Aeneas the brave betta lived a heroic life drifting aimlessly in circles.But alas, as all mortals must, he went belly up. So we set him ablaze to release his shade unto Hades's domain.To honor him, we held gladiatorial games(see the crossed knife swords?). The victor pulled an Odysseus and tookout his opponent's eye.A live-action look at the heroic fight to the … [Read more...] about Roman Funerary Rites for our Fish, Aeneas: a Pictorial
Ancient Rome
The One Percent in Ancient Rome versus the One Percent Today
I love this:"The tasteless dedication to pretentious excess shown by Lollia Paulina, Caligula's third wife, was hard to parallel. She would bedeck herself with emeralds and pearls whenever she attended even the most modest gathering, taking the receipts with her to show to anyone who doubted [what] her jewelry had cost...." (Pliny, Natural History, 9.117)Can you imagine what … [Read more...] about The One Percent in Ancient Rome versus the One Percent Today
Female Gladiator? Or Girl with Strange Bathing Habits?
Originally, this Roman statue was believed to be of a female athlete holding a strigil (an instrument used to scrape off sweat and gunk before entering the baths).But now, scholars think she may actually be a gladiator. Why? Her posture is one of victory, as if she is holding up her sica, curved sword (used by fighters known as Thracians), in a moment of triumph.Somebody about … [Read more...] about Female Gladiator? Or Girl with Strange Bathing Habits?
Big News! I’m Going to Rome!
One day several weeks ago, at a brunch with family, I indulged my fantasies about actually going to the places where I set my stories. But, with a son about to start college, that dream seemed just that--a sweet imagining.Then, just a couple of days ago, my mother handed me an envelope--and inside it was an invitation for a mother-daughter trip to Roma!Can you believe it? Is … [Read more...] about Big News! I’m Going to Rome!
