Marcus and Gaius Geminus

Marcus and Gaius Flavius Geminus are fictional characters in Caroline Lawrence's 'The Roman Mysteries' series. They are identical twin brothers, Marcus is the widowed father of Flavia Gemina, the series protagonist, and Gaius is her uncle.

Appearance

Marcus and Gaius are thirty-one,and both have fair hair and grey eyes. They are described as very handsome, muscular and, according to a widow who once courted Marcus, the fact that they still have all their teeth is an added blessing.

Family and History

The Geminus brothers were born in a villa just outside Pompeii and they grew up there. Gaius still lives in his family home until it is destroyed by the Vesuvius eruption and he moves to Green Fountain Street in Ostia to live with Marcus and Flavia. He falls in love with Miriam and they arrange to be married, despite later in 'The Dolphins of Laurentum' Miriam confesses that she is having second thoughts about marrying Gaius as she doubts he loves her for who she is and not because of her beauty.Nevertheless,they marry and soon expect a baby. Marcus is a sea captain and Gaius was formerly a wealthy farmer until his home was destroyed. Though he soon moves into a farm house owned by Publius Pollius Felix and he has a happy life with Miriam. When Flavia questions Gaius in 'The Secrets of Vesuvius' about why he lacks a wife, the twin brothers confess that once they both loved Myrtilla,Flavia's late mother, and both strove for her affections. Gaius offered her a happy life on the greatest farm in Pompeii and Marcus offered to name his ship after her and take her on all his voyages. Myrtilla chose Marcus. This sets Flavia wondering, had her mother married Gaius, would her mother still be alive and well?

Personality

The Geminus twins are both affectionate, doting upon those they love. They are very close brothers and never argue. Marcus adores Flavia and gives her the pet name "My little owl".Yet in 'The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina' he changes and becomes very stern toward her and even shouts at her, which he never does. Flavia finds out it's because he has been criticized about letting her be too independent and he even arranges for her to be married to a senator's son in Rome.