guy

Has anyone see this series on Netflix, yet? It appears to be part documentary, part historical drama, and part total Hollywood fantasy centered around the reign of Commodus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire:_Reign_of_Blood The first episode deals with the convoluted relationship of Marcus Aurelius's wife Faustina with the potential usurper Avidius Cassius upon rumors of Aurelius's death. I haven't watched the series close enough or beyond the first episode in order to make a final opinion. Despite a few possible historical inaccuracies, however, I appreciate the effort.

Interesting point. That said, at any point of time in every society, you have innumerable people who, delusional or not, will be perceived to be a threat (real or imagined) by established power. Thus, many people are accused of attempting to usurp power, but really didn't pose a legitimate threat. There was, for example, that Hebrew carpenter fellow who led that disruptive philosophy in the East, but we all know how that ended up for him (and many of his followers). guy also known as gaius

Here's a good list of Roman usurpers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Roman_usurpers Some will be immediately recognized; e.g., Vespasian, Septimus Severus, etc. Others are not so famous; e.g., Pacatianus or Iotapianus, both usurpers of Philip the Arab.

Thank you for posting this article. Very interesting, indeed. I wrote about another obscure emperor, Domitian II, in the past: http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/15488-domitianus-ii-little-known-romano-gallic-usurper/ Once again, the study of coins and medals have filled our gaps in historical knowledge. guy also known as gaius

I believe you are referring to the sprintriae found in Pompeii (25.05). Here's an old link (mostly intact) on the subject of sprintriae: http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/10952-numismatics-more-than-coinsspintriae/ guy also known as gaius

Here's a nice introduction to Roman coins for us non-numismatists (non-coin collectors):

Here is a very nice review by NGC Ancients on the famous widow's mite from the Bible: https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/5455/widows-mite/

... Part II I have great respect for Mary Beard’s taking on noted rhetorician Boris Johnson in this debate. I feel that Mary Beard presented a persuasive and entertaining rebuttal to Boris Johnson's colorful argument for Ancient Greece and his passionate Athenian apologia. As a Romanophile and someone who admires Ms. Beard's work, I am very reluctant to criticize her. I, however, felt very uneasy when she insisted that the events of AD 212 should be idealized. The date, AD 212, was significant for Caracalla's offering citizenship (by the Constitutio Antoniniana) to all free men in the Roman empire. Ouch. I am sure that Ms. Beard realizes better than I that the ruthless, fratricidal psychopath Caracalla did not extend citizenship for altruistic or idealistic reasons. According to Cassius Dio, he did this to increase tax revenue. Nothing noble, indeed. Whatever Caracalla’s motivation to extend citizenship, the failure to fully integrate a large unassimilated population into mainstream society was just one more step in the collapse of the Roman Empire. Caracalla’s raising taxes, debasing the currency, and corrupting the military accelerated Ancient Rome’s death spiral. Ancient Rome’s almost inevitable collapse in the third century was barely averted by some later competent and skillful emperors. Ms. Beard also promoted the greatness of Rome by mostly citing the efficiency and tolerance of the Roman Empire. I, on the other hand, agree with the American Founding Fathers who felt that it should be the Roman Republic and not the Roman Empire that should be admired and emulated. It was the Roman Republic (and to a much lesser extent, the early Roman Empire) that respected the rights and civil liberties of its citizens. By Caracalla’s time, however, the Roman Empire had degenerated into an authoritarian state that could barely maintain the façade of respecting the rights of Roman citizens. During Caracalla’s rule, the principate’s death rattle was being heard throughout the ancient world. Would Ms. Beard be as generous with her praise on the late Soviet Union? The Soviet Union could also be described as a (superficially, at least) efficient multicultural state … at the expense of civil liberties and individual rights, of course. At 1:10:00 of the video, Ms. Beard makes the interesting comment that the collapse of the Roman Empire could be better characterized as a "disaggregation," with the creation of a new set of "mini-Romes." I feel a better term for this breakup and fragmentation of the Roman Empire would be the "Balkanization" of the Roman Empire. I feel that this process partially resulted from an Empire that was either unable or unwilling to both protect the Empire’s distant provincial citizens and integrate the impoverished immigrant populations. This failure of the central government to maintain cohesiveness allowed the mounting centrifugal pressures (incessant rebellion, barbarian invasions, runaway inflation, devastating disease, etc.) to tear the empire apart. A closer look at events doesn’t allow for a sanitized and romanticized history of Ancient Roman. Nevertheless, it is always good to bring discussions about Ancient Rome to the modern audiences. guy also known as gaius

Here is a delightful and civil debate comparing the virtues and influences of Ancient Greece (presented by former London Mayor Boris Johnson) v. Ancient Rome (presented by historian Mary Beard). Mr. Johnson's emphasis was on the great Ancient Greek plays, philosophy, and culture as well as the democracy of Ancient Athens. I admit I am not a Grecophile and I do not appreciate Ancient Greek plays and philosophy as do many others. As far as democracy in Athens, let's ask Socrates, "How did that work out?" Socrates faced a trial with a jury of 500 fellow Athenians. He was charged with "refusing to recognize the gods" and "corrupting the youth." He was later condemned to death and forced to commit suicide. Democracy without civil liberties is dangerous populism. As Ms. Beard emphasized, majority rule (democracy) only works when there is protection of individual rights and civil liberties. I always remember the old adage: "Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." To be continued .....

Human nature is human nature. Always has been, always will. I've developed great respect for those political thinkers of the 17th and 18th century who developed a more enlightened and tolerant modern world. James Madison, from the Federalist #51 (1789) wrote: Men were never angels. They certain weren't during Ancient Rome. guy also known as gaius

(click to see enlarged images.) Once again, the numismatists have helped us understand and appreciate Ancient history. (Special thanks to Matt from cointalk.com for bringing this to our attention.) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3670663/Eight-gold-coins-discovered-Germany-mark-site-ancient-Roman-massacre-archaeologists-say.html guy also known as gaius

(click to see enlarged image) I enjoy the history of England / Britain of the early 1700s. I appreciate and admire the inspiration (sometimes incorrectly interpreted) of Ancient history in forming the culture and arts at this time. I enjoy the image of this travel guide from 1703 with the title of SPQL (obviously derived from the Ancient Roman SPQR or senatus populusque Romanus): Senatus Populusque Londinius (SPQL) Then, again, many Italians today who are frustrated by the ineptitude and corruption of Rome think SPQR stands for "Sono Porci Questi Romani" or "these Romans are pigs." guy also known as gaius

Woow. So much for the punditocracy and their forecasts of an easy "remain" victory. Let's hope for the best, and if necessary, make appropriate offerings to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. guy also known as gaius

As a non-Brit, I don't understand the nuances of the issues and I shouldn't voice my opinion. As someone who favors libertarian views, however, I am very sympathetic to the "exit" side which favors less bureaucracy and not more. I worry, however, about the unintended consequences such as Scotland's leaving the UK. Let us hope that things work out well for our friends in Britain, however. guy also known as gaius

Off early through the desert for some spiritual renewal in the one place I'm sure to get it ... Las Vegas. It will be at least 110 degrees (or 43.3 Celsius) as I race thru the desert. Although I'm off to see Steve Windwood and Steely Dan, I will be listening to this as I drive thru similar scenery as this clip: guy also known as gaius

Thank you for the reply. Here is a link to a beginner's review of the coins to commemorate Hadrian's travels: https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/2789/Ancient-Hadrian-coins/ guy also known as gaius

Someone (IdesOfMarch01) at cointalk posted a beautiful gold coin from the Hadrian Travel series. These coins were minted to reaffirm Roman power and prestige as the Emperor Hadrian traveled throughout the Roman Empire. (Click on the image to enlarge.) HADRIAN 117 - 138 A.D. AV Aureus (7.26 g.) Rome ca. 134 - 138 A.D. RIC 305 HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P Bare head left. Rev. HISPANIA Hispania reclining left, holding branch in right hand and resting left arm on rock; in front, rabbit. The question: What is the significance of the rabbit on reverse of this coin? http://ctspanish.com/rabbits.htm http://www.culturespain.com/2011/05/28/spain-rabbits-and-the-iberian-lynx/ Any thoughts? guy also known as gaius

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/27/world/europe/greece-aristotle-tomb.html?_r=0 guy also known as gaius

The city of Rome is somewhere near the states of Wyoming and Colorado. Who would have thought? guy also known as gaius

I read the article, also: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/mystery-of-hannibals-path-across-the-alps-to-rome-may-be-solved-by-ancient-poop/2016/04/08/d8b2bc86-fce3-11e5-9140-e61d062438bb_story.html My feeling is that unless they find elephant dung (or some other animal not indigenous to the area), the results would only be speculative. guy also known as gaius

Great write-up. I wrote about some of the numismatic evidence of his reign a few years ago. http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/16297-elagabalus-bringing-the-syrian-sun-god-to-rome/ guy also known as gaius

It always amazes me that most of the elite in the late 1600s and 1700s (as well as many of the common folks) had a much greater appreciation for ancient history (including Latin) than we do now. In fact, George Washington had the play "Cato" by Joseph Addison performed for the troops at Valley Forge in hope of improving morale and being an inspiration to fight the British. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cato,_a_Tragedy http://allthingsliberty.com/2013/12/george-washingtons-favorite-play/ I am hoping to write a thread sometime soon about a modern misinterpretation of a Robert Burn's poem of the late 1700s caused by an understandable confusion about ancient history. No wonder Roman numerals are falling out of use. guy also known as gaius

I must plead some ignorance about dates in Roman numerals. I was recently enjoying an original copy of William Temple's "An Introduction to the History of England" with the date MDCXCIX [1699]. The date threw me off a bit. guy also known as gaius

While watching the Super Bowl, I was disappointed to see that they had replaced the Roman numeral "L" with 50. I despaired at the dumbing down of the Western World after reading this article linked earlier at UNRV: "Rome finally abandons 'too complicated' Roman numerals" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/11758563/Rome-finally-abandons-too-complicated-Roman-numerals.html http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/18232-rome-finally-abandons-too-complicated-roman-numerals/ Fortunately, this change in the use of Roman numerals at the Super Bowl is only for the 50th anniversary game. Next year's game will be LI. Any education, even unintended, is a good thing. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/04/nfl-ditches-roman-numerals-for-super-bowl-50-logo/ There's hope, yet. guy also known as gaius

Great interview. Much deserved kudos. guy also known as gaius