guy

Our diets (and possibly our gut microbiome) really do determine much of our health. Medicine is only beginning to discover the importance of our microbiomes (gut and skin). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210512115639.htm

Welcome, you guys. Please post your opinions and random musings. I hope you feel better, soon, TitusCrow. I have recently been dealing with a few health challenges, also. By focusing my interests on ancient Rome, I am better to maintain a positive outlook while I (too slowly!) regain my health. Fortunately, as this pandemic rapidly improves (at least in the US and UK), we can soon hope for a “return to normalcy.”

Great review of the Roman Naval Fleet in Britain (Classis Britannica): Simon Elliot’s excellent lecture begins about the 5:00 mark. The Classis Britannica was one of ten regional fleets.It consisted of about 900 ships and 7,000 men. Along with the Classis Germanica, the Classis Britannica was the most important fleet outside beyond the borders of Italy. The Classis Britannica had jurisdiction of not only the waters around Britain and the rivers within, it was also responsible for the Northwestern continental coast, including the coasts of Germania and Gaul. Despite the horrific image of galley slaves in the movie Ben-Hur (see GIF above), rowers on fighting ships were usually fit and healthy freemen. (One of many tiles with the mark “CLBR” or Classis Britannica.) https://alchetron.com/Classis-Britannica

I’ve reached out to several older members. A couple people replied. Hopefully, they will rejoin us.

I appreciate anything (including a silly commercial) that motivates others to learn about ancient history, no matter how ridiculous.

Like Pliny the Elder, this could be another victim of the ill-fated rescue attempt from Vesuvius eruption: A bag with tools was found with the skeleton when it was discovered https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57055163

Another interesting find https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/21417 Summary: It will be interesting to see what further field research and DNA studies yield on understanding the social and cultural context of this discovery.

Not the most academic source ... but it’s a start.

https://www.sciencealert.com/ancient-roman-gate-to-hell-killed-victims-with-its-deadly-lake

Some nice photos of the site: https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/in-pictures-new-photos-show-amazing-detail-of-nationally-important-scarborough-roman-ruins-3227300

Interesting post. Than you. I will reply as a religious skeptic. I think there were three major reasons for the slow diffusion of Christianity throughout the Empire. 1. The majority of the Empire spoke either Latin or Greek, facilitating the spread of the Church teachings over vast and diverse areas. 2. The efficient road system allowed more rapid travel throughout the Empire for missionaries and and other believers. 3. The fundamental nature of Christianity improved its chances of success. Christianity is a proselytizing belief system which allowed membership by all segments of society. Many of the mystery cults, on the other hand, were more exclusive, open only to a more narrow segment of society based on gender, class, or profession. Christianity would, therefore, be more attractive to the weak and powerless of society: women, slaves, the poor, downtrodden, etc. If anything, the Roman army was an impediment to the spread of Christianity. The military served as an enforcer of the cult of the emperor, willing to suppress the Christian faith with any imperial order. For the first three centuries of the Christian faith, the rare Christian legionnaire was more a thing of Christian mythology than part of any real movement. Despite the eventual success of Christianity in becoming the official religion of the Empire, we should remember that this conversion was a long and uneven process. It took nearly three centuries of perseverance and martyrdom before the "conversion" of the emperor Constantine in AD 312. guy also known as gaius

Here's a great video about the vast ancient city below modern Naples: Summary: Living in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius would give one a different perspective on life. The video suggests that wind saved Naples from a fate similar to Pompeii in AD 79. The video also claims that less than half of Naples sits on solid ground. Some of Naples is above Nero's ancient theater. guy also known as gaius https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/napoli-sotterranea-napoli-2?start=60

Some do not want further renovations of the Acropolis in Athens: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/acropolis-renovation-1962796 Summary: It is a fine balance about preserving antiquity and improving access to the public. This is a very different reaction to the planned retractable floor of the Colosseum in Rome. Below are two wonderful images of the Acropolis during last winter (2021). guy also known as gaius The Parthenon temple atop the Athenian Acropolis hill is pictured during heavy snowfalls in Athens on February 16, 2021. (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The engineering and architecture planning firm Milan Ingegneria has won the bid to construct the retractable roof over the Colosseum in Rome. https://www.bellinghamherald.com/entertainment/celebrities/article251108664.html This was previously discussed in an earlier thread: Summary: Below is the project presentation by the winner of the project. guy known as gaius

The discovery of a marble head of Augustus was announced in Isernia, italy this week. https://artslife.com/2021/04/30/grande-scoperta-archeologica-ad-isernia-la-testa-marmorea-dellimperatore-augusto-che-promette-sorprese/ Summary: This marble is an idealized depiction of Augustus and thought to date from the first century AD. guy also known as gaius (Thanks to Nina Willburger @DrNWillburger for bringing this to our attention.)

Someone is getting their finger back https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/giant-statue-roman-emperor-constantine-reunited-with-long-lost-finger Summary: It's good to see that the finger is returned to its rightful owner. guy also known as gaius

Another interesting find: http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/yavne-mosaic-09595.html Summary: It is good to see that archaeological excavations have resumed in many parts of the world. Below are two good videos on find. guy also known as gaius

Another interesting find. Hopefully more details will follow: https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/first-photos-from-scene-of-exciting-new-archaeological-dig-in-wakefield-village-3218593 Summary: Although the details are still lacking, this site will hopefully yield more interesting findings in the future. I had to find Wakefield on the map. It is north of London (160 miles, 259 km), south of Hadrian's Wall (120 miles, 200 km): guy also known as gaius

Sometimes it is easy to forget the presence and impact of ancient Rome in Bulgaria, ancient Thrace. Rome conquered the area in AD 46 and created the province of Thracia. Recently, there had been a discovery of a tombstone to a legionnaire found in Northwest Bulgaria. The stone was probably made by his dedicated slave. Now, there has been a discovery of another ancient Roman city in Northwest Bulgaria: http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2021/04/25/1st-century-bc-traces-of-earliest-roman-presence-in-bulgaria-on-danube-discovered-halfway-between-major-antiquity-cities-bononia-vidin-and-ratiaria-archar/ Summary: Buried deep in the article, I found this disturbing quote: It's good to see ancient history rescued and preserved. guy also known as gaius

One shouldn't underestimate the impact of cataclysmic environmental events on world history. In this article, the Icelandic volcano of AD 536 and its impact on the ancient world, especially the Byzantine empire are discussed : There is a lot of evidence for this environmental disruption: ice core samples from around the globe, tree ring studies, and particles chemically similar to the Icelandic volcano found in Greenland ice core as well as in European lakes and bogs. https://greekreporter.com/2021/04/26/536-worst-year-ever-to-be-alive-in-history/ Summary. With these new discoveries, we are learning to appreciate the impact of the environment and disease on human history. guy also known as gaius

Despite the COVID-19 lockdowns, it is good to see the archaeological excavations continue: https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/roman-settlement-leicestershire-discovered-dig-team-google-earth-971909 https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-56857409 Summary: It is nice to see that modern technology has continued to help in the discovery of ancient Roman sites: guy also known as gaius

An interesting auction is coming: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9495133/Roman-artefacts-dug-detectorists-tipped-sell-100-000.html Summary: Hopefully, it can be purchased by a museum or foundation that will have the items on display. guy also known as gaius

Here is an interesting article on closer examination of the Great Isaiah Scroll, one the more than 900 texts found on the northern shore of the Dead Sea. Here's some background information on the Great Isaiah Scroll, first: Here's the study: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56842712 Summary: This is only one text examined out of more than 900. It will interesting to learn what will be the future discoveries will be. guy also known as gaius https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_Scroll

This is an exciting find in Turkey: https://www.livescience.com/roman-era-arena-discovered-in-turkey.html Summary: Turkey seems to have the potential for many great discovery. guy also known as giaus

I haven't downloaded the site, yet, but the pictures look amazing. Unfortunately, it is only Mac compatible: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/645708/baalbek-reborn-ancient-roman-ruins-virtual-tour