cinzia8

If I were to read that, I would have in mind a horn much like modern western saddles have. If the only import it plays is having your character rest his hand upon it, then that description would be fine in my reading of it. Good, cantle is a familiar frame of reference but "rear horn" is really more accurate. Thanks. Cinzia

Thanks guys. This is the site I found with pictures etc. On second review, the saddle pictured on the far left of the photo is a steppe saddle. If you look at this, it might take a few seconds for the text to appear. Do you think "rear horn" gives the reader an accurate frame of reference or picture? Cinzia My link

Hi all: I have a new research question for my novel. I want to have a character place his hand on the cantle of a 5th century wooden saddle. I did a little searching and I think the more accurate term would be "rear horn." Does anyone know if this is the most accurate term? I found this on "Historical Interpretations." This man in England makes and rides Roman-Celtic/ German pads saddles. Any thoughts appreciated. Cinzia

I was thinking along the lines of Caldrail as well. LOL After all, I am a yank, but like Docoflove, my eyes tend to get all wobbly on the dot prints, too. Or my favorite is the hag and the lady. <g>

For all the "Mr. Fixits" Very Funny.

Thanksgiving and Charlie Brown

I had a feeling this might be true when you spoke of

Thanks Maty. Definitely something to keep in mind. I'm thinking a villa in Tuscany, but there's no reason why they can't be on a balcony as well. Cinzia

I don't know of any in the UK, or else I would be offering my services to them. Our Hadrian's Wall tour fits the bill, and I also do a couple of tours in the South of France (though they are hiking tours with Roman themes rather than specific Archaeological tours). I see these covered walkways as just that - a practical measure rather than a place to sit and enjoy. However, you have to imagine that they would make the best of any natural daylight, and any covered area would offer protection from the sun and rain, if required. What country are we talking about? Sorry in the delayed response--life's distractions. This "veranda" description is for a villa in Tuscany. I'm going off the idea that my family loves to be outside in the summer, especially in the evening. So, I want to describe some summer nights where the characters sit outside, taking their meal and enjoy the surroundings. What do you mean by a walking tour with a Roman theme? Thanks again. You're always helpful. Cinzia

Docoflove, Sounds like "you did good, girl!" LOL I hope you get that second interview. Confidence is always a huge part of the process. I can't image that they would expect equal proficiency in both languages, so if you felt comfortable it was probably even better. Teachers tend to be type A and hard on themselves. I guess one way to improve your Italian, though, would be to find an Italian boyfriend <g> that is of course if you're not married.LOL Take care, Cinzia

Thanks Clayton and Melavidius. Wow, that Fishbourne villa is huge. "At night, they would sip sweet wine on the veranda overlooking the courtyard." Does this sound accurate? That Chedworth villa looks like the owners could sit on a veranda or porch overlooking the grounds as well. Do you know if there are any tour companies that just bring a traveller around to see Roman sites. I know the Smithsonian in America does archaeological vacation tours. I suppose I can Google this. Not ready to pack just yet but it's a thought. <g> Thanks again, Cinzia

I'm wondering if Roman villas in the countryside could have a veranda? Does anyone know where I might find some pictures. I've seen blueprints of the inside of a villa or home, but I think it's not unreasonable to think that they may have had extended roofs and a place to sit outside in the front by an entrance. Thanks, Cinzia

Love this song as well. Breathe deep and ride the wave. <g> I went through something similar some years ago. After the interview, if an offer is extended and in your gut it feels right, then follow your gut. A word of caution, don't be dazzled. Look at this opportunity from all sides. The best of luck and buona fortuna. Cinzia

I suspect a new baby?

One last thought: <g> I trust in the advice I've read here because I know less, but this quote still raises a question in my mind and the other I posted about Diogenites. Nor is any thing done without such a signal; and in the morning the soldiery go every one to their centurions, and these centurions to their tribunes, to salute them." Josephus Wars of the Jews bk 5.2 'On the Roman army'. Surely there is a difference in the Latin concept of signal and greeting? If one were writing a modern day account about military life would one necessarily describe the precise action of the salute? The writer might take it for granted that his/her audience knows what "salute" means. Even when non military people greet one another often it is with a wave or a handshake (Asians nod their heads). In a disciplined setting with rank and authority, I would expect no less. However, because of the lack of evidence, a debatable point. I will remain ambiguous as recommended. Clayton, I did consider "bark" but Severus is talking to Aetius, so if he were an older centurion, perhaps, but he is a young aide and diplomatic spy. He's smooth. <g> Thanks all. Cinzia

Guy: First let me say that the book is historical fiction, but in a true testimony to the past and the present-- it most likely will earn an X rating. <g> The heroine is not Juliana, but Arria is close and although she does not quiver for Severus, she does elsewhere with a Frank. I think I will take the general consensus and use "Of course." Severus shouted with a vigorous salute as he braced his body for duty. Does "shouted" sound too strong if you're right in front of someone? Perhaps, "Of course!" Severus replied ... No one commented about the Salutatio of Diogmites that I posted earlier. Is this too obscure or solitary? Thanks you guys for your insight. It really helps a lot. Feel free to share your preference if willing. Cinzia

In Katherine Scherman's The Birth of France: warriors, bishops and long-haired kings. She begins with Roman Gaul and moves to the Germans and Merovech (Meroveus) and the rise of the Merovingians to Childeric II King of all the Franks. She ends the book with these lines: "Looked at from a historical perspective the flowering of the monastic genius was only one aspect of the fluid evolution from the Gaul of the Roman Empire to the Gallo-Germanic empire of Charlemagne, out of which, other results was born the nation of France. An unimpressive group of barbarians, inching over the northern borders of Gaul, had metamorphosed themselves into Europe

I like Maty's idea, but something about the wording doesn't seem right. Try this wording, instead: "...the tribune responded with a firm military salute, ...." guy also known as gaius "Does a "firm military salute" conjure the modern salute in one's mind? Presently, I have

No, everyone in this particular thread is talking about the 2004 miniseries with the Croatian actor playing Spartacus that is still alive. -- Nephele Thanks, Nephele. I went to the link and based on the cover alone, it's a must see for me. <g> Cinzia

Well sort of, I guess I wasn't clear enough, I was merely posting some non-important addenda about modern saluting. In the American army saluting takes place only outdoors the exceptions being inside with headgear/weapon or (formally) reporting to a superior. Secondly it is a respectful greeting but required to be given from lower to higher rank and to be returned by the senior officer receiving it. I've taken the following from my copy of Sara Phang's 2008 sociological study of the Roman army Roman Military Service; Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate. Did the soldiers greet their of?cers with the

Hi: I've been following this and beside the Kirk Douglas movie are you talking about the mini series on Starz with the Australian actor playing Spartacus that recently passed away? Also, I read in a history book that Spartacus' body was never found. Anyone know more about this? Cinzia

In a fast search I came across this as well. "An opposite depiction is the salutatio of a diogmites, a military police officer, who raises his right arm to greet his commander during his adventus on a relief from 2nd-century" I've included the footnote: Probably as acclamatio, note palm is perpendicular to the ground and thumb is sticking up cf. Graham Sumner, Roman military clothing: 100 BC-AD 200, Oxford 2002, p.47 pl.G3 (Diogmitoi [sic! Correct plural: diogmitai]). This particular action seems similar to the form depicted in the arena when the audience votes to let a gladiator live or die. Is this another can of worms? lol Also, if I'm understanding correctly, in the modern military the salute is a respectful greeting only when servicemen are wearing cover or carrying a gun and is not related to respecting a higher rank? My tribune has been given an order by the commander (Master of the Soldiers Aetius) and is departing Aetius' presence, I thought a salute might be a physical action that brings the dynamic between them to a close and allows for an exit that feels military. Some of you may know how I fear the history police. Will I get a ticket? <g> Cinzia

I've read that there is no conclusive evidence that soldiers saluted their superiors in the Roman army. I did read that there is a few instances of mention though in the ancient literature, but mostly connected with giving an oath or pledging. I want my soldier to acknowledge his commander in my story. I find it difficult to believe that they had no form of respectful greeting for a superior officer, especially as it seems a custom that has prevailed with modern armies. Is it possible, they bowed as in Medieval times? Any opinions? Cinzia

Hi all: I know someone addressed this recently (probably in Academia) but I can't remember where exactly, but is the term for a cavalryman(1) an "equite"? I thought I saw someone post that it was "equitus". I've seen "equitates" for cavalrymen. Thanks, Cinzia

I just saw this but wanted to bring your attention to the book: How to Insult, Abuse & Insinuate in Classical Latin. I do not know Latin but I also need words from time to time for the book I'm writing. I know some Latin teachers and I was directed to this book, which I own. Cinzia