Klingan

Another word of advice regarding this, if you go to Oplontis and feel that you really don't have too much time on your hands, know that Stabiae basically is a smaller, less spectacular version of that villa (I am happy thou, that I took my time getting there). The sites at Stabiae are also terribly difficult to find.

Well, I can try to blame Nero (to a certain degree), who I reckon started the trend of adding non noble metals to coins. It's a one of many ways to severely weaken an economy in that time.

I'm quite sure that puppies were sacrificed to chthonic deities in Greece.

I must admit that I was never very fond of Ravenna. Sure, it's one of the most beautiful and well organized Italians cities there are (and know that I, as a Scandinavian, very my appreciate that kind of stuff), but the place just didn't appeal to me. It might be that I was never much for the late antique stuff thou, and I remember being very bored by the Christian mosaics (I'm actually trying to find out for myself why I disliked it, as I'm typing).

Yes I've seen the press release, that's a first in what, 20 years ? Now they just have to finish on the Parthenon itself (and yes I'd count the Acropolis as roman, seing that there is the temple of August and Rome... I'm afraid that finishing the Parthenon will take a while. I had the privilege to get a private tour with one of the architects there earlier this year and he estimated that it would take at least 50 years at this rate.

Torre Degli Embrici in Basilicata (a huge Roman villa), unless you count the Athenian Acropolis as a Roman site (which it is possible to do). By the way, you might be glad to hear that the propylon and temple of Nike are finally completely cleared of scaffoldings.

Very much appreciated Melvadius! I take it that they only dig with paying students (I'm trying to find some British site where I could excavate for a few seasons, but I'm not going to pay them to work)?

I'm quite curious how they could miss the 8.5 meter high walls up till this point.

Check your messages, I'll send you my contact info. Klingan

I could fancy doing another review, if you still need help, but not until after October 16th (as I am working in Athens, writing two articles which are prioritised). You should know however, that English isn't my first language.

The picture in the article is absolutely stunning!

It's good to see that it's published now Ian, as I know that you've been working on it for a long time! I will certainly try to read it as soon as possible.

Hey Neph,I'm not sure about how archaeological digs work over there (especially at the site of WTC), but do you think that it would be possible for you to take a short peak and some photos for us?

Video here

My apologies. I found it at work, had little time to read it and assumed that some further evidence had come forward (not thinking about the publishing date at all).

I'm trying it out as well.

This could be evry very interesting. "They gave us the word "person" and invented a symbol of iron rule later adopted by the fascists. Some even argue it was they who really moulded Roman civilisation. Yet the Etruscans, whose descendants today live in central Italy, have long been among the great enigmas of antiquity. Their language, which has never properly been deciphered, was unlike any other in classical Italy. Their origins have been hotly debated by scholars for centuries. Genetic research made public at the weekend appears to put the matter beyond doubt, however. It shows the Etruscans came from the area which is now Turkey - and that the nearest genetic relatives of many of today's Tuscans and Umbrians are to be found, not in Italy, but around Izmir..." Read more here

I might be way of here but how sure are we about this interpretation? What sources do we have for it? I was all but certain that the obverse depicted Janus, not some kind of janiform Dioscuri head (and to be honest, I can't see any difference at all to other depictions of Janus).

I got caught by that a few times too when I lost tract of the site. The trick is to say ROMAN INTERNET FORUMS And URNV pops up. You never thought about just searching for Roman history? Welcome Rebecca, I hope that you'll find these boards both enjoyable and useful Do you have any special interests within the subject?

Fair enough, it is rather depressing, I should perhaps have mentioned that.

A very good essay, I'd warmly recommend it. Thanks for posting it Viggen.

Thanks for the pics Doc, they are appreciated!

Haha, too bad, it sounds like a very interesting book and I would love to see this guys argument in full.