sonic

I agree - to a point. I call him the last of the Roman generals because he is probably the last general that earlier generations, especially in the Principate, would acknowledge as being their descendant, and was probably the last natural Latin speaker that rose to high rank. After him, and especially with Narses, there is a distinct switch to a more Eastern culture, despite the fact that they thought of themselves as 'Romans'. I can't really believe that, for instance, Augustus, Caesar or Trajan would have been impressed with the idea of an eunuch at the head of the Imperial armies.

When I went to Cardiff University I determined to focus on the Fall of the West and the Kingdom of England until c.1216 (the death of King John). However, at the time I had to press the Heads of History, Ancient History and Archaeology to allow me to study the different subjects from each department (Ancient History = Fall of the West; History = England from c.800 - 1216; Archaeology = Fall of the West, Anglo-Saxon England to c.1100). Once I pointed out to them what I wanted and how I needed to have the disciplines overlap, they bent over backwards to let me have my courses - as long as the timetables permitted it, since they hadn't been designed to overlap. I took it as a compliment that from the following year they designed modules to allow anybody to do the same. So at least one Univeristy allows the 'joined' study of History and Archaeology. On the other hand, I think History and Archaeology will always be separate due to the completely different basic techniques that need to be taught in the first year. PS. I can't guarantee that Cardiff still have the same attitude: the lecturers have no doubt changed over the past 15 years. PPS. 15 years??? Where did the time go!!

Many thanks for the pictures! Between you and Klingan this past month, I almost feel as though I've travelled to Italy myself! -- Nephele You've also reminded me of the best holiday I've ever had. Thank you.

I spent a week in Pozzuoli a few years ago. If you get chance take in the ruins at Baia(e), the Grotto of the Sybil and Cumae. Thanks for the posts - bringing back great memories. PS. If you get to Baia(e), is the upside-down tree still there?

I hate you with a passion you can only imagine!! May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits. Unless, of course, you're willing to sell ... ?

I'm not sure why you included this: because it was the only one available in English? It's very dated and merely retells the story as related by Procopius. There was no attempt at a detailed analysis and because of this Mahon simply repeated all of Procopius' mistakes, such as the conflation of two of Belisarius' early battles into one. Recommended for the traditional, starry-eyed view of Belisarius, not as an attempt to tell his story in full.

But I think 'Mein Kampf' with its 164,000 grammatical and Syntactical errors should be kept - along with the propaganda films of Goebbels - as illustrations of what can be achieved by warped thinking and beliefs. If you actually read any of it, the lack of clear-headed logic is insightful.

Now I'm really jealous. During the siege of Rome (defended by Belisarius in 537 if my memory serves me) the defenders stationed on the mausoleum broke up the statues that were on the top and threw them down on the attacking Goths. I've always felt slightly awed when I've been able to stand and look at something which is specifically connected to ancient events. As the great Monty Python once said: "You lucky ...."!!

It's not bad, but I much preferred her book 'Here be Dragons' about Llewelyn Fawr, Prince of Wales during the reign of King John. I think she captures my vision of John, as well as enhancing my love of Welsh history.

I'm not sure what to say. Although it would be appreciated I wouldn't want you to get into trouble. Er .... Can someone help me out? What do I say??

Thanks for the help guys, but unfortunately I can't find actual photos of the monument anywhere online - and it's the photo I need more than anything. I'll just have to wrack my brains (won't take long!!) and see if anything else comes to mind. Thanks for the help. Ian

What a pity. Thanks very much for trying anyway. The effort is much appreciated! Ian

Honestly, it wasn't a hint!! No, honest!! It's only after I posted that I realised that you were in Rome when looking at the pictures you posted. Unfortunately, there is no clue anywhere as to where it is. All that is ever said is 'in the forum'. Sorry. If you can't find it, don't worry. Surely somebody out there will have a photo of it. I have a little time yet: I don't need it until August, after which I'll become desperate!! Ian

Hi all I was wondering if any of you could possibly help - although I will admit that I think this is a long shot. Somewhere in the Roman Forum is a defaced inscription which begins (I think) with 'FIDELVIRTUTIQDEV ....' Anyway, it's on a monument erected by the senate to celebrate Stilicho's victory over Alaric at Pollenza in 402, and the interesting thing is that two lines - lines 10 and 11: the ones mentioning Stilicho - have been erased following his 'disgrace' and execution in 408. If anyone has a photo of this monument/inscription could they please let me know? Thank you Ian

Happy Birthday mate. Good to see Leeds are in with a shout as well ...

Just too funny ....

hi, thanks, but this University is already listed, you may have missed it on the list`? cheers viggen No - just giving the old place a quick plug! After all, Cardiff covers more than the brief link suggested.

What about the University of Cardiff, Wales? Degrees in ancient history, medieval history, and classic archaeology, or a mixture of them all? Cardiff University, Hisar (History and Archaeology)

I seem to remember seeing somewhere that it was only the 'pila' of the velites that bent - hence the change during Marius' time to pila with a dowel pinning the head to the body. In theory, the dowel would shear upon impact, so the head would then be loose and encumber shields etc. and not be in condition to be thrown back. If only I could remember where I saw it ....

I hope you like it. I'm just annoyed that you weren't contacted by the publisher. Oh well, never mind ... I've just finished the Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe Trilogy in four parts. Very funny.

Who was that general in Spain? I can almost see his name. Marcellus????? Help! The above quote seems to apply to him. He was 'good' but politics etc did him in. Do you mean Sertorius?

But what about those that proved themselves in the field but have since been lost: overshadowed by Caesar, Trajan et al?

Having done lots of research on Belisarius recently, I was struck by how many good generals were available to Justinian, but slightly saddened by the fact that so many of them are now 'unknown'. Are there any generals that you know of whose exploits have been lost in the mists of time? As a starter, I offer Solomon. Began on Belisarius' staff but, during the Moorish revolt after Belisarius' reconquest of Africa, he defeated the Moors and in a single battle he allegedly killed 50,000 enemy without ANY losses to his own men. Surely he would have been given major honours in an earlier period? Is there a similar figure from the earlier periods, or is this just a one-off scenario?

Sonic: Your book is definitely on my "to read" queue. I'm definitely looking forward to it. (One of the other books on my queue, AD 381, should be arriving this week.) If you are open to friendly and respectful criticism before your second edition of this book, let us know. Constructive criticism before presenting one's professional papers and lectures can be very helpful. I feel that submitting your work to the scrutiny and review of your peers and critics can be very rewarding and gratifying (although sometimes infuriating and potentially deflating). Much success with this and future books. guy also known as gaius Thanks to everyone who has sent me good wishes: it is very much appreciated. I agree that constructive criticism can be extremely useful - the only part of the sentence that got me worried was 'potentially deflating'. Gulp

I hope you enjoy it!! Don't forget that I'm currently writing book number two so any comments on how I can improve will be gratefully received.