DecimusCaesar

Those are good Mods. I hope Rome II leads to other types of mods like Europa Barbarorum for the original Rome, although I doubt this would be the case as it has generated anywhere near the amount of adoration as the original game, and it is also difficult to mod to boost.

This is a fascinating documentary, although I believe that the conclusion that the bodies belonged to men executed under the orders of Caracalla doesn't stand up to the latest research. Supposedly, further analysis of the bones showed some additional damage caused by weapons and even the bite marks of a big cat like a lion. Not only that, there is evidence of flowers and gifts being left at the burial site - suggesting that these people were revered or had some fans. This has lead some to believe that the bodies are those of Gladiators killed in the arena.

I have the first series on DVD. I need to catch up with the rest some other time. The series certainly has its moments - Grumio is pretty amusing.

Here's the latest title in the Total War series, set for release in 2015 - TOTAL WAR: ATTILA.

For those who are interested they are now going to release a Caesar in Gaul DLC in December 2013. It will (obviously!) revolve around Julius Caesar's war against the Gallic tribes. I would post a link but I don't understand the new settings (or they don't work for me).

I've had the DVD for 300 for I don't know how many years now, and I still haven't watched it. Perhaps the sequel might be an excuse to dig it out. I have no doubt this will make a lot of money based on the fact that it has 300 in the title.

I've read Gladiatrix and the sequel Roma Victrix a few years back. I've been waiting for Russ Whitfield to write up third book for sometime now but there is no news anywhere, not on Amazon or his own website. Here's hoping he gets to conclude the series.

I'm currently reading Swords against the Senate by Erik Hildinger. I think the last thing I read before that was an Asterix comic book!

I have always wanted to speak Latin too, but I tend to find it hard to get motivated as it's essentially a lot of hard work and there's virtually no one you can speak to outside of a classics department. One thing that does motivate me is the ability to be able to read a lot historical texts, not just Roman, that were written in Latin.

For anyone who is interested the game is out now (it has been since September 3rd). Compared to the original Rome, the game has come for a hammering especially from old time fans. Just check out the 700+ negative user reviews on Metacritic for that. Professional critics have been far more lenient and it has an average of 79 out of a 100 in positive reviews on the same site. In my own view, the game is far more historically authentic than the first game, but it's less intuitive to play and is far, far too buggy, glitch-filled and rushed to deserve any high scores. It's not a bad game, but it falls low beyond expectations. Has anyone here at UNRV played the game? What do you think - is it epic or just an epic fail?

Excellent work Maty, Well done!

There's lots of new footage in the run up to the game's release. Less than a month to go! A Hannibal Trailer: A Rome II intro Trailer: A 30+ minute Tutorial Campaign intro about the Samnite War:

I agree with Guy, with perhaps Claudius coming in second (if you ignore Julius Caesar, Titus etc) although to be honest, even then he makes Claudius appear as a ridiculous old fool especially in relating some of his strangest exploits such as 'battling' a whale at the port of Ostia. Suetonius wasn't known for being a balanced or objective commentator when it comes to his history, although it is entertaining.

Very interesting article and video. Usually when it comes to Roman fashion styles, the only thing that is discussed is the military. Hair is never mentioned.

Sad news, a shame to see him gone at only 66.