Virgo Vestalis Maxima

As a female I suppose I wouldn't have much of a choice, the paterfamilias would most likely end up marrying me off as soon as possible. But if I could choose, I would want to be a vestal virgin. I'd probably end up being celibate for the rest of my life or face being buried alive ... what a pleasant thought. But on the bright side, I'd be able to bake a lot of mola salsa and at least I would get some damn respect!

Happy Birthday to one of the greatest men in history!

I think patinact is patient? I'm not too sure though..

Yeah I usually use firefox which automatically blocks all pop ups. I clicked on the chat now link without pressing ctrl at the same time which meant the chat applet was blocked. I did it again holding down control when I clicked and it worked but I was still signed in from the previous attempt hehe.

Oh thanks its working now. I think it was just the google toolbar blocking it.

Could someone please tell me how to work this? I click on the webchat icon and then I go through the 'motions' but for some reason no chat applet appears. I apologize for the question that probably has a blatantly obvious answer... Woe is computer illiterate me. By the way thanks a lot for the chat room Moonlapse.

Yeah I suppose men do have urges, but they aren't beasts. Contrary to popular belief humans supposedly possess self control . Men and women for that matter are not completely driven by their urges, we all know what is right and what is wrong. Rape is a decision people make, I find it hard to believe that people have no control over it whatsoever.

That's an interesting concept Zeke, living life to the full just in case.

Please share some of these theories.

Yep, the change in religion to Christianity changed the world drastically. For better or for worse is yet to be decided!

Awww mini-Spurius is adorable. I'll post a pic as soon as I can grab someone's digi cam to use, hopefully soon.

I agree with pompeius magnus, Latin is a language rich in culture and history yet most schools do not even offer their students the opportunity to learn it. I'm currently in my last year at high school and definitely would have been interested in learning Latin at school. Its dissapointing that in New Zealand only a few prestigious schools offer the subject and many students who would like to learn latin, such as myself, are not given the opportunity. Clearly the government does not believe that one of the most influential languages on modern English is important enough to warrant widespread teaching.

The burning of any historical documents is a catastrophic occurance, cultural history is of utmost importance in the development of the people we are today. Knowledge of the past is something to be passed on and cherished, its depressing to know that such valuable and insightful ancient knowledge has been lost to us.

Existential thinkers: * Like to spend time thinking about philosophical issues such as "What is the meaning of life?" * Try to see beyond the 'here and now', and understand deeper meanings * consider moral and ethical implications of problems as well as practical solutions Like existential thinkers, Leonardo questioned man's role in the universe. Many of his paintings explored the relationship between man and God. Other Existential Thinkers include The Buddha, Gandhi, Plato, Socrates, Martin Luther King Careers which suit Existential Thinkers include Philosopher, Religious leader, Head of state, Artist, Writer. Ohhhh. Here's another interesting quiz from bbc.co.uk that you might like to try: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/min...nd/surveys/art/

Wow that's great. I'm so jealous! Rome! *swoon*

Citizens of Rome during the early days of the Republic paid taxes. It was quite a low tax rate, nothing compared to taxes today! Ranging from 1% to 3%. By the late republic citizens were no longer charged taxes as Rome had gained a considerable amount of wealth through conquering, during this time only those who lived in provinces paid taxes. At first they were collected from individuals by tax farmers but it was then changed to direct taxation as the tax farmers appeared to constantly cheat people.

I'll probably be going skiing these holidays, which is always great fun. But if I could choose I'd probably like to go to France, the Louvre would probably be one of my dream destinations among other things, then hopefully jump across the channel and holiday in England for a bit... ah let a girl dream.

I certainly hope not. Longbow is right, heritage is a lot more important than a new motorway.

It's winter solstice today in New Zealand, and the rest of the southern hemisphere for that matter. I've been wishing everyone a happy winter solstice, I love winter.

Hear, hear.

I've never met a pagan (well in real life) so I'm not too sure whether they're freaky or not.

Full Beards were more a Greek trend but a few Hellenised Roman men were known to sport beards, for example Hadrian. Most Romans were clean shaven whilst Roman slaves were not allowed to shave their beards at all. Barbarians were often depicted with shaggy beards so one can safely assume that the average Male roman citizen probably was clean shaven. They used iron novacila (Roman razors) to shave and usually had a slave to do this for them or visited a tonsor (barber).

Nods. Mainstream religions are usually more a reflection of society than minor religions.

I want to believe, I try to believe, but I don't. Recently I've accepted that I'm too much of a skeptic for religion. Religion is truly fascinating to study but I've never been able to genuinely believe in any monotheist or polythiest religion. I'm of the opinion that we live, we die, its over. I can understand people wanting to have something more after death. Its only natural to want to continue on in some form. According to science energy can neither be created or destroyed only transferred. Essentially our bodies are broken down into atoms etc, which obviously takes care of the transfer of energy of the physical body. But what about our souls? I'm not even sure if there is such a thing as a soul. This is probably the most perplexing aspect of the whole religious debate. Whether our consciousness is purely based on chemical processes and interaction with the environment around us or whether it is something more given to us by some onmnipotent being? I think religion is a wonderful thing, it gives people a sense of purpose and morality, something to work towards. Unfortunately, like almost everything else it can also be a tool of manipulation and deceit. I believe religion and society are inexplicably linked. Ancient Romans had gods that reflected their society, their actions and beliefs were justified under those gods. Today we have religions that reflect our societies and beliefs and in a couple of 1000 years people will probably be worshiping entirely different gods/god.

The idealistic side of me screams yes whilst the pragmatic side screams no. The romantic in me would like to see a return in guilds but I don't believe that it would be possible. Guilds were a great pre-industrial idea, unfortunately in this age of mass produced products I'm not sure whether they'd be successful. Mass production is more efficient and less expensive, the key idea in economics is trying to satisfy unlimited wants with only limited means. The most economically viable decision would appear to be that the mass production of products continues. At what cost though? I've done nothing but further confuse myself.