Chapter 1: The Girl from Thessalonica
In the grand empire of Ancient Rome, slavery was a cruel reality. Conquered people—especially women and
children—were stripped of their freedom and forced into labor, servitude, or worse. Some were taken as
war spoils, objectified and mistreated under the guise of Roman power. Many perished without their stories
told.
This is the story of Aurelia Callidora, a young girl who refused to let her soul die, even when her body was
in chains.
Aurelia was born in Thessalonica, a city of wisdom, trade, and ancient temples. At only sixteen, she saw her
world reduced to ash. Roman soldiers stormed her city in a brutal campaign. Her father and brothers were
cut down in the defense. She and her mother were dragged to the Roman slave ships. Her mother died at
sea.
Upon arriving in Rome, Aurelia was taken to a crowded slave market. There, a noble family known as House
of Marcellus purchased her. Her price was high. "Rare beauty, Greek blood," the auctioneer boasted.
Aurelia stared into the dust