Nephele

SURNAMES OF THE JUNII The Junii followed on the heels of the Licinii as one of the most celebrated of the Roman plebeian gentes. However, the plebeian Junii were unusual in that Rome's first consul (in the earliest days of the Republic when only patricians were consuls) was a member of the Junii. One explanation offered for this apparent discrepancy is that L. Junius Brutus (relative of King Tarquin and thereby a member of the nobility), ended the patrician line of the Junii when he executed his own sons for treason. Whether the Founder of the Roman Republic was patrician or plebeian, it is at least certain that all subsequent members of the Junii who survived the Founder and his sons were plebeian. ...read the full article of the Surnames of the Junii

orifice of the

Well, my most recent experience of the Vestals having been "brought up to the surface" in books revolves around a work of fiction. In Lindsey Davis' novel, Saturnalia, the Vestals play a significant role. I love the way Lindsey Davis ties her fiction in with historical fact. In this scene from Saturnalia, she has the Vestals agreeing to lead a deputation of respectable Roman matrons (properly dressed in black), to go before the emperor Vespasian in order to plea for the life of the historical Germanic priestess and enemy of Rome, Veleda, who has been captured. To establish a reasonable justification for this scene, Davis mentions in passing the historical account of when the Vestals had formed an earlier deputation to plea on behalf of the general Vitellius with Vespasian's general Antonius. (Tacitus 3.81). Even though such intervention by the Vestals didn't always prove successful, it interests me that Roman generals, and even the Emperor, himself, would pause to respectfully receive the Vestals and give due consideration to their petitions. -- Nephele

The countdown was exciting. Congratulations, MPC! -- Nephele

I've always considered our nation (U.S.A.) to be a constitutional republic. If we were a true democracy, then we wouldn't have laws and representatives making certain that minorities in our nation had a voice, beyond that of the majority. I rather think that majority rule (as in a democracy) is oppressive to those of us who disagree with the majority. In this respect, I like to think of the U.S. having much in common with ancient Rome. But I'm not certain if this was the reason why Rome was founded as a republic. After all, the plebeians didn't have much of a voice in Rome's government in the early republic. -- Nephele

testical and had

Welcome aboard, Vesta! The Vestal Virgins make up one of my favorite subjects in Roman history. Not because I have a thing for virgins, I hasten to add. But rather it's the power and privilege that this unusual sisterhood had, that fascinates me. -- Nephele

...Brutus, Caesar and... Caligula. Institutional heritage provided a reassuring

[so far so good, but it looks like we need to delete that extra "by" -- "remembered by, by stoic romans." Change to "remembered by many stoic Romans"?] -- Nephele Unofficial Three Word Story Editor.

I know the word "awesome" is used all too often, but damnit, that device really is awesome. I would love to have known something about the inventor. -- Nephele

wistfully remembered by...

Batiatus is one slimy character. Vile yet somewhat likable at the same time. He is scary but not really intimidating. He has a sort of charm that can be disarming. He could smile in your face while slitting your jugular. And I loved the part when he was snubbed by the senator who told him to stay out of politics and stick to what he does best. In reality he probabaly would do well in politics, where high level backstabbing is a prerequisite. That's an excellent assessment of the character! (and of politics, too...) -- Nephele

According to onomatologist and lexicographer, Patrick Hanks, the surname "Pannone" is Italian in origin and is probably an augmentative of "Panno," which comes from the Italian word for "cloth; clothes; linen" and is "probably a metonymic occupational name for someone who made cloth or clothes." (Source: Dictionary of American Family Names, edited by Patrick Hanks. Oxford University Press, 2003.) The name "Pannonia" is derived from a group of ancient tribes called the Pannonii. Ancient Greek historical writers referred to this and a similar tribe as the Paeones. (Source: A Classical Dictionary, Containing an Account of the Principal Proper Names Mentioned in Ancient Authors, by Charles Anthon. Harper & Bros., 1891.) -- Nephele

A Day in Old Rome, by William Stearns Davis. -- Nephele

I really enjoyed reading this, as I've been to Nottingham's famous sandstone caves. The (purportedly) oldest pub in England is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, so called because it was said that the Crusaders stopped there for a last pint before heading off to the Holy Land. I've had a pint there, myself! I'll have to show this article to my man, who is from Nottingham. -- Nephele

So... I'm a man??? That reviewer don't know jack shit 'bout wimmenfolk! -- Nephele

At least they didn't cover up her face, as well. As one might have expected in some Middle Eastern countries. -- Nephele

$54 for just 13 episodes??? Pfffftt! I think the price will come down once the DVD hits the stores -- like Target and Best Buy. I can wait. -- Nephele

Eagle's Nest Christian Academy? Anyone here making a connection to Kehlsteinhaus? -- Nephele

"If they volunteered, that would have been one thing," she said. "But to take the kids at the bottom of the performance -- that's just like putting a big 'L' for loser on their foreheads." I'd want to BRAND a big "L" on the forehead of my slave! Christian schools are fun! Wheeee! -- Nephele

Have a great day, Ursus! -- Nephele

Welcome aboard, Stella! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your archaeological experiences. -- Nephele

It was absolutely brilliant. I'm thinking of keeping my subscription to Starz a little bit longer, just so I can watch the entire series over again. And, yes, I'd heard about Andy Whitfield's lymphoma. Crispina, your poor mom, yikes. Guy/Gaius, thanks for the link to that article on John Hannah! I'm glad the Starz and series execs didn't go with their first thought of casting a "TV equivalent of Tom Cruise to portray Batiatus." Ugh. If you ask me, John Hannah as Batiatus was the star of the series. -- Nephele

The Manlii, in terms of patrician prestige and influence, were not far behind the five princely clans of the Aemilii, Claudii, Cornelii, Fabii, and Valerii. In fact, the 19th century classicist Mommsen included the Manlii among these aforementioned gentes maiores, from whose ranks the patrician princeps senatus -- "chief of the senate" -- was always chosen. This was because, in the year 209 BCE, a member of the Manlii was proposed as princeps senatus... ...read the full article of the Surnames of the Manlii

Description of Sam Worthington as Perseus, in his too-short tunic: "a jock in a frock." Hahahaha! Priceless! -- Nephele