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guy also known as gaius

Question: On the course about Hadrian's Wall, the instructor keeps referring to the wall as "Rome's most heavily defended border." I'm a little skeptical. I imagine that there were other sections of the border (perhaps in Germany or the border with the Sassanians) that were at least "more militarized" with less active trade and commerce. I know that Rome's official presence was almost three centuries at Hadrian's Wall so it's hard to generalize throughout its entire existence. Thoughts? guy also known as gaius

One student of the course supplied this interesting link to Roman military diplomas: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryDiploma1a.html Here's a interesting page from the link of some of the military diplomas: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryDiploma-3.html#Africa guy also known as gaius

The second week of the course about Hadrian's Wall began this week. Much of it would be basic review for many of the people at UNRV since it mostly deals with military life. The section on military diplomas was very interesting, however: There was a section on the Notitia Dignitatum, a document that describes administrative organization in the Roman Empire (including military units). It was thought to be written in the 420's after Roman Britain had formally collapsed. Surprisingly, this document still lists units deployed in Britain, obviously information gathered before AD 410 when Roman Britain officially ended. (click to enlarge the image) All in all, this course has been a good review with some interesting information. I recommend anyone interested in Roman history (and with the time) to register for it. guy also known as gaius

"Just another coin hoard found," but an exciting one, nevertheless. http://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2014/09/treasure-hunter-discovers-hoard-of.html http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/32520 guy also known as gaius (Thanks to Mat from Cointalk.com)

Interesting article. One had to scroll down on this link to find it, however: http://www.coinweek.com/featured-news/ancient-coins-coinage-barbarian-invaders/ guy also known as gaius

Wow, not just a little out of my league. Why the unusual picture of Augustus in the article? Am I missing something? guy also known as gaius

I agree that the lectures on the Vindolanda tablets (1-10 thru 1-14) were great. Here's a link to an old post concerning legionary health using the Vindolanda tablets online resource: http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/11738-vindolanda-tablets-glimpse-of-legionary-health/ guy also known as gaius

Here's what I wrote at another site about the expected election results.

From the reading material: Or that was how Domitian has been traditionally described. Domitian, like Nero, has undergone a reevaluation, however. http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/17798-good-nero-article-in-national-geographic-sept-2014/ From Wikipedia (surprisingly good): It's hard to imagine that Domitian's reign would have lasted fifteen years if everything his critics (sponsored by the Senate and the aristocrats) had said about him was true. guy also known as gaius

So far, I think they have done an excellent job. This course will hopefully bring enthusiasm to the study of Ancient Rome. I've had a few petty quibbles, however. They present two sculptures and ask "Which is the real Hadrian?" (Click to enlarge) Their answer is the Hadrian on the right in military garb. The explanation: Fair enough, but when examining the many numismatic images, Hadrian is usually presented as a bearded philosopher (the first emperor to routinely have a beard, by the way) and not a military general. http://wildwinds.com/coins/ric/hadrian/t.html Maybe (and just maybe) the problem is with the artist doing the sculpture and not those who did the numerous coin dies of Hadrian. Good stuff, though. If there is more interest, I will comment further. I do recommend the course highly. One goes at his or her own pace. And remember...it's free. guy also known as gaius

I'm looking forward to the course (if I can find the time). Here's part of the introduction I already received: The price is right (free) and it looks like the instructors are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Anyone else here signed up? guy also known as gaius

Thanks for the alert. I enrolled. I will let you know. The course begins September 22. guy also known as gaius

I assume you wrote this to be more provocative than anything else. I recommend your reading Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart's "Scipio Africanus: Greater Than Napoleon." Although dated (written in 1926, a few years after the horrors and slaughter of World War I), the author makes the point that although the sources are limited, Scipio was not only a great general but also a diplomat and a humane visionary. Famous generals such as Alexander and Napoleon were essentially self-serving dictators who did not have to deal with a bickering Roman Republican Senate while they we away in battle. I read this book years ago and I would recommend this book highly. One reviewer for the book put it this way: Another reviewer of the book wrote: I have no expertise in military matters, so I will defer to military experts on this forum. War, however, has costs far greater than casualties on the field. Scipio, at least, strove to maintain stability in the Roman Republic instead of just trying to achieve personal glory and riches at the cost of the Roman Republic. guy also known as gaius

Groundskeeper Willie has a few things to say prior to the Sept 18 Scottish election: guy also known as gaius

Are there any Scots amongst us? guy also known as gaius

Good article: http://online.wsj.com/articles/masterpiece-ponte-rotto-in-rome-1409959743 guy also known as gaius

Here's a thread I created almost three years ago concerning another coin that challenged accepted historical dating: http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/14957-temple-mount-in-jerusalem-coin-find-sheds-light/ guy also known as gaius

John Anthony from cointalk.com brought this rebuttal (from the comments section of the article) to my attention: guy also known as gaius

Interesting article. I recommend that you post it in the Numismatica sub-forum, however. It more likely will be seen by people with an interest in numismatics who could offer an insight. guy also known as gaius

http://www.vox.com/2014/8/19/5942585/40-maps-that-explain-the-roman-empire?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=voxdotcom&utm_content=wednesday An interesting collection of maps. Although many of the maps are extremely simplistic in nature, they are a nice resource for the beginning student of Ancient Rome. I want to thank John Anthony at Cointalk.com who brought them to our attention. I haven't had time to examine them closely, but they look interesting. Thoughts? guy also known as gaius

I really enjoyed the review of the battle of the Frigidus and its aftermath. That said, here's another view: http://www.unrv.com/forum/topic/17470-eugenius-numismatists-getting-the-evidence-wrong/ guy also known as gaius

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/09/emperor-nero/draper-text This month's National Geographic (September 2014) has a nice article on Nero. The article is titled, "Rome's Bad Boy: Nero Rises from the Ashes." The article tries to give a nuanced view of Nero: I recommend the article as a light but entertaining and informative reassessment of Nero. guy also known as gaius

Here is season one series premier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlTvwLb2v9Q I am impressed that writers correctly portray the Highlanders speaking in Scottish Gaelic: guy also known as gaius

For those who don't know, "Outlander" is a popular series (at least among a few female friends) on STARZ network. Its second season begins soon. I admit I missed the first season, but my wife wants us to watch this series together. Should I invest time in the series? What do the Scotsmen and women think of the series? Below is a description and a trailer for the series: Follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives. - Written by Starz I just saw the first episode. I admit it caught my attention. I have to say that the setting is breathtaking. guy also known as gaius