Primus Pilus

Perhaps because Cato was Caesar's enemy long before the affair between Servilia and Caesar came to an end. There clearly was a definite motive beyond the political that helped bring about her wrath. The path of least resistance was used because its a generally acceptable view even if we can clearly see some other motivational factors. Its definately something that could've been pursued, but I think the additional efforts that would've been necessary to explain the theory may have nixed any thought of exploring further.

Indeed, not because we don't like the ring of the Latin, but because we truly don't want to confuse the random or intermittent visitors who only come to read the 'news'.

And by the same token, simply because it is in a museum does not mean it will properly cared for, displayed and/or respected.

Professor Ward-Perkins, First thank you for participating and welcome to our humble little community of Romanophiles. As for my question, this community once had a rather lengthy discussion concerning the attitude of the post-Roman 'barbarian' successors and the corresponding political relationships. The general consensus seemed to indicate that the fall of Rome in AD 476 is only a date that matters in our linear modern perspective, and to the people of the time the sack of the city was only another event in a chain of ongoing transitions. Simply, wouldn't neighboring 'barbarian kings' and even the eastern Romans have viewed Odoacer as either a continuation of the status quo, or at very worst an usurper (in Zeno's perspective) and certainly not an end to western tradition? And for the common people in central Europe it seems that life would not have changed much at all until much later developments?

Here is the initial thread on the show Empire. As you can see, my initial response was quote positive and enthusiastic. (It was based mostly on hope, and excitement for a show dedicated to ancient Rome.) However, if you continue reading you will soon find that the show becomes laughable at the very best.

I will echo the general sentiment and also try not to reveal too much. The final show was brilliantly done. I was shocked how they resolved the Vorenus situation, mildly amused at how things worked out so conveniently for Pullo and absolutely impressed with the (hard to be a spoiler here, everyone knows what happens) death of Caesar. Brutus, Antony and Octavian (truly the entire cast except Caesar who is dead now anyway =P) are played by excellent actors and the next season should be a thing to behold. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2007 to see it. For those of you in Europe (or in the States who don't have HBO) be assured that each passing episode gets better and better, really pulling the viewer into the drama. Bravo to HBO and BBC, I only hope that there is enough return on the investment to keep producing the show indefinately.

Yes, it had a promising start but turns completely absurd in a relatively short time.

Not me, I talk too damned much.

Hehe, Don't let him fool you, he's a puppet like poor old Romulus Augustulus

To quote that brilliant yellow philosopher, Homer Simpson, "Less Artsy, More Fartsy!"

I have that as well... Its essentially a general overview, but I find it to be an excellent quick reference.

Attested incidents of Roman decimation in the Republic and early empire... 471 BC - the war with the Volsci under Appius Claudius - Livy History of Rome 2, 59 71 BC - Crassus during the revolt of Spartacus - well attested by Plutarch and others 48 BC - Caesar's 10th - Dio Cassius describes the drawing of lots in book 41 chapter 35, though other evidence suggests this as a pre-arranged execution of the mutinous leaders rather than a strict decimation by definition. 37? BC - Marcus Antonius during his Parthia campaign - Dio Cassius XLIX, 27 37 or 36 BC? - Augustus or Agrippa in the Dalmatian campaign - Dio Cassius XLIX, 38 17 or 18 AD - Legio III Augusta during the war with Tacfarinas in Africa - Suetonius Life of Augustus 24, Tacitus Annals III, 21 69 AD - Galba during the Year of the Four Emperors - Tacitus Histories 1, 37, Suetonius: Galba 12 Feel free to add the Imperial period... notable incidents off the top of my head would be Maximian and the Theban legion circa AD 286.

Gaius Julius Caesar Gaius was the praenomen and is a simple informal name generally handed down from the fathers side. Julius is the nomen representing the clan or family name Caesar is the cognomen and represents a specific branch within the family.

A similar thread... Roman Special Troops I suppose the Praetorians would be the closest thing to an organized unit dedicated to the protection of a leader.

Other than offering a historical resource as background for the game, there never was any real connection between the game and the 'Roman history' of this site. Viggen originally started this as a resource for the game and it evolved into what it is when Moonlapse and I joined in. In my own opinion I've always felt that the connection takes away from the work that's been done here (has a less scholarly feel) and have never liked the name in any way, shape or form. (though I still support the game development earnestly). It is what it is however, and it was in place long before the site evolved into what it is. The name will never be changed because of various search engine indexing issues, etc.

The difficulty with Claudius was his apparant blindness towards Messalina and his willingness to defer to Agrippina (as well as other freedmen in his imperial court). Of course, this complete lack of judgement (quite like Tiberius and his semi retirement to Capri) ended up giving the world Nero.

LOL, don't give Viggen any ideas. Before long we'll have barbarians, freedmen, Latin rights...

Yes there will be at least a second season. I just hope the reaction in the UK is solid enough to help push for a 3rd. As for Vorenus and Pullo... From Julius Caesar, the Gallic Wars book 5 chapter 44.

Excellent post and deserving of your emancipation I would beg to differ on the assessment of Claudius' age however as evidence in any disease. Considering he was between 63 and 64 years, that is a relatively long life in comparison to the standard age of the time. Understandably he certainly didn't approach the longevity of some, even though a man in his social class had access to a better diet and was exposed to far less delibitating physical labor. However a man of this age, regardless of social condition, would still be considered as having lived a very long life.

Though this article does leave open the idea that the disease was contracted by pig feces mixed with various plant matter, and that meat was not eaten. At least the evidence isn't clear either way.

Indeed, its something I want to do, just haven't yet wanted to punish myself enough to actually go through and start moving topics around We'll get to it eventually though I'm sure.

Relieving, someone else listens to doom metal! My wife and I (especially her) are anxiously awaiting the new release due out in Spring 2006.

I am new to this site,,I am not sure if I am doing this right,,, I am a Campbell, (Scotish) I am trying to find my blood line,, can anyone help. I am not sure If we decended from Sarmation blood or not. I thank You very much for your reply From a simple google search it seems that Campbell is a relatively new surname dating back only to the 13th century. Based on that, its pretty difficult to trace yourself to a Sarmatian line, which was only introduced to the area some 11 centuries earlier but was also a very tiny portion of population. But I'm not exactly a geneology expert

Rather than post that... why not just edit the post?

Dis was the Roman equivalent of Pluto, or the god of the underworld. Seriously though, if anyone cared to notice, poor old Pullo offered a prayer to Dis (among others) while he awaited his turn in the arena.