Metella

I can't help but think if he had been Public Enemy #1 during the Republic or Empire, he would have only made it 10 months - and not 10 years - after any similar act of terrorism. While I am glad he is dead, glad he didn't surrender and thus saved all of us time and money by "letting" the Seals shoot him; I was disturbed by the mobs chanting USA USA - it just seemed more of the same. Mindlessly being whipped up to emotions that will lead to only destruction. I wish "we" had not done that. It was acting as uncivilized as our "enemies". I am proud of the Seals and ashamed of the general populace.

I just watched the pilot episode and will be streaming via Netflix the rest. So I'll join in on the conversation soon.

I chose warfare - but politics come in close second for me. The Republic, while having greed and what not, had wonderful far-reaching ideals of their city. Pride and Duty were tantamount in building the culture keystones we still cling to. The Empire, is a study in human nature - always fascinating. But those strong legs of the soldiers - whew. (ha ha )

Rock / Metal for me too - but due to my own odd placement in the world when growing up - I have my moments of running my crooner playlist: Dean Martin and company. I also have a tango section on my iPod.

Wow - holy donkey donuts, that was great! I'll have to buy your book and when mine is done, hire your friend for such a powerful trailer. I LOVED it ! PM me when you have your book ready for sale.

The catapult quote ... was that authentic? If so, what an awesome, amusing and frightening insight into human nature. We just won't evolve, will we?

I also didn't realize there was a bit of a "trial period" and spend a while fussing with unsuccessful uploads. Hang in there and then tell us about your avatar.

That's right boys, tie it up in a bow so I can yank on it when I want your attention. I've got to start watching more BBC - the blather I get on my U.S. TV is not intelligent at all - this would have devolved into a Bevis and Butt-Head laugh fest - not a cute conversation.

Hear! Hear ! (snicker)

I would like to meet Cincinnatus - watch him while his son is on trial and exiled and then hear him when this same society calls to him for help. I wonder what he really said!!!

ROCK ! I am zipping off to Amazon now ....

yeah, I'm never clear on this at all. I read about a higher ranking soldier that made advances (in an Asian post) to the son of a local magistrate .... when the son "rebuffed" him (here I read - punched him?) the son was was in trouble for attacking a Roman .... While the Roman commander hastened to the town and disciplined this soldier and did not further persecute the son .... it seems the only hub-ub was the forcing part ... not the homosexuality part. And of course - it is class sensitive.

I know you have talked about focusing this to Roman actions - I know we are all here for some form of admiration of the Romans .... Like another post from last year, I have to call for historical context .... such as the slaughter by order of Mithridates of every Roman man, woman, child civilians almost all - what was it - about 88,000 humans killed in one night? If we take into consideration the percentage of the population that represented - it must have affected nearly every other living Roman. So with things like this - making a determined and strong showing may have been more necessary than we can even imagine in today's world. Ghandi may not have lasted a day in this world. Anyway - atrocity is a pretty strong word for some things - when they not only a part of life, but sometimes part of their culture and religion. Also the putting to death of criminals in the area fights .... it was a way to not just kill them, but to allow them to find a way to die as a man. Reclaim some honor before death (well, for some of them!). I think that was some of thrill - seeing the men plough through fear and act like a Roman in the arena.

Interesting - I've never posted there ..... I may just try it - thanks for the idea.

Great entertainment - thanks for sharing !

I didn't even want to start to read this thread! Then, thank Fortuna, you guys showed me you had brains. I guess I am still too new here not to have been taken aback. I should have had more faith in this group. I love that there are intelligent on this board. Obviously political smoke screens. I had really hoped we were getting beyond all of this; but as hard times creep up on all of our economies, I guess scapegoats are needed. Too bad. Thanks for sharing this.

My area of focus is the Republic. The Metellii (sp?) were a patrician family very active in that time frame. My avatar is a statue of Fortuna - if I had a patron goddess, it would be her. Good to start a new thread if the other had been years ago - the active members change after so long, eh? Thanks all for sharing - I was also interested, but didn't want to be rude & don't have the time to do a search right now - so thanks for the new thread.

Well, I'll probably be looking up a few just north of Rome; I could contribute a few old to new cities .... I don't have time to figure out a great way to present the stuff; if someone else wanted to volunteer for that ..... If not, I'll have my info around and share if anyone asks. I won't be done for a while - still have my "normal" work to do.

I know how personal this can be: try this: http://www.splendart.com/statuadelladeaatenaminervainresinacm14-vendita-2536.html Or do a search under Santini statues -they are made in Italy and may have a minerva for you

Oh yeah? Nice. I don't have a kindle - but I have the software on my home PC. So I am not completely up-to-date on kindle tips. I am still holding on to some OCD mannerisms of fluffing the pages as I read & just can't do that on a kindle. Who here likes or dislikes their kindle and why?

Awe - shucks. I guess this will not be as easy as I thought ! I thought the whole academic world would be interested in this. ha ha ha I can't believe I am interested in a niche topic. Well - thanks for the guidance - at least I know what I am in for.

I have searched using google and bing . . . I am coming up empty. For instance; Tusculum, Ortonia, or Corbio - not these in particular; as I'm sure I can search on just them and come up with something. I am wondering if there exists a map of BC republic times and what those cities are called today? Thanks for any help !!!

I have a wonderful one in alabaster (cheaper material, but still has a classical feel to it)... I got it off ebay, though. I very much like my statues. Good luck in finding one that fits your need.

I say, just reading the review .... how terrible in this day and age to have typos and double lines and mistakes like that. It would make me question any sources or conclusions; figuring the author did not even take the time to read over what would seem a first and very rough draft. I like the subject matter; I don't think I would purchase the work based on this review.

I think the one thing that may be missing from this discussion is "standing army" As far as I remember, the Romans under Marius were the first to have Professional Citizen Soldiers. It is the difference between a Buddhist Monk who can train 17 hours a day on one thing and awe us all; and someone learning to kick and hit and swing n-chucks for 2 hours a week at a local karate studio. In the Late Republic and then onto the Empire's days - the Romans were professional soldiers, mirroring today's modern armies. They usually fought forces that were put together for local defense or for a specific invasion - therefore they had much less training. Being made up citizens or promised citizenship after their service, created much more loyal and determined soldiers than mercs. In that sense I would call the Roman army modern except in technology. Sure there is always more to develop; but this is why I think they get description.