Faustus

Perhaps by applying them to an "Empire" A HISTORY OF PRIVATE LIFE ~ From Pagan Rome to Byzantium (Introduction: Paul Veyne

Most of the unearthed documents, discovered by two Victorian archaeologists, date from the time when Egypt was part of the Roman empire . . . So, much about Oxyrhynchus is like contemporary city life but with a peculiarly ancient twist. The city had its own town council, . . . However, the council was staffed by prominent citizens who had to pay out of their own pockets if they failed to meet their targets. Tax collecting was outsourced to private individuals, and the city implemented a Roman version of the dole in which free rations were given to the wealthy and prominent citizens, not the poor and needy. Oxyrhynchus, like other towns, had the equivalent of banks, bank accounts and cheques, and clients could order payments to be made or receive funds in other cities, too. The twist here was that wheat was a recognised currency back then. People also entered into surprisingly detailed and binding contracts. All of these characteristics seem to bear the stamp of strong Roman influence. Wheat like money (and oil today) was "fungible".

"In the revival tent atmosphere of Barack Obama

On a Light Note ~ Five billion LY in Five Minutes edits: From the Animation Hot Jupiter Scorched Extrasolar Planet HD 209458b 150 LY in Pegasus Galaxies in Collision Grazing Encounter 144 million LY in Canis Major Mice 300 million LY in Coma Berenices (all enlargeable)

These are both great, NN. but the second brings perspective and a life-like view to Aqua Sullis I, for one, had never seen before! Faustus

Especially for you: That's very Cool! I know Marines at The Few The Proud The Marines , to share that one with. But WotWotius and Northern Neil share in the same honor, and have been neglected here in these mentions, so this honor needs be shared with them! Thanks again, Faustus

Thank you very much Gaius! Faustus

Good question Gaius.If, as was likely, the mosaic of Orpheus was pre-existing then the question might rather be why didn't the Christians deface it? It is beautiful. Perhaps they appreciated fine art in spite of their reputation of intolerance towards everything pagan, or the better part of valor was to show tolerance at that moment in time: Quote: "the Carbon 14 evidence and coins found among the remains date the burials to a period of relative peace between the Christian community and the Imperial government."

I have seen that done, and don

You know, that is very interesting. Imagine a civilization in the future year 4008 idealizing and doing unending research, contemplation, and thought experiments on the present state of modern political systems and

Excitable Micromanagers

Some, just don't know how to have fun! Faustus

Welcome aboard, and enjoy! I think I remember seeing you as Yukius when you first signed in. You're one of the lucky ones. You've already 'navigated' well by getting one of Nephele's beautiful and authentic names and getting it to stick from the very start! Hope you'll share your find with your friends, Dyna.

Here is more excerpted directly from Wheeler's Roman Art and Architecture and what he had to say on that subject with links to the full text of Chapter One including his Preface: From the Preface to: Roman Art and Architecture (by Mortimer Wheeler - London 1964) [ . . . The Parthenon had been a superb temple shyly concealing a skied procession of impersonal actors; the Altar of Augustan Peace, four centuries later, was a vivid family group before it was an altar. This primary awareness of humanity is always present in Roman architecture, even (or particularly) in the most exuberant manifestations of its five orders and its brave vaulting. It is fair to say that no facet of the Roman experience, the Roman achievement, can be studied without reference to the architectural frame, with its sturdy

Having owned a pit bull from pup to old age, which had been saved from the ultimate abuse of being chained up in the basement of an abandoned house, I developed a theory about the intensity of their disposition. They, like people, are subject to frustration. Frustration originates from being denied the outlet one is most able to derive pleasure from. A dog, but a pit bull in particular, is an animal of the pack and identifies with those it is closest to as a pack member, with all the hierarchical (pecking order) status positions which that implies. The greatest pleasure for one of these dogs is to participate in "action" or "work" with their human pack member. A dog chained to a post is not experiencing a quality life, but instead suffers from grievous frustration and confusion. Besides properly

To some of the seniors among us THE KNEE is as good as it gets. in 1960 he was 70, not that that should matter much

A representation of Caesar at his "oldest" age as a man, seems more the intent than the "oldest" surviving extant marble bust of Caesar from his time. I wonder, which is it? (or both?)

But for the better resolution and larger pictures, you have to sign up at the site and pay. -- Nephele You can see them in all their glory full screen by right clicking then left clicking on "set as background" and repeating one at a time until you've seen them all. Be sure to remember where you got your present background or you'll need to find another. Faustus

Never mind bugged brooms. It's hard to resist: Some preferred presidential 'desserts' are known (we've heard) to have caused thrown (cigar) ashtrays, lamps, and other household objects by one recent first lady. Imagine the dilemma experienced by the security detail as the president was threatened with his just deserts. (ouch!) Faustus

"The Latin Mass had been largely abandoned in the 1960s, as part of reforms to make Catholicism more relevant to its worldwide congregation. Father Reginald Foster, an American priest who is the Pope's official Latinist, praises the virtues and the clarity of the Latin language. "You have to say something and move on," he says. "It's not like French and some of these philosophical languages where you can write a whole page and say nothing - in Latin you can't do that!'' "

I don't understand why the concern . . . Although 2 is a little bit of a stretch, with the rest you seem to have gotten it all about right Caldrail. The Building of the Maginot Line - The 20th century wonder which stopped the Germans cold preventing a second world war. The Maginot Line stopped 250 miles short of the Channel. To have extended the line along the Belgium Border to the Channel would've made Belgium believe the French intended to protect them. Churchill: (when Hitler came to power) Thank God for the French army!

Thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all! I dig it! Sharing is a joy doubled . . . Faustus

I submit it's never as good nor as funny in film as it was to actually be there: Sergeant Kling to Private Darnell, a "boot" who always seemed to march with his mouth wide open: Sgt. Kling: What are you looking for Private Darr-nell? A peter? Pvt Darnell: Sir! No sir! Faustus