Maladict

I imagine the rams were not made of solid bronze, but rather bronze-clad wood. If sufficiently thin, you could drive a nail through it.

Florus & Fructus? Maybe it's a typo and they meant latte drinkers.

Fortunately the excavation itself is a lot more interesting than a (supposed) link with some movie.

Really? I've never seen Gemina mentioned in that context.

Not much different, I fear. Frederick II did succeed, but it did not matter much in the long run. Too many bigots, even for an emperor.

I guess it is because most of their attention was directed to the west, to Spain and France. Supply lines were already becoming unmanageable. And then of course the Ummayads themselves were overthrown, and any aims towards Asia Minor probably went out the window right there. The new regime based itself in Baghdad rather than Damascus, perhaps another indication of changing priorities?

Oh fuck. I've been asking him why he hasn't been spamming my mailbox anymore, now I know. RIP Tom, you'll be missed.

I managed to get inside once, not much to see though. Could dig up the pictures if you're interested, if so send me a pm.

Interesting idea, I had not thought of that.

I'm not a Latinist either. If I recall correctly, the two inscriptions are believed to have been set up roughly at the same time. The second one seems to be even sloppier than the first, even though the lines are straighter. The upper lines are very crowded whereas there is an abundance of space at the bottom. Then there is the question of spelling differences between the two inscriptions. I don't know enough Latin to tell which one would be the original and which one the copy, but since they can't seem to be dated relative to each other, I'm not sure anyone has got that figured out yet. It seems to me that late Romans had a much more 'dynamic' or relaxed approach to grammar and spelling. Languages change over time, so that might not necessarily be a sign of a decline. I hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in though.

Hm, apparently I don't have a picture of the Anician inscription. But I do have a second Basilius inscription, also from the Colosseum. Who can spot the differences?

I've got a picture of it at home. I'll post it when I get there tomorrow. It's an early Anician iirc, 5th century. The Anicians were very powerful in this time, having very close links to a number of 5th century emperors. One of them, Olybrius, was in fact an Anician.

There are indeed a number of very interesting late antique elements to be found in the Colosseum. One of the inscriptions, I believe it's a dedication by one of the Anicians has a very interesting English commentary next to it, stating that the errors that can be found in the text are a sign of the depths to which Roman civilization had fallen. Unfortunately, that very sentence contains a very glaring spelling error. It's almost worth the 11 euros to get in by itself.

Sagalassos strikes again

Please, do keep us posted.

Well, in any case, I think I'll wait for some more convincing evidence before believing it's Lucullus' residence. But it's certainly a great discovery!

Yes, the nymphaeum was found near the Hertziana. I thought the servants' quarters were in the area of casina Valadier, I'd look it up if I had the MEFRA near me but I don't atm.

Silentium, do you know exactly where the excavation is taking place? It doesn't make any sense to me that Lucullus' domus would be located near the Muro Torto. It should be much closer to Villa Medici imho.

I've never had any problems with it, no has any other archaeologist I know. Bones are just like any other find category really. Except perhaps recent burials, like the archaeologists digging up the mass graves in the Yugoslav republics. Hugely rewarding on the one hand, but quite possibly much too close for comfort. It takes a certain type of professional to handle those projects.

Britain declared war on behalf of the dominions too. Australia and the others had no say in the matter, they were at war automatically when Britain signed the declaration. Australia would have had to sign a separate peace treaty with the Central Powers to get out of the war, which would have been awkward to say the least.

Must....resist.... Anyway, I can't help it if another member posts these pictures.

Meaning you did do that one?

Being pareidolia, isn't it supposed to be fake? I don't think it's supposed to be digitally enhanced.

I'm calling a fake on this one.

They couldn't have stepped down voluntarily because no-one else did?