Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them, and they’ll be distracted. Take away their freedom, and still they’ll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate. It’s the sand of the Colosseum.
Marcus Aurelius trusted you. His daughter trusts you. I will trust you.[to Maximus]
He’ll bring them death, and they will love him for it.[to Gaius, about Commodus]
Fear and wonder. A powerful combination.