1.) The name of the main character is Marcus

2.) There was going to be more work for Marcus and the other slaves because their Master, Festus Julius, was inviting guests over to have a feast.

3.) The old lady warns Marcus about the doom of Pompeii and tells him, "When hope is lost, follow the hand of Mercury."

4.) When Marcus sees Tata dressed in armour and in the line of the gladiator parade, he realizes that his father was going to be sent in the arena to fight for his life. Knowing that his dad will most likely die in the battles, he tries to find a solution to get him out of fighting.