When we imagine ancient Roman statues, the image that comes to mind is often that of pristine white marble, standing proudly in grand halls and open-air spaces. However, recent discoveries and research have shed new light on these classical artworks, revealing a surprising truth: the statues of ancient Rome were not always devoid of colour. In fact, they were vibrant and meticulously painted, showcasing a level of artistic sophistication that has been hidden from view for centuries. The Monochrome Misconception For generations, the prevailing belief was that ancient Greek and Roman statues were primarily monochromatic, carved from pure white marble. This perception was largely influenced by the Renaissance period, when…
-
-
Exploring the Culinary Delight of Ancient Roman Bread
Bread has been a staple food throughout human history, and the ancient Romans were no exception. The Romans had a deep appreciation for bread and developed various techniques to create a wide array of mouth-watering breads. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of ancient Roman bread, exploring its significance, baking methods, and the ingredients used. So, grab a seat at the virtual table and prepare to savour the flavours of antiquity! The Importance of Bread in Ancient Rome: Bread held immense importance in the daily lives of Romans, serving as a primary source of sustenance. It was considered a fundamental element of the Roman diet, consumed…
-
Garum – The Saucy Choice in the Roman Empire
Welcome to the salty, fishy world of Garum, the not-so-secret sauce that added a punch to ancient Roman cuisine. Her we dive deep into the fascinating history and peculiarities of Garum. From its pungent aroma to its esteemed status among the Romans, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you both amused and curious! The Birth of Garum: Legend has it that Garum was accidentally discovered by a forgetful fisherman who left his fermented fish out in the sun for far too long. Little did he know that his fishy mishap would give birth to a condiment that would conquer Roman taste buds for centuries to come.…
-
A Timeless Love Story: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Review
In the world of classic literature, there are few novels as beloved and enduring as Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” This timeless tale, first published in 1813, has captured the hearts of generations with its wit, social commentary, and unforgettable characters. It is my favourite book, one that I have read multiple times and I even named our child after Elizabeth Bennet. I hope she can channel her resilience and sass as she grows up. As we embark on this literary journey through the pages of “Pride and Prejudice,” let us explore why this novel continues to enchant readers and remains a cornerstone of English literature. A World of Manners…
-
Beautiful Marcus Aurelius Quotes To Live Well By.
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.” I have included a selection of my favourite quotes by Marcus Aurelius from his Meditations. These snippets of wisdom were relevant in his lifetime almost two thousand years ago (26 April 121-17 March 180) and even more so now, when we need to consider what is really important in our lives. Have a read and “meditate” 🙂 on them. How much do we let external factors influence our happiness? How much responsibility to we take for our own thoughts? “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should…
-
How The Romans Played – Fun and Games
What did the Romans do in their spare time? We know they went to the games, theatres, races. Even the baths were viewed as both business and pleasure. Have you ever considered board games? Not scrabble or chess but still, games that challenged the mind and helped young players develop strategies that they could take with them to the front lines of the Empire. Do you feel sorry for those poor Romans? They didn’t have things like Candy Crush or Wordle at their fingertips so let’s look at what they did have and how to play. Tabula Rasa “Tabula Rasa” is an ancient Roman board game that is also known…
-
Ancient Roman Adventures and Misbehaving – Wolves of Rome Progress
I am just 10000 words into my latest Roman adventure Wolves of Rome but it is practically writing itself. This latest fantasy is inspired by the legend of Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome. I am thinking, what might have happened if Romulus had not killed his brother? For worldbuilding help, I found a great video of a 3D aerial reconstruction of ancient Rome on YouTube. So far, Livia has finally settled on a choice of husband, he just doesn’t know it yet and Lucius has returned to Rome to take up his family’s seat in the senate. Excerpt from Chapter One Livia glanced at her broken mess…
-
Insight Into The Creative Mind of Alexander Baxter Scott.
Author of supernatural LGBTQ fantasy Trem & Trem Exiles! Alex, the author of Trem, shares with us a little about his books, his writing process and some advice he would give his younger self. First off, tell us a bit about yourself. Hiya, my name is Alex Baxter Scott, I am a 25 year old writer from northern England! Interests include musicals, Sci-Fi, anime and others, all of which have helped inside and shape my work. I co own a book and coffee shop with my mother, so as far as business partners go, one can’t ask for a better fit! In-between all that I do some amateur voice acting…
-
Get Lost In Time At Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli
Italy is a country renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, and one of its true gems is Villa Hadrian. Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Tivoli, this ancient villa stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. In this blog article, I will delve into the fascinating history of Villa Hadrian and provide essential tourist information for those who wish to explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. History of Villa Hadrian: Villa Hadrian, also known as Villa Adriana, stands as a testament to the grand vision and opulence of Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century AD. This magnificent retreat was designed as a haven…
-
Flash Fiction – How I improve my writing and be loved by millions. Maybe.
I Won – Second Place at Retreat West November’s Micro Fiction Competition I am delighted to share the fact I actually won something with writing! Yes, it was only second place but it is a start. Not only was my story published online, there were pennies involved too! https://www.retreatwest.co.uk/monthly-micro-fiction-competition-winners/ https://www.retreatwest.co.uk/rain-by-zoe-walker/ I recently discovered flash and micro fiction. I really enjoy the challenge of trying to create a story in just 50, 100 or 500 words. The internet is full of flash fiction competitions and I think it’s good exercise for writers, especially if you have hit a block in your current WIP. It isn’t easy, though. Every word must count.…
