Nephele

wistfully remembered by...

Batiatus is one slimy character. Vile yet somewhat likable at the same time. He is scary but not really intimidating. He has a sort of charm that can be disarming. He could smile in your face while slitting your jugular. And I loved the part when he was snubbed by the senator who told him to stay out of politics and stick to what he does best. In reality he probabaly would do well in politics, where high level backstabbing is a prerequisite. That's an excellent assessment of the character! (and of politics, too...) -- Nephele

According to onomatologist and lexicographer, Patrick Hanks, the surname "Pannone" is Italian in origin and is probably an augmentative of "Panno," which comes from the Italian word for "cloth; clothes; linen" and is "probably a metonymic occupational name for someone who made cloth or clothes." (Source: Dictionary of American Family Names, edited by Patrick Hanks. Oxford University Press, 2003.) The name "Pannonia" is derived from a group of ancient tribes called the Pannonii. Ancient Greek historical writers referred to this and a similar tribe as the Paeones. (Source: A Classical Dictionary, Containing an Account of the Principal Proper Names Mentioned in Ancient Authors, by Charles Anthon. Harper & Bros., 1891.) -- Nephele

A Day in Old Rome, by William Stearns Davis. -- Nephele

I really enjoyed reading this, as I've been to Nottingham's famous sandstone caves. The (purportedly) oldest pub in England is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, so called because it was said that the Crusaders stopped there for a last pint before heading off to the Holy Land. I've had a pint there, myself! I'll have to show this article to my man, who is from Nottingham. -- Nephele

So... I'm a man??? That reviewer don't know jack shit 'bout wimmenfolk! -- Nephele

At least they didn't cover up her face, as well. As one might have expected in some Middle Eastern countries. -- Nephele

$54 for just 13 episodes??? Pfffftt! I think the price will come down once the DVD hits the stores -- like Target and Best Buy. I can wait. -- Nephele

I know that, over the years here, I've expressed nothing but scorn for Wikipedia, but I think I'm going to have to change my opinion... There's a Wiki contributor going by the name of P. Aculeius who has lately been contributing a number of admirable articles on Roman onomastics. He's even corrected errors I'd found in Wiki articles and which I'd posted about here (such as the old Wiki article on Roman praenomina which stated that the praenomen "Appius" was used only by the Claudia gens). I don't know who this guy is, but if he were around here I'd crown him with a wreath of laurel. His Wiki articles on Roman gentes are outstanding. -- Nephele

Eagle's Nest Christian Academy? Anyone here making a connection to Kehlsteinhaus? -- Nephele

"If they volunteered, that would have been one thing," she said. "But to take the kids at the bottom of the performance -- that's just like putting a big 'L' for loser on their foreheads." I'd want to BRAND a big "L" on the forehead of my slave! Christian schools are fun! Wheeee! -- Nephele

Have a great day, Ursus! -- Nephele

Welcome aboard, Stella! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your archaeological experiences. -- Nephele

It was absolutely brilliant. I'm thinking of keeping my subscription to Starz a little bit longer, just so I can watch the entire series over again. And, yes, I'd heard about Andy Whitfield's lymphoma. Crispina, your poor mom, yikes. Guy/Gaius, thanks for the link to that article on John Hannah! I'm glad the Starz and series execs didn't go with their first thought of casting a "TV equivalent of Tom Cruise to portray Batiatus." Ugh. If you ask me, John Hannah as Batiatus was the star of the series. -- Nephele

Description of Sam Worthington as Perseus, in his too-short tunic: "a jock in a frock." Hahahaha! Priceless! -- Nephele

Birthday hails to you, Bryaxis! May you have a great day! -- Nephele

You might like to check out UNRV's own Wallmap of the Roman Empire, "exhautively researched over the course of two years and subject to five months of design and historical scrutiny." Click here. The map is circa 117 CE, but that's pretty close to the time period you specified. -- Nephele

I liked the Garmin ad best! -- Nephele

I'm currently reading Saturnalia. It's the 18th novel in Lindsey Davis' series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, a detective in ancient Rome. Great book

Welcome back, Spurius! -- Nephele

I was wondering when you'd notice. Marcellus Mastrannus, you are descended from that ill-fated imposter, Amatius "who pretended to be either the son or grandson of the great Marius. On the death of Julius Caesar B.C. 44, he came forward as a popular leader, and erected an altar to Caesar on the spot where his body had been burnt. He was, however, shortly afterwards seized by the consul Antony and put to death without a trial." Unlike your ancestor, you have refrained from any tendencies towards impersonation of the famous, and have subsequently fared better. Like your ancestor, you bear the gens name of Amatius. However, your cognomen is Habens, literally meaning "having; holding," and indicating that you possess property and are very wealthy. Your praenomen is "Spurius," abbreviated as "S." Your full Roman name is: S. Amatius Habens = sbaahaymntiess

Birthday hails, MPC! May you have an auspicious birthday and Ides of March! -- Nephele

Welcome aboard! -- Nephele

It's not yet the 13th here in the States, but we're always raring to party early! Birthday hails to you, Primus Pilus, o illustrious Triumvir! May you have a glorious weekend! -- Nephele

Birthday hails to you, Maladict! May you have an excellent day! -- Nephele