JGolomb

Exactly my point; that's radical Christian logic, like Eusebius or the Medieval Inquisition, which could simultaneously charge you for being an atheist and a Muslim... First, there's no evidence that the Jewish were active "enemies" of the Christians at the IV century. Then, "pagans" (traditional Roman religion) despised Judaism as much as Christianity. Just check out Tacitus, Dio, Celsus, Porphyry or essentially any source. Caldrail - terrific insight. Thank you very much. It sounds like the end goal is comparable to modern days - "save the lions". Wherein our goals are cute, fuzzy, and "because-they're-living-beings", there rationale was a little more self-serving. Thanks, Jason

Eco Revamp Plan for Hadrian's Wall

This is a very good point Sylla. However the relative precision of Waldseemullers North and South American west coasts should not have been known at the time. The map, when smoothed to account for perspective, is ridiculously close to correct. I just found one reference that says the map predicts the width of South America at certain latitudes to within 70 miles. 70 miles?!? Your source is clearly utterly exaggerating; their statements don't resist simple inspection. Please take a second look of the "Pacific Coast" of South America in that map; it's just an irregular hyperbolic curve from the two continuously explored points by then (more or less from modern Rio de Janeiro to Nicaragua). A "strait" was imagined instead of the actual isthmus of Central America... at the only unexplored sector of the Caribbean coast. Besides, less than one third of the actual area of South America was drawn; the width is patently wrong! The "ridiculously close to correct relative precision" essentially disappears on a closer examination. Sylla, I understand your point, though I don't believe it "essentially disappears". Quite frankly, I don't fully understand the science, but here's the full blown analysis referenced in the Post article: Warping Waldseem

This is a very good point Sylla. However the relative precision of Waldseemullers North and South American west coasts should not have been known at the time. The map, when smoothed to account for perspective, is ridiculously close to correct. I just found one reference that says the map predicts the width of South America at certain latitudes to within 70 miles. In a subsequent map he took out the Pacific Ocean. Here's a nice summary of the mystery and relatively recent findings from the Washington Post. I've bolded some of the highlights.

Not that anyone asked, but I think these stories and myths around lost maps and previously undiscovered lands is fascinating and as technology improves, we'll find many modern historical facts exposed as mere myths. There's one reference in here to the previously undiscovered American west coast, but it's a good overview of this famous map. The map that changed the world The map represented a remarkable number of historical firsts. In addition to giving America its name, it was also the first map to portray the New World as a separate continent - even though Columbus, Vespucci, and other early explorers would all insist until their dying day that they had reached the far-eastern limits of Asia. The map was the first to suggest the existence of what explorer Ferdinand Magellan would later call the Pacific Ocean, a mysterious decision, in that Europeans, according to the standard history of New World discovery, aren't supposed to have learned about the Pacific until several years later.

Ah...that reminds me of this article/video I came across Monday. There's too much to distill in this message, but it spotlights some scientific explanations for Constantine's vision Constantine's dream before the battle in 312 And here's what's probably a very informative video...in French...which I don't speak: La vision de Constantin en 312 Go to about 1:35 of the video. Um, it's a bit of a stretch.

From about.com: On this day in A.D. 312, the Roman Emperor Constantine was victorious in battle for control of the Western Roman Empire against the Roman Emperor Maxentius. The battle is known as the Battle at the Milvian Bridge, a stone bridge across the Tiber River. Constantine is said to have had a vision the preceding night telling him that he would win under a certain sign that included the appearance of a cross set against the sun and certain words in Greek that translate into Latin as: in hoc signo vinces 'you will win under this sign.' This sign and the following victory are credited with convincing Constantine to convert to Christianity, which he did, but not immediately. More from Wikipedia

Preview: Top 10 Artefacts Coming to the New Vindolanda Museum in 2011 1: The Vindolanda Tablets The tablets on loan from the British Museum will be the star attraction at the newly refurbished museum. Birley says:

This bust of Caracalla is going up for auction and is estimated to pull in about 250,000 pounds. It's popped up a number of times on the feeds and blogs that I track and, honestly, I think it's a terrific piece of work. It carries the weight of a sense of menace, power and emotion. This image alone makes me want to learn more about the Emperor. Bust of Caracalla goes on Auction Block

This is getting pretty broad coverage... Roman temple discovered in Tuscany I can only assume that this frieze is from the discovery. There's no specific reference, however.

Here's a nice overview of archaeology v. construction in Rome as spotlighted by the recent discovery of what might be Hadrian's Athenaeum. It's a fun story and I'd recommend a full reading. I pulled some quotes below. Hadrian's amphitheater is one discovery made while building Rome transit line. Does anyone know what ancient sources are suggested?

GPM and others - thank you very much for the birthday wishes. The UNRV community is a special group and I'm glad to be part of it. J

Do you mean decades-old reconstruction maps of ancient Rome like http://catholic-resources.org/AncientRome/Platner.htm ? From fuzzy memory of watching a DVD course in a distracting environment, I gather many such layouts have recently been flipped around on very latest maps. "Experiencing Rome: A Visual Exploration of Antiquity's Greatest Empire" keeps apologizing for showing showing 3D layouts in conflicting ways - some apparently based on that old model in EUR that we always see in TV documentaries, and some corrected diagrams by the course artist. I believe most changes are a reversal of forum orientations, putting the temples and entrances(?) on opposite sides than previously thought. http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=3430 Caesar - yep, that's the kind of map I saw. Very similar, actually. I'd assumed there wouldn't be anything specific to a Hadrian Athaeneum, but figured I'd take a peek in case the experts forgot to check that sort of thing. :-) J

Nope, this is science; the proof is still far from being "in". It simply is not "out" yet. What Dr Russell said is that he was 100% confident that the proof will eventually be "in"; now, all what is required is some patience to see if: - the analysis of the measurable variables first, - the independent replicable confirmation by other researchers later, - and finally the ponderation of alternative explanations... ... will eventually prove that his a priori qualitative assessment of the match was right. Here's a new video which includes a much more thorough explanation by Dr. Russell as to why he believes this will prove out to be a portraiture of a young Nero. He touches on much of what's been discussed in this thread. It's worth the 3+ minute viewing. J

I just watched this video. I specifically remember scooting around the corner of this blocked off dig...across the street from the Vittorio memorial on once side, and diagonally across from the Trajan complex. It made an already deadly walk through the streets of Rome even deadlier. :-) This all assumes that the video on your link is from the discovery. After a cursory search of ancient roman maps, I wasn't able to find anything in that immediate area, but it makes sense considering the density of buildings and proximity to the forum. J

Archaeologists unveil ancient auditorium in Rome

2010 marks the 1600th anniversary of the end of Roman Britain Just came across this site and figured I'd tee it up for the UNRV community. Are any of Britain-based members involved this anniversary?

Nephele - Thank you! I genuinely appreciate the compliments. I'm loving the UNRV community (if you couldn't tell from my incessant posting) :-) J

Guy, I was in Rome this past summer. I loved the Pantheon. I think I dragged my wife there three times in two days. It's a quick little trip, but the vibe in the place is amazing. Maybe I got caught up in the perfectness of the dimensions in combination with the sheer scale, magnitude and history of the building. My wife and I also loved the Castel. The inside of the building is okay...there's very little of Hadrian's tomb left, and it's mostly a tour of a cool old castle. But the views of Rome from the top are worth the visit alone. I'd highly recommend it. Also, exploring along the Tiber riverfront is pretty cool as well. J

Statue fragment shown to be Nero The proof is in!? Full article and nice video in the link above...the 'proof' is clarified below. :-/ In the video, Russell adds that the stone and quality also indicate it's genuine-ness

I wasn't too excited by this story from yesterday (or maybe the day before), but it's getting pretty broad coverage so felt irresponsible not to share with my UNRV friends. There's a slightly new take in the focus of this article Petrified Footprints Suggest Romans Used Children to Make the Lod Mosaic from the story:

CNN just ran a story on Portus. Nothing new in the story, but some new photos

Here's an editorial from Mary Beard on the recent finding above. She, like many of the UNRV skeptics, has a more eyes-wide-open view of the findings: The luxury amphitheatre at Portus the bolding is mine...