 In Pagan Rome, 52 B.C., there is a growing divide between the classes: the Patricians (the wealthy) and the Plebeians (the poor). The government is equally balanced between two men: Gaius Julius Caesar, and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, but the war in Gaul has made Caesar popular and Pompey is leery of his old friend s fame. In addition to Pompey s suspicions, the Patricians are also concerned about Caesar s growing popularity with the Plebes. On the battlefield, Lucius Vorenus prepares the 13th Legion for combat with the Nevrii warriors. One soldier, Titus Pullo, disobeys orders, breaks ranks, and charges through enemy lines. Pullo is surrounded until Vorenus and a small band of soldiers save him. A drunken Pullo punches Vorenus--who orders a retreat of the rescue party to behind the Roman lines. Back at camp, Pullo is flogged and then condemned to death as Vorenus lectures the troops about discipline. Marc Antony watches the beating, enjoying the show. In a ceremony in front of the 13th Legion, Caesar accepts surrender from the King of the Gauls who must kiss his standard, a gold eagle on top of a staff. With this gesture, the eight years of the Gallic Wars come to a close. Later it is discovered that Caesar s standard has been stolen by Blue Spaniards. To avoid the theft being seen as an portentous sign, Marc Antony sends Vorenus to find it. Vorenus recruits Pullo to join him in his quest since Pullo is already condemned to die. The duo lose their horses when Pullo falls asleep during watch. On foot, they encounter a group of rebellious slaves led by one of Pompey s slaves, and the duo slaughters all of them. They discover that slaves possess the stolen standard, not the Blue Spaniards. Vorenus and Pullo also free Caesar s nephew Octavian, who was kidnapped when his mother, Atia, sent him to deliver a horse to Caesar. Octavian tells Vorenus and Pullo that a civil war is brewing back in Rome due to Caesar s popularity. Triumphant, the trio returns camp and informs Caesar of Pompey s resentment. Caesar sends Pompey the head of his slave, and then makes plans to march on Rome.