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    Another review has been completed for our Roman Books section, thanks to community member Ursus.

     

    As I trudge about Romanophilia in my own amateur way, I have discovered that books written in bygone eras offer an enthralling Old School view whose charm is seldom replicated in modern times. They are often dated, but not always outdated. They offer a straightforward presentation of facts rather than a tableau of convoluted revisionist theories. They are imbued with a prosaic language rather than postmodern jargon. Finally, they seem possessed of a genuine conviction and enthusiasm rather than the cynical nay saying of modern academia. It is with regards to such virtues that I devoured H.H. Scullard?s A History of the Roman World, 753 to 146 BC...

     

    ...read the full review of A History of the Roman World, 753 to 146 BC by H.H. Scullard.

    Guest
    Another review has been completed for our Roman Books section, thanks to community member Pertinax.
     
    This is not one of those attention grabbing titles that will appeal to the sword and combat enthusiast, nor to the afficionado of heavyweight power politics and great personages. It is however a piece of subtle, steady and scholarly discourse that gives weight and texture to any Romanophiles imagining of the Roman (and Grecian) world. I personally found that the work helped me form a more grounded mental picture of the Attic and Italian countryside, its pattern of landholdings and the nature and dynamic of its inhabitants...
     
    ...read the full review of Famine and Food Supply in the Graeco-Roman World by P. Garsney
    Guest

    New Historical Essay Contest

    By Guest, in News,

    In the spirit of the site's intended goal of inspiring continuing education in the ancient world. UNRV.com is pleased to announce a Historical Essay Writing Contest. In addition to publication on the site, first, second and third place winners will receive gift certificates to Amazon.com or Vcoins.com.
     
    Contest Details
    Guest

    Pertinax

    By Guest, in News,

    Following the assassination of Commodus on December 31, AD 192, Publius Helvius Pertinax, as both a revered elder member of the Senate and a chief lieutenant of the former emperor, was chosen to replace him. The reign of Pertinax is intriguing for its short length and related tragic turn of events which led to the further erosion of the Roman political state. It is also notable for his personal humble origins marking a distinct difference from all of the Princeps/Emperors who ruled before him...
     
    Pertinax
    Guest

    HBO "Rome" Second Season Premiere

    By Guest, in News,

    The second season of the HBO "Rome" television series premiered on Sunday, January 14, 2006 in the US.
     
    Join us and discuss the exciting second season opener on our very own 'Rome' subforum! UNRV members offer both praise and disappointment for the new season, and debate the historical accuracy.
     
    Discuss the series in general: UNRV Rome Forum
    Discuss Season 2, Episode 1: Passover
     
    [Obviously, as the BBC and other networks around the world have not yet released season 2 premiere dates (and for those of you without HBO), there may be spoilers within...]
     
     
    Viggen
    At some point in the third-century a hitherto unknown group of people appeared around Rome's Danube frontier. These people would come to be known as the Goths. They began their history during one of Rome?s darkest periods as one of many but grew to become an entity of their own. In 378 they destroyed the larger part of the imperial eastern Roman army at Adrianople and an emperor with it. By 410 their relations with the Empire culminated with the capture and sack of Rome under their leader Alaric and eventual settlement as the first autonomous barbarian kingdom within the Roman Empire. This is period and people of study in Michael Kulikowsky?s book Rome?s Gothic Wars....
     
     
    Rome's Gothic Wars
    Guest

    The Gladiator Emperor

    By Guest, in News,

    The Gladiator Emperor
     
    Commodus? association with the god Hercules was never more apparent than with his exploits in the arena. In order to perpetuate his image as a living god to the Roman people, Commodus not only began to attire himself in the same manner as the mythical hero (lions skins and carrying a club), but he used the arena to show his physical prowess, therefore proving his direct association with the god. Commodus became Hercules for all intensive purposes, not only in identification with the great heroic icon, but as the symbolic protector of Rome and the empire. This identification was not just a symptom of his megalomania, but was certainly a key factor resulting in his eventual assassination as Commodus continued to challenge and disrupt Roman institutions and traditions...
    Guest

    December Book Giveaway

    By Guest, in News,

    We are happy to announce a December book give away in association with ArmorVenue just in time for the holiday season.
     
    Eight prizes will be awarded to active participants of the UNRV forum including choices of several pre-selected Roman books, 1 of 2 Roman Empire Wallmaps and a special choice for first prize.
     
    Participation is very simple. A random draw from among all entries (1 per participant) will take place after approximately 1 week and winners announced shortly thereafter. Entries will consist of emailing your notice of participation to a selected address defined (along with participation rules) within the link provided below.
     
    Giveaway Entry Rules and Prize Details
     
    Again, we'd like to thank ArmorVenue for their generous sponsorship. Armor Venue is a seller of authentic Roman armor and weapon replicas.
    Guest

    The People's Princeps, Enemy of the Senate

    By Guest, in News,

    The People's Princeps
     
    On October 22, AD 180 the young Princeps Commodus returned to Rome in an enormous triumphal procession. Backed by most of the Danubian legions, Commodus? entry into the city not only confirmed his authority but ushered in new hope for an era of peace and prosperity in a city that was weary of war. The victorious legions, having secured peace along the Danube (at least temporarily, and there were still to be various issues of settlement such as the Buri in Dacia), and the youthful, energetic son of the great Marcus Aurelius were symbolic of this new hope...
    Guest

    Commodus

    By Guest, in News,

    Commodus
     
    The accession of the 19 year old Commodus upon the death of his father Marcus Aurelius on March 17, AD 180 is often considered a catalyst that sparked the initial decline of the Roman Empire. Whether or not the assertion is true and Commodus acted as a catalyst, or if he was simply a piece of an evolving and dynamic Roman puzzle is a matter of perspective and interpretation. It?s interesting that the death of Marcus Aurelius is considered the end of the ?Pax Romana? (The Roman Peace) but the reign of Commodus was largely as peaceful as that of Antoninus Pius a half century earlier...
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