The Code of Romulus
| Company type | Novella |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Caroline Lawrence |
| Products | Children's novella |
The Code of Romulus is a children's novella authored by Caroline Lawrence, released in 2007 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of World Book Day. This edition republishes the short story Bread and Circuses, originally featured in the 2003 collection The Mammoth Book of Roman Whodunits.
The tale is situated in Ostia during November of 79 AD, positioned chronologically between the fifth and sixth installments of the series (The Dolphins of Laurentum and The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina).
Plot summary
The story begins with the main character, Flavia Gemina, engaged in a debate with her tutor, Aristo, regarding her assertion that she is a detective. Aristo poses a challenge: if Flavia can unravel the mystery behind the missing bread rolls belonging to Pistor the Baker, she will be exempt from mathematics lessons for one month; failure will result in her being forbidden from using the term "detective" ever again.
Suspecting an internal culprit, Flavia and her companions befriend Porcius, the baker’s younger son (Porcius), who introduces them to his family, bakery employees, and his "Circus Minimus" mouse racing events. Nubia shows particular fascination with the donkeys that operate the millstone.
The group divides their efforts to follow different leads: Lupus shadows Porcius and his brother on their way to school; Nubia tails their sister to a temple; Jonathan ben Mordecai pursues slave Teneme to the granary; meanwhile, Flavia consults Tertius, who manages the bakery’s accounts. Tertius reveals a puzzle involving the Sator square, a magic square that ultimately guides Flavia to uncover the culprit behind the theft.
During an early morning Christian assembly held in secret, Flavia and Nubia discover that the thief acted with good intentions. They agree to keep this information private provided that the stealing stops immediately.
Allusions to other works
Aristo expresses surprise at Flavia’s reading of Ovid's Metamorphoses, known for its "inappropriate" tales, but concedes it as a literary masterpiece and consents to listen to selected passages. Later, Flavia refers back to this scroll to better understand Tertius's mention of Erysichthon.
Jonathan frequently alludes to the Tanak, particularly the Psalms, which he appears to have memorized. He also begins instructing Flavia in reciting the Pater Noster.