vespasian70

Sir Ronald Syme states only one legion was lost. (Journal of Roman Studies, Vol. 18 (1928), pp. 41-55) Brian Jones also agrees to one legion was lost. (Suetonius: The Flavian Emperors, p.135) Pat Southern in her bio of Domitian says one standard was lost by Fuscus (possibly a Praetorian standard and not a legionary eagle), however she also agrees with Jones that it cannot be that of the V Alaudae because that legion was lost long before the Dacian campaign. Jones states the legion did not survive 69/70 AD. (Southern - Domitian: Tragic Tyrant, p. 98 and Jones - The Emperor Domitian, pp. 138-143)

Thank you for the heads up on this! I quite enjoyed this. Actually, you don't need itunes to listen: go to "The History Of Rome by Mike Duncan" at blogspot.com to listen online. http://thehistoryofrome.blogspot.com/

I've found the following very useful: From Tiberius to the Antonines - Albino Garzetti Vespasian - Barbara Levick The Emperor Titus - Brian W Jones The Emperor Domitian - Brian W Jones Hadrian - Anthony R Birley Marcus Aurelius - Anthony R Birley Septimius Severus - Anthony R Birley The Roman Empire: From Severus to Constantine - Pat Southern

Ever since reading Robert Grave's translation of the 12 Caesars when I was a kid, I've been fascinated by the 1st century AD. I particularly like the Flavian era...so much history there - year of the four Caesars, Masada, fall of Jerusalem, building of the colosseum, eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, ect.

Thanks for the recommendation Melvadius! Looks like an interesting read....I will check it out. Btw, I bought Fraser's book and quite enjoyed it.

I have always loved Connolly's work... I have three of his books (Pompeii, Greece and Rome at War, The Ancient City) and find them very useful because of the many things which are illustrated and can't be found any where else.

I always fancied Tusculum would be a pleasant suburb of Roma. Looking in my Barrington Atlas I can even locate where my villa might be...there is a cluster of them just to the north and west of the town proper on the slopes of the Alban hills.

I ordered Fraser's book today because I'm curious about his conclusions concerning the battle's location. It would be a wonderful thing if Mons Graupius can finally be located!

Currently reading 'Tacitus: Agricola' with text, introduction and commentary by Ogilvie and Richmond. A very rich source of info about Roman Britain in general and Agricola's campaigns in particular.

Fantastic pictures! I can tell a lot of care and detail went into the set design. Can't wait for this to be available here in the States.

Hello all! I have seen two different books available about the battle of Mons Graupius, 'A battle lost: Romans and Caledonians at Mons Graupius' by G. Maxwell and 'The Roman Conquest of Scotland, The Battle of Mons Graupius AD 84' by J. E. Fraser. I'd like to know what anyone thinks about them and which one would be the better choice. Both books are fairly recent (Maxwell's 1990, Fraser's 2005), but I suppose Fraser's being just a couple of years old, reflects more recent scholarship.

Peter O' Toole is the only reason why I would watch this movie...then again, I could watch him read the telephone book for 2 hrs and enjoy it.

IMHO, the answer to all three questions is no. I just hope this doesn't spell out the end of the project. Harris' novel would make a wonderful film in the right hands...

From the table of Roman wines: 'Alban - A preferred wine among the upper classes, it provided several varieties of flavors including very sweet, sweetish, rough, and sharp. It was considered perfect if kept for 15 years.' Recently I tried a Fontana Candida Frascati from the Alban hills. The label says 'In the hills near Rome are areas of volcanic soil over 2,000 years old. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.' A major hint that they believe they are the sucessors of Roman wine making. Not a bad wine at all IMHO.

'Blessed are the cheesmakers.' Indeed.