Augustus Caesar

I echo those thoughts NN. Are we really visiting what was a really remarkable ship or just a ghost of what she was? I fear the latter. It's a little like the reconstructed buildings on the forts on or near Hadrian's Wall. Now while they are spectacular and close to the originals they cannot be seen as originals. So do we get a feel for what they are supposed to be? I doubt it. So, as you say NN, I think the best way to get a feel fo this would be to rebuild what's leftand put her out to sea and allow people to get a true feel for what she stands for. That's being a ship on the water in the open sea and not stuck shamefully in a dock or riverside somewhere. If it was vandalism what's the odds that the ship wasn't covered by CCTV? Now whouldn't that be ironic? We can cover everywhere else where damage would run into a few quid with a broken window or two but not a ship worth millions!! Excellent!!!! Again, if it is proven as vandalism what would happen to those if caught? "He's not coming out... he's been a very naughty boy!!" A

Augustus Caesar shows up just in time to witness this dastardly deed by Caldrail!! Question is - does he bribe Caldrail or become a party pooper and tell all to an aghast audience? AC ponders this behind the huge marble pillar no-one noticed was there before...

Aaaaawwww.... thanks guys. I've just sobered up enough as caldrail says to switch on the PC... I'm barely remembering what to do after that though!!! I don't want to single anyone in particular out but as Maureen does not contribute on here I will say a special 'Thank You' and hope Andrew passes it on... Thank you Maureen!!!!!! Wot - nay!! It's never too late!! Pertinax - I snucked it in only recently on the profile because I had neglected to do it when I joined this fabulous forum!! caldrail- any tips on what comes next after pressing the power button? Andrew - fancy writing a book? Seriously... all these best wishes etc are deeply appreciated guys - thanks so much. It's nice to have so many friends!!

Ah - of course!!! Stupid of me!! The proper term is a derivative of Newcastle Brown which is then formed in Geordie to make Newcassel Broon. The 'southern folk' then turned it a little more to be Newkie Broon. From there it transpired to the form you stated here... nukie broon. The Newkie was a shortened term for Newcastle. Why did I not remember that earlier? That Chinese I had must have had something in it!! His name was Lin Chung!! Remember him? The Water Margin? So there we have it and so endeth the education for one night!! I can't do two lessons in one day!!

WOW Thanks guys!! I appreciate all your best wishes and everything! I like the description of a Geordie NN... esp. the bit about the NUFC shirt and shorts. Yep, we're a tough breed up here!!! I like the idea of a weekend of partying too docoflove1974 and will live it up as best I can!! I'm stuffed now after a huge Chinese meal so I decided to come and talk to all my buddies. It was a great surprise to see all these posts and nice words - thank you. Don't know about the muffins The Augusta - but Flavia will get the joke!!!!!! Big style... don't ask if you don't know this one!!! Or read my report on the UK trip to York in April!!! Now what would I do after eating a huge Chinese and then lay back on my couch to watch a whole bunch of slave girls doing their thing in front of me? Are you trying to get me excited Nephele? The 'Nookie' is one I haven't heard!! Well, apart from its obvious sexual meaning!! Did you partake of this obviously fine beverage then whilst in these glorious parts of good 'ol blighty? And were you - 'nuked'??? I'm glowing with pride now because it's a great feeling to know that somewhere out there someone cares!! Thanks again guys...........

Anyone wanting to know of the happenings to the Ninth Legion would do well to have a read of this page on the roman-britain.org site.... http://www.roman-britain.org/military/leg9hispana.htm It lists a lot of the possible scenarios for the Ninth and also gives the facts about where they were based. I hadn't actually realised that their inception may have been as Caesar's IX... to be disbanded and reformed more than once!! It's a very interesting read. As for the making of a film... well, let's hope it's a good one. I really am a bit suspicious of American accents among the soldiery though!!! I've nothing against our big pals from over the pond (HURRAH they all shout!!) but it's a bit like a charva trying to talk Geordie or a person with a strong local accent like Welsh talking Cockney. Doesn't work!! And I've nothing against the Welsh either... but charva's? Well, who hasn't? We'll never get any better than The Life of Brian!!!!

Apparently Longbow has commitments this September he is unable to get out of so we may see him on our next meeting in April next year. Thank you The Augusta for finding out for us!! Now then... some news!! Northern Neil, The Augusta, my good lady Flavia and I will meet on Bank Holiday Monday to discuss an itinerary for the meet later in the summer for our trip to Hadrian's Wall. The location? Just to make the rest of you jealous - it's Hadrian's Wall!!!! Vindolanda to be precise. We will discuss quite a lot probably but if anyone has requests, ideas or any suggestions then please do post here and we'll see what we can do. Requests for particular photo's nearer the tme may even be granted if we have good weather and the opportunity presents itself so ask away. This is for those who can't make it or just want to see a certain shot maybe. More later about all that. I have emailed Comitatus about a possible meeting with them along their proposed Wall marching route and I await a reply. This is the second communication and I hope to get something a little more concrete to enable us to pinpoint our own routes to coincide with theirs. Myself or NN will post here when we have more to tell and will probably be after our own meeting. I do have details of their proposed route but it is not set in stone as yet. So just keep checking over the next few weeks and we'll see what materialises.

Would a sense of familiarity not come into play here then. Once the troops move from one area to another or indeed the civilians or whoever then the buildings are built to a standard so as to make places seem like a home from home. It may be more complex than that but astronomy? I don't really think so. I can understand the complications of building huge cities and towns all over the known Roman world then would be enormous and extremely time consuming if they had to get it right every time. The Egyptians and other races I can totally accept becuse it has been proven. Rome and the likes? Not really!! I remain sceptical of that one I'm afraid... until PROVEN wrong!!

Yes, that's right, Auguste, but 'don't drop me off the mailing list' as they say. I'll be at the next one! And envious best wishes to all those who will be there, defending the Empire against the Pictish hordes. Drop you off the mailing list!!??? Not an issue!! How could we? You're one of a band of army members now that will be called upon to do their duty in defence of the greatest empire the world has ever seen!! Just keep your shield and sword at the ready... you never know when the call will come!! We look forward to seeing you in York next year Andrew. Keep safe in Gaul... you know what they're like over there - old Vercy might just be hiding around a corner - well, at least his spirit might be!!!!

Aaaaawwwwwwww shucks NN!!!! I dunno what to say!! I know I'm a Geordie and proud of it but I can assure you that wasn't me!! I've heard this one a few times as it's been on our local radio and is passed around here as a ringtone!!! That guy was fantastic!! I've had opportunity to have a right go at a guy from a bank who wanted to charge us for rent that had been paid by them to our old housing association when we moved to a new house. They had the standing order cancelled but decided in all their wisdom to ignore it and call us asking for about

Thank you Augusta for PMing Longbow. We await a response then!! docoflove1974... hopefully you will be able to make it and can join in what is surely going to be a great weekend. If not we'll see you in York next Spring. Our proverbial Geordie and fellow countryman's fingers are crossed!!! So, we may have eight so far....

I don't know Augusta. I have had little contact with Longbow on these forums but I have checked and the last post made was on 11 April this year. Maybe you could send a PM and give notice of the Wall trip? Profile interests show a possible case of excitement by the prospect of meeting Comitatus. Maybe one other of our troupe could ask Longbow of a possible trip? It's not too far from Durham either.

An objective read but then one finds at the foot of the article his religious background and this gives a different perspective. Until someone somewhere finds categorical truth about the times of Jesus and fellow man then we will all argue different things according to what one believes from stories one has read and also from what one has heard. I still say we need proof every time before we can jump to conclusions. This is true for many many historical facts and figures including our precious Roman way of life. Interpretation can be good and bad too. Debate is always welcome but it loses me when someone says their 'truth' is the true one. I assume this dig will go for some time yet and hopefully the truth WILL come out somehow.

Me too! Unfortunately I will be moving into my new house on the 28th, so I will not be present this time - my apologies. Oh no... moving house.. tell you what Wot (terrible I know) bring it with you!! Kettle too at least. If you can't make it this time we'll all see you in York at the annual meet? Or even on the southern one if it is happening!! We'll make a toast for you and share your supplies between us!! Not sure about the Leeds scarf NN!!!!! Esp. after this season!! My Toon one will stay home no doubt too... maybe we'll have a manager and a player called Michael Owen on our books then as well... oh - and the chairman will resign!!! So, who have we got so far? The Augusta, Pertinax, Northern Neil, AC and Flavia, Caldrail, Gaius Paulinus Maximus, Gaius Octavius?, docoflove 1974?, Nephele? with Andrew Dalby and WotWotius unavailable. So, it's 7 out of 10 so far which isn't bad. The question marks mean possible but need persuading???? Anyone else?

There's loads of stuff just waiting for us and our shovels... bring your wellies!!! That stretch of Wall is very good indeed but then so is most of the rest!! I hope you lot aren't going to dress up in legionary outfits etc... with a name like AC I would have to bring the full Emperor garb!! And I ain't made it yet!!! Just a word of warning regarding shoes... please bring some sturdy ones at least and good walking boots if you have them. Some parts of the walks along the Wall can be very uneven and injury is a strong possibilty. I cannot stress that too lightly. Do not walk in sandals or light shoes. The heavy stone laden ground will be unsympathetic. A rainproof light coat is welcome too - just in case. Otherwise be sensible out there!!!! This part of Britain can be wild and the weather changes in minutes sometimes. Remember you will be on high ground among hilly areas and although the countryside around can be awesome and spectacular it can also be cruel. On a lighter note let's just go and enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!! NN and I could be meeting soon to sort out some form of itinerary and we'll post here with any details at that time.

Well, I've followed this with interest and I must say some folk jump very quickly to tell us it IS the very tomb of Herod while others show a distinct lack of enthusiasm. Personally, I would say a few more bits of evidence is required. Engravings would be just the order of the day but is it likely? The tomb apparently was smashed by Herod's detractors because he was a puppet of the Roman Empire. I await more convincing evidence but it is a great story!!

Hey, AC - no 'go' intended at all! As I said, the story of Das Rheingold and the entire cycle proved to me that if Zimmer had intended to plagiarise (I mean it nicely) then he had certainly given it some deep thought. The Rhine's leitmotif is used to symbolise the river that is the seat of wealth (the Rheingold) and, through wealth, power (i.e. the Ring). I thought that it was a perfect choice as a motif for Rome of the early 3rd century too. Unfortunately, I do not have the 2 DVD set, so I can't avail myself of Zimmer's commentary on his score, which is a pity. As for Rome: Total War - my son has just inherited a new computer from a generous friend and he is installing the game as we speak, so I will be able to hear that for myself soon! I knew you meant it all nicely Augusta!! The music from Rome: Total War is a really beautiful soundrack. I love the vocals and, of course, the whole thing does sound 'Roman'!! Whatever that may be!!! You will be pleasantly surprised I think when you hear some of it. Not all the music is in the game of course but a lot of it was actually used on Time Commanders!! Rememeber that? The graphics engine for that show was from the Total War game engine.

I may have some more info on this in the near future so keep your eyes peeled. Pertinax may also put some info here on an idea he has. If so, feedback would be welcomed...

Well, I must say The Augusta that I am surprised it has taken this long for you to watch it. I saw it at the cinema, thought it was very good. I then bought the DVD and have watched it about 40 odd times. The film is fantastic. I don't care too much about liberties taken because it doesn't alter the real history. Russell Crowe was superb, Pheonix awesome, Nielsen brilliant, Harris excellent!! But the biggest surprise for me was Oliver Reed. He was outstanding. Not a great actor in my eyes before this because of his behaviour etc but this made him for me. Absolutely superb. When he was describing the Colosseum to Maximus it was a joy to watch. What a loss it was when he died while the film was being shot.... The soundtrack has to be one of the best pieces ever released. If you have the DVD plese watch the second one where Hans Zimmer DOES say that he used different pieces deliberately and just twisted them about a bit. So no cause there to have a go!! I also have the second CD where certain scenes are spoken throughout the soundtrack and while not to everyone's taste it is still very good. Another soundtrack some may not even know about but is on a par with this and could arguably be even better is the music from the PC game Rome : Total War. This is an outstanding piece of work and those who like their music like Gladiator will love this. It may still be available although it was ordered only through the Total War site. I can always 'sort this out' for you if wanted. Anyway, there are 33 tracks to it and it is extremely good listening. The last track is awesome!!!

Hi all Some of you will be aware that I have contacted Comitatus (re-enactment group) about their itinerary on Hadrians Wall on Friday to Sunday 28th to 30th September this year. Paul Elliott has been in touch with preliminary routes and march details. They will start late on Friday with an overnight camp and march early Saturday. Sunday is open so far Paul will contact me again when they have decided what is to be their final plan for that route. I will be working toward meeting them somewhere along the way even if it just for half an hour or so or even a march with them. I have to be wary of those who may not manage hills too well (my good lady being one) so we'll do our best. They are lunching at Twice Brewed on Saturday so we could even be there. Plans are still at the early stage but if you all think this is worth pursuing and you want to meet up with them then let me or NN know. Thanks eveyone...

Nah!! They just had the life sucked out of them by blood thirsty aliens!!!

Weren't children in those days though not considered as "to be loved and nurtured offspring" like today? They were more of a commodity and were very easily cast aside with little feeling or any remorse!! I'm not saying all parents were like that but it is often said in documentaries on this subject that most would not blink an eye at casting their offspring to one side and exposing them. Children were more a 'property' to be owned and sold at will. Just what the scale of this was though is open to conjecture as always. A recent program (well, recent enough) showed a site where lots of these children were to be found after their parents exposed them. Perhaps one of you may remember the program or the site. They both escape me at the moment.

In the scene following Messalina's execution Claudius sat alone in his own chair and declared to his freedmen when they entered the room "I'll see my wife now." Narcissus.. "She was executed last night... at your order Caesar. Here is the warrant." After a long pause Gita says.. "There is a dispatch from Britain Caesar..." They tell him he is to be made a God in Colchester. Another pause. They leave and Claudius cries. End of episode "A God in Colchester". So that's how he was told in I Claudius!! Wouldn't it be fanatstic to have a window in time to see all this and more?

The study may well be more challenging than the newspaper reports (it can be hard to get your research noticed!) but my comment would be that women and phalluses (which are necessarily attached to men, but the phallus is the only useful part) are essential to the production of babies. 30,000 years ago, people had already noticed this. So the two artworks don't prove that "sex was about far more than babies"; they could just as well prove that baby production was seen as necessary to the community. As for transvestism, I'm a bit sceptical. Has research shown that people wore clothes, and that they wore them when not out hunting, and that the two sexes wore them differently, 30,000 years ago? That would be needed first, I feel ... Quite right Andrew I think it would be very clever of someone to give an exact account of detail from lives lived some 30,000 years or more ago. Quite how this research was done or what parameters were used is beyond me but as we don't know I don't really think anyone should criticese it and dismiss it out of hand though. Any research has to start from a foundation base but it's really how it develops from there and to what extent you allow yourself to be taken down the wrong paths. Personally, I would try and put myself in the position of anyone in the past into a particular scenario and at my best guess, see what I can come up with. I feel I would need to take away all my notions about modern life and proceed to adjust to the surroundings and environment of the times. That way, just maybe, I could get a grasp of what life MIGHT have been like. Another aspect is the time they may have had on their hands. Spare time is for recreation or socialising nowadays but then it may have been different. The only way to get proof of what they did then is to find an authentic wall painting or something that may say "My name is Ugg and I loved sex games and had great fun with phaluses while others were out hunting with near naked bodeis and huge long pointy wooden spears to kill our supper with." Like most other periods in history a lot will never be known and must really be left open to conjecture. Some of these studies are worthwhile though. It depends, as I said above, upon parameters and paths followed.

*Nephele falls off chair* AC couldn't quite get there fast enough to save Nephele!! I've got sore sides now too!!!