Gaius Paulinus Maximus

I may be wrong here but I'm sure Ive read somewhere that a soldier who had started out as a legionary and served with distinction to reach the highest possible rank available to him which I believe was Camp Prefect (?) He had finally come to the end of his 25 year service and earned his right to return home, due to his exemplary record he was then awarded with a place in the senate. Does anyone know whether this actually happened or have I completely made it up . Ill try and find the book I read it in.

Ha Ha now thats how you tackle a German!!!

Nice work mate! Maybe those dick heads will think twice before they try something like that again....... But then again probably not, low life's like that never learn do they? Everyone I've ever spoken to who's been to NZ has always spoke very highly of the country and of the friendliness of the people. I know what you mean about the nights though, I recently just finished a six week shift of nights and by the end of it I didn't know whether I was coming or going, it screws with everything, you don't sleep properly, eat properly, your social life goes out the window etc.

I quite like the guy, he certainly comes across a bit wacky and eccentric but don't be fooled, he's a very intelligent and well educated man. The title of Mayor of London is not as important as it sounds, every decision made by the mayor has to be scrutinized and authorised by two authorities (the London Assembly and Greater London Authority) before the proposal can go ahead. so really the mayor is just the public face of a much bigger organisation. Compared to Ken Livingston who personally I think is a slimy toad of a man, Boris will be a fresh of breath air. When asked what he could offer London if he became Mayor he said "Optimism, energy, dynamism and creative ideas!" That's exactly what it needs! I've just purchased Boris' latest book called The Dream of Rome I've not got round to reading it yet but from flicking through it it seems like a witty and light hearted look at the history of Rome.

I bet this might make MPC part with his cash.... http://www.cafepress.com/buy/romans/-/pv_d...pt_/fpt_/c_666/

You won't be sorry G-Man, it's an excellent book, I've read and re-read it and will probably read it again in the future. It's an essential book to have in your Roman collection.

Make that two tantrums!! Make that Three!! I'd quite to take a look at 'Being a Roman Citizen' and I'm sure my daughter would like the 'Kid's guide to History and Science of Ancient Rome'

This is from De Bello Gallico by Caesar........... .... And while the attention of our men is engaged in that matter, in another part Adcantuannus, who held the chief command, with 600 devoted followers whom they call soldurii (the conditions of whose association are these, - that they enjoy all the conveniences of life with those to whose friendship they have devoted themselves: if any thing calamitous happen to them, either they endure the same destiny together with them, or commit suicide: nor hitherto, in the, memory of men, has there been found any one who, upon his being slain to whose friendship he had devoted himself, refused to die); Adcantuannus, endeavoring to make a sally with these, when our soldiers had rushed together to arms, upon a shout being raised at that part of the, fortification, and a fierce battle had been fought there, was driven back into the town, yet he obtained from Crassus [the indulgence] that he should enjoy the same terms of surrender [as the other inhabitants]. Book III Chapt. 22

I'll definitely second that! I absolutely hate Man U, In Leeds they are never called by their name, every one knows them as SCUM. There's always been a massive rivalry between us, it's the old War of the Roses thing, Yorkshire V Lancashire. I think The Augusta will back me up on the "hate Man U" thing, she rather lovingly refers to them as Man-ure ! I don't mind Arsenal, of all the premiership teams they the one's I don't mind watching, they play fast attacking, entertaining football.

That's sad news, Fagles translation of "The Aeneid" was a joy to read.

And here's me thinking we were mates !!! You can stick your Belisarius book up your a***!!! No offence but Burnley will never be a big club, the potential just isn't there, it's a small town club with a small albeit loyal fan base, Burnley are in the best position they've been in for years, they're playing good football at the right end of the league. I think you should just enjoy it while it lasts and leave the big time dreaming to us big city clubs with big fan bases who if given the opportunity of getting back into the premiership could actually survive and prosper. But who am I kidding!! At the moment you've got the better football team so I'll just shut up!

What about Loricae Squamatae ? From what I can remember it was a kind of scaled armour but was not very effective, it was quite restrictive and was especially vulnerable from upward thrusts. In what era was this used? And for how long? I suspect the answer to the last question will be not very.

Please do Cornelius.

Unfortunately not my friend, just a miserly old santa lookalike Who isn't prepared to part with any of his cash in order to get us back where we belong. After a promising start to the season, looking like certs for promotion we hit a brick wall and have slowly started to slide down the league. We're now just outside the play off spots and the way we're playing at the moment I'll be surprised if we make them. Yet another disappointing year as a Leeds fan. . Leeds are a massive club with a massive following and there's plenty of billionaires out there just dying to invest in football so if you know any, point them in our direction will you !!

Sorry to hear that mate, I'm sure you'll show true British grit, knuckle down and get yourself back on board in no time. Good luck!

There's always dick heads like that where ever you go mate. Although you didn't hit him there and then I bet if you had you'd have gone home a very happy man.

Ringa pakia! Uma tiraha! Turi whatia! Hope whai ake! Waewae takahia kia kino! Ka mate, ka mate Ka ora Ka mate, ka mate Ka ora Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru Nāna i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā Upane...Upane Upane Kaupane" Whiti te rā,!

We've got a big New Zealand influence at the Rhinos, as well as the two that you mentioned who by the way are top quality, Brent Webb is one of the best full backs around. We've also got Clinton Toopi and Kyle Leuluai. Not forgetting our Coach and your former national coach, Brian McClennan. I was at the World Club Challenge Game. your right, the Storm were full of themselves and I'm glad we smashed them and took the title. My first sport of choice is as I said in an earlier post, football. I've lived and breathed it since I was small, I still play pretty regular but it's getting harder and harder to keep up with the young ones

Thanks for this Ludovicus, It's a very helpful and informative way of planning your routes around Rome. It's also great fun too, I've just spent the last ten minutes re-tracing the steps of my last visit to Rome. My god!! I did some serious walking that week-end!!

Thanks Augusta, the hotel sounds spot on and I'm certainly looking forward to the meet this time round.

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! Many beers were sunk and a great day was had. Cheers!

And just exactly do you know what crack's like, eh Moon?????? Are you a secret crackhead with a choco addiction that your not telling us about??

Which code do you prefer Cornelius, League or Union? Coming from the home of the current World Club Champions, the Leeds Rhinos, I'm obviously a fan of Rugby League. IMO it's by far the better of the two codes, it's much quicker, skillful, technical and a lot more easier and enjoyable to watch.

That's a shame Doc but nevermind, maybe next time!

Good question Pertinax! It all seems to have gone quiet on the Northern Frontier. Has anyone heard anything from Augustus Caesar lately? I'm still up for it.