cinzia8

This is amazing. What a find. I'm always looking for interesting historical tidbits for my blog. Cinzia

Welcome (again<g>) I think it would be very interesting to see some posts on Roman Astrology. It's a very interesting topic and perhaps misunderstood. I was just talking to someone the other evening about how it was announced that the Zodiac calendar is wrong or changed. We weren't too clear and decided we liked the tried and true one. I much rather stay a Leo than discover I'm really a Cancer (no offense to all the Cancers). It's like believing your ethnicity is Italian your entire life and then discovering your ethnicity is something quite opposite like Scandinavian or Latvian. Some adjustment in perspective would be required, at least for me. <g> Cinzia

Thank you so much, Kosmo. I was wondering about this and thinking maybe pewter, but an acquaintance more into the Medieval time period told me iron. Today, I also found a snippet about bronze for common earrings, but nothing substantial. Thanks again. Cinzia

Hi all: I'm wondering if anyone knows if a male slave held in high regard might ever wear a pewter or gold earring, or would it absolutely be made of iron? Has anyone read, taught or studied about the lifestyle of Roman house slaves that might give me some reliable information or sources? Cinzia

Welcome, Augusta!! Let your passion for Roman history help you to fill the pages of your essay, but with that being said, better you than me. <g> Best of luck in your studies. Cinzia

Didn't someone somewhere say there's a fine line between heaven and hell? We wouldn't be women unless we brought you guys to both places. I love Artemis, she is my namesake and she was born on Mt. Cynthera. I love the moon, it's beautiful and a few years back, I had the strongest desire to learn how to shoot a composite bow after researching it, but there was no place of instruction to be found close to where I live. I'm serious. Kind of eerie, huh? LOL Cinzia (Cynthia)

A very interesting article. I briefly read a mention about the conflicted relationship between Ambrose and Augustine in a Pagels book and recently viewed a program called "Jesus Conspiracies" about the importance of baptism for the Essenes and Jesus' alleged connection to them. It made me think how Jesus spoke of being born again of the "water and spirit." Cinzia

Thanks Artimi, I'll check it out at Indigo. Oodles of olive oil sounds about right. In my Italian household, I barely knew what butter was as a kid. We even fried our eggs in olive oil. I agree pennyroyal and spikenard etc. might be difficult to find. <g> Broad-beans in a stew is very doable. Thanks for the information. Cinzia

Roman Cookery sounds interesting. Can you share some food titles? I'm thinking of checking this book out. Did you buy it on Amazon? E-book or paper? Cinzia

Greetings: Does anyone know if by Late Antiquity there was a betrothal ring and a wedding band or did the betrothal ring function as a wedding band as well. I know by 5th century the betrothal band was most likely gold whereas in the Republic it was iron (ick<g>). I read that in the later centuries some clergy complained of the stacking of gold rings. So, I'm not sure if it was like today with an engagement ring and a wedding band. Also, by the 5th century was it a custom for a Roman husband to wear a band? Cinzia

It seems to me that from the standpoint of the Roman Magistrate it would be the same as refusal to recite the pledge of allegiance. In the USA all schoolchildren are expected to do this. I don't know of any who have refused, and I don't know if there would be any consequences for doing so. In the old postbellum south there were many southerners who were philosophically opposed to the very idea of a pledge of allegiance, since they did not choose to be part of the Union in the first place, but it was easier to go along with it than to fight the Federal Government. I'm not sure if I quite understand the context of gesture and allegiance being made here, but in the public high schools today in the U.S. students will hear the pledge of allegiance, but they are not required to acknowledge it. It is their choice, at least in Illinois. They do not have to stand or recite it; in fact, many tend to talk through it because the class has not "officially" started until the pledge and announcements are over.

This is what I found on Julian the Apostate. You were right, GhostOFClayton, Julian was a real winner when it comes to torture. My God, where does this desire to destroy so painfully come from? Even one's worst enemy's simple death should be satisfaction enough if one desires revenge; however, it seems that was not the majority viewpoint in the past. ?? ["Julian determined to examine Basil himself, when that holy man being brought before him, the emperor did every thing in his power to dissuade him from persevering in the faith. Basil not only continued as firm as ever, but, with a prophetic spirit foretold the death of the emperor, and that he should be tormented in the other life. Enraged at what he heard, Julian commanded that the body of Basil should be torn every day in seven different parts, until his skin and flesh were entirely mangled. This inhuman sentence was executed with rigor, and the martyr expired under its severities, on June 28, A.D. 362. Donatus, bishop of Arezzo, and Hilarinus, a hermit, suffered about the same time; also Gordian, a Roman magistrate. Artemius, commander in chief of the Roman forces in Egypt, being a Christian, was deprived of his commission, then of his estate, and lastly of his head. The persecution raged dreadfully about the latter end of the year 363; but, as many of the particulars have not been handed down to us, it is necessary to remark in general, that in Palestine many were burnt alive, others were dragged by their feet through the streets naked until they expired; some were scalded to death, many stoned, and great numbers had their brains beaten out with clubs. In Alexandria, innumerable were the martyrs who suffered by the sword, burning, crucifixion and stoning. In Arethusa, several were ripped open, and corn being put into their bellies, swine were brought to feed therein, which, in devouring the grain, likewise devoured the entrails of the martyrs, and in Thrace, Emilianus was burnt at a stake; and Domitius murdered in a cave, whither he had fled for refuge."] I'm not quite sure what to assume was standard practice going into the 5th century after reading this. I have a scene where an Roman official threatens crucifixion of his victim's (also a Roman citizen) loved one, but I think I better just use hanging because several of my readers thought crucifixion to be antiquated (not based on any research they did just on modern observation). Any thoughts on this? Cinzia

As I recall they enjoyed tossing them into an pit with wild beasts. Burning them alive was also popular. Thanks, Barca. I think a pit of vipers was also popular.<g> I did some digging via the execution of Crispus (Constantine's son) and Fausta (Constantine's wife) and although there seems to be no actual account on the method of execution Constantine employed for Crispus (He outlawed crucifixion) there is a reference that another victim at the same time as Crispus, Licinius ii, was hanged. It might not be wrong to assume that Constantine chose the same style of execution for his 20 year old son (caught up in an intrigue

Hi all: I have another research question I need some help with. I discovered that the Huns liked to behead there captives if they weren't keeping them, but what style of execution did the Romans use? It seems that Constantine banned crucifixion, but what did they move to? Drowning, hanging? What would you call a firing squad with arrows? If they even did this. ??? Help, <g> Cinzia

I too have read these books. The Vidal book years and years ago and no longer have a copy. It may be time to reread The Last Pagan. another book about Julian - Julian The Apostate by GW Bowersock, which is non - fiction.. I may have to reread that one too. For some reason I have no 'taste' in my mind about that book unlike the The Last Pagan. I haven't read Gods and Legions yet, but it is on my wish list. One of my all time favourite books on Rome - Bryan Ward-Perkins, The Fall of Roman and the End of Civilization.. a small but extremely well written and well researched book. An interesting book, of a past space of time that some consider a transition rather and an end. Another favourite which not about the Empire but about the Republic - The Roman Republic by Michael Crawford. It was nice to see some of the ideas I thought about in print. Right now I am slowly reading Civilization Before Greeece and Rome by HWF Saggs. Which seems to organized on themes in civilizations and with in the themes a chronoloigical discussion. Chapter 4 is Writing. Has anyone read DEN of WOLVES by Luke Devenish? A friend sent me this one. The setting is 44 B.C. and surrounds a young Tiberius Nero and Livia Druscilla. It is narrated by an old slave. It's very well written, but it is also, in my opinion, VERY graphic. I'm no prude but some scenes and actions are really rough and cross into bestial realms and behaviors. I don't know enough about this era to know how historically accurate it is, but if you like uncensored debauchery (is that redundant?), you might like this! LOL If anyone has read any of his books, I'd be interested in your opinion. Cinzia

I read FIRE FROM HEAVEN, THE PERSIAN BOY, and THE KING MUST DIE by Renault. They were all good and I've listed them in order of my preference. Also, anyone considering Steven Saylor might want to start with his first book ROMAN BLOOD. I love his writing and have read a about six of his novels. I've read Scarrow too, but I lean toward Saylor more. For those who like the 5th century like me there's THE SWORD OF ATTILA by Michael Curtis Ford and THE SCOURGE OF GOD by William Dietrich. Cinzia

Well, it's only another 3-4 weeks at the most. Maybe time to 'delay' the final revision?? So what exactly is the novel about? It may take that long to reach the end. LOL However, I'm trying for a drop dead date of March 1, but I will still read your book. A Roman senator's daughter acts as a diplomatic envoy to the barbarians being solicited by Rome to fight against Attila. Along the way she encounters an intrigue that threatens Aetius, betrayal, battle, and a Frank first counsel who brings a new perspective into her life when their cultures cross. It was written in the spirit of the Light Bearer and a few other epic historical adventures. Cinzia

Hi Cinzia No, it's not fiction. It's a biography of Aetius, following on from my books on Belisarius and Stilicho. It's an attempt to outline the events of his life, including his wars with the Goths, the loss of Africa to the Vandals, and the epic conflict at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains with Attila the Hun. Obviously, given the poor quality of the sources, there are quite a few gaps, but I have found a few pieces of information when writing and researching the book that surprised me! For more information, have a look at my website. Ian Ian, When your book comes out, I'd like to read it. My novel climaxes at Catalaunum. Although Attila and Aetius are not lead characters in my story, they do play a part (Aetius more than Attila). I'm in a final revision, but it might have been nice to have used your work as another resource. Cinzia

I hear you, I'm pretty much the same with organization. However, not everyone wants to march to the beat of our drum. I'm constantly reiterating to my sister, "I'm not a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants person!" She of course is. lol I guess it's all about the struggle. Yuk! I like your choices of Utube videos. The Scottish Guys in the Elevator was pretty funny. Cinzia

This sort of excuse just doesn't wash with us Kindle users! Maybe the superglue has stuck their fingers where they can't reach the keys to load the book on to Kindle? Hah nice come back!! What do you say to that then Ghost??? Is your book fiction? Cinzia

Do you have one of those fancy new Kindles without the keyboard, Noricum? How are you finding it? I received a kindle several months before the "Fire" came out. I really love the ease of the kindle and downloading books is so quick and easy. I bought a leather cover with an LED light for reading at night (it pops out of the cover). However, I have a student who has the Fire and I am annoyed because it is even better. There is color and your books are displayed on a bookcase shelf. The touch option is great as well and resembles a mini ipad. <Sigh> I was thinking of trading mine in for the Fire, but seeing that I just got a kindle, I will let the Fire work out it's bugs and perhaps purchase a future generation. I'm currently reading A GAME OF THRONES. I'm a Sean Bean fan and saw him in the HBO debut series. I like Medieval and the fantasy element isn't too crazy. I'm enjoying it. Cinzia

Congratulations, Daddy V, now your work really begins! Isabel is a beautiful name. Enjoy all of it, even the cry-filled nights! Best , Cinzia

Being a Language Acquisition person myself, I truly enjoyed this parody. It was a great giggle and laugh aloud. Thanks, Cinzia

There's no confirmation of this earlier than the 6th century. The presence of huns was not significant in terms of hardware change until they were settled, and even then the stirrups and saddle types filtered westward gradually. Bear in mind however that the hunnish versions were not intrinsically superior. There is also the idea that tradition/culture was a dampening factor in that new styles of riding hardware were not necessarily immediately adopted. The pronged saddle had been in use for centuries in the west. It was familiar, did what was expected of it, and perfectly suited to the light cavalry roles undertaken by ancient horsemen. Why would they need to change it? The only reason would be the increasing prevalence of cavalry in warfare into the sub-roman world and the arms race resulting, one that was slowed down by the breeding of larger horses capable of carrying extra weight - the early cataphractii were not known for cavalry charges because they were wary of tiring out their horses which were no bigger than anyone elses and carried all that extra weight into battle. In fact, they rarely galloped at all, one reason for the slow acceptance of heavy cavalry. Cavalrymen were practical people and required riding support in context of their fighting style (thus not until the popularity of jousting in the medieval period emerge did the need for high back saddles follow). Stirrups for instane are often quoted as a ground breaking advance that allowed this that or the other, but in reality, their main benefit was comfort and functionally the stirrup had little effect. I think it's a myth to regard the hunnic saddle as 'higher tech'. It just wasn't, and bear in mind it was developed by a nomadic tribal society who specialised in light cavalry raids. I would encourage any that are interested to go to the link I posted earlier and view the photo and the subtitle "Saddles." ["At first Roman saddles and tack seemed a far away dream. Now we have lots of them, currently eight good saddles, one truly flexible German pad saddle, and three more good saddles on their way. Seeing good reproductions being used positively cheers me up. We are making our saddles available to others who are interested in Roman riding. Sadly there are some incredibly bad saddles being used in shows in the UK. I have seen saddles cast from resin, modern general purpose (GP) saddles with covers made for them so they look like Roman saddles, and even a cowboy saddle with horns sewn on. Often you may see a GP saddle covered in a sheep skin, or stirrups being used. There seems no excuse for his, and the public are not all stupid and deserve the highest level of authenticity. We use two Peter Connolly

This is surely not to be seen as a general statement, but I wouldn't be surprised if it has been used (e.g. in a Testudo formation). It is possible that the author found a reference in the ancient literature and used it without thinking. In addition, weren't the shields painted as well? A soaking would harm the paint and also might warp the wood. Perhaps, they used a quick splash of water as a small deterrent against a flaming arrow, which might precede actual contact. Cinzia