As part of my research for the sequel to Even Gods Are Blind, I have been focusing on how Claudia can fit into her new role and look the part… no spoilers! I am already quite familiar with the fashions of that period but I wanted to read more about how rich women cared for themselves. I picked up my copy of The Love Poems by Ovid as he has a amusing section for just that thing. Ovid, a renowned Roman poet, penned the poem “Medicamina Faciei Femineae” (Cosmetics for Women) as part of his larger work, “Ars Amatoria” (The Art of Love). In this poem, Ovid offers advice to…
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Beyond the Tombs: Unveiling the Vibrant World of the Etruscans
Imagine yourself stepping into a dimly lit tomb. Walls adorned with vibrant frescoes depict scenes of athletic competitions, elegant banquets, and fantastical creatures. This is a glimpse into the captivating world of the Etruscans, an enigmatic civilization that thrived in ancient Italy long before the rise of Rome. Flourishing between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE, the Etruscans were not just skilled artisans and architects, but also a people steeped in rich traditions and a complex religious belief system. Despite the challenges of deciphering their language, the Etruscans’ influence on Roman culture, politics, and society remains undeniable. Their legacy lives on through the enduring achievements of the Roman civilization, shaping…
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My First Review and It’s 5 Stars!
Must read 🏆 A Tale of Temptation, Passion, and Forbidden Love Unfolding in the Moonlit Shadows SYNOPSIS Claudia’s life crumbles when rebellious gods snatch her and deposit her in a twisted Roman Empire. Branded their unwilling champion, Claudia must stop the mad emperor, Tarquinius, from destroying humanity and the gods themselves.Tarquinius sold his soul and made a deal with Pluto to bring his wife back to life. He will stop at nothing to make this happen, regardless of the consequences. Claudia navigates this treacherous world with her 21st-century smarts and the help of newfound friends. Will she fulfill her heroic task and return home, or will the truth of her…
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Happy Birthday, Rome!
Today, April 21st, marks the legendary founding of the Eternal City – Rome! I received an invitation from Nova Roma, a group based in Rome that celebrates all things ancient Roman, to join the celebrations this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend today as it is always an amazing day. According to tradition, the city was established by Romulus in 753 BC. While the exact date might be shrouded in myth, there’s no doubt that Rome’s rich history and enduring legacy continue to capture our imaginations. Celebrating Natale di Roma Italians celebrate Rome’s birthday with a vibrant festival called “Natale di Roma” (Birthday of Rome). The festivities typically last…
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Resounding Past: Rediscovering Ancient Roman Music
In the heart of ancient Rome’s bustling streets and grand amphitheaters, a symphony of melodies echoed through the tapestry of everyday life. Music, an integral part of Roman culture, transcended mere entertainment, weaving itself intricately into the fabric of society, ceremonies, and communal celebrations. The Romans viewed music not just as a form of artistic expression but as a vital element that animated their existence. Its echoes reverberated through the cobbled streets, resonating in the grandeur of temples, theatres, and humble households alike. Encompassing a diverse array of sounds, instruments, and rhythms, music was ubiquitous in Roman life. Whether it was the melodic hum of the tibia or the rhythmic…
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Uncorking the Mystery: Bacchus Roman God of Wine
In the vast pantheon of ancient gods, few evoke the mystique and allure quite like Bacchus. Revered as the Roman god of wine, fertility, and revelry, Bacchus shares striking similarities with his Greek counterpart, Dionysus. Here we delve into the captivating world of Bacchus, exploring his mythological origins, comparing him to Dionysus, and uncovering intriguing stories about his birth and cult. Bacchus vs. Dionysus: Though often seen as interchangeable, Bacchus and Dionysus, the respective Roman and Greek gods of wine and revelry, embody the duality within their shared domain. Dionysus, a youthful and androgynous figure, reflects the Greek ideals of divine madness and the cyclical nature of life and death.…
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Awesome Ancient Aqueducts Of Rome
In the heart of ancient Rome, amid the grandeur of temples, bustling forums, and majestic coliseums, lay a network of engineering marvels that ensured the city’s survival and prosperity—the aqueducts and water systems. These monumental feats of engineering, designed with precision and executed with remarkable craftsmanship, provided Rome with the lifeblood of civilization: clean, flowing water. In this exploration of ancient Roman aqueducts and water systems, we delve into their construction, the visionary designers behind them, their incredible reach, ingenious drainage solutions, and their role in powering street fountains and sewer systems. 1. The Architects of Innovation: The construction of Roman aqueducts and water systems was a testament to the…
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Apicius Recipes For The Modern Kitchen 6: Wild Boar (Ofellae Aprugneae)
Continuing our culinary journey through the pages of Apicius’s ancient Roman cookbook, I find myself drawn deeper into the rich tapestry of flavours and traditions of this remarkable era. These recipes are not just a taste of history; they’re a connection to a time when food was both sustenance and celebration. Today, we explore “Ofellae Aprugneae,” a dish that embraces the hearty essence of wild boar and the elegance of Roman culinary expertise. Join me as we venture into the world of Apicius once more, adapting this for a modern kitchen. Ingredients: Instructions: With our modern twist on “Ofellae Aprugneae,” we pay homage to the Roman love for wild boar…
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Time Capsule Treasures: The Secrets of Vicarello’s Votive Deposit
Certainly, here’s an improved version: For centuries, the Votive Deposit of Vicarello lay concealed, a captivating archaeological revelation that offers a tantalizing window into the ancient customs and beliefs of a bygone era. Discovered in 1852 near Italy’s picturesque Bracciano Lake, this exceptional trove of coins, metals, and flint tools has consistently held the fascination of historians and archaeologists. My own fascination with this discovery was sparked during a visit to Rome’s Palazzo Massimo. In its vast basement vault, I encountered hundreds of coins from ancient Rome and a captivating display on the Vicarello find, a discovery just a stone’s throw away from my own home, so I felt a…
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A Taste of Ancient Rome: Oxyporum, the Multipurpose Condiment
Oxyporum (also spelled oxyphorum) was a type of wine that was flavoured with vinegar and pepper. It was a popular condiment in the Roman Empire and was often used in cooking. It is mentioned in a number of Roman cookbooks, including De re coquinaria by Apicius. Oxyporum was made by mixing vinegar, pepper, and wine. The proportions of the ingredients varied depending on the recipe, but it was typically made with equal parts vinegar and wine. The pepper was added to taste. There are a number of different theories about how oxyporum was made. One theory is that it was made by simply mixing vinegar, pepper, and wine together. Another…
