Encounters Along the River Path: Daily Life in Ancient Rome

The text is an excerpt from the novel "Roma" by Steven Saylor, depicting a scene along the river path where Lara, a salt trader, and her group encounter Tarketios, a skilled metalworker. The two groups make separate camps on an island, and Tarketios shares a meal with Lara's group. Later, Lara and Tarketios have a secretive encounter, influenced by the mysterious guidance of Fascinus. The text provides a glimpse into the daily life and interactions of ancient Roman communities, as well as the mystical beliefs and customs of the characters.

• The text depicts the daily life and interactions of ancient Roman communities
• It portrays the mystical beliefs and customs of the characters, such as their reverence for the numina and the guidance of Fascinus