Crispina

I find it interesting that no written music exists from the ancient Greek or Roman times, and I'm sure all of it was handed down orally from teacher to pupil over the centuries; but doesn't it seem possible that somewhere a musician would have made note of where to place one's fingers or how to hold the instrument (that I guess can be seen depicted on monuments and carvings) or something to the effect of: "Place a finger on this hole/string, lift off and place a finger on this hole/string, ect. ect. " to create a particular tune. Wonder why they never seemed interested in inventing a musical "text" like their alphabet? They wrote poetry, why not songs by using particular markings?

Crispina, you mentioned you have some musician friends -- is ancient music an interest of yours? Perhaps even the two of you, Fulvia and Crispina, might want to work together on a descriptive listing of ancient musical instruments for UNRV? -- Nephele I do enjoy listening to early music and have had very little exposure to sources of ancient music but it fascinates me. I am a musician who plays fiddle and some tenor banjo, old time stringband and Irish music - far cry from what you are seeking. However, several of my friends have studied music (unlike me) and enjoy learning about historical instruments and tunes. I hope someone steps up to the challenge of compiling such a list, it would be very interesting.

I shared this with some musician friends who were thrilled to receive it. Thank you for posting the links.

"It will be interesting to see how The Tudors will age Henry. " The last scene of the last episode should tell us something. The way he was stuffing himself with that baked swan pie or whatever it was. Me thinks his girth will grow this season.

I'm in the storeroom as well. Wanna sing Christmas carols???

I can see it now: "Indiana Jones and The Stone of Destiny"....that is if it's filmed before Harrison Ford gets WAY TOO old. Thanks for posting this and all the other interesting articles. And to everyone else who does, I check in every day to learn something new.

Thank you for posting the link to the documentary. Not only did I enjoy that, but I bookmarked the site and have been enjoying other Timewatch programs and documentaries at that site. Especially, Terry Jones and "Medieval Life" (I'm in the wrong forum, sorry). Watched every one of them, then "Hidden Rome". I believe this may have been on TV,tho; but I enjoyed it again.

Very good. Thanks for sharing.

Saw this and couldn't resist. Sorry. "I'm tellin' you, Achilles...You wear those heels into battle, and you're asking for trouble."

This is so interesting, but I'm confused about how they know it's Cleopatra's tomb? Only because of the coins? Or does her name appear somewhere on the walls? And if it's been underwater, the remains would be destroyed. I can't wait to hear more about this. Thanks for sharing.

Read story here: http://tinyurl.com/36z5cj

Sorry if it's already been posted, I just happened across it while surfing for information on the tapestry.

I thought about the library right away, but perhaps you mean you want to purchase the audio books not borrow?

The sky is bright and clear and the eclipse has begun here - almost half - total around 10pm.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful article. I wish this could be presented as a film documentary some day.

What is Septimius and the lady wearing on their heads? Crowns or hats? I don't believe I've ever seen a Roman (or sculpture) with a hat.

I have never seen pictures like these. Thanks for sharing. What is written on the portrait?

I have never seen pictures like these. Thanks for sharing.

This topic has surely been discussed before, but being a lazy newbie, I didn't search the archives. Why do we not see more painted portraits and murals of emperors and important officials? Because they are fragile they just didn't survive that long or were statues considered more "proper", ect? I've seen photos of grave masks and pics of graffitti. And were documents ever illustrated?

Thank you Nephele, I just now found this post! I copied and will save your reply to show my friends. Hateria Cerintha aka Crispina P.S Gaius Hortensius Frutex now wishes you a merry winter solstice as his head sits in the garden with an inch of snow on top!

Now you can be IN the movie! http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/266/Holida...s_a_JibJab_Life

I'm ready for MY Roman name. Gauis Hortensius Frutex says, "Happy Thanksgiving" by the way! Ctirseanthherir (I am female.)

As promised here is Gaius Hortensius Frutex. A friend wrote to me that he is "just in time for Halloween" (!) Now that I think about it, he does resemble a ghoul; but then again some Roman senators were certainly "goulish". He has eyeballs, they just don't appear in the pic. Ha ha. Thanks again Nephele. And if I had been thinking I would have wrapped the ivy about his head, having no available laurel.

Oh, and as soon as possible, I will post his photo!