Gaius Paulinus Maximus

One of my favourite sources for the Flavian period (late first century AD) is Martial. He often mentions the 'synthesis', a garment worn by men at relaxed dinner parties and during the Saturnalia. In all my research I have never seen an image from ancient times of one of these. I ended up describing it as a sort of long tunic or caftan, with an attached short cape or cloak of the same colour, hence the name 'synthesis' or 'putting together'. Can anyone out there correct or enlighten me further. Or best of all supply an image? Flavia Hi Flavia. This is all I could come up with, from Johnston's again And this http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roma.../Synthesis.html Sorry there's no picture, I'll keep looking.

Horizontal lengths of hardwood, were glued and nailed to the back. These wood strips were 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide and about 1/4 inches thick. One of these strips formed the handgrip in the center of the shield. It was 3/4 inches wide and 1/4 thick for most of the length. In the middle (where the hand gripped) it was 3/4 inches thick, rounded and sanded or wrapped with leather. The handgrip could also be a steel strip about 1/8 inches thick. The shield probably had carrying-strap attachments. Vegetius wrote, "Lest the soldiers in the confusion of battle should be separated from their comrades, every cohort had its shields painted in a manner peculiar to itself. (Vegetius, De Re Militari, Book II)" The most common 1st and 2nd century AD design for Legionary and Praetorian shields appears be the wing and lightening-bolt motif. The shape and orientation of these elements could change, minor accents (such as crescent or star shapes) could be added, but the symbolism would remain the same. In Roman mythology, the lightening-bolt and eagle represented the power of their supreme god, Jupiter. The wreath (symbolizing a crown of valor) was popular with the auxiliaries. In the Late empire simple geometric patterns were common.

Welcome to UNRV Titus Maccius Plautus If your passion for Rome is as mighty as you say then you've definitely come to the right place! BTW just what exactly was this special prize that you won?

Excellent work again JP, your work just keeps getting better. What's with the guy with the fryer tuck hair do? Was this a traditional Celtiberian hair style or does he just have a problem with baldness?

Just found this in Johnston's Private Life of the Romans......

Haha She sure did! It looked like a scene from Ben Hur but with out the blood and guts!

Were the stripes on tunics purple or scarlet, Nephele? I always thought the narrow equestrian and broad patrician stripes were red. Or were scarlet and purple (both expensive) interchangeable? This has always niggled at me... Flavia Hi, Flavia. According to Professor William Sterns Davis (A Day in Old Rome) the stripes were purple. I just now double-checked with some 'net sources. LacusCurtius also states that the stripes were purple. This site also provides illustrations, as well as additional information on the laticlavia and angusticlavia. Reference source cited is William Smith's A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (John Murray, London, 1875). -- Nephele I've often pondered this question as well, I was always under the impression that the stripe was purple through reading it in many books but when you see anything containing roman history on T.V. or at the movies the stripe always looks like a dark red, scarlet. Even in the illustrations on Lacus Curtis the stripe looks Scarlet. Where the Romans descriptions or idea's of colour different to ours?

I recently took my family to the annual children's Roman festival at the Birdoswald Fort on Hadrians Wall, it's a great day out for the kids, they get the chance to join the Roman army, dress up as legionnaires, they go through training, marching, singing Roman songs and then end up in a battle against some invading barbarians (aka the dads). They get to race chariots at the the Circus Minimus, the game involves rolling a dice to move around the track, the winners are rewarded with a genuine (chocolate) gold coin. There's roman board games to play and they can also have a go at weaving and making pottery. There's also plenty to do for the grown ups as well, there's people giving talks about all he different aspects of Roman life, there's a medics tent with all the ancient surgical field equipment, there's a legionary talking about life on Hadrian's wall and plus to cap it all off you have the Fort and the Wall to wander around at you leisure. Here's a picture of my little legionary... http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?automo...si&img=1872 Take a look at my gallery for more pics.

Very nice work LW give yourself a big pat on the back!

Before the Marian reforms the legions would have a large baggage train for carrying all the provisions the soldiers required. Marius' changes vastly improved the efficiency of the army and by introduce his "mules" he reduced the size of the baggage train required as support and made the army much more mobile. Every legion had a baggage train of 500

I like Nephele's confidence, she thinks she's so clever that she can change the rules when ever she likes!! C'mon Nephele get with the program! You must speak about the person above!

I've recently mastered the air guitar! You name any song and I can play it in a matter of seconds!

Are you joking? After an attempt had been made on Cicero's life, Catiline did indeed volunteer himself for house arrest--at Cicero's house! Obviously, this wasn't an earnest attempt to make amends. Who say's that there'd been an attempt on Cicero's life? We only have his word for it. It was better from Cicero's point of view if Catiline was still at large, Still a menace to Rome. Catiline did eventually go under house arrest in the house of the Praetor Metellus Nepos I never said an army had been assembled, I said a small band of men had armed themselves. You said yourself that Catiline was surrounded by some 300 conspiritators, does 300 men qualify as an army ? I'm not so sure it does.

It's not how the conspiracy ended that I'm questioning because that's quite clear, it's what drove Catiline to be there on the field of battle in the first place that I'm questioning.At the height of the conspiracy Catiline had volunteered himself for house arrest in order to prove he was innocent of the charges which Cicero was accusing him of, Cicero refused, why? Eventually Catiline left Rome supposedly to go into exile but ended up going to join Manilus in Etruria. Manilus had already raised a small band of men consisting of veterans and farmers who had armed themselves in order to defend themselves against debt collectors. So this group of men which you call his conspirators were already formed and armed and ready to fight defend their homes and farms from greedy moneylenders before Catiline even joined them. I think he knew his time in Rome was gone and being the kind of man that he was, he decided to join Manilus in Etruria and fight the representatives of the men that had ruined his career. I'm not saying that it was the right thing to do, I'm just saying I think that it's the Choice Catiline made.(or was hounded into.) This is from Sallust. 34.2 XXXV. "Lucius Catiline to Quintus Catulus, wishing health. Your eminent integrity, known to me by experience, gives a pleasing confidence, in the midst of great perils, to my present recommendation. I have determined, therefore, to make no formal defense with regard to my new course of conduct; yet I was resolved, though conscious of no guilt, to offer you some explanation, which, on my word of honor, you may receive as true. Provoked by injuries and indignities, since, being robbed of the fruit of my labor and exertion, I did not obtain the post of honor due to me, I have undertaken, according to my custom, the public cause of the distressed. Not but that I could have paid, out of my own property, the debts contracted on my own security ;While the generosity of Orestilla, out of her own fortune and her daughter's, would discharge those incurred on the security of others. But because I saw unworthy men ennobled with honors, and myself proscribed on groundless suspicion, I have for this very reason, adopted a course, amply justifiable in my present circumstances, for preserving what honor is left to me. When I was proceeding to write more, intelligence was brought that violence is preparing against me. I now commend and intrust Orestilla to your protection ; intreating you, by your love for your own children, to defend her from injury. Farewell."

True, but apart from the fact that in Imperial times the final decision came down to one man and one man alone, the Emperor made the final decision and the Senate went along with it whether they fully agreed or not.

The Republican Senate had the freedom of speech, they worked as a governmental body and were able to make decisions and oppose other factions decisions with out fearing for their lives, where as the Senators of Imperial times knew that if they made a stand and opposed the Emperors idea's then firstly, they would stand alone and secondly, it would surely have resulted in their deaths

I don't doubt the fact that Catiline was an obnoxious and untrustworthy character, I'm sure he wasn't the first member of the senate to have those characteristics and he certainly wasn't the last, but what I do doubt is the magnitude and truth of the so called conspiracy. If he was "undoubtedly guilty" then where is the proof ? All of the accusations that were thrown at him were never backed up with any real evidence. Cicero says that two of Catiline's associates turned up at his house under orders to kill him but when they were refused entry they simply just turned around and walked away (not very good assassins) if this was the case why didn't Cicero have them charged with conspiracy to commit murder? Cicero also claimed that Catiline assaulted him in person using a dagger but he only managed to avoid injury by side stepping the attacks?? Again if this was the case why didn't Cicero have him charged with an attempt on the consuls life?? Then there's the letters from the five "conspirators" that were intercepted on their way to the Allobroge envoys that were in Rome at the time asking them to join forces with Catiline. Now why would five prominant and suspected men be so stupid as to send such dangerous and self incriminating letters fixed with their personal seals to a bunch of Gauls who they had never met? A bit of a coincidence don't you think? Here's Cicero's explanation...... And on this account they deserve even greater hatred and greater punishment, for having attempted to apply their fatal and wicked fire, not only to your houses and homes, but even to the shrines and temples of the Gods. And if I were to say that it was I who resisted them, I should take too much to myself and ought not to be borne. He--he, Jupiter, resisted them, He determined that the Capitol should be safe, he saved these temples, he saved this city, he saved all of you. would never have taken place, so important a matter would never have been so madly entrusted, by It is under the guidance of the immortal gods, O Romans, that I have cherished the intention and desires which I have, and have arrived at such undeniable proofs. Surely, that tampering with the Allobroges Lentulus and the rest of our internal enemies, to strangers and foreigners, such letters would never have been written, unless all prudence had been taken by the immortal gods from such terrible audacity. What shall I say? That Gauls, men from a state scarcely at peace with us, the only nation existing which seems both to be able to make war on the Roman people, and not to be unwilling to do so,--that they should disregard the hope of empire and of the greatest success voluntarily offered to them by patricians; and should prefer your safety to their own power--do you not think that that was caused by divine interposition? especially when they could have destroyed us, not by fighting, but by keeping silence. Cicero against Catiline 3.22 He says it was the gods that made them make such a stupid and fatal error!! Yeah right! more like a total set up. He then proceed to (illegally) have these men executed with out a proper trial, and this from the most famous lawyer and upstanding citizen in Rome. You've got to admit, there was definately something fishy going on.

I'm a bit late in joining this discussion but I'll just add my two pence anyway........ It's quite clear that Catiline was no angel but in my opinion the whole conspiracy theory was blown way out of proportion , and the main culprit behind the allegations was Marcus Tullius Cicero, Catiline was everything that Cicero hated, he was a rogue, handsome, good with the ladies, he was becoming one of the leading Populares of the time and he was also working his way into the running for the coverted curule chair which would put him in direct competition with Cicero himself. Cicero began a hate campaign against Catiline accusing him of all sorts of atrocities and with the use of his exceptional talent for oratory he managed to convince the senate that Catiline was planning along with his associates to over throw the Republic and massacre the members of the senate. Shame on the age and on its principles! The senate is aware of these things; the consul sees them; and yet this man lives. Lives! aye, he comes even into the senate. He takes a part in the public deliberations; he is watching and marking down and checking off for slaughter every individual among us. And we, gallant men that we are, think that we are doing our duty to the republic if we keep out of the way of his frenzied attacks. You ought, O Catiline, long ago to have been led to execution by command of the consul. That destruction which you have been long plotting against us ought to have already fallen on your own head. What? Did not that most illustrious man, Publius Scipio,the Pontifex Maximus, in his capacity of a private citizen, put to death Tiberius Gracchus, though but slightly undermining the constitution? And shall we, who are the consuls, tolerate Catiline, openly desirous to destroy the wholeworld with fire and slaughter? Cicero against Catiline 1.2-3 Here's another quote from the great orator O happy republic, if it can cast forth these dregs of the republic! Even now, when Catiline alone is got rid of; the republic seems to me relieved and refreshed; for what evil or wickedness can be devised or imagined which he did not conceive? What prisoner, what gladiator, what thief; what assassin, what parricide, what forger of wills, what cheat, what debauchee, what spendthrift, what adulterer, what abandoned woman, what corrupter of youth, what profligate, what scoundrel can be found in all Italy, who does not avow that he has been on terms of intimacy with Catiline? What murder has been committed for years without him? What nefarious act of infamy that has not been done by him? But in what other man were there ever so many allurements for youth as in him, who both indulged in infamous love for others, and encouraged their infamous affections for himself, promising to some enjoyment of their lust, to others the death of their parents, and not only instigating them to iniquity, but even assisting them in it. But now, how suddenly had he collected, not only out of the city, but even out of the country, a number of abandoned men? No one, not only at Rome, but in every corner of Italy, was overwhelmed with debt whom he did not enlist in this incredible association of wickedness. Cicero against Catiline 2.7 The thing with this last attack on Catiline is that Cicero doesnt produce any evidence to back up his apparent knowledge of the evil deeds committed by Catiline.

Here's an interesting piece I found on Roman hairstyles. Women's Hair & Hair Coloring As today, women's hairstyles could be simple or elaborate. Hairstyles varied according to a women's social status and age. During the Republican era, a popular conservative style involved tying the hair back into a bun and fixing it with a pin. Other more elaborate hairstyles involved puffs, waves, and curls--sometimes alone, sometimes in combination. In addition, hairpieces were sometimes used to complete a particular hairstyle. Some women dyed their hair--blonde and red were particularly popular hair colors. Something called Batavian foam was used to produce blonde hair; fat and ashes were used to produce red. Wigs made from the hair of Germans captured in battle were very popular because of their natural blondness. Women regarded body hair as undesirable; so they removed such with pumice stone (ouch!). Facial hair was removed with resin and pitch. Men's Hair A man might get his hair curled or have his hair cut. If he were experiencing severe hair loss, he might wear a wig to cover up the problem. Then, as now, some men looked for ways to conquer the hair loss problem. During the Republic, grease and oil were thought to make hair grow. Beards were out-of-fashion among the aristocracy of the Late Republic; and didn't come back into vogue until the first century CE. So men shaved or used the pitch-and-resin-facial-hair-removal technique to ensure they remained clean-shaven. If a man were in mourning, though, his hair and beard were permitted to grow as a sign of his sorrow. The poor often ignored fashion since it was thought impossible for a man to shave himself and they could ill afford the expense of a daily barbering. Sometimes young men would wear beards just to draw reactions from their elders (sound familiar?). As we do today, a man went to a barbershop where the barber (tonsor)--either male or female--would cut their hair or remove it. Children's Hair Children were allowed to grow their hair long, often down to the shoulders. Young girls usually wore their hair knotted at the back of the neck or in a ponytail, but some had curls or bangs, which could be either straight or curled. Boys didn't shave until they achieved their majority and could wear the toga. When they did, the downy remnants of their first shaving were often preserved in a small box and offered as a sacrifice to one of the Roman gods. Tools A calmistrum, a hollow iron instrument in the shape of a rod, was used to obtain lasting curls. Combs were made of ivory, wood, tortoiseshell or sometimes gold. Hairpins, ribbons, nets, and tiny combs were used to hold hair in place. Razors were made of bronze or iron and weren't very sharp. Mirrors were made of polished bronze or silver.

Wooo hooo........ Yipeeeee!!!! It's finally finished, well done Gail, you must be really proud of yourself. So when can we expect to see it on the shelves???? On the football side of things, the (once) mighty Leeds United also got off to a winning start, only four more victories to go then we might start getting some points on the board!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WOT!!! Have a great day you young rapscallion you!

The actual instruction given to the children by the father would vary with his own education and would at best be subject to all sorts of interruptions due to his private business or his public duties. We find that this embarrassment was appreciated in very early times, and that it was customary for the Pater familias who happened to have among his slaves one competent to give the needed instruction to turn over to him the actual teaching of the children. It must be remembered that slaves taken in war were often much better educated than their Roman masters. Not all households, however, would include a competent teacher, and it would seem only natural for the fortunate owner of such a slave to receive into his house at fixed hours of the day the children of his friends and neighbors to be taught together with his own. For this privilege he might charge a fee for his own benefit, as we are told that Cato actually did, or he might allow the slave to retain as his pecūlium the little presents given him by his pupils in lieu of direct payment. The next step, one taken in times too early to be accurately fixed, was to select for the school a more convenient place than a private house, one that was central and easily accessible, and to receive as pupils all who could pay the modest fee that was demanded. To these schools girls as well as boys were admitted, but the girls had little time for studying more than their mothers could teach them; those who did carry their studies further came usually of families that preferred to educate their daughters in the privacy of their own homes and could afford to do so. The exceptions to this rule were so few that from this point we may consider the education of boys alone. Taken from The Private Life of the Romans by H W Johnston A ROMAN SCHOOL From an ancient relief in Trier.

Well if anyone deserve's a major blow-out then it's you Doc! 27yrs of school!!!......... WOW!! That's pretty amazing dedication. P.S. If your blow out's anything like the party we've had here at UNRV then I want pictures!!!!!!!!

Doesn't sound very modest to me..... Suetonius, life of Nero, 31

I was recently in Rome and went to the Largo Argentina. Here's a couple of pictures..... http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?automo...si&img=1637 http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?automo...si&img=1636