The trumpets sounded the melody of victory, cheers deafening as everyone vied to catch a glimpse of the hero's noble visage.
Over fifteen hundred years ago, a grand triumphal procession was taking place in a majestic city on the plains downstream of the Bythos River.
A triumph, by definition, celebrates someone's victorious return. And those who could hold a great triumph were known as triumphators.
The triumph started with a parade, shackled, ragged men and women at the front, in a column so long it seemed endless.
They were captives, the defeated, the spoils of the victor; some of them were destined for execution while the rest would be sold into slavery.
The captives looked upon the cheering crowds on both sides of the road with hatred and fear.
Carts laden with captured weapons, armor, heretic idols, and gold and silver treasures followed the captives.
These spoils were also a testament to the triumphant hero's great deeds.