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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
