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Have you any connection with Roman Empire? Mine: I live in town Trencin (in Roman age named Laugaricio), modern Slovakia. In 179AD Romans defeated german tribes in this area and left inscription on the rock below the today Trencin Castle. Thanks to this inscription we know about settlement in this area what makes Trencin one of the oldest towns in central Europe. Marcus Aurelius planned to create a new province here, but died and Commodus withdrew from this area.

I signed up for, and just started, the Hadrian's Wall course. This is week 1. So far we have looked at a map of the entire length of the Wall, and learned a brief bit about three methods archaeologists can use to find evidence of ditches or hill-forts. We also looked at samples of tablets from Vindolanda. This course intrigued me as I had opportunity to visit Newcastle and the Chester Roman fort and Museum. Walking through the Fort itself was---eerie. I could almost hear the legionaries, the clink of metal, the sound of sword and shield sparring. Anyone else liking the course so far?

I was delighted to see that in Gladiator, and I think in the HBO series Rome, in The Eagle (set in Roman Britain), a major character was shown talking to his ancestors. Before Gladiator at least, I don't recall a movie set in the ancient world depicting with such ease a prevalent (but sometimes unfamiliar) part of Roman daily life. I keep a reproduction of a lares sculpture in my home.

Salve! Although I have grown up in the US, I was born in Sardinia (I am a naturalized US citizen, adopted by American parents). Sardinia became part of the Roman "Republic" after the First Punic War (see the summary elsewhere on this site). Sardinia was settled by Carthaginians along its coast. There have been speculation that Rome attempted to place a colony in the mid-4th century, according to Ptolemy's geography (scholars today dispute that for the most part, as no other evidence exists). What is more clear is that once Rome held Sardinia, it faced the fun of putting down several revolts during the 3rd century (Manlius Torquatus) and 2nd century (Ti. Sempronius Gracchus, and M Caecilius Metellus). Despite all that, Sardinia was one of the mainstays of Rome's needed grain supply, even according to Cicero. At least, that is, until Octavian conquered Egypt. (Historical material comes from Dyson & Rowland's Shepherds, Sailors and Conquerors: Archaeology and History in Sardinia

Hi I'm Dan from Wales and registered here because I found the articles utterly fascinating. I am no history buff at all but I spent a good evening reading the fall of rome. We have a old roman fort and baths nearby (Caerleon) which I'm curious to look at. Cheers Dan

Very good review, I'm myself about 3/4th in the book and I too have been quite surprised by the little room left to those who helped Octavian become Augustus. Agrippa in particular seems almost absent or at least made less important than he was, but also Maecenas. If you look at the index you see almost as many references to him as to Cicero. It is, I think, maybe due to the large introduction to the politics of Rome up to the death of Caesar, which might have been done in less depth without prejudice to the book. Had I done the review I would also have mentioned the choice, argumented but not that common, of calling Octavian by the name of Julius Caesar through the book. Still, good review and good book !

Yes, I have signed up and looking forward to it. I did take the Portus course. I found to properly learn and enjoy the course, it took me more than 3 hours per week. I hadn't taken an archaeology course is so many years. The science involved has truly grown.

I'm looking forward to the course (if I can find the time). Here's part of the introduction I already received: The price is right (free) and it looks like the instructors are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Anyone else here signed up? guy also known as gaius

Thanks for the alert. I enrolled. I will let you know. The course begins September 22. guy also known as gaius