Aurelia

Racy inscriptions and phalluses carved into Astypalaia's rocky peninsula shed light on very private lives of ancient Greece Wild, windswept, rocky and remote, Astypalaia is not an obvious place for the unearthing of some of the world's earliest erotic graffiti. Certainly, Dr Andreas Vlachopoulos, a specialist in prehistoric archaeology, didn't think so when he began fieldwork on the Aegean island four years ago. Until he chanced upon a couple of racy inscriptions and large phalluses carved into Astypalaia's rocky peninsula at Vathy. The inscriptions, both dating to the fifth and sixth centuries BC, were "so monumental in scale" – and so tantalisingly clear – he was left in no doubt of the motivation behind the artworks. The Guardian article continues here. P.S. For chuckles, check out the comments section.

The extravagant palace of Emperor Nero, the Domus Aurea, which boasts some 300 rooms covered in dazzling polished white marble, was first uncovered in 2009 by a team of French and Italian archaeologists. Now, the luxurious palace has just revealed another surprise – a revolving dining room which once served the illustrious guests of the infamous ruler. Archaeologists have called the 2,000-year-old revolving platform one of the most peculiar and sophisticated structures of antiquity. The discovery confirms a description of the palace by ancient historian Suetonius. News article continues here.

Although I'm not a published author, as a reader who is familiar with both BCE/CE and BC/AD usage, I have to say I prefer the latter. I think BCE/CE was created in order to provide a "politically correct" alternative to BC/AD, which has obvious Christian connotations. But let's be honest, most of us (Christian or otherwise) are aware that the current year 2014 means 2014 years after what is believed to be the birth of Christ. So I think it's perfectly reasonable to stick to the more common date reference.

Yes, I agree. I think by the time the coin was taken to Russia it was already regarded as an antique.

Brazil: 146 Belgium: 171 Not too shabby...

Which one are you?

Archeologists have found a Roman coin during excavations in the historic center of the northern city of Veliky Novgorod, an archeologist said on Monday. The copper coin, which belongs to a type known as "follis," is believed to date to the early 4th century A. D., Oleg Oleinikov of the Moscow-based Archeology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Interfax. Read more here.

One of the world’s oldest coins was recently sold in Germany. The price? Over $380,000. Issued between 600 and 625 B.C., this coin is unique because of the stamp of Phanes. The exact identity of Phanes remains unknown. And perhaps it’s the not knowing that makes this ancient coin so valuable. Article continues here

Sounds like a request to me.

Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing! P.S. I like your Brussels pics too. I love Art Noveau architecture and took very similar photos when I still lived there. And the last flat I lived in was very close to the Victor Horta museum.

Hmm, "Vote with a bullet"... sounds very uplifting!

I've got a little addition to the list already. This one is an online version of a compilation of jokes dating back to the fourth century C.E. Brilliant! Philogelos - The Laugh Addict

Oh and this link on Cornwall also seems interesting! Celtic Kingdoms of the British Isles

Welcome to UNRV frank01! As Caldrail has already mentioned above, it is true that "Brittunculi" was a derogatory term used by the Romans when referring to native Britons. But the standard Latin name for Briton was "Britto" (plural "Brittones"). The following articles might be of interest to you for more background information: Roman perceptions of Britain Brittunculi

Most of the discussions and reviews on UNRV deal with serious and/or scholarly topics. After posting the list of July book releases yesterday, I thought I'd post an alternative list of titles focusing on more humorous aspects of ancient and Roman history. These are not necessarily recent releases but a more general compilation (also, some of the titles may have already been reviewed). Enjoy and feel free to share further suggestions below! Laughter in Ancient Rome: On Joking, Tickling, and Cracking Up by Mary Beard Dangerous Days in the Roman Empire: Terrors and Torments, Diseases and Deaths by Terry Deary The Bloody Funny History of Rome by Brett A. Clark Stupid Ancient History by Leland Gregory The Classical Compendium: A Miscellany of Scandalous Gossip, Bawdy Jokes, Peculiar Facts, and Bad Behavior from the Ancient Greeks and Romans by Philip Matyszak Rome, Inc.: The Rise and Fall of the First Multinational Corporation (Enterprise) by Stanley Bing The Joy of Sexus: Lust, Love, and Longing in the Ancient World by Vicki León Working IX to V: Orgy Planners, Funeral Clowns, and Other Prized Professions of the Ancient World by Vicki León How to Mellify A Corpse: And Other Human Stories of Ancient Science & Superstition by Vicki León Uppity Women of Ancient Times by Vicki León The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Ancient Games by Tony Perrottet Pagan Holiday: On the Trail of Ancient Roman Tourists by Tony Perrottet The World's Oldest Joke Book: Hundreds of Hilariously Terrible Ancient Jokes by Dan Crompton

I think I got it now. But you forgot to say "please"...

Is that a hint, Sonic?

I recently downloaded a couple of songs from Bastille (this band is growing on me!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P8VXfhWHFA and

Below are the new releases for July! Rome: A Brief History of an Ancient Empire Legions in Crisis: Transformation of the Roman Soldier AD 192-284 The Epigraphy and History of Boeotia: New Finds, New Prospects Marcus Aurelius in the Historia Augusta and Beyond The Creation of the Roman Frontier Cities and Cemeteries of Etruria The Cambridge Companion to the Roman Republic The Etruscans: A Very Short Introduction

This article originally appeared in the British newspaper The Guardian. It's worth having a look at the comments section. Quite entertaining.

Wow, 647 years! I guess I don't need to ask if you are interested in genealogy! Yes, you're right, the results of a DNA test will only include a tiny fraction of my family tree, which is a shame. But I think I'll do it anyway at some point just for the fun of it. I'm not expecting it to be the ultimate answer to everything but I'm curious to have even a glimpse into my genetic past. P.S. I like Astrud Gilberto too although I think her voice tends to be a bit too monotone. I prefer other female singers like Elis Regina (her contemporary) and even Bebel Gilberto (daughter of Astrud's ex-husband João Gilberto).

Then I guess you would not like German either...

The bikes disguised as horses just crack me up.

Yes, I'm aware of of the Y-chromosome issue. I was actually thinking of inviting my brother to do it with me. However, I'm also aware that it is possible to trace my maternal line through mitochondrial DNA. My father's side of the family is pretty well documented anyway so I'd be interested in finding out more about my mother's side. I'm also interested in ethnicity, especially in a country like Brazil which is pretty (racially) mixed. When I mentioned possible "hidden" African or native American genes, I was of course referring to more recent ancestors rather than pre-historic ones. We just never know what secrets may be lurking in our family tree.

Thanks, Kosmo, for the blog suggestions, they are quite interesting. Having been born in Brazil, I come from a pretty diverse gene pool and am thinking of undergoing one of those genetic tests to see what comes up. I know for a fact that I have ancestors from all over Europe (north, south, east) but it would be interesting to delve into my personal history a bit more. And who knows, finding "hidden" genes from Africa or South America (native Americans) would be fun too!