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Content (Issue 7)
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“I Lost my heart in... a wayside mansio” Helena Justina, as the partner of an informer and imperial agent, you often make journeys away from Rome. Do you see this as unusual for a Roman matron? Not at all. I was born into a senatorial family; I grew up expecting my male relations to have postings overseas, either as army officers or as civilian running the provinces. I know many wives stay at home, but others accompany their menfolk. Think of Agrippina, joining Germanicus in wild locations, bearing her children abroad, inspiring the army with her fearless presence. And of course, eventually bringing Germanicus' ashes home in a funeral urn - Does the danger worry you? Rome can be just as dangerous. With the work Falco does, I worry all the time. If he is going into danger, I would rather be there with him. He says, to supervise! Seriously, I have never been afraid of travel. Indeed, I was abroad when I actually met my husband. We were in Britain, which for all its faults, we hold in affection, and have since revisited. And how often do you go away like this? I suppose, looking back, as long as I have known Falco we have made trips almost every year. We've been to Germany, Syria, Spain, North Africa, Britain and Greece. You are very intrepid. Do you ever stray outside the Empire? We have been to most of the farthest frontiers. Britain in the north, Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, Syria in the east, where we went as far as Palmyra on the great trade route, and even ventured into mysterious Nabateae. Falco and one of my brothers once crossed the great River Rhenus into Free Germany, though their mission was secret, as you can imagine. I am curious, but more timid; I hanker for older provinces, with a settled Roman presence. So is travel for business or pleasure? A mixture of both, especially if we have family overseas, as we do in Britain, for instance. Like any tourists we inspect the cultural sights; I look up travel books and maps; and I have to admit, we shop! You shop? Well, Falco's father is an auctioneer. I always keep an eye out for bargains for the family firm. Marcus and I collect souvenirs, as anybody does. Much of our house in Rome is furnished with things we have picked up on our travels. They are useful, and we enjoy them as mementoes of our trips. Your most recent trip has been to Greece, I believe? Yes; one of my brothers, Camillus Aelianus, was studying law in Athens. It seemed a good opportunity to visit him and at the same time see the famous sights. By chance, there was a case Falco investigated, in fact there were two - poor young women who had both died unnaturally in a similar location - but I have to say, I enjoyed the experience as a tourist! We were able to see Olympia and Delphi as well as Athens, and also the capital, Corinth. I loved every minute. What has been your favourite travel location? There have been so many precious moments... At present I am still smitten by the Greek experience - so much art and architecture, so many entrancing sites with a mythological heritage... so many bad roads, upsetting meals, and of course, spectacular athletes preparing for then next Olympic Games! So what's your worst experience? I shall never forget Spain, when I was heavily pregnant with my elder daughter. It was very hot weather and, like all first time mothers, I was extremely nervous. I think Falco was even more worried, if that's possible. We were able to stay at a family estate, which was comfortable, but when I set off ahead to come home before the birth, I went into labour unexpectedly. It was a difficult birth, in a strange town, and I was convinced I would die there. I still shudder to think of it. But all went well eventually... You are a mother now, of two young daughters. Do the children travel abroad with you? We left them behind for Greece. I wanted to devote time to my husband, and I was anxious about disrupting the routine of such young children. Roman families have always left children in the care of grandparents during overseas postings, so it seemed a good idea to get Julia and Favonia used to that. But I'm afraid Falco and I missed them terribly. I don't know that we will repeat the experiment. It's difficult to choose. Do you subject your babies to the risks of drowning at sea, attacks by brigands, foreign foods and diseases - or do you deprive them of their affectionate parents for long weeks or months? You're back at home now. Planning to settle down for a while? Yes... we have some family troubles, which I would prefer not to discuss. What's the best mansio you ever stayed in? Falco and I once stayed near the port at Massilia in Gaul, waiting for a ship; the mansio was not very good, rowdy and the meal was execrable. But that is still my favourite; it was where Marcus and I first realised what friends we were... The best facilities were recently in Athens. We stayed in a top class establishment, with every facility travellers could want and a Parthenon view - much better than some which will feature in my travel diaries! My brother, who was in cramped student lodgings, was very jealous. Any future plans? In Greece we saw the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, which is quite rightly one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I yearn secretly to see all the others. Wishful thinking, of course; some are very remote. Falco has warned me sternly not to hanker for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon! But we have never been to Egypt, which has such a complex and exotic heritage. Maybe one day I shall get to see the Pyramids and Sphinx...
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