Messalina Mommsen

I'm interested to hear what kind of music people are listening to at this very moment? What is travelling through their stereos/earphones/walkmans/discmans/ipods? Any suggestions for study music? Any suggestions for music to dance alone in your bedroom to?* I've been listening to Radiohead/Portishead/Bjork/Miles Davis/DJ Shadow/Pink Floyd too much of late. Need some new suggestions. *Bedroom dancing can be any type, provided limbs are moving in some direction

I'm not as familiar with the poets or satirists either (hence the eager desire for discussion)! Although Juvenal is considered a 'non-historian', his words certainly provide an interesting insight into the world of Rome- it's social life, everyday sights and sounds and physical features. Indeed, Juvenal was probably a jaded man, but perhaps this bias reflects some kind of truth in that many people of that time were probably feeling similar jaded sentiments. Apparently Juvenal was incredibly poor for a lot of his life and experienced the patron-client relationship he vehemently abhors in his writings. As a student of history, this is one thing I grapple with- the idea of 'non-history' and 'history.' A lot of sources offer a lot of historical value- even if they were never intended to do so. I guess that's why we must be careful to include sources such as Juvenal and Martial in our historical endeavours- they provide a unique voice that is often much needed. For example, Juvenal's well known phrase 'breads and circuses' is well worth noting when discussing the pomp and propaganda that emperors such as the Flavians used in their public festivities. Well, it's 2.15am for me here in Australia and I'm rambling in a very bad way. Off to bed. Cheerio.

I'm just reading the Book I of Juvenal's Satire's and was interested to hear what everyone thinks of Juvenal? In particular, I was wondering what kind of historical use these satires could be for historians of today? What do they tell us of the world that Juvenal lived in? Also, does Juvenal deserve the common reputation he has gained as a politically incorrect, caustic and bitter man? As a historical source, what are the strengths and weaknesses of his satires? Just a few questions that may generate a little discussion if I'm lucky...

Yeap, 'The Christians and the Fall of Rome' -Gibbon. Or for a primary source, you could look at Zozimus, the 'Conversion of the Empire.' Interesting reading, especially when you compare it with Christian writings of that time, such as Eusebios...

Primus, I agree that the Res Gestae is still a credible historical source- especially as it gives a contextual account of Roman propaganda and some of Caesar's accomplishments. Yet there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that it is also inaccurate. Not only does Augustus withhold and omit a lot of information, but he also lies about certain things. I'm trying to write an essay about the strengths of this document as a historical source. Any ideas? Also, anyone like Juvenal's Satires?

What about Caesar's RES GESTAE? Does anyone think that this holds any weight as a credible historical source? Or is it personal propaganda?