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I have less than a rudimentary level of Latin comprehension. I would think, however, that at least a basic level of understanding of Latin would be necessary to be a classics major focusing on Roman history. Part of the problem, of course, is that few high schools now offer instruction in either Latin or Ancient Greek. https://www.nationalreview.com/news/princeton-removes-greek-latin-requirement-for-classics-majors-to-combat-systemic-racism/

I first read Tom Holland’s “Rubicon” in 2006 (on a trip to Italy). I have admired his writing since then. He had at that time an almost detached view of the role of religion in the ancient world. In the last few years, however, Holland’s view on Christianity has evolved. Now, he has become more receptive to the possibility that the Christian movement may have had a positive influence on the development of a more tolerant and enlightened Western world. Admittedly, I have little interest in philosophical and religious matters. Also, I already have too many books waiting to be read. So, it will probably be a while before I find time to read this book. Here’s a good discussion on the book:

Although these mosaics placed on the wall are beautiful and can be more closely appreciated, I still have my reservations: https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c1038wnxyy0t/archaeology?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=undefined_p09jxjm8%26How do you move a 2%2C000-year-old mosaic from the floor to the wall of Dorset Museum%3F%262021-05-28T12%3A10%3A54.053Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:pips:p09jxjm8&pinned_post_asset_id=undefined_p09jxjm8&pinned_post_type=share

Italy has now made serious efforts to end pillage of its cultural sites and repatriate of stolen items. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/28/pompeii-art-police-italy-tomb-raiders-archaeology

Here is an interesting insight into the Roman presence in Scotland: The severed leg is believed to have been part of an elaborate equestrian statue erected in the second century AD. It was found in a bog in Milsington, Scotland in 1820. https://blog.nms.ac.uk/2017/04/24/legless-romans/ https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/the-mystery-of-scotlands-legless-roman-where-did-it-come-from-3253265

Here’s an interesting article about numismatic evidence of ancient Roman-Chinese trade It seems that the coins found were mostly Byzantine: https://novoscriptorium.com/2019/11/30/roman-coins-in-china/

Most of us are familiar with the sights of Rome. Here’s a great video on subterranean Rome from a few years back:

Scary story, indeed. I think going on a Nile river cruise would be the extent of my thrill seeking.

This looks like a great way to see the pyramids. https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/travel/watch-what-it-s-like-to-take-to-the-skies-in-a-hot-air-balloon-in-the-egyptian-city-of-luxor-1.1228918

An interesting exhibit on Nero at the British museum in May; Nero: the man behind the myth | British Museum n the latest research, this major exhibition questions the traditional narrative https://ancientimes.blogspot.com/2021/04/nero-man-behind-myth-to-open-at-british.html the ruthless .

Another article: https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.artnet.com/art-world/six-ancient-frescos-returned-pompeii-1970702/amp-page Other recent findings at site:

The above GIF was taken from a horrifying naval battle scene from the movie Ben-Hur (2016). It is somewhat incorrect, however, since galley rowers were usually not slaves, but free naval seamen:

I appreciate the update. You (and many others) are sorely missed. Please make more visits.

Good podcast on ancient Roman eye care: https://play.acast.com/s/the-ancients/windowstothesoul-romaneyecare

Here’s a fun article that seemed initially ridiculous ... only initially. https://www.ancientpages.com/2021/05/19/did-ancient-romans-reach-the-americas-long-before-columbus/ Summary: Sure, the idea that ancient Romans visited the Americas before Columbus seems far fetched. It has been recently accepted, however, the ancient Romans had at least trading posts in the Indian subcontinent. Soon, historians will be suggesting that the Chinese Admiral Zheng had visited the Americas about a half century before Columbus (1421). Wait. You mean that theory is now at least considered? I am not sure of the significance of reportedly ancient amphora found off the coast of Brazil. Could these be Greek or even Phoenician, instead? guy also known as gaius

Thank you for reading this post. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nefertiti_Bust Interesting article about the CT scan technology that seems to confirm its authenticity: The CT scan showed that the Nephertiti bust had a limestone core: https://web.archive.org/web/20120704110319/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/science/news/article_1473370.php/Nefertiti_s_hidden_face_proves_Berlin_bust_is_not_Hitler_s_fake

Another great commercial with an ancient theme:

Roman culture was pervasive throughout the Empire. Bathing rituals are just one example. https://www.laprensalatina.com/roman-baths-emerge-from-sand-dunes-of-southern-spain/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

More ancient material being returned to its owner: One of the recovered fragments. Photograph: Parco Archeologico di Pompei pre/AFP/Getty Images https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/18/stolen-roman-frescoes-returned-to-pompeii-after-investigation

This is an interesting article on Nefertiti, Queen of Egypt. She was best known for her beauty, but she is now being reassessed as a powerful and independent ruler of Egypt after the death of her husband Pharaoh Akhenaten. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1437238/egypt-breakthrough-queen-nefertiti-pharaoh-archaeology-tutankhamun-valley-kings-spt Good video on Nefertiti:

https://amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/may/16/all-that-glisters-flood-of-fake-ancient-jewellery-dupes-buyers?__twitter_impression=true

Another interpretation of the story: https://greekreporter.com/2021/05/16/gothic-warrior-found-buried-greece-thessaloniki/

Being not religious, I found this video helpful in keeping these three edicts straight in my mind: the Edicts of Serdica, Milan, and Thessalonica: Summary: This is a nice summary from Wikipedia: guy also known as gaius https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Serdica https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Milan https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Thessalonica

You may want to send a message thru UNRV to Ian Huges or Maty Matyszak. Although they have both been away from this site for some time, they are very accomplished authors who might be able to give you some insight.

A nice article about the use of Cipollino mable in Roman Carthage. These articles have certainly changed my image of ancient Rome: https://www.cipollino.org/carthage Other examples of Cipollino marble: Other modern uses of colored marble: