In the annals of history, few figures shine as brilliantly as Caesar Augustus. The man who would become Rome’s first emperor left an indelible mark on the ancient world, reshaping the destiny of an empire and birthing a new era. In this blog post, we embark on a journey through time to explore the life, reign, and enduring legacy of Caesar Augustus, a name synonymous with power, vision, and transformation. Here are five amazing facts that illuminate the life of this extraordinary leader. 1. The Triumvirate and Civil War: One of the defining moments in Augustus’s ascent to power was his close association with Julius Caesar. Augustus, originally known as…
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Apicius Recipes For The Modern Kitchen 1: Roman Roast Pork with Honey and Garum Sauce
Imagine being transported back in time to ancient Rome, where lavish feasts and culinary delights were as integral to daily life as politics and philosophy. At the heart of this gastronomic journey stands Apicius, a legendary gourmet and author of one of the world’s oldest cookbooks, “Apicius.” This collection of Roman recipes, dating back to the 4th or 5th century, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary world of antiquity. Meet Apicius: Apicius, whose full name is believed to be Marcus Gavius Apicius, was a renowned Roman epicure. He lived during the reign of the emperors Augustus and Tiberius, a time when culinary innovation and indulgence were highly celebrated. Apicius’s…
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The Everlasting Story of the Pleiades Constellation: Myth and Astronomy
For my daughter’s 5th birthday, we got her a telescope as she has been very interested in space and planets. I wont lie, the telescope was a bit of a present for me too. I remember evenings with my dad, out in the garden, getting lessons in astronomy and the myths behind the constellations. So when I am teaching my own daughter the same things, I feel like my dad is just a little closer, maybe hovering at our shoulders, prompting long forgotten knowledge to the surface. One of my favourite constellations is the Pleiades, the seven sisters. I liked the name, the story and perhaps because I am an…
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Cabbage: The Humble Jewel of Ancient Rome
In the bustling markets of ancient Rome, amidst the grandeur of marble statues and the aroma of exotic spices, a humble vegetable reigned supreme: cabbage. Far from being a mere filler, it was a prized gem in the culinary tapestry of the Empire. Its versatility transcended class. Wealthy patricians might savor it tossed with garum, a pungent fermented fish sauce, while plebeians would enjoy a hearty stew simmered with cabbage and legumes. Beyond its delicious simplicity, cabbage held a revered status. Believed to possess potent medicinal properties by Roman physicians like Cato the Elder, it was lauded for aiding digestion and even warding off illness. But the true marvel of…
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Mrs. Hancock and the Mermaid” – Dive into Themes and Characters
Dive into the enchanting world of “Mrs. Hancock and the Mermaid” by Imogen Hermes Gowar, a novel that combines historical fiction with elements of magical realism. In this immersive tale, readers are transported to 18th-century London, where the lives of captivating characters interweave with themes of love, desire, wonder, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Characters: The novel introduces us to an array of compelling characters, each with their own desires, secrets, and vulnerabilities. At the heart of the story is Mr. Jonah Hancock, a merchant whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the owner of a mysterious and captivating mermaid. Themes that Ebb and Flow: “Mrs.…
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A Concise Version of the Love Story, Eros and Psyche
Once upon a time, in the ancient mythological world, there lived a beautiful mortal woman named Psyche. Her extraordinary beauty was the talk of the land, and people from far and wide came to gaze upon her radiant face and offer gifts and worship. This, however, brought her both admiration and jealousy. Psyche’s beauty was so renowned that it began to rival that of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty herself. Enraged by the mortal’s beauty and the diminishing attention she received, Aphrodite decided to take matters into her own divine hands. Aphrodite summoned her son, Eros, the mischievous god of desire, and ordered him to use his golden…
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Slaves in Ancient Rome: Origins, Roles, Aspirations, and Revolts
Ancient Rome stands as a formidable empire renowned for its military might, architectural marvels, and enduring legacy. It is my favourite subject and period in time and I can talk about it for hours. Yet, beneath the grandeur of the Roman Republic and Empire lay a complex and often overlooked facet of society: the institution of slavery. In this exploration, we delve into the lives of slaves in ancient Rome, shedding light on their origins, roles, aspirations, and the intricate web of social, economic, and ethical complexities that defined their existence. The Origins of Roman Slavery Slavery in ancient Rome had diverse sources. Slaves could be captured in warfare, born…
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Venus: The Enigmatic Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty
In the pantheon of ancient Roman deities, few figures shine as brightly and enigmatically as Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Known to the Greeks as Aphrodite, Venus transcends mere mythology to become a symbol of the profound and often complex emotions that bind humanity together. In this post, we delve into the multifaceted world of Venus, a goddess who embodies the eternal allure of love and beauty. She is an important character in my novel, Even Gods Are Blind. Birth of Venus Venus’s origin is rooted in myth, and her birth is the stuff of legend. According to Roman mythology, she emerged fully grown and remarkably beautiful…
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Emperors of the Roman Empire: From Augustus to Constantine
The Ancient Roman Empire, one of history’s most influential and enduring civilizations, was defined by its formidable emperors who wielded immense power and shaped vast portions of the world with ruthless ambition. As a devoted enthusiast of the early Roman Empire, I’m thrilled to present to you this list of extraordinary individuals who guided this ancient colossus. From the iconic Augustus to the transformative Constantine the Great, join me on a journey through time as we delve into the lives of 41 Rome’s emperors, exploring their achievements, legacies, and the intriguing tales that have survived the test of centuries. 1. Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD): Often considered the first…
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The Indulgent and Oily World of Roman Bathing
In the ancient Roman world, communal baths were much more than just places for physical cleansing. They were the epitome of social interaction, relaxation, and indulgence. The Roman baths served as hubs of civilization, where people from all walks of life would come together to not only cleanse their bodies and get a haircut or shave but also engage in conversations, forge business connections, and even partake in philosophical debates. The Origins of Roman Baths: A Blend of Cultural Influences The concept of public baths in ancient Rome finds its roots in the bathing traditions of ancient Greece and other Mediterranean cultures. As the Roman Republic expanded and came into…
