in the video, the Emperor must decide the fate of the Barbarian Queen. He is interested in maintaining peace across the Empire. He chooses between:

• Execution. Solves one problem, but may have terrible consequences in Gallia and lead to massive Gaulish uprisings in the Empire.
• Imprisonment/Hostage. While also unpopular with the Gauls, it also allows some bargaining and might be enough of a threat to keep peace.
• Release. A kind gesture but might seem too kind. The Queen may just stir up more fighting when she returns to Gallia. Could work out if the Queen wants peace too.
• Marriage. Maybe draw the two peoples together. Maybe not. The Emperor fears that the Queen would try to assassinate him.

In the end, the difficult decision is made: keep the Barbarian Queen as an honoured hostage. She is a prisoner of Rome but will be treated with the respect due a Queen. Good call, Emperor!