Lost_Warrior

Good point Caesar!

My first reaction when I saw that heading was to laugh hysterically. "The toads are practicing for suicide bomb attacks in cities. If you see a toad, please call the authorities and find cover." what? I've always thought Wikipedia was a relatively good source...this must be a joke... anyway, its pretty funny XD

I see. Janus was...all i can remember about him was "the two headed of doors"...one door looking forward and one looking backward in time (that was from my english class). Yes, I think I remember reading about the Temple of Janus now that you mention it.

I'm sorry then I don't know where you can buy them (honestly I hadn't thought to look) but if I stumble across them anywhere, I will let you know.

Wasn't Jupiter's temple the one which had closed doors when Rome was at peace, and open doors when at war? That's an interesting idea that the emblems represented the legion. I had only seen the winged shields for Romans, although some of them were different shapes. (could be my bad memory though)

Could part of the problem in Rome have been religious, since Constantine converted to Christianity and many of the people were pagan?

I've read that the crowd and Emperor decided if the defeated would die...and that death was rarely decided because in the case of slaves, whoever owned the gladiator in question would require reimbersment. (I haven't found anything definitive on how this was decided. Something about "pressed" and "turned" thumbs, but there seems to be alot of debate about what, exactly, that means) What archeology are you referring to Ursus? You really got my attention now lol.

The oath taken by gladiators (I believe it went something like "I endure to be bound, to be burned, to be beaten, to die by the sword") made it something akin to an honor for them to fight. Whether they were slaves or freemen fighting for money it was a great honor for them to uphold that oath. They fought bare-chested (with the exception of the ones who fought on horseback...I can't remember their latin name right now) showing their willingness to die which was, for them, also an honor. Many of them started as slaves and criminals, but won their freedom after (five years, was it?) and continued to fight for money, or went on to become bodyguards for wealthy people, or became instructors at the ludis. Gladiators were considered infamous, the lowest class of society, and yet thousands of people turned out to see them fight. They were adored by fans (and women, much to the dismay of many husbands) and are enjoying a reputation for glory well after gladiatorial games were outlawed. So I ask you: slave or sportsman? (You can tell where I stand on the issue)

I see the link. I don't know what we can do about it though. When people no longer care about their state, country, empire, or whatever they no longer try to uphold the standards that made that place great. It happened in Rome, and I see it happening in America too. It seems we are no longer trying to uphold those standards which our country was built on. When this happens, the very foundation of the country begins to crumble and the rest goes from there. It causes discontent all around (and discontent in the military is a main reason why that particular military does poorly) But as much as we might like to stop it, sometimes its just time for a change.

What no Sparta?? ::looks sad:: I wan't to see Stonehenge. It's supposed to be beautiful.

ok. I think of strength when I see the Eagles' wings but I wanted to know the "official" meaning, it has been bugging me for a while now. thanks btw.

What did the symbol on Roman Legionary shields mean? (I think there was only one common one. If theres more, I mean the one with four wings "radiating" from the center)

Greece (SPARTA!!!!!) Rome Australia Anywhere close to nature and away from people (as long as it isnt cold) Rainforest (any rainforest i'm not particular) Ireland/Scotland

How authentic are you trying to make it? My thought would be to get ahold of some sheet metal (you can get sheet brass and such) and cut it to the size and shape needed.

Thanks guys

I agree. The Romans were following their own standards. Were their standards flawed? Possibly. But modern societies have some pretty "flawed" standards as well. What the Romans did was acceptable in Rome. It was all they knew, and to my knowledge (correct me if I'm wrong here) not too many ancient Romans had a problem with the way Rome was at the time. (I'm not saying they loved it. But they didn't have too much of a problem) Sure we might have a problem with it, but ancient Rome would likely have a big problem with us as well. Personally I admire Rome's culture, and military, and architecture, and almost everything else about them that I know of (almost. I don't agree with everything they did, for example I read in a Roman law book that the testimony of slaves was inadmissable EXCEPT if it was gained by torture. I certainly don't admire them for that little idea.)

I believe in spirits. I also believe that we must take responsibility for our actions. I don't think the spirits can or will do everything for me (and why should they?). Spirits can be helpful, but you still have to be willing to work for what you seek and what you have.

I don't believe the spirit dies either. I seem to be the odd one out for the moment, but I believe in reincarnation. However I do believe that there is a "between time" which is probably something like whatever paradise in which you choose to believe (Heaven, Elysium, VallHalla, Mahannon etc.) When you finally exit the reincarnation cycle, I don't believe you "stop living" but I'm not really sure what happens (I would describe it as "Enlightenment" but I can't be sure what its like. I'll find out when i get there.)

Hi, I'm new here and I just thought it would be polite to introduce myself. I am pretty history-obsessed, especially with Romans and Greeks. I'm still learning though, so there are many things I don't know much about. I will try my best to make sure what I say is intelligient and supportable by facts. (I will not post random nit-wittery just to increase my post count.)