Pertinax

I assume we must therefore cite Mithras, though this is a cult of the Soldiery (in particular) with a ceremonial of a symbolic death (possibly in uncomfortable , actual ritualistic inhumatory ceremonial) and a similarly symbolic re-birth to "gnosis" (though I do not suggest the Christian term for direct knowledge of the Deity).This is a simplistic, but not inaccurate article : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithras (The UNRV site l already contains considerable reference to Mithras via the "search" function on the main Forum page).

What a useful take on the subject, this gives a real idea of scale. Any more such?

Sadly not visible in the UK. Hark the warnings as regards maximun filtration of the image-indeed I suggest projection of the image as the best method of safe proceeding.One cannot view such a lucid Manifestation without caution.

What an entertaining post! The electromagnetic therapy market (for all sorts of treatment) is going ballistic at present. So once again our noble forbears were ahead of the game.Perhaps the sluggish overfed Senatorial elite neeeded a good jolt to get them digesting properly? The commonplace Roman remedy for migraine is of course Achillea millefollium-known as "Nosebleed" though it has many common names-Yarrow is the one most members will be familiar with. This is more because of its haemostatic properties [along with painkilling actions (salicylic acid-asprin as synthesised),and eugenol which is a type of anaesthetic] than any property relating to aiding digestion. http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?act=mo...=si&img=217 The problem is usually an inability to ingest certain types of carbohydrates-the Italians have an elegant solution antipasta and pasta -keep your protein and carbs apart for a little while.

There are several most learned posts here :notworthy: , but who can gainsay Tobermory- (two separate distilleries if I recall-im sure both consider their product to be the best) ? My drink of preference in this most excellent hostelry: http://www.bestpubs.co.uk/layout0.asp?pub=105837 Reckoned by many erudite trenchermen to be the pick of all Scotische pubs. The Bushmills (for me) seems cleaner and stealthier, white label (for me ) is the best of a good bunch. ps: MPC if you get back to Edinburgh again-this place is a must see.

The suggestion is that these men were (possibly) psychotic/paranoid/epileptic and hence might disregard both normal "fear" in battle , and also social mores as regards acceptable moral behaviour on the battlefield. The abolity to ,apparently, disregard wounds is of considerable superstitious power in the mystique of their comabt abilities (though endorphin release would be a reasonable explanation). The reference to the Ulfshander is perhaps the most significant, the ritual transmutation of the individual through identification with a powerful totemic animal (wolf/bear) and the accretion of extra human powers in battle. The key factor I suggest is this , that a a social/political group could nurture (through economic viability) a specialised warrior group to be deployed as required in combat , maintained outside of any intergrated societal role .

Here is one such previous thread: http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?showto...varian+disaster Dont be discouraged by this please, but consider that it is useful to search the site for existing /dormant threads that might impinge on a "new thread" . Sometimes these threads can be merged by the Moderators if there is sufficient congruity, repetition of analysis of some well known events/personalities is bound to occur with new members coming "on stream"-so please just check a few keywords before posting!

I must define necro-"Necro thread"...a thread that has ceased to breathe...inactive but unclosed. There have been some threads relating to sexuality previously-"homosexuality" and the misapplication of that term to same sex (but often different age) "relationships" in the Ancient World . It would be interesting to see if the "Dining Position" work that AD is reading has any allusions to the progression from dining to sexual activity, and if one activity informed the other in any way (outside of the commercial sexual transaction).

groan , the same! It is not good.

Not to mince about then, wasnt the most valued sexual encounter (in terms of sexual dominance vis a vis the idea of "submissive effeminacy/masculine (Roman) virility) therefore that of oral sexual encounter, and secondly the feminine partner in a "superior" (physical) position? I leave this short and sweet, as we can probably incorporate other necro threads relating to sexual mores (same sex relationships in the ancient world is the most obvious) within "antique" civilisations in relation to gender politics... Haver away!

I wish to add my public approbation of a fine review. :notworthy:

Quality post Zama. Do you have some more closeup shots of the Mithraium, showing the construction detail at all? Will you be able to post similarly on other Forts/structures in the vicinity?

Id add that the Carvetii would be considered to be outwith the Brigantes , in modern NW Cumbria (the fertile North Cumbrian plain) where they seem to have had a more settled agararian economy than the sheep/cattle chasing Brigantes. The Parisii were an interesting bunch whom the Brigantes yearned to "include" in their nation/confederation , they to seemed to have a more settled grain oriented agriculture. Some Brigantine stuff here: http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?showto...mp;hl=brigantes more "general" work here: http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?showto...mp;hl=brigantes I echo DC's suggestions above, and yes the "Companion" is out of print im afraid , but grab it if you see it the Gazeteer is excellent.This title is also good for the NW: http://www.unrv.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3722 and a couple of not-so-detailed maps here.

I have only recently made contact with this group (via Rufus), so I will let you all know what plans they may have when I have been able to speak further. I think the website is "under construction" at present. I will update when I have more news from Rufus.

Likewise regarding the Wall: http://hadrians-wall.info/hadrianswall/segedunum/index.htm

Just dont touch the figs!

Definitely a favourite with me , if you switch to my blog entry ( here and msn also) you will see I am a keen observer of Roman sites , (especially the Wall). If you are familiarising yourself with the site controls you should be able to track down quite a number of British themed threads .If you cant , pm me and I will post you some links. Welcome to UNRV.

There was an oblique hint at his "entertainment preferences" in the meeting at the mime where the "lewd woman" was present. "I did not take you for a lover of the mime" was the ironic comment .

A link provided by my friend Rufus Ephibius from the "Apicius " group, he and I were chatting about lead poisoning of foodstuffs and military supplies (in Rome and the well known "Erebus and Terror" case) , and he mentioned his membership of this worthy organisation: http://www.ad43.org/ I hope this might fruitful for future re-enactment events on the "other side of the herring pond".

Interesting, so do we suspect that couples of "reasonable" status eschewed a "marital couch" as a bourgeoise affectation? Trimalchio gets some (more) social "stick" for his tacit indication (his awareness of her snoring) that he actually slept with his wife. Do we have a similar position to , say. Victorian society where 1. the poor sleep where they can for warmth ( possibly in rural societies adjacent to or over the animals) 2,persons of "quality" sleep singly and avoid mixing nuptial fervour with the blessing of rest? The Brothel at Pompeii is certainly a small space, it doesnt suggest that customers would have an extended dalliance. AD has a review of "Dining Posture " in the pipeline , perhaps we will garner clues from this work,

Do I detect cast elements from "Love Actually" meets " The Mummy" ? Capri certainly looks a lot racier than ive seen it for a while.

I hope I will be able to give some useful information on this topic soon , as my next book review will be this title: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...nrvromanhist-21 which, I suspect , will give a prominent role to Egypt as a crucial provider of grain

Wow this thread has really gone downhill! http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h...cial_s%26sa%3DG just a suggestion for attractive costumes....(click bottom left of the three images).

Nice little link here for Londinium, the download is a little slow so be patient: http://www.kentarchaeology.ac/authors/rspain.html