Lupercus

The Langobards rock.

Hi Nephele, Happy to share! Regarding talking statues, I did not know that the Isis bust was also thought of in that way. There is one famous talking statue that I did see (I have a photo of it). It is called a talking statue because even up into recent times, people leave anonymous notes and graffiti on it mostly expressing their outrage at the government, religion, etc. Basically, stuff they would not dare say with their own mouths, and that maybe they could get arrested or ostracized for. So, the statue "talks" for them. Lupercus

This is the statue of Isis (not my photo)... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jensvermeersch/2753111866/ And this is the UN building in Rome I was talking about... http://www.unicri.it/wwk/support/liaison.php

This is the church: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/r...pra-minerva.htm

Nope, it is a United Nations-related building in Rome! ;-) I took a photo of the statue and will post it here if possible... Lupercus

Also, just a side note... the Pantheon is not across the street from Santa Maria Maggiore, it is across from Santa Maria sopra Minerva!!! This is where the confusion comes in!!! This is the church you meant, right? In front of it is an obelisk on top of an elephant. So, I probably have the right information about the Santa Maria Maggiore and the Magna Mater afterall... which makes sense because the Pantheon is built on what had been the Field of Mars, also the location of the Isis Temple I had mentioned. (*pats self on back*) Lupercus

Jasmine, I was in Rome last March and stayed near Santa Maria Maggiore on the Esquiline Hill. There is an obelisk at the front and back of the basilica, which is huge. However, I was under the impression that it had been built over a temple to the Magna Mater, not Isis. I do not know if I read that at the actual church or in a guide book... I do have a great guide to archaeology in Rome, so maybe it was that book. Do you have any sources about this? I might've gotten the wrong info, so want to know the truth! However, Isis had a temple on the Field of Mars, and the marble from that are now distributed all over the city, the steps are on the Capitoline leading up to the Church of the Altar of Heaven... and what remains of her statue is outside the United Nations building! I also went crazy trying to find the Temple of Isis remains in Ostia Antica! Thanks, Lupercus

Thanks for the C/G explanation. Yeah, I don't believe I mentioned my work to Ursus before either ;-) So, now I am fascinated and would love to learn more about "my" gens!

That's awesome, Nephele! This actually fits me well. I do work as admin support for mental health/social workers, although my boss refers to me as a "para-professional" due to my insights about clients/patients during staff meetings. I take on that role for many friends and strangers, though. So, right on! Is that a C or a G in the first name? Lupercus

estowblrdtnsaorcni I'm male... would love to know my secret Roman name!!! Thanks!!!

Salvete omnes, Ursus introduced me to these forums. I have had a life-long love of ancient Rome, as well as other cultures around the Mediterranean. I took Latin in high school, and also learned alot about the Roman Empire from those classes. However, there is so much more I'd like to learn or refresh my memory on. I'm trying to brush up on Latin, but it is a slow process. One of my main interests has been Roman mythology and religion/belief, both local/state and what was adopted from other parts of the Empire and beyond. I would like to learn more about other aspects of ancient Roman society as well. Last March, I had the amazing experience of traveling to Rome for two weeks (the trip also included Nemi, Ostia, and Caere). Thanks again for the invite, Ursus! Lupercus