As Halloween approaches and our fascination with ghosts and the afterlife takes centre stage, it’s intriguing to explore the ancient Romans’ rich and complex beliefs and practices regarding communication with the dead. The Romans, much like us, held a deep fascination for the afterlife and believed that the deceased continued to exist in another realm. Communication with the dead was not just a religious duty but an essential aspect of their spiritual life, connecting the living with their departed loved ones and revered figures. This article delves into the captivating world of ancient Roman beliefs and practices surrounding the spirits of the deceased, shedding light on the enduring human quest…
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Writing at Warp Speed: Your NaNoWriMo Success Guide
National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is a thrilling challenge that unites writers from around the world in a common goal: to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. It’s a test of dedication, creativity, and perseverance. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a novice, participating in NaNoWriMo can be a rewarding and transformative experience. In this guide, we’ll explore how to prepare for NaNoWriMo and, more importantly, how to achieve the ambitious goal of writing 50,000 words in a single month. I will follow my own advice and see how far I get this year! Section 1: Preparing for NaNoWriMo 1.1 Setting Clear Goals Before you dive into…
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Apicius: The Roman Gastronome Who Changed the World
Apicus was a Roman gastronome and cookbook author who lived in the 1st century AD. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Western cuisine. His cookbook, De re coquinaria (On the Subject of Cooking), is the oldest surviving cookbook from the Roman era. De re coquinaria is a collection of over 500 recipes, covering a wide range of dishes, from simple snacks to elaborate banquets. Apicus’s recipes are known for their sophistication and their use of expensive ingredients, such as snails, truffles, and peacock tongues. However, he also includes recipes for more everyday dishes, such as chicken stew and lentil soup. Apicus’s…
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Divine Splendour: Unveiling the Secrets of Roman Chryselephantine Art
Roman chryselephantine statues, like their Greek counterparts, were sculptures made from a combination of gold and ivory on a wooden core . The term “chryselephantine” itself is derived from the Greek words “chrysos” (gold) and “elephantinos” (ivory). These statues were highly prized in the ancient world for their opulence and craftsmanship. I first discovered this technique when visiting the Palazzo Massimo in Rome. There is a beautiful fragment from a statue that was discovered in the Roman ruins near my home in 1994, it was then sold on the black market and ended up in London. The Carabinieri in Italy, spent many years investigating and tracking parts of the statue,…
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The Mighty Legions: Unveiling the Roman Army’s Secrets
Few military forces have left a mark as indelible as the legions of ancient Rome. The Roman army, renowned for its discipline, organization, and sheer might, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Western civilization. Join us on a journey into the heart of this formidable military machine, where we’ll explore not only its structure but also delve into the daily life of a Roman soldier, from their standard equipment to their meagre yet meaningful pay. Structure of the Legions: The backbone of the Roman army was its intricate structure, a system that ensured efficiency and cohesion on the battlefield. At its zenith, the Roman army consisted of…
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Journey Back in Time: Exploring the Marvels of Ostia Antica
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Apicius Recipes For The Modern Kitchen 2: Spiced Meat Patties (Isicia omentata)
As we journey deeper into the gastronomic world of ancient Rome through the recipes of Apicius, I find myself continually enchanted by the creativity and flavours of this bygone era. Each dish is like a whisper from history, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions of a civilization that left an indelible mark on the world. Today, we venture into the heart of Roman cuisine to prepare Isicia omentata, a delectable dish that combines ground meat, aromatic spices, and the essence of ancient Roman dining. Join me as we recreate this timeless recipe that has transcended centuries. I have adapted this as simplly as possible for today’s kitchen. Recipe: Isicia…
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7 Significant Snippets From The Life of Marcus Aurelius
In the annals of Roman history, there emerges a figure who embodies the ideals of stoicism, the wisdom of a philosopher, and the power of an emperor. His name is Marcus Aurelius, and he stands as one of the most iconic figures of the Roman Empire. In this exploration of the life, accomplishments, philosophy, leadership, and enduring legacy of Marcus Aurelius, we delve deep into the life of the philosopher-emperor who left an indelible mark on the course of Rome and the world. 1. Early Life and Education: Marcus Aurelius was born in AD 121 in the city of Rome, during a time of relative peace and stability. He hailed…
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Rome’s First Emperor – 5 Fascinating Facts about Caesar Augustus
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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Search and Destroy : 21 Unnecessary Words in Your Fictional Writing
In the art of storytelling, every word should serve a purpose, like a brushstroke on a canvas. Unnecessary words not only clutter your narrative but can also dilute its impact. As writers, our mission is to convey powerful stories with precision and clarity. To help you on your journey toward leaner, more engaging prose, let’s explore 20 words that often sneak into our writing but can be gracefully excised without sacrificing meaning or depth. 1. That: This word is often superfluous. For instance, “She said that she would come” can be simplified to “She said she would come.” 2. Really: It often adds little meaning and it is lazy writing.…
