The setting for the entire act is an army garrison. The date is 753 since the founding of Rome, or 1 B.C.E. The place is the town of Londinium, a port on the river Thames in Albion [later to be known as England.] It is currently occupied by the Roman Army. The time of the year is the festival of Saturnalia, [December 21 - 28] when the Roman Army, most of whom were Mithraists, celebrate their annual solstitial rites. The weather is bleak, cold and foggy.
It is the night watch and five men [four soldiers and one Centurion], who are off duty, are gathered around a primitive type of brazier, or burning barrel, [which could be offstage back and its presence implied by changing the lights to indicate a bonfire.] Periodically pieces of wood are thrown in and sparks come out of the barrel area. In spite of the inclement weather and the time of night, the men are jovial and appear to be good- natured and more than a little drunk. There is much arm swinging in order to keep warm. The men are all dressed in whatever garb may be suitable for the occupying Roman army in the year 1 B.C.E. The scene opens with the Roman soldiers gathered about the fire. There is a lot of noise and merriment...all of them are drinking...some have wine, others mead and beer...there is the overall feeling of good fellowship...