Eternal City

The city’s westernmost gates, the Porta Aurelia, was currently a whirlwind of activity. Groups of people passed through it as they entered or exited the massive city itself. Most of the groups consisted of laborers and merchants and officials, and were simply going about their day, doing their usual duties. There were others as well of course, such as dignitaries and tourists and pilgrims. 

And while most went in or out on foot, there were certainly a number of carriages, carts, and palanquins that passed through as well.

Since it was the daytime, very few trade carts actually went through the gates themselves. Many were posted outside the walls, where they waited for twilight - if they went into the city while it was busy, it was sure to cause massive traffic jams in the already crowded streets.

While ou