Dobis 1

Joseph Dobis
History 134
Professor Errin Stegich
8 December 2014
Who had it Easier?
The Palace
Seated at a large dining table, filled with all manner of delectable food, we join Justinian, and
Romulus Augustulus already in conversation
Justinian: I had big plans to rebuild the empire! It was to be grand. Then the black plague hit.
We lost 100 million people to it. My plans were in shambles.
Justinian takes a large bite of mutton
Romulus Augustulus: I can understand your frustration. I was made emperor by my father
when I was only a child. I was emperor, but we all knew he was in charge.
(sigh) and with a look of deep depression
Justinian: But at least you didn't become deathly ill. Finally the black plague came to me. I am
fortunate to have survived it, though only barely. Most people did not survive once the plague
had been visited upon them.
Romulus munching on grapes being plucked from a large bunch in his hand
Romulus Augustulus: I suppose a plague was more than I saw. I was little Augustus, and not
many took me seriously. They knew my father was making the decisions. I was considered
illegitimate, and a usurper with no right to the throne.
Justinian: I am not sure what is worse, no respect from my people, or having the plague.
Having my wife blamed for the plague was bad enough as well.
Justinian takes a large draft from a goblet

Dobis 2
Romulus Augustulus: They finally threw me out. The consensus of me as an illegitimate and
usurping ruler sank in. I was deposed, by Germanic Chieftan Odoacer and sent off to live in the
Castella Lucullanum. My legacy in shambles, I would be known for nothing else. At least you
are known for your desire to rebuild the empire and bring it back to its days of glory. I have
nothing.
Justinian: I feel for you. Though, I had to watch my wife die of cancer, and never live out my
dream of rebuilding the empire. I will forever be known as the black plague emperor with a
promiscuous wife who may or may not have been the cause of the black plague.