guy

Thank you for reading my post. Yea, that was a good video, too. Living in California, I have learned to live in denial. We are all waiting for "the big one." LOL

Getting history correct can be difficult. Here is an interesting article from Lapham's Quarterly: https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/first-revisionist-historian/?ca_key_code=FB3LQA3

Interesting hypothesis: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/22/vesuvius-wiped-out-all-life-pompeii-15-minutes-study-pyroclastic-flow-cloud-gases-ash Summary: Interesting hypothesis, but it is not proven, yet. Apparently some residents were able to run to the beach in a failed attempt to escape Pompeii. This probably took more than 15 minutes. guy also known as gaius

Interesting article about the Visigoths and the city of Reccopolis, one of at least four cities founded by the Visigoths in Hispania. https://www.archaeology.org/issues/414-2103/features/9442-the-visigoths-imperial-ambitions Summary: This Visigoths have a fascinating history. Fortunately, at least some archaeological evidence survives in the ancient Visigoth city of Reccopolis. guy also known as gaius

Although short, your video is intriguing and well done If this were a public villa, I would expect to see a lot more religious symbolism, possibly even an alter for worship and sacrifices. The ancient Romans were a superstitious people. I think the modern, more secular visitor would be surprised at the commonplace religious and superstitious symbolism and frescoes, including those of the cults of Isis or Dionysus and Bacchus. If this were a private villa, I would even think there would be a shrine to the guardian spirits of the Roman household (lararium). One could use the symbolism found at Pompeii to get a better idea. Of course, the symbolism would depend on the time and place, including potential symbolism of Eastern and Christian cults. Here's a thread on a related project: Good luck, guy also known as gaius

This is another interesting site to visit. It is not well known and is found in the more remote parts of Sicily. The mosaics look fascinating: The Caddeddi villa in rural Sicily is striking for the preservation of several spectacular mosaics, laid in the second half of the 4th century AD. This detail, from room 9, shows a panel featuring a satyr and maenad, companions of the wine-god Bacchus, whose bust featured in the centre of the floor. [Image: R J A Wilson] https://www.world-archaeology.com/issues/issue-105/the-late-roman-villa-of-caddeddi/ Summary: If I get as far south as Sicily, I would want to place this site on my "must see" list ... especially if I wanted to escape the crowds. guy also known as gaius

I have written before about the Egyptian city of Berenike and the suspected early Roman pet cemetery from the first century AD: There is some evidence that a volcano temporarily caused the city's failure during the Ptolemaic era. Coin and pottery from Ptolemaic Egypt. https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/03/volcanic-eruption-attributed-to-abandonment-of-ancient-egyptian-city/138089 It took many years for the city to become revitalized under Roman rule. It's further use by the Romans was not surprising given the city's location as an important seaport. Here's some important background information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berenice_Troglodytica Summary: The impact of climate change was dealt with well in Kyle Harper's: The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, & The End of an Empire." guy also known as gaius An excellent video about study at the Berenike, discussing finds at an ancient Roman trash site. There is even some evidence of trade with Indian subcontinent (Tamil Brahmi graffito and Indian-made pottery, and possible plant evidence such as coconuts and seeds, Indian coins, etc.).

Many people have joined UNRV this year. Please introduce yourself and feel free to post. guy also known as gaius

Here's are two interesting videos on the finds, describing their historical significance:

I had written before about the research that had suggested that Stonehenge, in fact, had originated in Wales. Now, someone wants the stones back. Not surprising someone now wants their monument back. These are crazy COVID times, so I'm not surprised about these claims: https://nation.cymru/news/owner-of-welsh-coastal-park-wants-stonehenge-back/ Summary: This is probably some sort of publicity stunt, but anything is possible in these days. guy also known as gaius

Here's a very poignant and chilling discovery: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56370510

Thank you for reading the post. The basket really is an incredible find. If I understood correctly, the basket is more than 10,500 years old. That would mean, of course, that it predated the founding of the city of Rome (753 BCE) by thousands of years. I would like to know, however, how they came up with that date. The coins from the site date from the Bar Kokhba revolt (AD 132-136). The was during the reign of Hadrian ( AD 117-138), many years after the basket and the skeleton mentioned in the article.

Interesting find: https://www.timesofisrael.com/bible-scroll-fragments-among-dazzling-artifacts-found-in-dead-sea-cave-of-horror/ Summary: Another ancient finding to examine more closely. I will let the biblical scholars determine its significance. guy also known as gaius

A mosaic from Caligula's pleasure ship has been returned to its rightful place, the Roman Naval Museum near Lake Nemi, south of Rome. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/weird/roman-emperors-looted-mosaic-returned-home-after-being-used-as-nyc-coffee-table/2939733/ https://lenexweb.com/long-lost-mosaic-from-a-floating-palace-of-caligula-returns-home/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemi_ships Summary: These ships, known as the Nemi ships, were finally recovered by Mussolini in 1929 from Lake Nemi after he literally drained the lake of water. They were part of his fascist propaganda campaign. Unfortunately, they were destroyed in World War II. Somehow a mosaic from the ship had been used as a decoration on a coffee table inside a New York City apartment. The mosaic now has returned to its place in a museum. guy also known as gaius

Thank you for reading. Yea, losing that shipment would be devastating. (I get upset when my letter gets lost, so I could only imagine losing these treasures.) From my reading, the Antikythera mechanism was bronze. I'm surprised that any of it survived nearly 2000 years under the sea.

There seems to be new insights about the Antikythera mechanism. Background information: The Antikythera mechanism was discovered by local sponge divers as part of a hoard of objects from a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera during the spring of 1900. Some feel that the shipwreck was a Roman ship with Greek objects from the first century BCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_wreck One of the objects found from the shipwreck was a strange and initially-unremarkable bronze object known as the Antikythera mechanism. There were many who felt that the device is the first known analog computer. (An analog computer is one that "uses the continuously changeable aspects of physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism The latest article: https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/03/researchers-reveal-display-of-the-ancient-greek-order-of-the-universe-cosmos-in-antikythera-mechanism/137660 Summary: Most of us are vaguely familiar the Antikythera mechanism. The new research is exciting. guy also known as gaius Older videos about the device:

After reading about Gloucester, I had to clarify for myself the significance of a Roman colonia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glevum Here is a very nice explanation: https://www.britainexpress.com/History/roman/colonia.htm#:~:text=The first colonia established in,quattuoviri (annually appointed magistrates). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonia_(Roman) https://www.associationromanarchaeology.org/romantowns.htm#:~:text=The only confirmed examples of,terms of administration and practices.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-56323337 A little background information about Roman Gloucester: https://d2eq6t2r9q1quu.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/cms/5/5.6a_The_Romans_in_Gloucester.pdf Summary: Another interesting Roman find in England. Here's an interesting video on Rome's multinational force during the first century AD. guy also known as gaius

I don't know what to say. Some are losing their way during this COVID-19 shutdown ... others are doing experiments in self-care with "moonmilk." https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/skincare-routine This young man seems intense about his skin care:

Hadrian's Wall will soon be 1900 years old (122-2022 AD). The celebrations could be worth seeing. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/year-celebrations-mark-1900-years-19970750 Summary: I will keep a look out for any planned celebrations. guy also known as gaius

https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2844451/libya-retrieves-statue-faustina-daughter-roman-emperor-antoninus-pius Summary: Obviously, this stature should be returned to its rightful owner and original historical home. Hopefully, it will be treasured and protected despite any political turmoil. (Coin from the British Museum.) guy also known as gaius

When the site at the ancient Roman port city of Berenice, Egypt was initially discovered, it was thought that the original 100 animal bodies found were merely discarded, possibly sacrificed. A further investigation of a total of nearly 600 bodies suggests that they we were buried with care (and not sacrificed) during the first century AD of the early Roman era. New studies suggest that these animals were actually treasured pets, instead. Interesting brief podcast https://www.sciencemag.org/podcast/world-s-oldest-pet-cemetery-and-how-eyeless-worms-can-see-color https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/03/almost-600-cats-and-dogs-excavated-in-ancient-pet-cemetery/137451 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00438243.2020.1870545 Summary: Further study has discovered nearly 600 animal remains. They were examined by veterinarians. It has been determined that these animals were buried with care. The reasons these animal remains are now thought to be "pets:" There was no evidence of sacrifices, no evidence of mummies (which would suggest religious sacrifice) The animals were buried when they died and were not killed Some of the animals had fractures that were sheltered and allowed to heal. Some animals were nearly toothless, suggesting human feedings with a special diet The animals appeared to be buried individually. The animals were buried gently in a "sleep like" position Some animals are buried with textiles and even collars One dog lived to about ten years Unfortunately, the Egyptian authorities are reluctant to allow these bodies to be more closely examined: DNA studies for more exact breed identification, bone analysis for diet and health investigations, etc. Below is an animal buried with ceramic shards, possibly as a sarcophagus.

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2021/03/roman-marble-floor/ Summary: Nîmes, France is certainly a site rich in Roman culture I would like to visit. It has been called the French Rome. It's two most famous monuments, the Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée, would certainly be worth seeing. guy also known as gaius

The study of the Ancients has been increasingly denigrated by a new generation of academics. One professor challenges this new line of thinking. Professor Andre M. Archie makes a passionate defense of the study of classical antiquity. He is an an associate professor of ancient Greek philosophy at Colorado State University. He is also an African American: https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/02/what-makes-the-classics-worth-studying/ Of course, I would also remind Mr. Peralta that there were no Anglo-Saxon emperors. Three emperors were Hispanic: Trajan, Hadrian, and Theodosius. Septimius Severus was born in modern-day Libya. (His sons were Geta and Caracalla). Three other emperors were born also born in North Africa: Clodius Decimus Albinus (modern Tunisia), Macrinus (modern Algeria), and Aemilianus (modern Djerba, an island off Tunisia). Elagabalus and Alexander Severus were of Syrian origin. Phillip the Arab was .... I guess I would be more sympathetic to Mr. Peralta if he desired to also study other ancient cultures (the Americas, Asia, and, Africa, etc.) without denigrating the study of ancient "Western" societies. Unfortunately, he is obsessed with "whiteness" and fails to see the universality of the ancient Romans and Greeks. guy also known as gaius

An informative guide to the architecture of modern American buildings. (Thanks to Laphams' Quarterly Fall 2020 for bringing this to my attention.)