Aulus and Pomponia’s Household

Quo Vadis

This emotional thread follows the household that raises Lygia and provides a model of loyalty amid Rome’s corrupting court culture.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Home of Restraint A Home of Restraint from "Quo Vadis". A Home of Restraint Calm domestic life Aulus and Pomponia maintain a home marked by flowers, measured wealth, and family affection.

A Home of Restraint from "Quo Vadis". A Home of Restraint Calm domestic life Aulus and Pomponia maintain a home marked by flowers, measured wealth, and family affection.

A Home of Restraint Calm domestic life Aulus and Pomponia maintain a home marked by flowers, measured wealth, and family affection. A contrast to the Palatine Their household’s calm makes visible the moral exhaustion of Nero’s court.

Lygia as Their Daughter Lygia as Their Daughter from "Quo Vadis". Lygia as Their Daughter Affection exceeds legal status Aulus and Pomponia raise Lygia as their own child, despite her political position as a hostage.

Lygia as Their Daughter from "Quo Vadis". Lygia as Their Daughter Affection exceeds legal status Aulus and Pomponia raise Lygia as their own child, despite her political position as a hostage.

Lygia as Their Daughter Affection exceeds legal status Aulus and Pomponia raise Lygia as their own child, despite her political position as a hostage. Family creates belonging Their love provides the foundation of Lygia’s identity and her longing to return home.

The Forced Farewell The Forced Farewell from "Quo Vadis". The Forced Farewell A family is overruled Aulus must surrender Lygia to Nero’s agent, while Pomponia grieves and tries to comfort her.

The Forced Farewell from "Quo Vadis". The Forced Farewell A family is overruled Aulus must surrender Lygia to Nero’s agent, while Pomponia grieves and tries to comfort her.

The Forced Farewell A family is overruled Aulus must surrender Lygia to Nero’s agent, while Pomponia grieves and tries to comfort her. Love persists in separation The household cannot protect her physically, but its teachings remain with her.

A Promise of Return A Promise of Return from "Quo Vadis". A Promise of Return Old ties are renewed Vinicius promises that Lygia will be able to see Aulus and Pomponia again after their marriage.

A Promise of Return from "Quo Vadis". A Promise of Return Old ties are renewed Vinicius promises that Lygia will be able to see Aulus and Pomponia again after their marriage.

A Promise of Return Old ties are renewed Vinicius promises that Lygia will be able to see Aulus and Pomponia again after their marriage. The family may widen The hoped-for household joins Lygia’s adoptive family with her chosen husband and Christian community.

A Reunion Deferred A Reunion Deferred from "Quo Vadis". A Reunion Deferred Safety comes first Vinicius intends to take Lygia away from Rome and later reunite her with the Plautius family.

A Reunion Deferred from "Quo Vadis". A Reunion Deferred Safety comes first Vinicius intends to take Lygia away from Rome and later reunite her with the Plautius family.

A Reunion Deferred Safety comes first Vinicius intends to take Lygia away from Rome and later reunite her with the Plautius family. Affection survives distance Even without an immediate reunion, Lygia’s love for her adoptive parents remains part of her future.

Before Vinicius’s visit

During Lygia’s years in their care

When Nero’s messenger demands Lygia

After Lygia and Vinicius become betrothed

After the arena rescue