Crispina

Library was closed yesterday so went to KMart and bought the first book in the series, began reading last night. Right off the bat, there's a rape. Ugh. But I'm curious how the authors will write this story. Unlike the Under The Eagle series where there are many many written historical records to fall back on, there are only Clovis points and artifacts and archaeology. In an online review, someone mentioned a Jane Auel? Apparently she has written a similar book series.

I know! I didn't like last night's (episode 6) ending, either, but I have to say that I like the fact that every episode so far has been unpredictable. Also, actor John Hannah (Batiatus) continues to amaze with his performance. In last night's episode, he was scarier than any of his gladiators. He doesn't need to look like a gladiator (and he certainly doesn't) to intimidate -- you just know he's a bad dude to cross. He reminds me a little of Al Pacino, in Godfather II. -- Nephele I, on the other hand, have a hard time accepting John Hannah in this role. All I see is his character in Four Weddings and a Funeral whose name escapes right now. When I saw him in that movie "Legion", I was surprised and thought he wasn't very good (well, the entire movie was awful). Now in Spartacus - maybe because his character IS so vile and it isn't the type I've seen him play before, that it is so disturbing....and creates exactly the effect that's required. Does that make sense? EDIT by Nephele, to hide spoiler. (To read spoiler, click on Reply button.)

I did NOT like the ending of tonight's episode. Totally not what I expected.

That perfume jug is wonderful.

I see your point, but then again Macro seems content with his role. He seems to get great satisfaction in seeing Cato achieve, a reflection on his "nurturing" if that's the word (Macro wouldn't use that term however!).

Finished this book last night. I thought the ending was done well, not so abrupt as mentioned; it could have had several different outcomes and I wasn't really sure which one right up until nearly the last. Cato received his rewards, both love and rank! I thought by the 8th book the same formula of "holding down the fort and waiting for reinforcements" was getting a bit tired, but all in all I enjoyed the 9th. just as much. Is this really the end of Macro and Cato? I think I could force myself to read one more.

Happy Birthday.

As far as hearing what Roman musical instruments sounded like you could try Ancestral Sounds site as they have some MP3 samples you can download although they would probably prefer to sell you examples of their work. I believe there is also a group called 'Synaulia' whose work is on You tube and elsewhere. You may also wish to read Fulvia

Oops. I guess I did post this in the wrong forum originally. Sorry! Crispina - I've read that the books are very good. The Gears have written a ton. I'd be interested if others have read them as well... In addition to Rome, I am very interested in pre-conquest and conquest-era Mexico, Central and South America. I believe these are focused on North America... J I may try to find the first book of the series at the library.

I learn something new every day. http://hubpages.com/hub/Hopscotch

Wonderful. How exciting it would be to see all this in person. Thanks for sharing.

I wondered if this had been posted before! Oh well, glad you still find it funny. Izzard is a scream.

Oops. I guess I did post this in the wrong forum originally. Sorry!

While browsing KMart's book shelves today I saw six books in this series, the first being People of The Wolf. Has anyone read this series? They are written by two authors by the name of Gear - Katherine was one? I even looked it up but now have forgotten that quickly. Apparently there are about 20 books in the series. Almost bought the 1st. (POTW) for $4.99, but put it back. Reviews I read online were mixed.

Off topic, but I used to be HUGE fan of Eros Rammazzotti - have a dozen or more of his CDs. It was a fun "love affair", I must get those out and listen to them again. I mention Eros because I clicked on one of the other videos on the site that has Adriano (whom I've never heard of) and Eros singing a duet.

I agree, I'm only on chapter 5 and this time I like the book right away.

It came in the mail today, so ready to begin The Gladiator tonight. The Centurion ended with all three characters, Macro, Cato and Julia arm in arm skipping into the sunset. Someone mentioned The Gladiator has an abrupt ending, I'm very curious to see what this book is all about. If you don't mind my silly reviews or I should say comments, I'll post back later.

No way I could ever attend, but how I would LOVE to. So hoping people respect the countryside as the article suggests and don't damage anything. The soldiers who built the wall could never have imagined such a thing happening so many years in the future. Or maybe they did.

I sent the link to my nephew. He will get a kick out of seeing this ancient Swiss Army Knife, thanks for posting it Artimi. Do you suppose the "wealthy traveler" dropped it and lost the knife or was it stolen from him? Makes one really imagine doesn't it? I don't think the article mentioned where it was found.

The pictures are wonderful. So glad you shared the link. Very nice, I watched all the videos and viewed the photos from the links you posted. It's all so interesting and exciting to me. Thank you again.

The pictures are wonderful. So glad you shared the link.

Coming on in 15min. here. I don't want to watch, but ....can not .... resist......fluffering.

Very interesting and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

I watched it last night (rerun of 1st.episode). One question......don't they get COLD? I mean really, I know barbarians are tough but come on, it was blowing cold and snow right? Of course I guess in the heat of passion you can make love right out there in the elements, snort. Too much blood, altho done very well; but I'm just coming off reading the Under The Eagle series. I've had quite enough of that thank you very much. And I swear I heard someone mention a guy named "Cawto". Have I been mispronouncing "Cato" all this time?? Or is that just the British accent there? I agree with everyone who mentions the film "300". Pretty similar at times.