Michelle Bachmann claims that Hurricane Irene was God’s way of telling American politicians to cut spending—her way, of course. Bachmann is not alone in her Delphic ability to read divine will through natural phenomena. She follows in the footsteps of another former presidential candidate, Pat Robertson, who claimed that the earthquake in Haiti was the fault of a “pact with the … [Read more...] about Bachmann and Her Ilk = Crazy Romans in Modern Dress
Ancient Rome
What’s this about Mark Antony Running Around in a Loincloth?
Today, February 15, is the Festival of the Lupercalia or, at least, it would have been if we lived in ancient Rome. In fact, the Lupercalia is often cited as the true origin of Valentine’s Day. But forget about roses and romance. The Lupercalia was all about hot young men pursuing nubile young women with strips of bloody animal skins.Yeah. We’re a long way away from Hallmark, … [Read more...] about What’s this about Mark Antony Running Around in a Loincloth?
Gladiators: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
The sweat soaked gladiator looks up to the editor who will make the call--cut the throat of his downed opponent or let him live. The crowd yells and makes dramatic hand gestures, trying to sway the stony-faced editor."Mitte!" (Let him go!) scream some."Iugula" (Kill him!) roar others.The editor extends his hand and dramatically lifts his thumb. Will the downed … [Read more...] about Gladiators: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
What the Romans Would’ve made of Dead Birds Falling from the Sky
The Romans would have wonderedwhy the gods were angry at them. If thousands of birds had fallen from the sky in ancient Rome, everybody—from emperors, to warriors, to peasants and slaves—would have been in a state of complete and total panic. Cries of “Bad omens! The gods are angry! Terrible, terrible things are about to happen!” would reverberate throughout the empire. … [Read more...] about What the Romans Would’ve made of Dead Birds Falling from the Sky
‘Tis the Season, According to the Romans
"Darling, your fig cakes are divine. Now what did you get me?" In ancient Rome, winter break meant schools closed, law courts adjourned and everybody celebrated by decorating trees, visiting friends, exchanging small gifts, and feasting.Sound familiar?They weren’t celebrating Christmas, though, which wasn’t officially acknowledged as a Christian … [Read more...] about ‘Tis the Season, According to the Romans
