Salvete quirites,

Tita Artoria Marcella writes:

[In the first race]
2nd Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata

[In the second race]
1st Fulgur Candidum, owned by M. Aurelius Pullo. Factio Albata

An excellent day for Factio Albata. Congratulations to my fellow team
members. May we continue to do well.

Valete,

CN•EQVIT•MARINVS

Salvete omnes!

First, I've been advised by a Latinist that Ludi "Martialis" is incorrect, and the proper name for the Ludi is "Martiales," so the change has been made.

Here are the first two heats of the quarter-finals. 1st Quarter-finals.

T. Artoria Marcella
Curulis Aedilis

As Spandex the Vandal, one of Praesina's best known aurigae, drew his chariot alongside those of his competitors, the crowd's reaction was decidedly mixed. They cheered his return after a long absence, but where was Velociraptor? His new rig was called Syntarsus, and was being drawn by a new team of Sarmatians, a team that had yet to prove their metal.

Carbo Demetrius, to Spandex's left, made a remark about his being out of condition, which only made the Vandal smile and wave to the crowd, eliciting further applause. The Blue's driver scowled and gave his chariot, Libertas, one last inspection.

Driving for the White's, Alfius listened and watched, wondering how his competition could be so relaxed in the waning seconds before the race. He was ready. Ventus Candidus, his chariot, was ready. The horses, matched white Arabians, were even more ready. Through the reins he felt their excitement growing.

Only Russata's Flamma seemed oblivious to his surroundings. His immaculate chariot, Intrepidus, gently rocked as his horses fought the urge to start the race prematurely.

The crowd quieted as the Curule Aedile raised the mappa and they cried out in a single voice when the cloth was dropped. The four chariots lurched forward and gained speed, Intrepidus taking a slight lead as they headed into the first turn, followed by Libertas, Syntarsus, and Ventus Candidus.

By the turn of the third dolphin, Spandex had overtaken Libertas, as much out of self-preservation as any strategy. Libertas hugged the spina so closely that the other drivers listened for the sound of scraping as Carbo and his team made their turns. Alfius aboard Ventus Candidus sought to do the same, and succeeded at the start of the fifth circuit.

Spandex laughed as the dolphin signaled the beginning of the sixth lap and he urged his Sarmatians to run full out. The Russata chariot was within striking distance, and that was all he required. Before the last lap had begun, Syntarsus held the lead and Ventus Candidus had claimed the second spot. And so it remained until the teams crossed the finish line.

Order of finish:

1st Syntarsus, owned by C. Aurelia Falco Silvana. Factio Praesina

2nd Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata

3rd Intrepidus, owned by Decimus Aemilius Severus. Factio Russata

4th Libertas, owned by L. Cassius Pontonius. Factio Veneta

Syntarsus and Ventus Candidus advance.

2nd Quarter-final.

The second set of chariots took the field as spirited arguments break out among the spectators over whose faction will win the day, with the Greens in particularly high spirits. This group is also composed of one chariot from each faction, and also contains both veteran and new drivers and chariots.

Russata's Fabius Brasilicus was most definitely a veteran, and his chariot Paulicea is no stranger to the races, either. But he had not raced in years, and many wondered if he could still contend. He was battle-hardened and determined, and he made his fellow aurigae nervous.

Tribune Q. Servilius Priscus entry, Volcanus, was being driven by a Celt named Merddyn. Like to God of fire and forge, the chariot that bore his name looked both fierce and functional. Like most Celts brought to Rome, Merddyn had no great love of the city or its inhabitants, but on the track he felt at home. He sang songs of war as he waited for the race to begin.

The higher-pitched cheers and discussions that took place among the crowd were on behalf of the Albata driver, the freedman Horus. As a young Egyptian, his exotic looks were due to his father, Bennu-an Egyptian of noble blood who sold him into slavery. But his talents had been honed in Rome and, although this waVs his first race, he looked as if he owned the Circus Maximus. His chariot was named Fulgur Candidum and he was eighteen years old.

Big Blue, Venetus Magnus, was the last of the four. Its driver, Giscon, was frowning slightly. Carbo Demetrius was his friend, and he hated that the charioteer had come in last during the first heat. He gazed with contempt at the young Egyptian and with concern at Fabius Brasilicus, having seen him race years earlier. Merddyn, he ignored entirely.

For the second time of the day the dropped and Giscon took the lead from the start with Fabius Brasilicus close beside him. Merddyn and Horus were not far behind, as the tight group rounded the first and second turns. The lead remained Venetus Magnus' for the first four turns of the dolphin and then, as if out of nowhere, the young Egyptian drew alongside and passed him.

A lap later Paulicea pulled alongside of Fulgur Candidum and began to close in on the younger driver, hoping to force him into the spina and out of the race. Horus was having none of it, and did not even react to the maneuver. Angered, Fabius Brasilicus tried ramming against the Albata driver, only to meet with disaster. He lost a wheel and his chrariot flipped onto its side, throwing him into the dust and directly into the path of Volcanus and Venetus Magnus.

The Gods were kind to him, as both horses and chariots missed his body as he lay stunned and in pain. He hobbled over to where his team had dragged Paulicea and check out the damage. She would race again, he decided. If Arminius Genialus wanted her to.

Lap seven belonged to Fulgur Candidum from start to finish. The only question in the minds of the crowd was about second place. Even that became moot in the first straightaway, as Venetus Magnus' horses seemed to tire and Volcanus kept up her steady and relentless pace.



With a look of triumph, Horus crossed the finish line and slowed his team, raising an arm in salute to the cheering crowd. His debut in Rome had been a success, and his owner, M. Aurelius Pullo, cheered the loudest of all.

Order of finish:

1st Fulgur Candidum, owned by M. Aurelius Pullo. Factio Albata

2nd Volcanus, owned by Q. Servilius Priscus. Factio Praesina

3rd Venetus Magnus, owned by L. Vitellius Triarius. Factio Veneta

4th Paulicea, owned by T. Arminius Genialis. Factio Russata

Fulgur Candidum and Volcanus Advance.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes,

Congratulations to Praesina and Albata on their wins today! I told you
there was nothing "gentle" about Spandex!

Valete optime,
Triarius

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana L. Vitellio Triario omnibusque
civibus Novae Romae SPD.

LUDI CIRCENSES QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS, Day 1:
3rd Venetus Magnus, owned by L. Vitellius Triarius.
Factio Veneta

Triari, you are *such* a gentleman! Thank you for
recognizing Spandex's win. At some point, I have
no doubt, Domus Aurelia Falco's Praesina teams will
deal with your other chariot.

We look forward to the encounter.

Vale, et valete bene in pace Deorum.
Silvana

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com,
<lucius_vitellius_triarius@...> wrote:

> Salvete omnes,
>
> Congratulations to Praesina and Albata on their wins today!
> I told you there was nothing "gentle" about Spandex!
>
> Valete optime,
> Triarius

OSD C. Equitius Cato

Salvete omnes!

Hodie est ante diem XIV Kalendas Aprilis; hodiernus nefastus publicus
est.

"After a one day interval, the rites of Minerva are performed,
Which take their name from the sequence of five days.
The first day is bloodless, and sword fights are unlawful,
Because Minerva was born on that very day.
The next four are celebrated with gladiatorial shows,
The warlike goddess delights in naked swords.
Pray now you boys and tender girls to Pallas:
He who can truly please Pallas, is learned.
Pleasing Pallas let girls learn to card wool,
And how to unwind the full distaff.
She shows how to draw the shuttle through the firm
Warp, and close up loose threads with the comb.
Worship her, you who remove stains from damaged clothes,
Worship her, you who ready bronze cauldrons for fleeces.
If Pallas frowns, no one could make good shoes,
Even if he were more skilled than Tychius:
And even if he were cleverer with his hands
Than Epeus once was, he'll be useless if Pallas is angry.
You too who drive away ills with Apollo's art,
Bring a few gifts of your own for the goddess:
And don't scorn her, you schoolmasters, a tribe
So often cheated of its pay: she attracts new pupils:
Nor you engravers, and painters with encaustics,
Nor you who carve the stone with a skilful hand.
She's the goddess of a thousand things: and song for sure:
If I'm worthy may she be a friend to my endeavours.
Where the Caelian Hill slopes down to the plain,
At the point where the street's almost, but not quite, level,
You can see the little shrine of Minerva Capta,
Which the goddess first occupied on her birthday.
The source of the name is doubtful: we speak of
`Capital' ingenuity: the goddess is herself ingenious.
Or is it because, motherless, she leapt, with a shield
From the crown of her father's head (caput)?
Or because she came to us as a `captive' from the conquest
Of Falerii? This, an ancient inscription claims.
Or because her law ordains `capital' punishment
For receiving things stolen from that place?
By whatever logic your title's derived, Pallas,
Shield our leaders with your aegis forever." - Ovid, Fasti III

"I begin to sing of Pallas Athena, the glorious goddess, bright-eyed,
inventive, unbending of heart, pure virgin, saviour of cities,
courageous, Tritogeneia. From his awful head wise Zeus himself bare
her arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, and awe seized all the
gods as they gazed. But Athena sprang quickly from the immortal head
and stood before Zeus who holds the aegis, shaking a sharp spear:
great Olympos began to reel horribly at the might of the grey-eyed
goddess, and earth round about cried fearfully, and the sea was moved
and tossed with dark waves, while foam burst forth suddenly: the
bright Son of Hyperion [the Sun] stopped his swift-footed horses a
long while, until the maiden Pallas Athena had stripped the heavenly
armour from her immortal shoulders. And wise Zeus was glad. Hail to
you, daughter of Zeus who holds the aegis!" - Homeric Hymn 29 to
Athena

"Da, Diva, veniam si te non pecudum fibris, non sanguine fuso, quaero
nec arcanis numen coniecto sub extis. Dies admoniet et forti
sacrificare deae, quod est illa nata Minerva die. Pallada nunc oremus.
Qui bene placavit Pallada, doctus erit. Nec quisquam invita Pallade
faciet bene licet antiquo manibus conlatus Epeo sit prior, irata
Pallade mancus erit. Vos quoque, Phoeba morbos qui pellitis arte,
munera de vestris pauca referte deae. Nec vos, turba fere censu
fraudante, magistri, spernite; discipulos attrahit illa novos.
Mille dea est operum. Si mereramus, studiis adsit amica nostris.
Domina haec domii sodalitatisque patrona, te hoc sacrificio obmovendo
precamus uti sies volens propitius nobis domi familiaeque nostris;
harumce rerum ergo, macte hoc sacrificio. Sulis Minerva Belisama,
Medica, Sollertissima, Pallas, Athena, Propugnatrix, sive quo alio
nomine appelari volveris, aegida semper super nos extende." - Prayer
to Minerva, N. Moravius Vado

(Grant, Goddess, pardon, if I seek you not with the bodies of slain
beasts, nor with blood poured forth, nor divine heaven's will from the
secrets of their entrails. This day reminds us to sacrifice to the
strong goddess, for today is Minerva's birthday. Let us pray now to
Pallas, for whosoever wins Pallas' favour shall be learned. No one,
though more cunning in handiwork than old Epeus, can do well; he shall
be helpless, if Pallas be displeased with him. You too, who banish
sickness by Phoebus' art, bring from your earnings a few gifts to the
goddess. Schoolmasters, do not spurn her either, nor cheat her of
your earnings: she will bring you new students. She is the goddess of
a thousand works. May she be friendly to our pursuits, if we deserve
it. Lady, protectress of these households and this fellowship, in
making this offering to you we pray that you be propitious toward us
and our families; because of these things, be honoured by this
sacrifice).

Today we celebrate a festival of Minerva, the "Greater" Quinquatrus.
Ovid says that this festival was celebrated in commemoration of the
birthday of Minerva; but according to Festus it was sacred to Minerva
because her temple on the Aventine was consecrated on that day. The
temple stood outside the pomerium, and the exact year of its
construction is unknown, though it is first mentioned during the time
of the Second Punic War (218-202 B.C.). In keeping with the Roman
custom of temples serving purposes other than those specifically
religious, the Aventine temple was used as the headquarters of a
writer's and actor's guild.

Sacrifices were offered to Minerva, the goddess of war as well as
wisdom, arts and crafts, dyeing, science and trade, and patroness of
trumpet players. She was also the patroness of scholars and
pedagogues, who enjoyed a holiday at this time, with the pupils giving
their pedagogues gifts, dedicated to Minerva, at the close of the
festival. We see her depicted in art with Iuno and Iuppiter on the
Great Arch of Trajan, and she frequently appears on sarcophagi
offering a new life beyond the grave. The Roman goddess Minerva
probably derived from the Etruscan goddess Menrva, and was later
modelled on Greek Pallas Athena. Menrva was the Etruscan version of
Athena, and depicted similarly (with helm, spear, and shield). Like
Athena, Menrva was born from the head of a god, in her case Tinia, and
she is part of a triad with Tinia and Uni. Minerva sprang fully armed
from the head of Iuppiter, whose head had been split open with
Vulcan's axe.

Valete bene,

Cato



SOURCES

Ovid, Vado, Wikipedia

The Romans occupied much of Britain for 350 years - 10 to 12
generations - in US terms, the equivalent of from the Mayflower to the
present day.

During that time they raped, bought and/or married countless women.

After they left, the Britons were displaced from the most accessible
and fertile lands by Germanic or Anglo-Saxon peoples who renamed their
part of the island England.

The Britons, speaking Gaelic and related languages, were left in
Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Britanny. That's where you
should find the bulk of the Roman genetic (and cultural) heritage, not
so much among the English.

Valete,

T. Pontius Silanus

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Gnaeus Equitius Marinus <gawne@...>
wrote:

>
> Salve Luci Nemo,
>
> Lucius writes:
>
> > Does anyone here have an interest on the Roman Ancestry of the British
> > and whether you need this to feel more Roman?
>
> I'm interested in the history of Romans in Britain, and any documented
> evidence showing Roman ancestors of modern day Britons. I don't

think that a

> genetic connection is necessary to establish Romanitas.
>
> > Do the British have any Roman descent?
>
> Presumably. There were Romans in Britain for hundreds of years.
>
> Vale,
>
> CN•EQVIT•MARINVS
>

Q. Caecilius Metellus Quiritibus salutem.

For the coming nundinum, beginning today, the calendar will be thus as
decreed by the Collegium Pontificum:

a.d. XIV Kal. Apr., Nefastus Publicus, Religiosus
a.d. XIII Kal. Apr., Comitialis, Religiosus
a.d. XII Kal. Apr., Comitialis, Religiosus
a.d. XI Kal. Apr., Nefastus, Religiosus
a.d. X Kal. Apr., Nefastus Publicus, Religiosus
a.d. IX Kal. Apr., Quando Rex Comitiavit Fas
a.d. VIII Kal. Apr., Comitialis
a.d. VII Kal. Apr., Comitialis
a.d. VI Kal. Apr., Fastus

The feriae publicae stativae to be observed during this period are:

Feriae Marti (Kal. Mar to a.d. IX Kal. Apr.)
Quinquatrus (a.d. XIV Kal. Apr.)
Tubilustrium (a.d. X Kal. Apr.)

For more information on the character of the days, please reference
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Responsum_Pontificum_de_Diebus_%28Nova_Roma%29
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Roman_Calendar or, as always, you may send a
private message to me.

Optime Valete in Pace Deorum,

QVINTVS·CAECILIVS·L·F·SAB·METELLVS·POSTVMIANVS
PONTIFEX

Salvete omnes,

Welcome to another day at the races!
3rd Quarter-final

The calendar might have said March, but it was Aprilis that began the second day of racing. The final entry from Russata moved up to the start line to the raucous cheers of Reds supporters. Last season's Ludi Plebeii victor, Crassus exuded confidence and professionalism. He had drawn the inside track.

Which made the driver next to him work to keep a smile at bay. Cicero Cyriacus had no doubt he could beat the young Dacian. His own chariot, Venetus Daemon, was built to absorb the punishment that racing inevitably brought-whether by wear or by tear. The Blues would have cause to celebrate, if the race went as he planned.

Not much was known of Ambicatos, who was driving for Praesina in this race. His chariot was named The Sunburst, which was at odds with the ever-present cloud cover that had become as much a part of the races as the chariots themselves. Like his teammate, Ambicatos was a Celt, with the same uncertain temperament that characterized the rest of his people

As dear to Roman hearts as young Crassus might be, the driver of Vita Brevis was a longtime favorite of race aficionados. Petronius Gnipho knew the track, he knew his equipment and team, and he had scouted the competition. He also knew how to win. The only thing that concerned him as the aedile raised the mappa, was his position farthest from the spina.

The start signal was given and Crassus sent Aprilis full speed down the straightaway, pulling ahead of the competition until reaching the turn, where most of the lost ground was made up. Veneta Daemon was a close second, with The Sunburst and Vita Brevis patiently waiting for the opportunity to make their moves.

After the third dolphin turned, Vita Brevis passed The Sunburst and Gnipho flashed a grin at the glaring Celt, who mouthed something in return. Once he was far enough ahead of Ambicatos to maintain his lead, Gnipho let his team settle back into their steady pace and he turned his attention to the track ahead.

Late in the fifth lap Cicero Cyriacus decided that he was not going to be able to defeat Crassus in a fair fight, and began to run his horses full out to work himself alongside Aprilis. Gnipho and Ambicatos watched with growing alarm and began slowing to put distance between the leaders and their own chariots.

The seventh dolphin was turning and Cicero Cyriacus could wait no longer. His horses were tiring and he would soon fall too far back to succeed. He slammed Venetus Daemon into the side of Aprilis with enough force to drive the other chariot into the spina and then turned away before he could be caught up in the wreckage.

Crassus was thrown clear, but lay bloody and stunned in the path of the oncoming racers. The Gods favored him, as both Gnipho and Ambicatos were able to avoid both the injured man and the overturned chariot, dragged slowly down the track by the frightened horses.

As they rounded the first turn, the Albata and Praesina drivers erupted in matching grins. Whether Venetus Daemon had been damaged in the collision or his horses were played out, the Blues' chariot was moving a great deal slower than before and, when the last turn of the race was behind them, so too was Venetus Daemon. Relieved to advance to the next round of races, Ambicatos was not too disappointed as he followed Gnipho over the finish line.

Watching from the stands, Quaestor T. Iulius Sabinus had several long moments as he watched the huddle of men that had surrounded the fallen driver, his son. Crassus had insisted on driving his own chariot, and had gladly accepted the inherent risk. But the Praetor heard the good news before he saw it-the crowd cheered wildly as the limping driver was helped slowly off the track.

Order of finish:

1st--Vita Brevis, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata

2nd-The Sunburst, owned by Q. Servilius Priscus. Factio Praesina

3rd-Venetus Daemon, owned by Q. Vitellius Avitus Vopiscus. Factio Veneta

4th-Aprilis, owned by T. Iulius Sabinus Crassus. Factio Russata

Vita Brevis and The Sunburst advance.



4th Quarter-final

The Blues' last hope to have a chariot advance in the races rested in the skilled hands of Felix Celeris, who brought Velox Puteulanus Sors II to a stop at the white line that could mark the beginning of a career or the end of a life. He spent the short time before the race began to size up his competition.

To his right was the most oddly painted chariot he had ever heard of, much less seen. Red, white, and blue stars and stripes that swirled in a pattern that gave the chariot its name-Vertex Virgatus. It looked strongly built, but he found it hard to gaze at for long without feeling dizzy. The driver, Samicus, was one of Albata's new drivers and a Spartan by birth.

Beyond the Spartan was the lone Praesina entry this heat. Green Lightning was driven by Gaius "Taurus," whose nickname might reflect the man's sturdy frame, but Felix Celeris suspected it had more to do with his character. He frowned a bit before looking away.

Last he turned his attention to the other Factio Albata member. Kyniska was a champion driver in the East, or so he had heard, but the chariot she stood astride was Roman built, with the paint barely dry. Arachidamia had yet to prove itself in a race, but the team of white Sabino Arabians it was harnessed to looked strong and capable.

It was Arachidamia, named for a long-dead Spartan ancestor of its auriga, who reached the end of the spina first. Green Lightning nearly took over the lead before the first lap was completed, but the "Bull" could not find a place to pass. Vertex Virgatus and Velox Puteulanus Sors II took turns occupying third place until midway through the race, when fate intervened.

With no touch from another chariot and no kiss of the spina, the left wheel of Arachidamia began to wobble and she found herself losing control and running into the spina, where the wheel came completely off. Watching in disbelief, C. Cornelius Rufus, who had entered the chariot, instructed his scribe to sent a letter to the maker of the chariot.

When Felix Celeris took his chariot wide to avoid the disabled chariot, Samicus seized the opportunity to slip by on the inside as they headed into the turn. He had been conserving his team's strength untilthat point, and his chariot's burst speed was nearly as dizzying as its paint job. By the end, Green Lightning had been relegated to second place, with a disgruntled Felix Celeris taking third.

Order of finish:

1st Vertex Virgetus, owned by Q. Cornelia Quadrata. Factia Albata

2nd Green Lightning, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina

3rd Velox Puteulanus Sors II, owned by L. Vittelius Triarius. Factio Veneta

4th Arachidamia, owned by C. Cornelius Rufus. Factio Albata

Vertex Virgetus and Green Lightning advance.



5th Quarter-final

Racing for Praesina, Green Fire was the other chariot owned by Marcus Audens and, rather than a bull doing the driving, it would be a mouse. Mercury "Mus" looked decidedly un-mouselike. But mice were hard creatures to catch, so perhaps the nickname would prove fitting.

As Velociraptor lined up for the race, people craned their necks in an attempt to get a better look at the driver. Nearly six feet tall, Spandex's adopted son Vindex towered over the aurigae.on either side of him. Few believed he was only fifteen, but Spandex insisted it was so.

Aoife of the Silures completed the lineup, driving Biga Fortuna. Having had survived numerous chariot accidents, the red-haired, green-eyed driver from Britannia seemed to be courting death with yet another comeback. Factio Albata was perfectly content with her decision and saw no reason to curb her appetite for victory.

Before the mappa had fully dropped the crowd was on its feet, cheering on their favorite team, chariot, or auriga. Vindex drove hard and his Sarmations took the corner first, with the Mouse and Aoife close behind. He kept his lead for nearly three laps, but Green Fire finally overtook him and the fight was on for second place.

Biga Fortuna was the gadfly, drawing close an then backing off, seeming to pass but then slowing. Vindex fought down his irritation and concentrated on the race and the chariot ahead of him. The sixth dolphin found him hurtling faster down the track and closing with Green Fire. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Biga Fortuna pacing him.

Aoife smiled eagerly as she pulled ahead of Velocirapter and gradually forced the chariot into the spina, laughing as the contact slowed the other chariot down enough for her to leave off worrying about Vindex as a serious threat. Mus was still out of reach ahead, and though she closed the gap between them, Green Fire crossed a few feet ahead of her.

Mercury "Mus" raised an arm in victory as the Albata driver cursed him in at least two languages, one of which he thought might be Latin.

Order of finish:

1st Green Fire, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina

2nd Biga Fortuna, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata

3rd Velociraptor, owned by C. Aurelia Falco Silvana

Green Fire and Biga Fortuna advance.

T. Artoria Marcella
Curulis Aedilis


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete Quirites,

[In the first race]

> 1st--Vita Brevis, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata

Petronius Gnipho proves himself master of the circus once again!

[In the second race]

> 1st Vertex Virgetus, owned by Q. Cornelia Quadrata. Factia Albata

Congratulations to Quadrata and her Spartan driver Samicus.

[and in the third race]

> 2nd Biga Fortuna, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata

Well driven Aoife! The point is to get to the finals. 2nd place is as good
as first in these early rounds.

Valete Quirites,

CN•EQVIT•MARINVS

Salvete!

I have read the Ludi Circenses Results (days 1 and 2) to find that my
Aurigator, Claudius Faustus, and his Quadriga, Gallus Honoratus, have
been left out. Is there to be a third day, or has he simply been
misplaced? Just curious...... and I apologize if my greetings and what
not are incorrect. My uncle, Triarius, is still teaching me the Latin
things that I need to know...

Valete, Vopiscus

Edictum Propraetoricium XLII

Nomeia cargos provinciais

Pelo poder a mim investido pelo Senado de Nova Roma, e conforme permitido
pelo artigo V.C.4 da Constituição, decido:

1. O item 1 do Edictum Propraetoricium XL fica doravante revogado.

2. O cidadão Caius Arminius Reccanellus é nomeado para o cargo de Legatus
Sociorum.

3. O Senador Marcus Arminius Maior é nomeado Legatus, devendo representar o
Propraetor na condição de Presidente da Comissão de Censo, conforme disposto
no Edictum Propraetoricium XLI.

4. Os cidadãos Caius Arminius Reccanellus e Philippus Arminius Caesar são
nomeados Scribae II para a Comissão de Censo, conforme disposto no Edictum
Propraetoricium XLI.


Dados aos 13 dias para as calendas de abril do ano consular de L. Arminius e
Ti. Galerius.

TITUS ARMINIUS GENIALIS
Propraetor Provinciae Brasiliae



[ENGLISH VERSION]
Edictum Propraetoricium XLII

Appointments for provincial offices

By the imperium given to me by the Senate of Nova Roma, and according to the
Section V.C.4, I decide:

1. The section 1 of Edictum Propraetoricium XL is revoked.

2. The citizen Caius Arminius Reccanellus is appointed Legatus Sociorum.

3. The Senator Marcus Arminius Maior is appointed Legatus, with power to
represent the Propraetor as President of the Census Committee, according to
Edictum Propraetoricium XLI.

4. The citizens Caius Arminius Reccanellus and Philippus Arminius Caesar are
appointed Scribae II for the Census Committee, according to Edictum
Propraetoricium XLI.


Datum a.d. XIII Apr. L. Arminio Ti. Galerio cos.

TITUS ARMINIUS GENIALIS
Propraetor Provinciae Brasiliae

--
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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12:33



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

OSD C. Equitius Cato

Salvete omnes!

Hodie est ante diem XIII Kalendas Aprilis; hodiernus comitialis est.

"He abolished the common bath for both sexes. He reformed the morals
of the matrons and young nobles which were growing lax. He separated
the sacred rites of Serapis from the miscellaneous ceremonies of the
Pelusia." - Prudentius, writing of Marcus Aurelius AD 176

"Nam et sacris quibusdam per lauacrum initiantur, Isidis
alicuius aut Mithrae ; ipsos etiam deos suos. Lauationibus efferunt.
ceterum uillas domos templa totasque urbes aspergine circumlatae aquae
expiant passim . Certe ludis Apollinaribus et Pelusiis tinguuntur
idque se in regenerationem et impunitatem periuriorum suorum agere
praesumunt. Item penes ueteres quisque se homicidio infecerat
purgatrices aquas explorabat." - Tertullian, "de Baptismo" ch. V

Today is the second day of the Quinquatrus in honor of Mars and
Minerva.

In Egypt, it was celebrated as the Pelusia, in honor of the goddesss
Isis, who caused the Nile River to begin its annual inundation.
Apparently (from Tertullian's writings) there was a ceremony very
similiar to baptism in which adherents of Isis dipped themselves in
the waters of the Nile.

Valete bene!

Cato



SOURCES

Tertullian, Prudentius

Salvete.

The dirty actions were not allowed at Ludi Martiales Circenses, it's
true?

Valete
Crassus

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "Tita Artoria Marcella"
<icehunter@...> wrote:

> Late in the fifth lap Cicero Cyriacus decided that he was not

going to be able to defeat Crassus in a fair fight, and began to run
his horses full out to work himself alongside Aprilis. Gnipho and
Ambicatos watched with growing alarm and began slowing to put
distance between the leaders and their own chariots.

>
> The seventh dolphin was turning and Cicero Cyriacus could wait no

longer. His horses were tiring and he would soon fall too far back
to succeed. He slammed Venetus Daemon into the side of Aprilis with
enough force to drive the other chariot into the spina and then
turned away before he could be caught up in the wreckage.

Forwarded FYI

----- Forwarded message from mcmanus_carole@... -----
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:36:17 -0000
From: Carole McManus <mcmanus_carole@...>
Reply-To: yg-alerts-owner@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [yg-alerts] Gmail Non-Delivery Issues
To: yg-alerts@yahoogroups.com

We've had reports that some users with Gmail accounts have not been
receiving Groups mail since approximately March 14, 2007. This was a
difficult issue to diagnose, because we were able to replicate the
issue with some, but not all, of our test Gmail accounts. Some of us
were missing Groups messages in our Gmail accounts, some of us were
receiving them as usual. We appreciate those of you who wrote in
detail about the problems your members were having on the Groups
Technical Issues board and in email to Customer Care. Having detailed
information helps us get to the bottom of issues faster.

The problem appears to be on Gmail's end. We have gotten in touch with
the Gmail team and are working to resolve this issue. We'll post an
update when this has been resolved.

We've posted further information about email delivery on the Yahoo!
Groups Team Blog: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/y_groups_team?p=3094

Carole McManus
Community Manager





Yahoo! Groups Links





----- End forwarded message -----


CN•EQVIT•MARINVS

Salve Vopisce,

>Is there to be a third day, or has he simply been
>misplaced?

He was indeed misplaced, and I apologize for that. To keep things organized I put all of the information into a database, but either I missed adding your second chariot or it was deleted accidentally.

I've come up with a form of compensation that I think you will approve, but it won't factor into the current circenses, as the semi-final and final race calculations are already complete. I'll contact you off-list.

I'm sorry for the oversight!

Optime vale,
Artoria Marcella

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salve Crasse,

>The dirty actions were not allowed at Ludi Martiales Circenses, it's
>true?

True, but the "dirty actions" in the rules are attempts (or success) at assassination and sabotage, not being forced into the spina. The race calculations had Aprilis suffering an accident, so had you not been run into the spina, you would have crashed in some other way.

Optime vale,
Artoria Marcella



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana omnibus civibus Novae Romae SPD.

Another fine day at the races! Thanks to the organizers
and our commentator. Such a pleasure to see that the
"dirty actions" were washed right out of these Ludi. There
are spills and exciteent enough without them.

Congratulations to all who will advance, and we look forward
to racing against some of you others next time!

> 3rd Quarter-final
>
> Order of finish:
> 1st--Vita Brevis, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata
> 2nd-The Sunburst, owned by Q. Servilius Priscus. Factio Praesina
> 3rd-Venetus Daemon, owned by Q. Vitellius Avitus Vopiscus. Factio

Veneta

> 4th-Aprilis, owned by T. Iulius Sabinus Crassus. Factio Russata
>
> ***Vita Brevis and The Sunburst advance.***
>

4th Quarter-final

> Order of finish:
> 1st Vertex Virgetus, owned by Q. Cornelia Quadrata. Factia Albata
> 2nd Green Lightning, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina
> 3rd Velox Puteulanus Sors II, owned by L. Vittelius Triarius.

Factio Veneta

> 4th Arachidamia, owned by C. Cornelius Rufus. Factio Albata
>
>*** Vertex Virgetus and Green Lightning advance.***


> 5th Quarter-final
>

<snip>

>
> As Velociraptor lined up for the race, people craned their
> necks in an attempt to get a better look at the driver.
> Nearly six feet tall, Spandex's adopted son Vindex towered
> over the aurigae.on either side of him. Few believed he was
> only fifteen, but Spandex insisted it was so.

CAFS NOTES: Vindex is indeed 15 years old. He is from a land
more northerly yet than Spandex's, of an unpronounceable name
which we are still trying to find a polite Latin equivalent for.
And one smaller note, minuta, as it were: Velociraptor is a
team of veteran Spanish cavalry horses. The last time we ran
this team (long ago) the previous commentator was also wont to
call them "Sarmatians". We are running the breeds separately,
to better learn each breeds strengths.

> Aoife of the Silures completed the lineup, driving Biga
> Fortuna. Having had survived numerous chariot accidents, the
> red-haired, green-eyed driver from Britannia seemed to be
> courting death with yet another comeback. Factio Albata was
> perfectly content with her decision and saw no reason to curb
> her appetite for victory.

CAFS NOTES: Interesting to see a two-horse chariot ("Biga")
up against the quadriga (four-horse) rigs. Perhaps we could
one day have a Ludi Circenses uniquely for Biga. My recent
race through Circenses Interretiales indicates that the October
Ludi Circenses (also dedicated to Mars) were for the two-horse
type of chariot. Just a thought. And "curb" her appetite . . .
(smile)

> Order of finish:
> 1st Green Fire, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina
> 2nd Biga Fortuna, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata
> 3rd Velociraptor, owned by C. Aurelia Falco Silvana

> ***Green Fire and Biga Fortuna advance.***

Thank you all for running a fair race. Vindex came out of
it happy to have completed the race, said he had learned a
great deal, and would keep your sportsmanship in mind. Which
means he will put up much stiffer competition next time. He
will take the team back to the estate, then return to assist
Spandex and Baro with Syntarsus.

Valete bene in pace Deorum,
C. Aurelia Falco Silvana, owner

Spandex the Vandal--
Brilliant, resiliant, always stretching to Victory

Vindex--
"clearly" a (future) winner

Al Hassassin the Dimachaerus--
Twice as sharp as anybody else

Salvete omnes

Here are the answers to the first set of 10 questions, and the
scorecard so far.

Many thanks and well done to all those who took part. Not so many
took part this time, but this is a truly impressive squad of
competitors. Well done to you all.

So here are the answers:

1. According to Ovid, Romulus and Remus were the offspring of
Mars and Rhea Silvia.
2. Rhea was a vestal virgin, a priestess of the goddess Vesta.
3. The traditional punishment for an unchaste vestal virgin was
to be buried alive in the Campus Sceleratus with a few days of food
and water. It was not lawful to shed the blood of a vestal, therefore
outright killing was not possible.
4. A wolf (Lupa / Luperca) suckled the twins, a woodpecker
(Pica) (in some accounts) fed them,possibly fruit such as figs, (both
creatures are sacred to Mars) and the shepherd Faustulus and his wife
Acca Larentia brought them up.
5. Romulus killed Remus for mocking his unfinished walls of the
pomerium, or the foundations or the ploughed ditch of the walls, and
leaping across the works. This was seen as an omen that the walls
would one day be breached. Romulus killed his brother to avenge the
insult. Or possibly, according to Ovidius, Celer was guilty. Most
find Romulus guilty.
6. Romulus's wife was named Hersilia.
7. Romulus was deified as Quirinus, Hersilia as Hora.
8. The roman hill is Collis Quirinalis, the Quirinal Hill.
9. The ancient people who had a centre on this hill were the
Sabines. According to legend, the Quirinal Hill was the site of a
small village of the Sabines, and king Titus Tatius, a Sabine king,
would have lived there after the peace between Romans and Sabines.
10. The Roman salutation originating from this area was Salvete
Quirites!


And here are the results so far.


Lucius Vitellius Triarius 10
C. Aurelia Falco Silvana 10
Publius Memmius Albucius 10
Gn Equitius Marinus 9
Gn Cornelius Lentulus 9
Q Cornelia Quadrata 9
Gaia Iulia Cicurina 9
Titus Decius Brutus 8

Now that the contestants are well warmed up, we shall start the next
set of 10 questions shortly, so look out for them!

Valete omnes!
Gaius Marcius Crispus

Salvete omnes!

Time for the next set of questions, and time for contestants to grab
their pencils and set off in the hunt for answers. Off you go, hunt
and gather Bring me back what you have found.

Answers by email to my personal address please, which is

jbshr1pwa@...

Good luck again to you all

11. With which month did the original Roman calendar start the
year, and how many months did it contain? Which Roman king introduced
two additional months? Name them in the order in which were they were
originally placed
12. Who, during what event in which month, ran nearly naked
through the streets of the city of Rome striking women with leather
straps?
13. Under which Caesar, and in which year, was the more rational
calendar bearing his name introduced?
14. Who each renamed a month after themselves to create the
modern name of those months, and what were those months originally
called?
15. On what date were the Ides of March? In which other months
did they also fall on this date? Why are they called the Ides?
16. To which phases of the moon are the Ides and Nones
respectively related?
17. When were the Kalends, how did they get their name, and to
whom are they sacred?
18. Full Roman name of the person who warned Caesar to beware the
ides of March, and what type of diviner was he?
19. Name the horse races instituted by Romulus in honour of Mars,
and the place where they were held?
20. Who replaced whom between the early and later forms of which
great Triad of Roman gods?

Good luck

Valete optime!
Gauis Marcius Crispus

Salvete omnes,

Sorry this is so late! I'll warn everyone ahead of time, this is (as are the circenses) not so much a sportscast as it a description of the fights.

T. Artoria Marcella
Curulis Aedilis

Munera Quarter-finals

First match:

"Morituri te salutamus!" The words still hung in the air as the first pair of gladiators began to circle each other. Both had trained at the Vitellian Gladiatorial School and both shared a common trained under the same lanista-Spurius Mercurius Pilatus.

The Thraex named Trypho held his sicca casually, as it had always been in his hand and always would be. It's long gently curving blade gleamed softly beneath an overcast sky, and he smiled grimly at his opponent before raising his parmula, a shield on whose golden surface the face of Bacchus could be found. But it was to Mars, not Bacchus, that the Thracian made his offering before the fight.

His opponent was a Murmillo and a Celt from Hispania. A bronze lion's head was emblazoned on the scutum of Arthmail Ansgar, as well as on his iron shin guard and arm protection. He wore a closed hull, as did Trycho, and his gladius was held ready as he began to circle the Thracian. His brother, Naois Ansgar, had died in this very place during the Ludi Romani. Arthmail had watched in horror as Naois had been beheaded in the final fight of the munera. He had no intention of sharing his brother's fate.

Arthmail kept his left side to Trypho, the scutum and shin guard protecting him from any attack. He began bashing his scutum against the Thracian, driving him backward in the hopes of forcing him off-balance. For a brief instant he had an opening and thrust his gladius into it, the tip deflected by the other man's belt and, for the briefest of moments, it was he who lost balance.

Trypho did not hesitate. He backed away quickly as Arthmail's lunge carried him further than planned, and as the scutum tipped forward and down, Trypho's sicca sought and found the Celt's back. His blade sliced deep into the unprotected areas of the flesh and caused the Murmillo to cry out in pain before the scutum once again became a weapon. He had tasted first blood. Trycho hoped Mars was pleased.

Whatever Mars' opinion of the matter, it was clear Arthmail was not so pleased. Blows from both scutum and gladius rained down on Trypho and he desperately held them off as he tried to force the mad Celt to make a mistake. Instead the man tired, and as the heavy scutum finally swung wide, he ploughed into the other man with all that he had left and sent them both to the ground, the edge of his sicca pressed against the other fighter's neck hard enough to draw blood.

Closing his eyes, Arthmail yielded and the crowd, impressed with his aggression, rewarded him with his life.

Trypho, sponsored by L. Vittelius Triarius ADVANCES

Arthmail Ansgar, sponsored by Q. Vittelius Avitus Vopiscus



Second match:

Once again the two combatants are both from the Vittelian Gladitorial School and both have Mercurius Pilatus as their lanista. If there is another school training gladiators, they are not sending them to fight in this amphitheater.

Following Trypho's victory, the Secutor called Scylax was supremely confidant that he would give Vittelius Triarius his second win of the day. Although he much preferred to fight retiarius, he was certain his gladius would work quite well against a Dimachaerus.

His bronze and copper trimmed scutum, hull, and shin guards were his main protection, but he also had a cloth manica tied with leather protecting his right arm. The cloth was purple, the color long associated with Chalcis, where he was from.

The Dimachaerus who he was to face was Nubian with matching siccae made of Damascus steel, trimmed in bronze and gold. Khaldon wore no hull, a fact that would have pleased his opponent more, if not for his skill with the twin blades. Before coming to Rome, he had honed his craft in Napata.

Cautious of the swords' reach, Scylax inched his way closer to the Nubian, only to find himself on the receiving end of a series of slashes and thrusts that left him weathering the storm behind his scutum. One of the siccae managed to find a gap between shield and ocrea and sliced into the muscle of his left thigh, the pain and steady flow of blood reminded Scylax that he was all too mortal and must end this match as quickly as possible.

Khaldon tried to judge the severity of the wound he had inflicted, but Scylax gave no indication of being impaired. In fact, the Secutor was smiling at him. More than smiling, the man had backed away and saluted him with his gladius, before making a headlong charge that mush have caused him agony. Khaldon was slow to react at first, and the scutum came up and into his face, splitting the skin and breaking his nose. He went down, but as the gladius descended he crossed his swords and caught it in their fork. He brought his legs up to kick Scylax away, and planted one of his feet directly over the wide gash.

The scream could be heard over the roars and cheers and Scylax's yielding brought a surprising number of new cheers, and for the second time of the day they rewarded a valiant effort with the gift of life.

Scylax, owned by L. Vittelius Triarius

Khaldon, owned by Q. Vittelius Avitus Vopiscus ADVANCES



Third match:

From the moment the gladiators for the day's final fight took their places there was loud discussion in all sections of the amphitheater seating. Another Dimachaerus was featured, but this one was the largest warrior most of the audience had ever seen. Standing nearly seven feet tall, Al Hassassin was a spectacle just by standing in the arena. The general consensus was that the fight would be brief, and that he was unbeatable.

Al Hassassin was more than just a giant of a man, the Nubian was royalty-a Kushan Prince who had been captured near Napata and sold into slavery, along with his Queen. His natural grace and regal bearing seemed more fitting to a patrician than slave. His swords were siccae, but not of even length, with his left hand wielding the longer of the two. His armor clung tightly to his body, and appeared lighter than most fighters wore.

To his credit, Rapax the Retiarius seemed unfazed by the size of his opponent. He wasn't in the arena by chance. He had earned his spot by fighting in every small fishing town from Sicily to Rome, and had learned to fight in ways that the gladiatorial schools would never approve of.

Brave or insane, he gave the Prince one long last look and, keeping out of reach of the long swords and longer arms, feigned a throw of his net. Up went the swords, to form a cross above the Nubian's head. Releasing the net, Rapax used both hands to thrust his trident at Al Hassassin's midsection, and although the Prince was surprisingly agile for his size, one prong managed to bury itself into the flesh above the Dimachaemus' hip. As he pulled back his weapon, he could tell the wound was probably not mortal, but it should slow down the giant. Maybe even slow him down enough for Rapax to win fight.

Al Hassassin was angry with himself. He had fallen for the Retiarius trick and now was in a position he had hoped to avoid. His people prided themselves on achieving victory without spilling blood. His blades flashed as he tried to find a way past the trident, but as fast as he was, the smaller man was faster, backing away, moving to the side, and always in motion. Intent on the trident and the man holding it, he failed to notice the second trick Rapax was playing. He stepped back and onto the Retiarius' abandoned net, stumbling and fighting to keep his feet.

With horror he saw the trident being drawn back and swung toward his head. He caught it on his neck and dropped to one knee, remaining there after feeling the sharp prong pressing into throat.

To both men's surprise, the crowd was feeling especially generous this first day of the munera, but for the third time the vote went the way of the defeated fighter.

Al Hassassin, sponsored by C. Aurelia Falco Silvana

Rapax, spondered by C. Maria Caeca ADVANCES


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

OSD C. Equitius Cato

Salvete omnes!

Hodie est ante dem XII Kalendas Aprilis; haec dies comitialis est.


"But when Zeus ordered Pluto to send up the Maid, Pluto gave her a
seed of a pomegranate to eat, in order that she might not tarry long
with her mother. Not foreseeing the consequence, she swallowed it;
and because Ascalaphus, son of Acheron and Gorgyra, bore witness
against her, Demeter laid a heavy rock on him in Hades. But
Persephone was compelled to remain a third of every year with Pluto
and the rest of the time with the gods." - Apollodorus, Library and
Epitrome 1.5.3

"When the fighting was now taking place by sanctuaries and houses, and
in the narrow lanes, between detached bodies in different parts of the
town, Pyrrhus left by himself was wounded in the head. It is said that
his death was caused by a blow from a tile thrown by a woman. The
Argives however declare that it was not a woman who killed him but
Demeter in the likeness of a woman. This is what the Argives
themselves relate about his end, and Lyceas, the guide for the
neighborhood, has written a poem which confirms the story. They have a
sanctuary of Demeter, built at the command of the oracle, on the spot
where Pyrrhus died, and in it Pyrrhus is buried." - Pausanius,
Description of Greece 1.13.8

"I begin to sing of rich-haired Demeter, awful goddess --of her and
her trim-ankled daughter whom Aidoneus rapt away, given to him by
all-seeing Zeus the loud-thunderer. Apart from Demeter, lady of the
golden sword and glorious fruits, she was playing with the
deep-bosomed daughters of Oceanus and gathering flowers over a soft
meadow, roses and crocuses and beautiful violets, irises also and
hyacinths and the narcissus, which Earth made to grow at the will of
Zeus and to please the Host of Many, to be a snare for the bloom-like
girl --- a marvellous, radiant flower. It was a thing of awe whether
for deathless gods or mortal men to see: from its root grew a hundred
blooms and it smelled most sweetly, so that all wide heaven above and
the whole earth and the sea's salt swell laughed for joy. And the girl
was amazed and reached out with both hands to take the lovely toy; but
the wide-pathed earth yawned there in the plain of Nysa, and the lord,
Host of Many, with his immortal horses sprang out upon her --the Son
of Cronos, He who has many names.

He caught her up reluctant on his golden car and bare her away
lamenting. Then she cried out shrilly with her voice, calling upon her
father, the Son of Cronos, who is most high and excellent. But no one,
either of the deathless gods or of mortal men, heard her voice, nor
yet the olive-trees bearing rich fruit: only tender-hearted Hecate,
bright-coiffed, the daughter of Persaeus, heard the girl from her
cave, and the lord Helios, Hyperion's bright son, as she cried to her
father, the Son of Cronos. But he was sitting aloof, apart from the
gods, in his temple where many pray, and receiving sweet offerings
from mortal men. So he, that son of Cronos, of many names, who is
Ruler of Many and Host of Many, was bearing her away by leave of Zeus
on his immortal chariot --- his own brother's child and all unwilling.

And so long as she, the goddess, yet beheld earth and starry heaven
and the strong-flowing sea where fishes shoal, and the rays of the
sun, and still hoped to see her dear mother and the tribes of the
eternal gods, so long hope calmed her great heart for all her trouble
... and the heights of the mountains and the depths of the sea rang
with her immortal voice: and her queenly mother heard her." - Homer,
Hymn to Demeter 1-35

"O Hail to Haides' bright-crowned queen,
Maiden of Elysium.
Beloved daughter of the earth,
Mighty is your justice.
All the world will mourn your passing,
And cheer at your return.
Alalai, alalai, alalai, ie Kore!
Alalai, alalai, alalai, ie Kore!

Bringer of the season's change,
Demeter of growing grain,
Awful goddess, raging one,
All will know your sorrow.
Lady of the Mysteries,
Mother of fair Kore,
Alalai, alalai, alalai, ie Demeter!
Alalai, alalai, alalai, ie Demeter!" - Carey Oxler, Song of Eleusis
(A.D. 2003)


Today is the festival of Demeter, the Greek earth goddess par
excellence, who brings forth the fruits of the earth, particularly the
various grains. She taught mankind the art of sowing and ploughing so
they could end their nomadic existence. As such, Demeter was also the
goddess of planned society. She was very popular with the rural
population. As a fertility goddess she is sometimes identified with
Rhea and Gaia. Demeter is a daughter of Cronus and Rhea and sister of
Zeus by whom she became the mother of Persephone. When Persephone was
abducted by Hades, lord of the underworld, Demeter wandered the earth
in search of her lost child. During this time the earth brought forth
no grain. Finally Zeus sent Hermes to the underworld, ordering Hades
to restore Persephone to her mother. However, before she left, Hades
gave her a pomegranate (a common fertility symbol). When she ate from
it, she was bound to spend a third of the year with her husband in the
infernal regions. Only when her daughter is with her, Demeter lets
things grow (summer). The dying and blossoming of nature was thus
connected with Demeter.

In the Eleusinian mysteries, Demeter and Persephone were especially
venerated. When she was looking for her daughter, in the shape of an
old woman called Doso, she was welcomed by Celeus, the king of Eleusis
(in Attica). He requested her to nurse his sons Demophon and
Triptolemus '. To reward his hospitality she intended to make the boy
Demophon immortal by placing him each night in the hearth, to burn his
mortal nature away. The spell was broken one night because Metanira,
the wife of Celeus, walked in on her while she was performing this
ritual. Demeter taught the other son, Triptolemus, the principles of
agriculture, who, in turn, taught others this art. In Demeter's honor
as a goddess of marriage, women in Athens, and other centers in
Greece, celebrated the feast of Thesmophoria (from her epithet
Thesmophoros, "she of the regular customs"). Throughout Classical
times members of all social strata came from all parts of the
Mediterranean world to be initiated in and celebrate her Mysteries at
Eleusis.

In ancient art, Demeter was often portrayed (sitting) as a solemn
woman, often wearing a wreath of braided ears of corn. Well-known is
the statue made by Knidos (mid forth century BCE). Her usual symbolic
attributes are the fruits of the earth and the torch, the latter
presumably referring to her search for Persephone. Her sacred animals
were the snake (an earth-creature) and the pig (another symbol of
fertility). Some of her epithets include Auxesia, Deo, Chloe, and
Sito, and she was adopted by the Romans yunder the name Ceres. Ceres
had a temple on the Aventine Hill, were she was worshipped together
with Liber and Libera.

Valete bene!

Cato



SOURCES

Apollodorus, Pausanius, Homer, Demeter (www.pantheon.org)

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "Tita Artoria Marcella"
<icehunter@...> wrote:

>
> Salvete omnes,
>
> Sorry this is so late! I'll warn everyone ahead of time, this is

(as are the circenses) not so much a sportscast as it a description of
the fights.

>

All the descriptions are very well written and have been very
entertaining to read. Thank you for the great work Aedile.

M. Aurelius Pullo

Salvete omnes

the last March 18th concluded the voting period.

I am waiting the results.

Valete

M·CVRIATIVS·COMPLVTENSIS
TRIBVNVS PLEBIS
NOVA ROMA

-------------------------------------------

ex paucis multa, ex minimis maxima

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete Quirites

Here are the results of the Comitia Plebis Tributa forwarded by the Custos Pompeia Minucia Strabo.

The Lex Curiatia Complutensi de Consecratione was voted by 17 of the 35 tribe.

All of the 17 tribes voted yes for the Plebiscitum: the Lex was approved.

The following magistrate is hereby intalled:

Tribunus Plebis Fl. Galerius Aurelianus.

Gratias plurimas to the Diribitores and Custodes for their work.

Valete bene

M·CVRIATIVS·COMPLVTENSIS
TRIBVNVS PLEBIS
NOVA ROMA

-------------------------------------------

ex paucis multa, ex minimis maxima

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello im new to the forums and joined because i would realy like to
learn more about ancient rome. I find it hard to understand some of the
things on this board. I dont understand some words....i guess they're
in latin, but anyway do you guys have some suggestions to help me get
started?

Hello, new person,

thelastmartyr <thelastmartyr@...> writes:

> Hello im new to the forums and joined because i would realy like to
> learn more about ancient rome.

While you can learn a lot about Ancient Rome here, that's not really the
purpose of this mailing list. This list exists as the means for citizens of
Nova Roma to keep in touch with each other and our elected magistrates. So
while you'll certainly learn things if you choose to hang around, there will
also be a lot of messages that won't make a lot of sense to you.

> do you guys have some suggestions to help me get started?

Yes, there are several things you can do. It will depend to some degree on
how you prefer to learn. If you'd like to read books about ancient Rome, I
can recommend nonfiction works. I can also recommend some works of fiction
that are fairly well researched. If you'd rather watch videos, we can
recommend some things for you too.

If you want a broad overview of ancient Rome, the best online would be at
britannica.com: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106272/ancient-Rome

If you want to dig deeper, there are many options available. Give me some
idea of how you prefer to learn, and I'll make suggestions. We do have
access to the Academia Thules, which offers free online courses in ancient
Roman history. You might be interested in enrolling for one.

CN•EQVIT•MARINVS

Salvete omnes,

Here (at last) are the semifinal race accounts.

Optime valete,
Artoria Marcella

1st Semifinal

With a clouded sky overhead, the first four chariots entered in the semifinals took their places. As before, the first race of the day featured Spandex the Vandal and his chariot, Syntarsus. Although dismayed by his son's elimination, he was proud of his effort and looked forward to someday racing against him in the finals. Spandex would win, of course.

Lined up next to him, Vertex Virgatus was still the subject of a great many conversations. Was the red, white, and blue some sort of sorcery? It confused the eyes and made the head spin. Was in an unfair advantage for Samicus, the driver?

Merddyn refused to stare at the colorful chariot and was determined to be so far in the lead that he would not be able to see it through the dust. The fact that early morning rain had settled the dust did nothing to change his vision of the future. He patted the railing of Volcanus, promising her she would not come to harm.

The only racer who approved of the Spartan's chariot's paint was Aoife, who hope it provide enough distraction for the others that she might easily ride to victory. Gnipho, in his fatherly way, had encouraged her to run a disciplined race, if only this once.if only for Biga Fortuna's sake.

Four pairs of eyes were on the mappa as it was held high and as it dropped the circus was filled with the thunder of hooves. Spandex took the early lead, his Sarmatians nearly snorting fire as they sped down the first straightaway. Merddyn was a close second, Aoife of the Silures ran third, and Samicus frowned as he fell to the back of the group.

And so it remained for three long and tense laps, as Samicus took the turns so tight that Vertex Virgatus' owner, Q. Cornelia Quadrata, was working hard not to hold her breath.

But the fifth lap saw a lead change as Volcanus finally was able to pass inside Syntarsus on the back straight, and Merddyn managed to put nearly two chariot lengths between them by the fourth dolphin.

Shortly after the fifth dolphin turned, the crowd rumbled with excitement as first Biga Fortuna and then Vertex Virgatus made it past Syntarsus. Spandex seemed to be having trouble with his chariot.

Vertex Virgatus began to put on speed as Samicus tried to gain the inside line going into the turns. Syntarsus had not fallen far behind, and it looked as if the race for second place would be close. With less than two laps remaining, it was unlikely Volcanus could be caught.

The seventh dolphin announced the arrival of the final lap and Samicus again sought the inside of the turn, where he and his team felt most comfortable. Aoife tried to keep him behind her and paid dearly, as the two chariots struck one another repeatedly before Biga Fortuna veered off and struck the wall, flipping over completely.

Samicus only had seconds to celebrate before Spandex, who had hoped to take advantage of the chariot duel, bore down on him and the Spartan's agitated horses sent Vertex Virgatus into the Vandal's path. The two chariots collided and the sound of splintering wood was drowned out by the screams of the panicked animals.

Up ahead, Merddyn looked over his shoulder at the three wrecked chariots and let out a low whistle. He began to sing a victory song he'd learned as a child, and was still singing it as he crossed the finish line and secured his place in the final race.

Order of finish:

1-Volcanus, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina ADVANCES

2-Syntarsus, owned by C. Aurelia Falco Silvana. Factio Praesina ACCIDENT

3-Vertex Virgatus-owned by Q. Cornelia Quadrata. Factio Albata ACCIDENT

4-Biga Fortuna-owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata ACCIDENT



2nd Semifinal

The second race was delayed a short time as slaves removed the injured drivers, horse, and chariots after the earlier accident, and on any other day all eyes would be on Petronius Gnipho, whose teammate Aoife had been carried off looking more dead than alive. The word was she lived, and the ex-oarsman breathed a sigh of relief.

The eyes were directed elsewhere, however, because between races Ventus Candidus had grown a tail. More precisely, the white chariot now sported a large and polished brass mirror. When asked, the German driver, Alfius, would only say that his Domina, Gaia Maria Caeca, felt the other drivers should have something to look at as her chariot led them down the track.

Gaius Taurus drove Green Lightning into start position, looking intently at the new addition to the Albata chariot. It looked heavy. He gave Alfius a wide smile and offered his opinion that the only thing that would be reflected in the mirror was empty track.

With the fall of the mappa the race was on. Until the first turn it was a three-way tie, but down the second straightaway the race order became Ventus Candidus, Vita Brevis, and Green Lightning. The White supporters cheered loudly for lap after lap, their two chariots fighting it out for advancement to the finals, as the lone driver for the Greens trailed behind.

Three laps in, Vita Brevis began to visibly slow and the chariot makers in attendance began to question whether they should prepare for more business or leave town. What they did not realize was that Gnipho was no ones fool, and as a former seaman he was inordinately weather conscious.

The Bull never noticed the change in the clouds, as he eagerly passed by Gnipho and positioned himself behind the white chariot he hoped to soon coat with his dust. On lap five, the sun broke through the clouds and shone past him and onto Ventus Candidus' polished brass mirror, blinding both him and his team. Veering right, his team went headlong toward the outside wall and, turning away at the last moment, smashed both chariot and driver into the wall.

Gnipho could not make up enough distance going into the sun as he lost going away from it, so it was with both anger and a grudging admiration that he followed Alfius over the finish line. He wished he could get a better look at the man's chariot. Something was not right.

Order of finish:

1st-Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata ADVANCES

2nd-Vita Brevis, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata

3rd-Green Lightning, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina ACCIDENT



3rd Semifinal

It had been a hard day on both men and machine, and the three drivers who brought their chariots to stop at their start line hoped the Gods would see fit to spare them. Fate, fate was another matter.

Having watched at the Bull was carried of the track, the Mouse hoped he would not share the big man's fate. Green Fire rocked slowly beneath him and he wanted nothing more than to win his race and have a cup of wine in celebration.

The freedman Horus all but shone with excitement. He had enjoyed his first taste of success in Rome and hungered for more. In Egypt he had dreamed of escape. In Rome he dreamed of becoming a champion in the circus, of fame enough that his hated father could not help but learn of it. He smiled at the men beside him, and watched for the mappa.

Ambicatos was wondering if perhaps the sun's emergence, and its effect of the last race, was an omen. But he didn't believe in omens, only in his skill. And as the mappa descended for the third and final time of the day, he put that skill to use.

Fulgur Candidum reach the turn first, and The Sunburst hounded him onto the straightaway with Green Fire just behind. They took turns leading from the first dolphin to the last, and then their fortunes changed.

Side by side, none with an advantage, it was Mus who decided the outcome. He bumped into Fulgur Candidum hard enough for Horus' lack of experience to cause him to overreact and the Egyptian ground his chariot to a halt against the spina.

It had not been intentional, but Mus still paid a heavy price for his action. The few seconds the collision had cost him were enough-The Sunburst flew past and gained entry into the finals.

Order of finish:

1st-The Sunburst, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina ADVANCES

2nd-Green Fire, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina

3rd-Fulgur Candidum, owned by M. Aurelius Pullo. Factio Albata




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes,

> > Sorry this is so late! I'll warn everyone ahead of time, this is
> (as are the circenses) not so much a sportscast as it a description of
> the fights.
> >
>
> All the descriptions are very well written and have been very
> entertaining to read. Thank you for the great work Aedile.
>
> M. Aurelius Pullo
>

I agree with Pullo! The Games, in any form, are a great and
imaginative way of honoring and remembering these events. I encourage
everyone to participate each Ludi. For members new and old, the games
are a great way to learn more about Roman history through character
creation:

1. Pick an ancient Roman area (Gaul, Hispania, Thrace, Greece, Egypt,
etc.)

2. Pick a region in that area.

3. Pick a tribe/town in that region.

4. Research a little bit about that tribe and it's environment,
culture, friends and enemies, industries, etc.

5. Pick a name for your Gladiator, Chariot, Chariot Driver, and/or
Wild Beast for Venationes that is reflective of all of this.

6. Create a description of your Ludi character from all of this.

7. When you have some spare time, do it several times again, creating
several Gladiators, Chariots, Chariot Drivers, and/or Wild Beasts for
Venationes. Remember, just like the real Ludi games, our NR characters
get injured and even killed, then you need another one.

8. As these characters enter and complete, you can improve the
descriptions of them, based on their results.

9. Keep all of your characters in a text file for easy reference.

10. Register your characters at the Vitellian Gladiatorial School, and
we will maintain their career history wins and points for the year.
You can reach the School at:

http://novaroma.org/nr/Vitellian_Gladiatorial_School_%28Nova_Roma%29

OR...if you feel up to it, create your own school and seek out
enrollments. We need a competition for the school.

Of course, this means longer hours for the Aediles and staffs, but,
hey...they're good!!!

Valete optime,
Triarius


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lvcivs Vitellivs Triarivs
a.k.a. Chip Hatcher
Praefectus Regio of Tennessee (TN/AR)
Provincia America Austrorientalis, Nova Roma

Scriba, Central Planning Team, GO ROMAN Project
Dominus factionis, Factio Veneta ~ the Blues
Dominus praefectus, Vitellian Gladiatorial School

lucius_vitellius_triarius@...
http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/vitellia/
http://austrorientalis.bravehost.com/
http://www.novaroma.org/
http://www.sodalitasegressus.com/GRIndex.htm

Dominus, Factio Veneta Chariot Velox Puteulanus Sors II
Dominus, Factio Veneta Chariot Venetus Magnus
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Quam bene vivas refert, non quam diu."
"The important thing isn't how long you live,
but how well you live" - L. Annaeus Seneca

What part of Arkansas is he working in? I am over in the river
valley and have been working with the local pagan community in the
Fort Smith area who are interested in Roman and Hellenic Religion.

Would be nice to touch bases with other folks in Arkansas.

Vale,
Lucia Modia Lupa

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Thomas Gangale <marcus@...> wrote:
>
> Salvete,
>
> I just spent an hour on the phone with Titus Martianus Lupus, a
member of
> my gens, who has been very active in Arkansas. His Shrine of the
Irish Oak
> is a nonprofit organization and the state of Arkansas recognizes
it as a
> church! Titus emphasizes that the "church" is open to all
polytheistic
> beliefs and is not strictly Irish or Celtic; rather, the intent is
to
> provide an umbrella under which a network of people around the
United
> States and Canada can collaborate in a more cohesive and
cooperative effort
> to enhance the legitimacy of polytheism in our predominately
> Judeo-Christian society. To learn more, visit
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Irishoaktemple/>.
>
> Optime valete,
> Marcus Martianus Gangalius
>

[In the first race...]

> The seventh dolphin announced the arrival of the final lap and Samicus
> again sought the inside of the turn, where he and his team felt most
> comfortable. Aoife tried to keep him behind her and paid dearly, as the two
> chariots struck one another repeatedly before Biga Fortuna veered off and
> struck the wall, flipping over completely.

Marinus shook his head and followed his medicus to the track. This looked
bad.

[...]

> Order of finish:
>
> 1-Volcanus, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina ADVANCES

Congratulations to Volcanus. Any race you finish is a good race, and a better
one when you win, if only by default.

> 2-Syntarsus, owned by C. Aurelia Falco Silvana. Factio Praesina ACCIDENT
>
> 3-Vertex Virgatus-owned by Q. Cornelia Quadrata. Factio Albata ACCIDENT
>
> 4-Biga Fortuna-owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata ACCIDENT

Maybe if I rebuild it using spring steel...

[In the second race]

> Order of finish:
>
> 1st-Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata ADVANCES

Congratulations to Candidus. Well driven.

> 2nd-Vita Brevis, owned by C. Equitius Marinus. Factio Albata

Another worthy effort by Petronius Gnipho. Now he can focus his attention on
his protege. She's going to be needing it.

> 3rd-Green Lightning, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina ACCIDENT

A rough day. Many accidents.

[In the third race...]

> Order of finish:
>
> 1st-The Sunburst, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina ADVANCES

Congratulations!

> 2nd-Green Fire, owned by Marcus Audens. Factio Praesina
>
> 3rd-Fulgur Candidum, owned by M. Aurelius Pullo. Factio Albata

Well driven. Thankfully that collision wasn't as bad as it might have been.

I'll be in the Albata stables, looking after my injured driver and her horses.

Valete,

CN•EQVIT•MARINVS

> Another worthy effort by Petronius Gnipho. Now he can focus his

attention on

> his protege. She's going to be needing it.
>
> I'll be in the Albata stables, looking after my injured driver and

her horses.

>
> Valete,
>
> CN•EQVIT•MARINVS
>

Triarius shakes his head at the bloody, wrecked messes of the day,
drinks another swig of Falernian, and sends his servii to the Albata
stables carrying gifts for Marinus and Petronius Gnipho: a case of
Falernian wine (for MEDICINAL PURPOSES), a caske of Xerxes
Enhanced-Performance Axle Grease for Chariots~As Seen In The Macellum
(imported from Sardis), and

... a small bucket of blue paint.

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana omnibus civibus Novae Romae SPD.

Here is a bit of fun, for when you need to chuckle about
the whole "being Roman" thing . . .

This is a website called "Cartoonstock", and here is a
direct link to their file of "roman" cartoon.
"
Enjoy.

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana


http://www.cartoonstock.com/search.asp?x=a&keyword=romans&Category=Not+Selected&Boolean=Or&Artist=Not+Selected&submit=Search

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana novo cive omnibusque
civibus Novae Romae SPD
[CAFS says Hi to the new citizen and all citizens of Nova Roma]

If you haven't already done so, here is where to get started!!!

NEW ROMAN web group, at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newroman/?yguid=225167417

This group is specifically for those new to the whole New Roman
thing. You will find others just starting out, as well as
citizens a bit longer in the tooth who are happy to mentor
people along the way.

Vale et valete bene in pace Deorum.
[Fare well (to one person) and fare well (to all) in the
peace of the Gods]

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "thelastmartyr" <thelastmartyr@...>
wrote:

>
> Hello im new to the forums <snip> but anyway do you guys
> have some suggestions to help me get
> started?
>

OSD C. Equitius Cato

Salvete omnes!

Hodie est ante diem XI Kalendas Aprilis; hodiernus nefastus est.

"In 1820, while excavations were proceeding near the western corner
of the Palatine an altar was discovered, of archaic type, inscribed
with the following dedication: 'Sacred to a Divinity, whether male or
female. Caius Sextius Calvinus, son of Caius, praetor, has restored
this altar by decree of the Senate.' Nibby and Mommsen believe
Calvinus to be the magistrate mentioned twice by Cicero as a
candidate against Glaucias in the contest for the praetorship of 125
B.C. They also identify the altar as a restoration of the one raised
behind the Temple of Vesta, in the 'lower New Street,' in memory of
the mysterious voice announcing the invasion of the Gauls, in the
stillness of the night, and warning the citizens to strengthen the
walls of their city. The voice was attributed to a local Genius, whom
the people named Aius Loquens or Locutius. As a rule, the priests
refrained from mentioning in public prayers the name and sex of new
and slightly known divinities, especially of local Genii, to which
they objected for two reasons: first, because there was danger of
vitiating the ceremony by a false invocation; secondly, because it
was prudent not to reveal the true name of these tutelary gods to the
enemy of the commonwealth, lest in case of war or siege he could
force them to abandon the defence of that special place, by
mysterious and violent rites. The formula si deus si dea, 'whether
god or goddess,' is a consequence of this superstition; its use is
not uncommon on ancient altars; Servius describes a shield dedicated
on the Capitol to the Genius of Rome, with the inscription:GENIO
URBIS ROMAE SIVE MAS SIVE FEMINA, 'to the tutelary Genius of the city
of Rome, whether masculine or feminine.'

On the 20th of September, 1890, the workmen employed in the
construction of the main sewer on the left bank of the Tiber, between
the Ponte S. Angelo and the church of S. Giovanni dei Fiorentini,
found a mediaeval wall, built of materials collected at random from
the neighboring ruins. Among them were fragments of one or more
inscriptions which described the celebrations of the Ludi Saeculares
under the Empire. By the end of the day, seventeen pieces had been
recovered, seven of which belonged to the records of the games
celebrated under Augustus, in the year 17 B.C., the others to those
celebrated under Septimius Severus and Caracalla, in the year 204
A.D. Later researches led to the discovery of ninety-six other
fragments, making a total of one hundred and thirteen, of which eight
are of the time of Augustus, two of the time of Domitian, and the
rest date from Severus.

The fragments of the year 17 B.C., fitted together, make a block
three metres high, containing one hundred and sixty-eight minutely
inscribed lines. This monument, now exhibited in the Baths of
Diocletian, was in the form of a square pillar enclosed by a
projecting frame, with base and capital of the Tuscan order, and it
measured, when entire, four metres in height. I believe that there is
no inscription among the thirty thousand collected in volume vi. of
the "Corpus" which makes a more profound impression on the mind, or
appeals more to the imagination than this official report of a state
ceremony which took place over nineteen hundred years ago, and was
attended by the most illustrious men of the age.

The origin of the saecular games seems to be this: In the early days
of Rome the northwest section of the Campus Martius, bordering on the
Tiber, was conspicuous for traces of volcanic activity. There was a
pool here called Tarentum or Terentum, fed by hot sulphur springs,
the efficiency of which is attested by the cure of Volesus, the
Sabine, and his family, described by Valerius Maximus. Heavy vapors
hung over the springs, and tongues of flame were seen issuing from
the cracks of the earth. The locality became known by the name of the
fiery field (campus ignifer), and its relationship with the infernal
realms was soon an established fact in folk-lore. An altar to the
infernal gods was erected on the borders of the pool, and games were
held periodically in honor of Dis and Proserpina, the victims being a
black bull and a black cow. Tradition attributed this arrangement of
time and ceremony to Volesus himself, who, grateful for the recovery
of his three children, offered sacrifices to Dis and Proserpina,
spread lectisternia, or reclining couches, for the gods, with tables
and viands before them, and celebrated games for three nights, one
for each child which had been restored to health. In the republican
epoch they were called Ludi Tarentini, from the name of the pool, and
were celebrated for the purpose of averting from the state the
recurrence of some great calamity by which it had been afflicted.
These calamities being contingencies which no man could foresee, it
is evident that the celebration of the Ludi Tarentini was in no way
connected with definite cycles of time, such as the saeculum." -
Rodolfo Lanciani, "Pagan and Christian Rome" ch. II, pp. 72-75

Valete bene!

Cato



SOURCES

Lanciani

Salvete omnes,

Here are the last two combats. I noticed I was very inconsistent with the spelling of the Vitellius family's entries in the quarterfinals, and I will be fixing it on the website pages.

Optime valete,
Artoria Marcella

Munera semifinal

Before the semifinal fight begins, it was announced that the winner of this first match would face Rapax, the Sicilian, in the final contest. Trypho the Thraex would fight Khaldun, the Dimachaerus for that honor, and the crowd is abuzz about the advertisement for the Vitellian Gladiatorial School that had been posted in the Forum. Soon the school would dominated the munera, if they did not already do so.

It was impossible to say who moved first, but the clash of steel that began the fight remained constant for what seemed an eternity, until both men needed to back away to catch their breath.

Trypho was bleeding-one of Khaldun's swords had made it past his shield and sliced skin off his upper left arm. For all it stung, it did nothing to hamper him. He worked to catch his breath and looked Khaldun over carefully. He did not think the man was even sweating.

Khaldun recovered before the Thracian and launched a fresh attack, his blows parried and blocked, but not returned. Not at first. When the counter-assault came, it was brutal. The sicca rose and fell against his twin swords over and over again, until his arms began to weary. He managed to land a few blows of his own, but the Threax's closed hull and shield prevented him from inflicting any damage. Trypho used the shield with as much ease as he did his sword.

But the Dimachaerus wore no hull and when he couldn't completely block one stroke of Trypho's sicca, he felt it cut away scalp, along with his left ear. The pain was all encompassing and he nearly fell to his knew. Instead he began to fight anew, hoping to inflict a disfigurement of his own.

Trypho watched the freely flowing blood and knew it was only a matter of time before the Nubian weakened. If he were to yield, the crowd might spare him.

"Yield." He shouted as he deflected sicca with shield.

"No." Khaldun's grim expression added weight to the word.

He did not ask again. Within moments Khaldun's throat was exposed and Trypho struck. His blade sank deeply tore across the front. Khaldun swung his swords one last time and fell to his knees. The crowd shouted its approval as the great swordsman finally fell onto his side, never to fight again.

Trypho, sponsored by L. Vetellius Triarius ADVANCES

Khaldun, sponsered by Q. Vitellius Avitus Vopiscus KILLED



Final match

Trypho was able rest a short time, drink some water and have his arm bandaged before his return to the arena to face Rapax. The Retiarus was fresh, which might or might not bode ill for the tired Thraex.

A tentative thrust of the trident was easily batted away by the parmula, and Rapax circled slowly and threw his net, trying to entangle the Thraex's hull it in, but it too was knocked aside. Quickly pulling it back, he made ready to throw again.

"I've caught bigger fish than you, amice." Rapax taunted.

""And I've killed a village worth of fishermen. What is one more?"

Trypho could not get a good angle on the Retiarus, whenever he sought to move in, the trident kept him out of reach. He would have to use the net to his own advantage. For a few moments, that thought was set aside as the trident moved away and he was able at last to use his sword on the Sicilian. Blood welled from a shallow cut that ran the width of the man's chest. A colorful wound, but not one of consequence.

Too late he realized that he had been lured in. The trident drew back and struck hard. The angle was bad, but two of the prongs scored his side and he felt the cracking of ribs. He slashed again but the net-thrower had retreated.

Rapax frowned. His thrust had been off and the Thraex was not seriously injured. He would not be able to trick him again. Swinging his net as he prepared to throw it, he made up his mind. He went for the feet. As his net wrapped around Trypho's front foot, Rapax yanked back with all his strength, sending the Thraex sprawling.

He rushed forward, trident raised, and was stopped short as Trypho's shield struck him in the face, making him falter. A strong arm hooked around his thigh and he felt the point of the sicca just under his ribcage.

Yielding, he watched and waited as his fate was decided. He would live to fight again. As he and Trypho left the arena, tired and bloody, the made a pact to meet that night. Trypho would be buying the wine.

Trypho, sponsored by L. Vetellius Triarius VICTOR

Rapax, sponsered by C. Maria Caeca


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes

The contestants have completed their second of the three laps, and
the answers I was looking for, and the resultant scores, are below.

We lost Lentulus along the way, but the remaining contestants are
still making strong progress.

I hope you are all enjoying this, and I am sure we are all learning a
little extra knowledge by taking part, or even just watching, the
contest.

So, here are the answers I was looking for:

11. With which month did the original Roman calendar start the
year, and how many months did it contain? Which Roman king introduced
two additional months? Name them in the order in which were they were
originally placed?

The original Roman year began in March, and had 10 months totalling
204 days. The original months were Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Juniius,
Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December - the
last six names correspond to the Latin words for the numbers 5
through 10. The second Roman King, Numa Pompilius, introduced two
additional months, January (Iânuârius) and February (Februârius).
This allowed the calendar to equal a standard lunar year (355 days)
Numa Pompilius is credited with adding January at the beginning and
February at the end of the calendar to create the 12-month year. In
452 BC during the time of the Decemvirs, February was moved between
January and March.

12. Who, during what event in which month, ran nearly naked through
the streets of the city of Rome striking women with leather straps?

During the Lupercalia in February, the Luperci, who were priests of
Lupercus (Faunus), the wolf god, sacrificed goats and cut the skins
into strips to be used in purifying the city. They ran nearly naked
through the streets holding aloft goatskins and sweeping the ground
with them, striking anyone they met with the leather strips.
Originally this extravagant adventure was carried out by just two
young men. Young women would flock to this ritual believing that if
struck they would be fertile. The Lupercal was a cave at the foot of
the Palatine Hill, Romulus and Remus were found there by the female
wolf who suckled them until they were found by Faustulus.

13. Under which Caesar, and in which year, was the more rational
calendar bearing his name introduced?

Iulius Caesar introduced his rationalized calendar in 46 BCE, 708
AUC. It came into effect in 709 AUC. The calendar was prior to this
completely out of step with the seasons that it was meant to reflect.

14. Who each renamed a month after themselves to create the modern
name of those months, and what were those months originally called?

Quintilis (originally, "the Fifth month", (March being month 1) was
renamed after Iulius Caesar as Iulius (July) in 44 BC and Sextilis
("Sixth month") renamed after Caesar Augustus as Augustus (August) in
8 BC. Other months were renamed by other emperors, but none of the
later changes survived their deaths.

15. On what date were the Ides of March? In which other months did
they also fall on this date? Why are they called the Ides.

The Ides fell on 15 March. They also fell on 15 May, July and
October. The word Ides derives from Iduare, meaning to divide.

16. To which phases of the moon are the Ides and Nones respectively
related?

The Ides represent the full moon, the Nones the first quarter of the
moon.

17. When were the Kalends, how did they get their name, and to whom
are they sacred?

The Kalends are the first day of each month, sacred to Iuno Regina,
Unusual in starting with the letter K, Kalends derives from the greek
Kalein (latin calare) meaning to call out or to announce, for priests
would originally wait for the first sign of a new moon and then call
out that a new month had started. A kalendarium was an accounts book,
and the kalends were sometimes called "tristes kalendae" because
accounts fell due for payment.

18. Full Roman name of the person who warned Caesar to beware the
ides of March, and what type of diviner was he?

Titus Vestricius Spurinna, a haruspex, warned Julius Caesar to beware
the Ides of March. A haruspex fortold the future by hepatoscopy,
observing the entrails of sacrificed animals, especially the livers
of sacrificed sheep. I was particularly looking for the word haruspex.

19. Name the horse races instituted by Romulus in honour of Mars, and
the place where they were held?

The Equiria horse races were instituted by Romulus in honour of Mars,
and were held in the Campus Martius, an area used for pasturing
horses and sheep, and for military training activity. As such, it was
dedicated to Mars, with an ancient altar, and became closely linked
to soldiers and the army.

20. Who replaced whom between the early and later forms of which
great Triad of Roman gods?

In the Capitoline Triad, the original three deities were male, namely
Iuppiter, Mars and Quirinus (the Archaic triad). In the later
Capitoline Triad, Iuno and Minerva, two goddesses, replaced two
gods, Mars and Quirinus.

And now on to the scores. Because each question had a number of
elements, to be absolutely fair I have awarded marks for each element.

The scores for the second round of the contest are:

Gn Equitius Marinus 9.1
C Aurelia Falco Silvana 9.75
Publius Memmius Albucius 10
Gaia Iulia Cicurina 9.4
Q Cornelia Quadrata 7.75
Lucius Vitellius Triarius 8.8
Titus Decius Brutus 7.4

and the combined totals so far are:

Publius Memmius Albucius 20
C Aurelia Falco Silvana 19.75
Lucius Vitellius Triarius 18.8
Gaia Iulia Cicurina 18.4
Gn Equitius Marinus 18.1
Q Cornelia Quadrata 16.75
Titus Decius Brutus 15.4
Gn Cornelius Lentulus 9

I shall be posting the third and final set of 10 questions later, but
I am sorry to say I have a medical emergency in the family so I may
be a little later than I would have hoped. My apologies.

Valete optime!
Gaius Marcius Crispus

P. Memmius Albucius Patris, magistratibus, omnibus civibus
novaromanis s.d.

Last 30th January, I informed you of the issuing of the 1st issue of
Gallia newsletter : "QUIRINUS".

I have now the great pleasure to inform you of the publication of its
second 2007 issue at :

http://latiniter.net/NovaRoma/Gallia/Quirinus/02/01.htm

This March issue is in French.

But next week, our English speaking cives will able to read QUIRINUS
English version of its January issue ! And March issue will be
available at the end of April 2007.

For the most courageous ones of us who will rush reading this French
March issue, you will see that its volume has doubled, that its
articles are more various, and that it contains a bio and an
interview of one of our Nova Roma most eminent citizens...

Valete Patres magistratusque et omnes.

scr. Cadomago, civ. Viducassium, Gallia, a.d. XI Kal. Apr. MMDCCLX
a.u.c.

Publius Memmius Albucius
Propr. Galliae
Ed. comm. QUIRINI

SALVE MEMMI ALBUCI !

Excellent newsletter, optime amice! Congratulations to the Gallia team.

VALE BENE,
IVL SABINVS

Publius Memmius Albucius <albucius_aoe@...> wrote:

I have now the great pleasure to inform you of the publication of its
second 2007 issue at :

http://latiniter.net/NovaRoma/Gallia/Quirinus/02/01.htm


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes

We now come to the third and final lap of the contest, and so it is
time to let you gently jog round the course after the exertions of
the second set of questions!

I hope you will enjoy these. They should be less challenging.

21. The name of the festival held between 19 and 23 March, and in
whose honour was it held?
22. Dramatist and epic poet who arrived in Rome as a Greek-
speaking slave and translated Homer's Odyssey into Latin verse?
23. Name of the guild of poets and actors to which he belonged,
and the name and location of the temple at which they met?
24. What were the hastae martiae, where were they kept, and what
did any movement of them portend?
25. Which college of priests kept how many of what in the
Sacrarium of Mars?
26. What did these priests get up to during March, and what
happened at the altars and temples on their route?
27. Name the three who kept the bridge over the Tiber, thus
defending Rome against whom who wrought the deed of shame? Who had
raised this army, and who was it designed to restore to power?
28. What was the deed of shame he wrought, and what change in the
form of Roman government followed his departure?
29. What is the modern and Roman name of the town in the west of
England where the waters from the original sacred spring are still
fed through Roman lead pipes into the lead-lined facility from which
the town takes its name?
30. Composite Roman name associating the Roman and Celtic
goddesses associated with this town?

Answers to my private email address again please, which is

jbshr1pwa@....

The deadline for replies is 6pm Rome time on Saturday.

Good luck to you all.
Gaius Marcius Crispus

M•CALIDIVS•GRACCHVS•C•EQVITIO•CATONI•S•P•D

SALVE CATO,

S.V.B.E.E.V.!

I thought it worth mentioning that also on this day the priests of
Cybele (Ops or Rhea) or Magna Mater would carry pine (some say palm)
trees through the streets and it was known as the Festival of the
Entry of the Tree. It was renamed Palm Sunday by the Christians, who
prevaricated its' origin and meaning.

May I say that as always, honourable CATO, your daily commentaries
are faithful, thorough and informative - keep up the good work!

BENE VALE,

M•CALIDIVS•M•F•M•N•M•PR•PAL•GRACCHVS
CIVIS NOVÆ ROMÆ

VERITAS•LVX•MEA

L•ARMINIO•Ti• GALERIO COS.‡
(MMDCCLX A•V•C)


--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "gaiusequitiuscato" <mlcinnyc@...>
wrote:

> OSD C. Equitius Cato
>
> Salvete omnes!
>
> Hodie est a.d. XI Kalendas Aprilis; haec dies nefastus publicus

est.

>
> "The last day of the five exhorts us to purify
> The tuneful trumpets, and sacrifice to the mighty god.
> Now you can turn your face to the Sun and say:
> `He touched the fleece of the Phrixian Ram yesterday'.
> The seeds having been parched, by a wicked stepmother's
> Guile, the corn did not sprout in the usual way.
> They sent to the oracle, to find by sure prophecy,
> What cure the Delphic god would prescribe for sterility.
> But tarnished like the seed, the messenger brought news
> That the oracle sought the death of Helle and young Phrixus:
> And when citizens, season, and Ino herself compelled
> The reluctant king to obey that evil order,
> Phrixus and his sister, brows covered with sacred bands,
> Stood together before the altar, bemoaning their mutual fate.
> Their mother saw them, as she hovered by chance in the air,
> And, stunned, she beat her naked breasts with her hand:
> Then, with the clouds as her companions, she leapt down
> Into serpent-born Thebes, and snatched away her children:
> And so that they could flee a ram, shining and golden,
> Was brought, and it carried them over the wide ocean.
> They say the sister held too weakly to the left-hand horn,
> And so gave her own name to the waters below.
> Her brother almost died with her, trying to help her
> As she fell, stretching out his hands as far as he could.
> He wept at losing her, his friend in their twin danger,
> Not knowing she was now wedded to a sea-green god.
> Reaching the shore the Ram was raised as a constellation,
> While his golden fleece was carried to the halls of Colchis." -

Ovid,

> Fasti III
>
> Today is the celebration of the Tubilustrium. The month of March

was

> the traditional start of the campaign season, and the Tubilustrium

was

> a ceremony to make the army fit for war. It was held on March 23,

the

> last day of the Greater Quinquatrus (the festival of Mars and
> Minerva), and it occurred again on May 23. The sacred trumpets

(tubae)

> were originally war trumpets, but later they were used for

ceremonial

> occasions. It is not clear if the army was involved, or if it was
> merely a ceremony to purify the trumpets used in summoning the
> assembly on the following day. The ceremony was held in Rome in a
> building called the Hall of the Shoemakers (atrium sutorium) and
> involved the sacrifice of a ewe lamb. Romans who did not attend the
> ceremony would be reminded of the occasion by seeing the Salii

dancing

> through the streets of the city.
>
> If you have RealPlayer, you can listen to this:
>
> http://www.dws.org/dlovrien/ra/tubilust.rm
>
> The day is also dedicated to the god Vulcan, god of fire,

especially

> destructive fire, and craftsmanship. His forge is located beneath
> Mount Etna. It is here that he, together with his helpers, forges
> weapons for gods and heroes. Vulcanus is closely associated with

Bona

> Dea with whom he shared the Volcanalia, observed on August 23. This
> festival took place during the height of the Mediterranean drought

and

> the period of highest risk of fire. On the banks of the river

Tiber,

> fires were lighted on which living fish were sacrificed. His

temples

> were usually located outside the cities, due to the dangerous

nature

> of fire. In 215 B.C. his temple on the Circus Flaminius was
> inaugurated. In Ostia he was the chief god as the protector against
> fire in the grain storages. He is identified with the Greek

Hephaestus.

>
> Ovid mentions the story of Phrixus, who was the prince who was

saved

> on the point of sacrifice by a magical flying ram. Phrixus escaped
> together with his sister Helle on the animal's back. Helle became
> dizzy and fell into the sea (giving her name to the Hellespont).

But

> Phrixus fetched up in Colchis on the mysterious periphery of the
> heroic world. Here he sacrificed the ram to Zeus, and hung the

ram's

> golden fleece in the sacred grove of Ares, god of war. This became

the

> object of the famous quest by Jason and the Argonauts.

>
>
>
> Valete bene!
>
> Cato
>
>
> SOURCES
>
> Ovid, Vulcan (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/v/vulcan.html)
>

Salvete Aediles et omnes,

> Yielding, he watched and waited as his fate was decided. He would

live to fight again. As he and Trypho left the arena, tired and
bloody, the made a pact to meet that night. Trypho would be buying the
wine.

...Triarius would be buying the wine...Triarius thinks the vinyards
will be stressed, but what the heck!

Triarius exits the arena, where celebration preparations have been
made and makes his way through the crowds to the Vitellian Vinyards
carts. The masses are now consuming the free Falernian in celebration
of the ending of the Munera Gladiatoria, the bravery displayed on the
sand, and the opening of the new Vitellian Gladiatorial School.

Triarius offers a toast to Trypho the Victor and to all those who
competed in the arena. His nephew, Vopiscus, thanks him and reminds
him that by the time the Circensis celebrations are over, his uncle
will probably be depleted of both wine AND money.

Triarius ponders his reactionary decision to supply the WHOLE city of
Roma with Falernian...then...thwaps his nephew on the side of the head!

It's gonna be a long week...

Valete optime,
Triarius

Salvete Omnes,

I am a new citizen (starting my 90 day probation), seeking Propraetrix
Arnamentia Moravia Aurelia (the governor of my province) or one of her
Scribes to speak with. It mentioned that speaking with loval
government officials is a good way to become involved, and being
involved is what I joined to do.

I appologize if this was not the proper venue to persuit this, and
hope it is not.

Optime Valeti,

M. Claudius Matthias

Salvete Omnes!

Triarius, that uncle of mine, must think he is very funny.
Thwap me on the head, will you?
Yes, a long week it shall be......


Valete,
Vopiscus

Sources at the Vitellian Gladiatorial School announced early this
morning that Rapax, the retiarius owned by Domina C. Maria Caeca and
runner-up in the recent Ludi Martiales Munera Gladiatorial events, has
just been enrolled into the school.

In an interview with Spurius Mercurius Pilatus, the world-reknowned
Lanista, he had this to say about the new enrollee:

"Rapax grew up in a small fishing village in Sicily. His father was a
fisherman, and, from what little we've been able to learn, not much of
a father. Rapax learned at a very young age that, if you wanted to
survive, you learned how to fight, and to win. If you were fairly
small, you learned to be cunning and quick, and you learned to use
every advantage you could get. He learned, and by the time he was 11
or so, was the terror of the wharves, for extremely good reason.
Rapax, however, had no intention of following in his father's career.

"He was determined to be a Gladiator from the first time he saw a
combat, but, being poor, could neither find a sponsor nor afford a
good school and selling himself into slavery was *not* a personal
option for him. So, he left home, and fought his way from Sicily,
through most of Italy, in small towns and other venues too poor or out
of the way for the really professional gladiators to bother with.

"Maria Caeca saw him fight while visiting friends, and liked his
scrappy style, his cunning (he's obviously extremely intelligent, if
not learned) and his absolute and sometimes overweening confidence in
his abilities. Since she had decided to indulge an urge to
participate in the Ludi, she decided to sponsor the lad, and see what
he was made of. While he didn't win his first final, he *got* himself
to that final, and acquitted himself well enough for her to broaden
her sponsorship to include formal training in the VGS institution."

A Sicilian employee of the school, familiar with Rapax, issued this
alarming comment about him:

"Rapax has left a trail of very angry fathers, brothers, uncles and
husbands behind him ...and the 3 things he loves most in the world
are, in no particular order, fighting (if you ever get into a knife
fight, you *do* want him on your side), partying (with ever flowing
wine) and wenching."

He may be a handful, but Maria Caeca vowes to have every confidence in
the abilities of the VGS to curb him, and help him enhance his already
not inconsiderable skills. Additionally, Maria Caeca has enrolled a
2nd entry, a fighting leopard named Kali.

Kali was probably born in India. She is a completely black leopard
with an attitude. Her view of the world is that, if it is anywhere
near her, and it moves, it's lunch (or dinner, or breakfast.)
Blushing, Maria Caeca stated she bought her while visiting in Egypt,
mostly because she saw her, nearly half starved, and being thoroughly
abused by a rather slimy trader. The stupid man didn't seem to
realize that a cat in excellent condition would fetch a *far* better
price. She further stated that she thought he was afraid of his
animals, and too parsimonious to pay for good handlers.

At any rate, she purchased Kali, hired a brother and sister (also,
interestingly, from India) to take care of her and train her (well,
um, encourage her to do what's wanted), and deal with her medical
problems. She is now extremely healthy, at her full fighting weight,
with a lustrous coat...and hungry. She prefers her food alive and
moving, but she'll eat anything, more or less. Not a lap cat!

I guess those Gladiators won't have to worry about rats in their straw
when they lay down at night anymore...I mean...not that VGS is overrun
with rats or anything...or...or...that we even have a rat problem...

Vale optime,
Triarius

T.Flavius Aquila Fl. Galerius Aurelianus salutem plurinam dicit

Salve Aureliane,

congratulation to your election and may the gods support you
in your duty for our republic and for the people of Nova Roma.

Quidquid agis prudenter agas et respice finem

res publica est res populi!

Titus Flavius Aquila civis provinciae Germaniae


--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, M·CVR·COMPLVTENSIS
<complutensis@...> wrote:

>
> Salvete Quirites
>
> Here are the results of the Comitia Plebis Tributa forwarded by

the Custos Pompeia Minucia Strabo.

>
> The Lex Curiatia Complutensi de Consecratione was voted by 17 of

the 35 tribe.

>
> All of the 17 tribes voted yes for the Plebiscitum: the Lex was

approved.

>
> The following magistrate is hereby intalled:
>
> Tribunus Plebis Fl. Galerius Aurelianus.
>
> Gratias plurimas to the Diribitores and Custodes for their work.
>
> Valete bene
>
> M·CVRIATIVS·COMPLVTENSIS
> TRIBVNVS PLEBIS
> NOVA ROMA
>
> -------------------------------------------
>
> ex paucis multa, ex minimis maxima
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

AMERICA AUSTRORIENTALIS EDICTUM XXVII-Appointment of Regio Praefectus
of Florida.

Edictum propraetoricum 2760 about the Appointment of Praefectus Regio
Florida

I, Flavius Galerius Aurelianus, Propraetor America Austrorientalis,
hereby appoint

Tiberius Cornelius Scipio (Jorge Lescano) as Praefectus Regio Florida
(encompassing the state of Florida). His email address is
jorge@....

This edictum becomes effective immediately.

Given under my hand, this day 22 March 2760 AUC, being 2007 AD
Gregorian, in the Consulship of Tb. Galerius Paulinus and L. Arminius
Faustus.

Fl. Galerius Aurelianus S.P.D.

I wish to thank all of the Plebeian citizens who voted for the in
the elections and the 17 Tribes that confirmed me in office by the
plebiscite. I will do my very best to serve the interests of the
Plebs and Nova Roma as a whole. I would like to offer special
thanks to Marca Hortensia for her assistance and challenges during
the election. I know that I can count on her continued efforts to
keep me on my toes.

Valete.

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "mutundehre" <tvogel@...> wrote:
>
>
> T.Flavius Aquila Fl. Galerius Aurelianus salutem plurinam dicit
>
> Salve Aureliane,
>
> congratulation to your election and may the gods support you
> in your duty for our republic and for the people of Nova Roma.
>
> Quidquid agis prudenter agas et respice finem
>
> res publica est res populi!
>
> Titus Flavius Aquila civis provinciae Germaniae
>
>
> --- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, M·CVR·COMPLVTENSIS
> <complutensis@> wrote:
> >
> > Salvete Quirites
> >
> > Here are the results of the Comitia Plebis Tributa forwarded by
> the Custos Pompeia Minucia Strabo.
> >
> > The Lex Curiatia Complutensi de Consecratione was voted by 17 of
> the 35 tribe.
> >
> > All of the 17 tribes voted yes for the Plebiscitum: the Lex was
> approved.
> >
> > The following magistrate is hereby intalled:
> >
> > Tribunus Plebis Fl. Galerius Aurelianus.
> >
> > Gratias plurimas to the Diribitores and Custodes for their work.
> >
> > Valete bene
> >
> > M·CVRIATIVS·COMPLVTENSIS
> > TRIBVNVS PLEBIS
> > NOVA ROMA
> >
> > -------------------------------------------
> >
> > ex paucis multa, ex minimis maxima
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Thank for your mail.
Can you assit me by giving invitation or letter of admission to study this language. This will enable me to apply for visa at the embassy in nigeria.

looking for your reply.

Thank you.



---------------------------------
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---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

OSD C. Equitius Cato

Salvete omnes!

Hodie est a.d. XI Kalendas Aprilis; haec dies nefastus publicus est.

"The last day of the five exhorts us to purify
The tuneful trumpets, and sacrifice to the mighty god.
Now you can turn your face to the Sun and say:
`He touched the fleece of the Phrixian Ram yesterday'.
The seeds having been parched, by a wicked stepmother's
Guile, the corn did not sprout in the usual way.
They sent to the oracle, to find by sure prophecy,
What cure the Delphic god would prescribe for sterility.
But tarnished like the seed, the messenger brought news
That the oracle sought the death of Helle and young Phrixus:
And when citizens, season, and Ino herself compelled
The reluctant king to obey that evil order,
Phrixus and his sister, brows covered with sacred bands,
Stood together before the altar, bemoaning their mutual fate.
Their mother saw them, as she hovered by chance in the air,
And, stunned, she beat her naked breasts with her hand:
Then, with the clouds as her companions, she leapt down
Into serpent-born Thebes, and snatched away her children:
And so that they could flee a ram, shining and golden,
Was brought, and it carried them over the wide ocean.
They say the sister held too weakly to the left-hand horn,
And so gave her own name to the waters below.
Her brother almost died with her, trying to help her
As she fell, stretching out his hands as far as he could.
He wept at losing her, his friend in their twin danger,
Not knowing she was now wedded to a sea-green god.
Reaching the shore the Ram was raised as a constellation,
While his golden fleece was carried to the halls of Colchis." - Ovid,
Fasti III

Today is the celebration of the Tubilustrium. The month of March was
the traditional start of the campaign season, and the Tubilustrium was
a ceremony to make the army fit for war. It was held on March 23, the
last day of the Greater Quinquatrus (the festival of Mars and
Minerva), and it occurred again on May 23. The sacred trumpets (tubae)
were originally war trumpets, but later they were used for ceremonial
occasions. It is not clear if the army was involved, or if it was
merely a ceremony to purify the trumpets used in summoning the
assembly on the following day. The ceremony was held in Rome in a
building called the Hall of the Shoemakers (atrium sutorium) and
involved the sacrifice of a ewe lamb. Romans who did not attend the
ceremony would be reminded of the occasion by seeing the Salii dancing
through the streets of the city.

If you have RealPlayer, you can listen to this:

http://www.dws.org/dlovrien/ra/tubilust.rm


The day is also dedicated to the god Vulcan, god of fire, especially
destructive fire, and craftsmanship. His forge is located beneath
Mount Etna. It is here that he, together with his helpers, forges
weapons for gods and heroes. Vulcanus is closely associated with Bona
Dea with whom he shared the Volcanalia, observed on August 23. This
festival took place during the height of the Mediterranean drought and
the period of highest risk of fire. On the banks of the river Tiber,
fires were lighted on which living fish were sacrificed. His temples
were usually located outside the cities, due to the dangerous nature
of fire. In 215 B.C. his temple on the Circus Flaminius was
inaugurated. In Ostia he was the chief god as the protector against
fire in the grain storages. He is identified with the Greek
Hephaestus.

Ovid mentions the story of Phrixus, who was the prince who was saved
on the point of sacrifice by a magical flying ram. Phrixus escaped
together with his sister Helle on the animal's back. Helle became
dizzy and fell into the sea (giving her name to the Hellespont). But
Phrixus fetched up in Colchis on the mysterious periphery of the
heroic world. Here he sacrificed the ram to Zeus, and hung the ram's
golden fleece in the sacred grove of Ares, god of war. This became the
object of the famous quest by Jason and the Argonauts.



Valete bene!

Cato


SOURCES

Ovid, Vulcan (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/v/vulcan.html)

L. Vitellius Triarius Fl. Galerius Aurelianus S.P.D.

You will make a fine Tribune as you have been, and will continue to
be, a fine Propraetor!

Vale optime,
Triarius

Cato M. Calidio Graccho sal.

With the greatest respect, Calidius Gracchus, Palm Sunday was not
among the (many) pagan holidays subsumed by the Christian
Church; it celebrates the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem,
during which many of the crowd cheering Him waved branches of palm (a
universal symbol in the ancient world of celebration, hope and/or
victory) before Him as He rode:


"On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they
heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the
palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, "Hosanna!
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of
Israel." - The Gospel According to St. John 12:12-13


Vale bene,

Cato

Salvete omnes,

It's somewaht anti-climactic (time constraints), and for that I apologize, but here is the final race of the circenses.

Optime valete,
Artoria Marcella

Finals

Ventus Candidus took up position at the start line, the bronze mirror conspicuous by its absence. Factio Praesina had cried foul and, not wishing to incur their wrath, Domina Maria Caeca had it removed.

Merddyn was grinning like the madman he seemed to be, but Volcanus looked sleek and ready, and the team that pulled her looked eager to run. He could well afford to be confident.

The Sunburst also stood ready, its team eager and its driver, Ambicatos, menatally spending the coin he would make if he won. The head of the gladiatorial school had flooded the town with wine, and it lent him courage as well as a slight headache.

The mappa fell, and the three chariots fought their way into the first turn, with The Sunburst in the lead, with Ventns Candidus and Volcanus not far behind. The gap grew as Ambicatos drove The Sunburst far into the lead.

Lap three brought about a lead change, as The Sunburst clipped the wall hard enough to turn the chariot onto its side. Splinters flew, as did Ambicatos, but he managed to limp away as if nothing much had occurred. Both Ventus Candidus and Volcanus made it safely past, and they remained one and two for a few more laps.

It was the sixth lap the decided the race. Volcanus, who had been a force in the straightaway and conservative in the turn, he pulled ahead of Ventus Candidus and never once looked back.

Order of finish:

Volcanus, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina

Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata

The Sunburst, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina ACCIDENT




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> Order of finish:
>
> Volcanus, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina
>

Congrats on the win!

> Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata
>

good show for Albata. To get second in one's ludi is a great
acheievment! I'm very happy for you Caeca!!

> The Sunburst, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina

ACCIDENT

>
>

M. Aurelius Pullo

Salvete Quirites,

> Order of finish:
>
> Volcanus, owned by Q. Servillius Priscus. Factio Praesina

Congratulations!

> Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria Caeca. Factio Albata

Congratulations also to Gaia Maria Caeca. An excellent showing!

Valete,

CN•EQVIT•MARINVS

Reminder from:		Nova-Roma Yahoo! Group
Title:		VI Conventus Novae Romae
Date:		Saturday March 24, 2007
Time:		12:00 am - 1:00 am
Repeats:		This event repeats every week until Thursday August 9, 2007.
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Marcus Claudio,

You can contact her through the Yahoogroup The Roman Way. This group is
based out of Aurelia's province and encourages regular events, dinners, and get
togethers. I recommend that as a citizen of her province, you join this
group. She is an outstanding Nova Roman and a wonderful person, as his her
husband. I had the pleasure of meeting them at the Pompeii Reborn event in
Mobile last month.

Fl. Galerius Aurelianus
Propraetor Austrorientalis



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete Omnes,

Merddyn, the driver of Volcanus wishes to thank all of his opponents
for challenging race. Ambicatos even though he did not finish due to
an accident also
joins Merddyn in congratulating Ventus Candidus, owned by C. Maria
Caeca of Factio Albata for her finish. Merddyn and Ambicatos will be
going
back to the Cornovii tribe in Britannia to be honored by their
Chieftain after being generously rewarded by my Family. They will
both return for future races.

I personally would like to thank all of Praesina's entries for their
outstanding showing during the races.

Valete,

Quintus Servilius Priscus


PS: As for the Chariots they are both in the shop for refitting and
repairs and also will ready for the next races.

Salvete omnes

And so we come to the end of the historical quiz. Here are the last
set of answers, and the final scores.

21. The name of the festival held between 19 and 23 March, and in
whose honour was it held?

The Quintratria, a five-day holiday in honour of Mars, later Minerva,
was held from 19 March.

22. Dramatist and epic poet who arrived in Rome as a Greek-speaking
slave and translated Homer's Odyssey into Latin verse?

Lucius Livius Andronicus (Andronikos) was the greek-speaking slave
who translated Homer's Odyssey.

23. Name of the guild of poets and actors to which he belonged, and
the name and location of the temple at which they met?

To ward off menacing omens, Andronicus was commissioned to compose an
intercessory hymn to be sung, in procession, to Aventine Iuno. As a
reward for the success of this intervention, a guild of poets and
actors, of which he became president, was granted a domicile in the
temple of Minerva on the Aventine, called the Collegium Poetarum /
Scriborum or the Aventine Sanctuary.

24. What were the hastae martiae, where were they kept, and what did
any movement of them portend?

The hastae martiae, the "lances of Mars" were kept in a small chamber
in the Regia on the Forum Romanum. Any movement of these lances was
seen as an omen of war. The army leaders had to move the lances while
saying 'Mars vigila' ("Mars awaken").

25 Which college of priests kept how many of what in the Sacrarium of
Mars?

The Salii Palatini had the care of twelve sacred shields called
ancilia. During the reign of Numa a small oval shield fell from
heaven, and Numa, in order to prevent its being stolen, had eleven
others made exactly like it. These twelve shields (amongst which the
original one was concealed) were in the charge of the twelve priests
of the Salii and kept in the Sacrarium of Mars.

26. What did these priests get up to during March, and what happened
at the altars and temples on their route?

The greater part of March, beginning from the 1st, on which day the
original shield (ancile) was said to have fallen from heaven and the
campaigning season began, was devoted to various ceremonies connected
with the Salii. From March 1 they marched, or danced, or leapt,in
procession through the city, dressed in an embroidered tunic, a
brazen breastplate and a peaked cap; each carried a sword by his side
and a short staff in his right hand, with which the shield, borne on
the left arm, was struck from time to time. A halt was made at the
altars and temples, where the Salii, singing a special chant, danced
a war dance with much leaping. Every day the procession stopped at
certain stations (mansiones), where the shields were deposited for
the night, and the Salii partook of a banquet On the next day the
procession passed on to another mansio; this continued till the 24th,
when the shields were replaced in their sacrarium.

27 Name the three who kept the bridge over the Tiber, thus defending
Rome against whom who wrought the deed of shame? Who had raised this
army, and who was it designed to restore to power?

The three who kept the bridge from Janiculum across the Tiber into
Rome were Horatius Cocles ("brave Horatius the Captain of the
Gate"), Spurius Lartius and Titus Herminius. They held back an army
raised by Lars Porsena which tried to restore the Tarquins and Sextus
Tarquinius to power. It was Sextus who wrought the deed of shame.

28. What was the deed of shame he wrought, and what change in the
form of Roman government followed his departure?

The deed of shame was the ravishment by Sextus of Lucrece, the wife
of Collatinus, one of Sextus's officers. Following his defeat, Sextus
and the Tarquins were banished from Rome ending the line of Kings
going back to Romulus. Thereafter Rome was administered by consuls,
elected yearly.

29. What is the modern and Roman name of the town in the west of
England where the waters from the original sacred spring are still
fed through Roman lead pipes into the lead-lined facility from which
the town takes its name?

Bath (Roman Aquae Sulis).

30. Composite Roman name associating the Roman and Celtic goddesses
associated with this town?

The hot springs of Bath are believed to have been sacred to the
Celts. It was there that they worshipped a god called Sul (Sulis).
Under the Romans, the shrine was rebuilt and rededicated to a new
deity, creatively named Sulis Minerva. This was intended to appeal to
both the local Celts and the Romans. Among her attributes, Minerva
was the Goddess of wisdom and was strongly associated with healing;
thus she was a fitting comparison to Sulis who reflected the same
values. A gilt bronze head of Minerva was found during exploration of
her temple site.

And the scores. We lost two more contestants during the third lap,
and so the final places are as follows:

Publius Memmius Albucius 30
C Aurelia Falco Silvana 29.4
Lucius Vitellius Triarius 28.8
Gn Equitius Marinus 28.6
Gaia Iulia Cicurina 28.2
Q Cornelia Quadrata 16.75
Titus Decius Brutus 16.2
Gn Cornelius Lentulus 9.5

So it was a closely contested fight to the finish, and all those who
survived the course are to be congratulated. Very well done, all of
you. But particular congratulations must go to Albucius, especially
as English is not his first language and so he had a few problems
with the words of some questions.

I therefore declare PUBLIUS MEMMIUS ALBUCIUS the outright winner.

I should like to encourage all citizens to read the whole of the poem
about Horatius and the bridge. One good source of the text is at:
http://www.englishverse.com/poems/horatius

And so we have now arrived at the end of our contest. I would like to
thank all those who took part for the work they have done, and
congratulate them for the efforts they have made. By thanks also go
to Tita Artoria Marcella and the Cohors Aedilicia.

So, farewell for now.

Valete optime
Gaius Marcius Crispus

Salvete omnes

Congrats to Q. Servillius Priscus and C. Maria Caeca for an excellent
show in the Finals, and to everyone who participated in the Games!

Valete optime,
Triarius


[For the second time this week, Triarius makes his way into the
crowds. The Vitellian Vinyards carts are already set up for business
outside the Porta Libitinensis, as well as in the Forum Boarium. In
the Forum, one can see two large boats with massive cases of wine,
which have been transported up the river from the storage cellars of
the Villa Vitellia in Ostia and are now docked near the Temple of
Portunus in the Forum.

In one corner of the Forum, a small fight has broken out between
several members of two different factios. Must be the combination of
Falernian and the smell of cattle from recent days business in the
Forum Boarium.

Triarius exits the Forum Boarium happy at the weeks events and looks
forward to the next games.]

Reminder from:		Nova-Roma Yahoo! Group
Title:		Nova Roma Sestertii
Date:		Sunday March 25, 2007
Time:		12:00 am - 1:00 am
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Salvete omnes,

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana has written an excellent essay about the God in whose honor these games were held, and provided references for further reading, if anyone desires to learn more.

Optime valete,
Artoria Marcella

MARS: ASPECTS OF THE ROMAN SPIRIT

The Roman God Mars, for whom we celebrate the Ludi Martiales, was considered the

most important deity after Jupiter.(1) This prominence marks him as genuinely Roman. Although he is equated with Ares, Mars holds status far above his Greek counterpart, who was regarded with scorn by most of the Hellenic deities. (2) Genealogically, Mars was the son of Jupiter and Juno. He is also considered to be the father of Romulus and Remus, by the vestal Rhea Silvia. (3) With this, Mars is implicated in the birth of the city founded by his sons, and becomes an inherent part of all that the Romans considered themselves to be.

The most respected deities were the most ancient. As Cicero wrote,

"Belief in the gods of Rome has increased with time, and gathered strength and stability with the passing of the ages." (4)


In ages past, Mars appears have been an agricultural God, possibly of Etruscan origin. "Mamers" is the name of the Roman God Mars in the Oscan dialect. (5). The name "Maris" (of an Etruscan agricultural God) is not as well attested (6). He is also called "Mavors", as Cicero expains, " . . . . Mavors because he is the overturner of greatness (magna vertit)." (7) As time passed and the Republic expanded, so to did the cults of Mars. He was assimilated to dozens of indigenous gods, with multiple aspects, from Britain to Gaul to Germania and beyond. (8)

In his agricultural aspect, Mars was protector of cattle and crops. In more ancient times, the month dedicated to him marked the beginning of the New Year. As this was a time of sprouting seeds it was also a time of rebirth and a most appropriate month for an agricultural deity. The month of October also includes major festivities to honor Mars; the link to harvests is apparent. His sacred animals include the woodpecker (Picus), who is especially associated with fertilization of the fields with manure.(9) Plutarch's "Life of Romulus" tells us,

2. On raconte que les enfants déposés à terre en cet endroit furent allaités par une louve et qu'un pivert venait l'aider à les nourrir et à les protéger. Ces animaux passent pour être consacrés à Mars, et le pivert est honoré et vénéré tout particulièrement par les Latins (10)

[It is said that the infants placed on the ground at that spot were nursed by a female wolf, and that a woodpecker came to help nourish and protect them. These animals are considered sacred to Mars, and the woodpecker is honored and venerated most especially by the Latins.]

As Mars Silvanus, this agricultural aspect continued to be revered. Cato's "De Agricultura"

details how to conduct a fitting sacrifice to the protector of cattle. (11) But over time, the "martial" aspect-that of the God of war and battles-grew dominant. This change has been linked to the same seasons: spring, because it was the time when weapons of war were prepared and military campaigns begun or renewed; autumn because the campaigning season was drawing to a close. The wolf and the horse, both sacred to Mars, accent his more violent aspect. The sacrifices, once grain and milk,(12) came to include the blood of animals. The horse, while sacred, was also sacrificed to honor Mars:

1. On the fifteenth of October in each year a chariot-race was run on the Field of Mars. Stabbed with a spear, the right-hand horse of the victorious team was then sacrificed to Mars for the purpose of ensuring good crops, and its head was cut off and adorned with a string of loaves. Thereupon the inhabitants of two wards-the Sacred Way and the Subura-contended with each other who should get the head. If the people of the Sacred Way got it, they fastened it to a wall of the king's house; if the people of the Subura got it,they fastened it to the Mamilian tower. The horse's tail was cut off and carried to the king's house with such speed that the blood dripped on the hearth of the house. Further, it appears that the blood of the horse was caught and preserved till the twenty-first of April, when the Vestal Virgins mixed it with the blood of the unborn calves which had been sacrificed six days before. The mixture wasthen distributed to shepherds, and used by them for fumigating their flocks.

2 In this ceremony the decoration of the horse's head with a string of loaves, and the alleged object of the sacrifice, namely, to procure a good harvest, seem to indicate that the horse was killed as one of those animal representatives of the corn-spirit of which we have found so many examples. The custom of cutting off the horse's tail is like the African custom of cutting off the tails of the oxen and sacrificing them to obtain a good crop. . . .

3 The Roman sacrifice of the October horse, as it was called, carries us back to the early days when the Subura, afterwards a low and squalid quarter of the great metropolis, was still a separate village, whose inhabitants engaged in a friendly contest on the harvest-field with their neighbours of Rome, then a little rural town. The Field of Mars on which the ceremony took place lay beside the Tiber, and formed part of the king's domain down to the abolition of the monarchy.

The horse sacrifice was thus an old autumn custom observed upon the king's corn-fields at the end of the harvest. The tail and blood of the horse, as the chief parts of the corn-spirit's representative, were taken to the king's house and kept there; . . . . (13)

The Campus Martius, outside the city walls, was dedicated to Mars, the mighty God of war. A number of temples within and without the walls were built in his name. His main sanctuaries were the temple on the Capitol, shared with Jupiter and Quirinus; the temple of Mars Gradivus where the Roman army gathered before marching off to war, and the temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger) located on the Forum Augustus. (14)

The Temple of Mars Ultor, Mars 'the Avenger', was built to commemorate both the defeat of Julius Caesar's assassins at the Battle of Philippi in 42 B.C. andthe return of the Roman legionary standards by the Parthians in 20 B.C. Thislarge octastyle Corinthian temple has pycnostyle column spacing and peripteros sine postico column distribution The podium is high, with a frontal staircase and an altar embedded in the steps. The walls of the cella are lined with freestanding columns and pilasters, leading to the terminal apse. The three cult statues within the apse were of Venus, Mars, and Divus Julius These three deities allude to Augustus' divine ancestry, with Venus and Mars as ancestors of the Romans and the Julian line, (15)

As a major deity in the Roman pantheon, Mars had his own priest, the flamen martialis. During his sacred month of March, the most important ceremony held in his honor was the Dance of the Sali ("leapers" or "dancers"). In embroidered tunics and short cloaks with red stripes, wearing bronze breast-plates and conical helmets, these two groups of young patricians danced through the streets of Rome. They carried swords and spears, and peculiarly-shaped shields:

The distinctive figure-of-eight shape of the shields is like that of the shields of the Mycenaeans of the Bronze Age, and strongly suggests that this ceremony goes back to very early times. (16)

.And so we come full circle: Mars of ancient days, taken up as second only to Jupiter, revered as God of war, here honored in 2760 auc. In the Ludi Martiales we celebrate aspects of Mars as he was seen during the Republic - the God of war and battle Something of his earlier origins remained in his personification as Mars-Silvanus and his sacred bird, the woodpecker. As God of war, the earlier agricultural sacrifices were replaced by the powerful symbolism of the blood of horses, animals at once sacred to him and sacrificial. The wolf, third animal sacred to Mars, linked him firmly to the founding of Rome. As father to Romulus and Remus (by the vestal Rhea Silvia) he was father to Roma herself.

Mars had become the spirit that imbued the armies and the people of Republican and Imperial Rome - and the Nova Roman Ludi Martiales.

The spirit of Mars has spanned millenia. It lives in languages that preserve his most Roman aspect in their vocabulary, from words like "marshal" and "martial" to the days of the week. In Romance languages, the day after Monday is still Mars' Day. And when day is done, the planet Mars traces its path across our sky--as it will, into the distant future. . .

(1) Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ancient Rome, by Mike Corbishley, The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2003 P. 90 and Oxford Companion to Classical Literature, M.C. Howatson, ed., Oxford University Press, NY, 1991 (1989), page 349

(2) Myths of Greece and Rome, by Jane Harrison, [1928], page 40 ; at sacred-texts.com

http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/mgr/mgr10.htm

(3) Mars, by Micha F. Lindemans; Encyclopedia Mythica, article at

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mars.html

(4) On the nature of the gods, by Marcus Tullius Cicero, in

The Romans: Their Gods and their beliefs, by Margaret Lyttleton & Werner Forman. Orbis Publishing, London (UK) 1984, p. 37

(5) op. cit, Oxford Companion to Classical Literature, p. 344

(6) Etruscans & Religion, Univeristy of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology,

at http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/worlds_intertwined/etruscan/religion.shtml, and

Etruscan civilization, on Italylink, at

http://www.italylink.com/woi/etruscans.html

(7) De Natura Deorum (On the Nature of the Gods), by Marcus Tullius Cicero, trans. Francis Brooks (London: Methuen, 1896). Book XXIV, at "The online library of liberty,"

"Saturn is so called because he makes himself full (saturat) with years; Mavors because he is the overturner of greatness (magna vertit); Minerva because she lessens (minuo), or threatens (minor); . . . ."

http://oll.libertyfund.org/Texts/Cicero0070/NatureOfGods/HTMLs/0040_Pt04_Book3.html

(8) Wikipedia: Mars, at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_(god)

(9) Picus, in Encyclopedia Britannica On Line, at uhttp://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9059950/Picus

(10) Vie de Romulus, 3, 1 à 4, 5 et 4, 9 Texte 37 : Plutarque, Universite de Grenoble (France), at

http://w3.u-grenoble3.fr/fonder_une_cite/texte37.html

(11) Cato's 'De Agricultura': Offering to Mars Silvanus, at http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/cato_mars.html

(12) Nova Roma Wiki: The Numa tradition, at

http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Numa_tradition

(13) The Golden Bough, Sir James George Frazer (1854-1941).. 1922.

§ 5. Virbius and the Horse, at http://www.bartleby.com/196/119.html

NOTE to North Americans: "corn" here is used in the European meaning of "grain". What is called "corn" in North America is called "maize" in Europe.

(14) op cit., Lindemans, at http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mars.html

(15) Dartmouth College Department of Classics, article at

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2005/updates/week7_8/nov8.html

(16) The Romans: their Gods and their beliefs, by Margaret Lyttleton and Werner Forman. Orbis Publishing, London (UK), 1984. page 45

General reference:

Gods and Goddesses of Rome at

http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/deities.html

Mars (mythology) at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_%28mythology%29































































End:


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes,

Here are the winning and second place entries for the Cultural contest. If the winner seems familiar, it is because it was an early draft of the essay on Mars, written from a different perspective.

Personally, I enjoy them both and I hope you will too.

Optime valete,
Artoria Marcella

Runner-up:

Trying to Win the Quarter
by Lucius Vitellius Triarius
Ludi Martialis 2760 a.u.c.

As Rome awakes on springtime morn,
The factions have their orders,
To win before the masses scorn,
Or be banned to frontier borders.

The Servii prepare the horse-drawn cars,
The Dominii give their blessing.
The drivers toast the God called Mars,
And finish up with messing.

Prepare the track, inspect the gates,
The tasks are full and plenty,
The crowds all enter with their mates,
The seats fill all so quickly.

It is the Ludi in honor of Mars,
The Ides of March just past.
Each driver asks among the stars,
Let me be first, not last.

Before the race, the parades begin,
Spectators watch with wonder.
The trumpets sound, charioteers come in,
The Gods, they watch and ponder.

First the Reds and then the Whites,
Now comes the Blues and Greens.
One horse calms and one horse fights,
The first of many scenes.

Russata enters on display,
Red tunics fresh and pressed.
They readily await the day's foray
Planning not to leave depressed.

Here comes Albata, next in line,
Dressed in purest forms of White,
Their teams look brilliant and divine,
And readied for the fight.

Next comes Veneta, all in blue,
Their chariots polished highly,
They salute the crowd who takes their cue,
Their horses respond quite wildly.

Last, Praesina reminds of Spring,
The time of new beginning.
All clad in green, the Muses sing,
As Victory awaits the ending.

Which will gain the Victor's palm,
Fore the crowds standing so tall?
The one who keeps his fears so calm,
And avoids the spina wall.

Each driver answers to the list
With success upon his face.
Chariot gleam from Apollo's mist,
It's the quarter-finals race.

Banners fly against the breeze,
The drivers draw their lots,
One draws Virgo, one Pisces,
The rest their chosen slots.

The crowds go wild, then settle back,
The crews watch one another,
Twelve teams prepare to run the track,
Each one beside the other.

The horses stir and wait their line,
As teams meet face to face.
From Avetine to Palatine,
They come to take their place.

Along the line each team awaits
The dropping of the cloth.
The mappa falls and open gates,
Then someone yells, "There off!"

The Whites break first from the gate,
The Greens are second out.
The teams of Blue get started late,
The Reds, they plan no rout.

Sol's rays on golden helms do beam
Amidst the dust and fury.
Between the hills each reins their team
On Mars' great plain of glory.

Suddenly comes loose a pre-cut rein,
It's the art of camouflage.
The driver gets trampled on the lane,
It's an act of sabotage.

One by one, the dolphins fall,
Each lap never the shorter.
They crash and turn and break and stall,
Each trying to win the Quarter.

The Greens are leading, no, the Reds,
The Blues surpass the Whites.
They change positions yet again,
The crowd breaks into fights.

Four dolphins down, and almost five,
The race is now half over,
Each driver fights to stay alive,
Each horse looks not for clover.

The Whites close in, there is a wreck.
The Blues have lost a driver.
The chariot scatters across the deck,
The rest drive through the clutter.

They hurry on the straight-a-way,
The last dolphin has been turned down.
The teams they fight and lash and slay,
Now here comes the Victor's crown.

The Blues beat out the Green,
With Reds and Whites close back.
Tempers flare across the scene,
As losers leave the track.

The crowds are wild with some not sold,
While others bask in glory.
The Ludi celebrations now unfold,
But that's another story.

Now you've won or lost your bet,
Your results are sweet or sour.
Don't leave the Circus just as yet,
There's another race next hour!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The winning entry:

DIARY OF A JOURNEY TO MARS

DAY 1: LAUNCH
Detritus clogs cyberspace. Much of it is deceptive--the form perfect, but inside: smoke and vapors. I am looking for verifiable information, classical sources, academic documents. Problem: these bulk small in comparison to the worthless clutter. Then, a gap in the gobbets: three, four sources, a tantalizing hint at connections unguessed, a few portals. And two images.

I stumble first across a portrait by Velasquez, circa 1640, the
stark body seated, limbs as solid as trees, brooding face almost
lost in shadow.
http://www.wga.hu/art/v/velazque/06/0613vela.jpg


And a Roman statue, copied from a much earlier Greek scuplture: soft-hued
stone, a clean-limbed male bare-headed, gazing forward, almost serene, shield
and weapon at rest.
http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/CGPrograms/Dict/image/aresLIMC.jpg

DAY II: REFLECTION

I consider the Velasquez Mars--is the face so obscured because we
do not really know who he is? Mars Ultor? Bellator? Mars Silvanus,
Mercury? Mars as the Celts and Gauls accepted him? With its great
Spanish mustaches, Velasquez has emphatically drawn someone more
than Roman. At once weary and waiting, he could as easily smash the
heads of wolves among the cattle, as brood over a battlefield.

The Roman sculpture looks more outward, eyes seeing--what? Does his
serenity come from his incarnation as Mars-Silvanus? From his secure
place in the Roman pantheon? The laughter of Greek Olympians scorning
Ares got lost in translation. For Roman Mars holds second place over all.
Dignity, power, and prior Gods imbue his bones.

I contrast the two images. The standing shield has been laid down
in the Spanish portrait; this Mars holds no sword, but perhaps a
spear. Baby Eros at the feet of Roman Mars, is gone in the
painting. The canvas is much darker than the stone. Yet the
Velasquez Mars echoes the Roman sculpture in the general posture
of the body, the carefully casual wrapping of the loins But who
is he, really?



DAY III: PASTORALE

The clock of stars is set back by millenia. Somewhen, a blue and green
planet turns, before borders were invented. Ancient agriculturalists watch
skies that bring rain and life to their crops, as their crops bring life to them.
They have come too far down the agricultural road now to ever turn back.
Their numbers have grown beyond anything the old hunter-gatherer ways could
ever sustain: they would strip the world bare like so many locusts. Instead,
they herd and plough and harvest, ever mindful of the skies. Deluge, hail,
frost, flood or lightning-struck fire can wipe out the entire crop. A death sentence.


They divine, in the living world, divinities. Protectors, preservers,
destroyers. They chant, they dance-leaping to draw crops up, up to
stand tall and fruitful when harvest comes. They sacrifice. Offering a little
of the precious stuff from their fields, they believe the gods may let them
keep enough to survive.

The planet circle-dances around its star. The rituals grow more elaborate
with each generation. Prosperity becomes the prayer: not merely "enough"
but "abundace". Bounding, the dancers leap the crops higher. The sacred
takes on personality, names . . . . Mamers. Mavors. Selva. Silvanus.
Maris. Mars. Mars-Silvanus. They have accompanied us, far down the
agricultural road. The vitality - in all senses of the word - of agriculture is acknowledged in the Numa tradition, deemed the oldest, purest and most
reverent form of the Religio Romana. Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome, decried blood sacrifice. Offerings of flour, grain, salt, or wine represented the
lifeblood of civilization. Numa's enlightenment came, it is said, in the grove of Carmentis.


Was Mars-Silvanus nearby, guarding the cattle without whom the broad
fields could not be ploughed or sufficient dietary protein provided? guarding
the crops the land must - must! - yield?

http://www.circewicca.nl/graph/jaar/th_07silvanus.jpg



DAY IIII: WARWARDS



The blue and green planet dances round its star. The dance becomes a
stamp, tramp, march. I glimpse its companion planet, red: a bloodshot eye
gazing unblinking out of darkness, reminding me of the Velasquez painting.
We humans have shed human blood from the dawn of our creation. But in
naming the warGod, we stand back from ourselves a little, to consider what we do.


Food. The energy crunch of ages. You defended your fields with a blood sacrifice-sometimes yours, sometimes theirs. If your crops failed, you took
theirs. Or their land to grow more of your crops.


Battle was not joined lightly. The warGod had temples, priests, rituals,
sacrifices. Some sacrifices were again bathed in blood-horses, cattle,
sheep, swine: parts sacrificed in a prayer to preserve the whole. Troops
mustered in the name of Mars, and Mars Gradivus led them into battle.
Mars warGod ranked second only to Jupiter. He was a mighty reminder
of the braying agony, the red-soaked horror, the putrid smouldering remnants
of War. You needed the strength of a God to endure it.


http://www.thecityreview.com/s06can5.jpg
http://www.sandsoftimeantiquities.com/order/highimages/RB409.jpg





DAY V: RE-ENTRY

I return to the Mars Ludovisi statue.
http://www.theoi.com/image/S9.2Ares.jpg


What do you think of us, two millenia in your future? Have we lost all
understanding of the true nature of violence and war? We have no gods
to embody what we do, so that we can recognize that it is we, not you,
who are berserker; to remind us of the sacred and the sacrifice. We bandy
about that word, your word: "War." So loosely, irreverently. Sacrilegiously.


Your weapon is lowered; your shield set aside. To you fell the task of
sweeping aside encroaching danger, securing territory, guarding the land.
To the child Eros at your feet have fallen the fruits of your work: peace.
The task is done, you rest. Now I understand the troubled gaze of the
Velasquez portrait. Grant the wisdom that we, too, may know when to stop.

Must know when to stop.

One certainty: this God is not dead, nor did he die. The red
planet accompanies the blue-and-green for ages yet to come.

http://gfx.download-by.net/screen/27/27803-planet-mars-3d-screensaver.jpg
http://www.fpsoftlab.com/images/screenshots/earth-640x480-2.jpg

REFERENCES
More complete image data is here:
http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/v/velazque/06/0613vela.html
http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/CGPrograms/Dict/ASP/OpenDictionaryBody.asp?name=Ares.html
http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/S9.2.html

The Cult of Silvanus, by Peter F Dorcey, at
http://www.amazon.ca/Cult-Silvanus-Study-Roman-Religion/dp/9004096019/ref=sr_1_1/702-7098859-0393667?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174398853&sr=1-1

Silvanus relief, at
http://www.circewicca.nl/jaar/07.html

Head of Mars Ultor. at
http://www.thecityreview.com/s06cant.html

Bronze figure of Mars, at
http://www.sandsoftimeantiquities.com/order/itemDetail.asp?vprodid=1899&vOrder=

Planet Mars image, at
http://www.download-by.net/desktop/screen-savers-science/27803,planet-mars-3d-screensaver.html

Earth from space image, at
http://www.fpsoftlab.com/earth3d.htm

Other sources:
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/deities.html
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/priests_and_priesthoods.html
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/cato_mars.html
http://www.fofweb.com/History/HistRefDetail.asp?iPin=HLAR0769&DataType=Ancient&WinType=Free
http://www.bartleby.com/196/pages/page578.html
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Numa_tradition
A window on fold dance: with special reference to the dances of the Iberian Peninsula, by Lucile Armstrong. Springfield Books, Huddersfield, (UK), 1985.

ALSO OF INTEREST:

Dancing at the dawn of agriculture, by Yosef Garfinkel http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/BUS/029272845X/Dancing_at_the_Dawn_of_Agriculture.htm

The Role of Women in the Cult of Silvanus, by Peter F. Dorcey
Numen, Vol. 36, No. 2 (Dec., 1989), pp. 143-155 doc. noi:10.2307/3270033


ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK MAGDALENSBERG
http://www.museumonline.at/2003/servus_latein/antike/english/magdalensberg_e.htm, and
http://www.museumonline.at/2003/servus_latein/antike/bilder/park_22.jpg

Dartmouth Foreign Studies Program in Rome, 2003
Temple of Mars at the Forum
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2003/updates/week3_4/1007cap5Web.JPG

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2003/updates/week3_4/oct7.html







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes,

Today the Salii priests returned the ancilia to the Regia on the Palatine, thus ending the Ludi Martiales and the contests that were held.

I congratulate all who participated in the events, but especilly the victors--L. Vetellius Triarius, for his victory in the munera, Q. Servillius Priscus for bringing Praesina a win in the circenses, P. Memmius Albucius who won the Certamen Historicum, and C. Aurelia Falco Silvana her winning Cultural Contest entry.

I would like to, and do, thank my cohors for both their work and forbearance.

I'd intended to end the ludi on a religious note, but it has not come to pass. But I will say this. I honor Mars both as God of War and as a fertilitiy god, for he is both. He is both the father of Rome and, as all good fathers, he both nurtures and protects.

I officially declare the Ludi Martiales closed.

T. Artoria Marcella
Curulis Aedilis

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete omnes,

Here are the winning and second place entries for the Cultural contest. If the winner seems familiar, it is because it was an early draft of the essay on Mars, written from a different perspective.

Personally, I enjoy them both and I hope you will too.

Optime valete,
Artoria Marcella

Runner-up:

Trying to Win the Quarter
by Lucius Vitellius Triarius
Ludi Martialis 2760 a.u.c.

As Rome awakes on springtime morn,
The factions have their orders,
To win before the masses scorn,
Or be banned to frontier borders.

The Servii prepare the horse-drawn cars,
The Dominii give their blessing.
The drivers toast the God called Mars,
And finish up with messing.

Prepare the track, inspect the gates,
The tasks are full and plenty,
The crowds all enter with their mates,
The seats fill all so quickly.

It is the Ludi in honor of Mars,
The Ides of March just past.
Each driver asks among the stars,
Let me be first, not last.

Before the race, the parades begin,
Spectators watch with wonder.
The trumpets sound, charioteers come in,
The Gods, they watch and ponder.

First the Reds and then the Whites,
Now comes the Blues and Greens.
One horse calms and one horse fights,
The first of many scenes.

Russata enters on display,
Red tunics fresh and pressed.
They readily await the day's foray
Planning not to leave depressed.

Here comes Albata, next in line,
Dressed in purest forms of White,
Their teams look brilliant and divine,
And readied for the fight.

Next comes Veneta, all in blue,
Their chariots polished highly,
They salute the crowd who takes their cue,
Their horses respond quite wildly.

Last, Praesina reminds of Spring,
The time of new beginning.
All clad in green, the Muses sing,
As Victory awaits the ending.

Which will gain the Victor's palm,
Fore the crowds standing so tall?
The one who keeps his fears so calm,
And avoids the spina wall.

Each driver answers to the list
With success upon his face.
Chariot gleam from Apollo's mist,
It's the quarter-finals race.

Banners fly against the breeze,
The drivers draw their lots,
One draws Virgo, one Pisces,
The rest their chosen slots.

The crowds go wild, then settle back,
The crews watch one another,
Twelve teams prepare to run the track,
Each one beside the other.

The horses stir and wait their line,
As teams meet face to face.
From Avetine to Palatine,
They come to take their place.

Along the line each team awaits
The dropping of the cloth.
The mappa falls and open gates,
Then someone yells, "There off!"

The Whites break first from the gate,
The Greens are second out.
The teams of Blue get started late,
The Reds, they plan no rout.

Sol's rays on golden helms do beam
Amidst the dust and fury.
Between the hills each reins their team
On Mars' great plain of glory.

Suddenly comes loose a pre-cut rein,
It's the art of camouflage.
The driver gets trampled on the lane,
It's an act of sabotage.

One by one, the dolphins fall,
Each lap never the shorter.
They crash and turn and break and stall,
Each trying to win the Quarter.

The Greens are leading, no, the Reds,
The Blues surpass the Whites.
They change positions yet again,
The crowd breaks into fights.

Four dolphins down, and almost five,
The race is now half over,
Each driver fights to stay alive,
Each horse looks not for clover.

The Whites close in, there is a wreck.
The Blues have lost a driver.
The chariot scatters across the deck,
The rest drive through the clutter.

They hurry on the straight-a-way,
The last dolphin has been turned down.
The teams they fight and lash and slay,
Now here comes the Victor's crown.

The Blues beat out the Green,
With Reds and Whites close back.
Tempers flare across the scene,
As losers leave the track.

The crowds are wild with some not sold,
While others bask in glory.
The Ludi celebrations now unfold,
But that's another story.

Now you've won or lost your bet,
Your results are sweet or sour.
Don't leave the Circus just as yet,
There's another race next hour!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The winning entry:

DIARY OF A JOURNEY TO MARS

DAY 1: LAUNCH
Detritus clogs cyberspace. Much of it is deceptive--the form perfect, but inside: smoke and vapors. I am looking for verifiable information, classical sources, academic documents. Problem: these bulk small in comparison to the worthless clutter. Then, a gap in the gobbets: three, four sources, a tantalizing hint at connections unguessed, a few portals. And two images.

I stumble first across a portrait by Velasquez, circa 1640, the
stark body seated, limbs as solid as trees, brooding face almost
lost in shadow.
http://www.wga.hu/art/v/velazque/06/0613vela.jpg


And a Roman statue, copied from a much earlier Greek scuplture: soft-hued
stone, a clean-limbed male bare-headed, gazing forward, almost serene, shield
and weapon at rest.
http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/CGPrograms/Dict/image/aresLIMC.jpg

DAY II: REFLECTION

I consider the Velasquez Mars--is the face so obscured because we
do not really know who he is? Mars Ultor? Bellator? Mars Silvanus,
Mercury? Mars as the Celts and Gauls accepted him? With its great
Spanish mustaches, Velasquez has emphatically drawn someone more
than Roman. At once weary and waiting, he could as easily smash the
heads of wolves among the cattle, as brood over a battlefield.

The Roman sculpture looks more outward, eyes seeing--what? Does his
serenity come from his incarnation as Mars-Silvanus? From his secure
place in the Roman pantheon? The laughter of Greek Olympians scorning
Ares got lost in translation. For Roman Mars holds second place over all.
Dignity, power, and prior Gods imbue his bones.

I contrast the two images. The standing shield has been laid down
in the Spanish portrait; this Mars holds no sword, but perhaps a
spear. Baby Eros at the feet of Roman Mars, is gone in the
painting. The canvas is much darker than the stone. Yet the
Velasquez Mars echoes the Roman sculpture in the general posture
of the body, the carefully casual wrapping of the loins But who
is he, really?



DAY III: PASTORALE

The clock of stars is set back by millenia. Somewhen, a blue and green
planet turns, before borders were invented. Ancient agriculturalists watch
skies that bring rain and life to their crops, as their crops bring life to them.
They have come too far down the agricultural road now to ever turn back.
Their numbers have grown beyond anything the old hunter-gatherer ways could
ever sustain: they would strip the world bare like so many locusts. Instead,
they herd and plough and harvest, ever mindful of the skies. Deluge, hail,
frost, flood or lightning-struck fire can wipe out the entire crop. A death sentence.


They divine, in the living world, divinities. Protectors, preservers,
destroyers. They chant, they dance-leaping to draw crops up, up to
stand tall and fruitful when harvest comes. They sacrifice. Offering a little
of the precious stuff from their fields, they believe the gods may let them
keep enough to survive.

The planet circle-dances around its star. The rituals grow more elaborate
with each generation. Prosperity becomes the prayer: not merely "enough"
but "abundace". Bounding, the dancers leap the crops higher. The sacred
takes on personality, names . . . . Mamers. Mavors. Selva. Silvanus.
Maris. Mars. Mars-Silvanus. They have accompanied us, far down the
agricultural road. The vitality - in all senses of the word - of agriculture is acknowledged in the Numa tradition, deemed the oldest, purest and most
reverent form of the Religio Romana. Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome, decried blood sacrifice. Offerings of flour, grain, salt, or wine represented the
lifeblood of civilization. Numa's enlightenment came, it is said, in the grove of Carmentis.


Was Mars-Silvanus nearby, guarding the cattle without whom the broad
fields could not be ploughed or sufficient dietary protein provided? guarding
the crops the land must - must! - yield?

http://www.circewicca.nl/graph/jaar/th_07silvanus.jpg



DAY IIII: WARWARDS



The blue and green planet dances round its star. The dance becomes a
stamp, tramp, march. I glimpse its companion planet, red: a bloodshot eye
gazing unblinking out of darkness, reminding me of the Velasquez painting.
We humans have shed human blood from the dawn of our creation. But in
naming the warGod, we stand back from ourselves a little, to consider what we do.


Food. The energy crunch of ages. You defended your fields with a blood sacrifice-sometimes yours, sometimes theirs. If your crops failed, you took
theirs. Or their land to grow more of your crops.


Battle was not joined lightly. The warGod had temples, priests, rituals,
sacrifices. Some sacrifices were again bathed in blood-horses, cattle,
sheep, swine: parts sacrificed in a prayer to preserve the whole. Troops
mustered in the name of Mars, and Mars Gradivus led them into battle.
Mars warGod ranked second only to Jupiter. He was a mighty reminder
of the braying agony, the red-soaked horror, the putrid smouldering remnants
of War. You needed the strength of a God to endure it.


http://www.thecityreview.com/s06can5.jpg
http://www.sandsoftimeantiquities.com/order/highimages/RB409.jpg





DAY V: RE-ENTRY

I return to the Mars Ludovisi statue.
http://www.theoi.com/image/S9.2Ares.jpg


What do you think of us, two millenia in your future? Have we lost all
understanding of the true nature of violence and war? We have no gods
to embody what we do, so that we can recognize that it is we, not you,
who are berserker; to remind us of the sacred and the sacrifice. We bandy
about that word, your word: "War." So loosely, irreverently. Sacrilegiously.


Your weapon is lowered; your shield set aside. To you fell the task of
sweeping aside encroaching danger, securing territory, guarding the land.
To the child Eros at your feet have fallen the fruits of your work: peace.
The task is done, you rest. Now I understand the troubled gaze of the
Velasquez portrait. Grant the wisdom that we, too, may know when to stop.

Must know when to stop.

One certainty: this God is not dead, nor did he die. The red
planet accompanies the blue-and-green for ages yet to come.

http://gfx.download-by.net/screen/27/27803-planet-mars-3d-screensaver.jpg
http://www.fpsoftlab.com/images/screenshots/earth-640x480-2.jpg

REFERENCES
More complete image data is here:
http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/v/velazque/06/0613vela.html
http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/CGPrograms/Dict/ASP/OpenDictionaryBody.asp?name=Ares.html
http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/S9.2.html

The Cult of Silvanus, by Peter F Dorcey, at
http://www.amazon.ca/Cult-Silvanus-Study-Roman-Religion/dp/9004096019/ref=sr_1_1/702-7098859-0393667?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174398853&sr=1-1

Silvanus relief, at
http://www.circewicca.nl/jaar/07.html

Head of Mars Ultor. at
http://www.thecityreview.com/s06cant.html

Bronze figure of Mars, at
http://www.sandsoftimeantiquities.com/order/itemDetail.asp?vprodid=1899&vOrder=

Planet Mars image, at
http://www.download-by.net/desktop/screen-savers-science/27803,planet-mars-3d-screensaver.html

Earth from space image, at
http://www.fpsoftlab.com/earth3d.htm

Other sources:
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/deities.html
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/priests_and_priesthoods.html
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/cato_mars.html
http://www.fofweb.com/History/HistRefDetail.asp?iPin=HLAR0769&DataType=Ancient&WinType=Free
http://www.bartleby.com/196/pages/page578.html
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Numa_tradition
A window on fold dance: with special reference to the dances of the Iberian Peninsula, by Lucile Armstrong. Springfield Books, Huddersfield, (UK), 1985.

ALSO OF INTEREST:

Dancing at the dawn of agriculture, by Yosef Garfinkel http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/BUS/029272845X/Dancing_at_the_Dawn_of_Agriculture.htm

The Role of Women in the Cult of Silvanus, by Peter F. Dorcey
Numen, Vol. 36, No. 2 (Dec., 1989), pp. 143-155 doc. noi:10.2307/3270033


ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK MAGDALENSBERG
http://www.museumonline.at/2003/servus_latein/antike/english/magdalensberg_e.htm, and
http://www.museumonline.at/2003/servus_latein/antike/bilder/park_22.jpg

Dartmouth Foreign Studies Program in Rome, 2003
Temple of Mars at the Forum
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2003/updates/week3_4/1007cap5Web.JPG

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2003/updates/week3_4/oct7.html







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> A. Tullia Scholastica Ioseph omnibusque S.P.D.
>
> The writer had unsubscribed, but has returned, so I shall attempt to
> answer this. Information for other prospective students aware of the nature
> of such courses is appended below my main response to him.
>
>
>
> Thank for your mail.
> Can you assit me by giving invitation or letter of admission to study this
> language. This will enable me to apply for visa at the embassy in nigeria.
>
> ATS: I¹m afraid that you seem to be a bit confused. This study is via
> the internet, and does not take place in a physical university. Moreover,
> this course is not affiliated with Nova Roma, though we hope to get it or
> something similar onto the offerings at the Academia Thules, our internet
> university, which, however, is NOT part of Nova Roma, but merely affiliated
> with us. Thus it is not possible to get a student visa to study Greek via
> Anamathetes, or to study anything at all via the Academia Thules; these
> subjects can be studied anywhere that there are computer and internet
> facilities. Physical presence in a university is neither necessary nor
> possible. Secondly, Nova Roma is a cultural organization devoted to
> Republican period Rome; we are not a physical country, though someday we hope
> to have adequate land that we can have a physical presence. We do own some
> land, but it is not suitable for habitation as it apparently lacks water, and
> for all I know may be accessible only by winged creatures and helicopters.
> In addition, since this course is not affiliated with Nova Roma, but of
> interest to our members, we cannot invite anyone by any means except the one I
> used previously: an e-mail notice, and we cannot give letters of admission
> (though that hardly seems necessary in this case). Likewise, since Nova Roma
> is a cultural organization, not a country, we do not issue passports or visas;
> since we use an ancient Roman form of government, we call our members citizens
> and refer to membership as citizenship as well as term a voluntary membership
> fee a tax. We have a government, we have laws, we even have commerce and
> coinage, but we don¹t have something we would like very much...land on which
> to build something meaningful.
>
> For those who are interested in studying Greek online via Anamathetes, it
> is still possible to sign up for this class as it is still in the
> organizational stage. It is a study group with very extensive lessons on the
> website of a classics professor, and a couple of separate Yahoo lists for
> basic discussion and homework submission. The moderatrix also requires Yahoo
> messenger for IM chats, which she deems necessary. There seem to be nine
> lessons in the first semester, and presumably a similar number in the second;
> the work seems to be introduced at a gentle pace, and should be within the
> capacity of most of us.
>
> looking for your reply.
>
> Hope this helps. We do have a number of citizen applicants from your
> country who seem equally eager to leave it...but I¹m afraid that we cannot
> assist in that regard.
>
> Thank you.
>
> You are welcome.
>
> Vale, et valete (farewell one and all)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

M•CALIDIVS•GRACCHVS• C•EQVITIO•CATONI•S•P•D

SALVE,

Respectfully, I would actually argue it the other way around CATO.
Palm Sunday subsumed the pagan Festival of the Entry of the Tree ,
in much the same way as Easter Sunday subsumed the HILARIA.

With regards to the origins of Palm Sunday your correct to cite St.
John's Gospel, indeed, it was a common custom in many lands in the
ancient Near East to cover, in some way, the path of someone thought
worthy of the highest honour. The Hebrew Bible reports that Joshua
was treated this way, and many of the pre-Christian mystery
religions, particularly that of Dionysus, report that their central
human-divinity figure entered a major city in this way, usually
before their death and resurrection.

Both the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John report that people
gave Jesus this form of honour. However, in the synoptics they are
only reported as laying their garments and cut rushes on the street,
whereas John more specifically mentions palm fronds.The palm branch
was a symbol of triumph and of victory, in Jewish tradition, and is
treated in other parts of the bible as such (e.g. Leviticus 23:40
and Revelation 7:9). The Gospel of Matthew mentions "On the Sunday
before his Resurrection, Jesus rode victoriously into Jerusalem,
cheered by crowds, fanned by palm branches."(Matthew 21:8-9).
Because of this, the scene of the crowd greeting Jesus by waving
palms and carpeting his path with them has given the Christian
festival its name.

"As the custom of blessing palm branches spread, countries lacking
the tree were forced to make substitutions. Hence, Palm Sunday
became known in other lands as: Olive Sunday, Willow Bough Sunday,
Blossom Sunday, and simply the generic Branch Sunday..." (Panati, p.
208). In England the day was called Olive or Branch Sunday, Sallow
or Willow, Yew or Blossom Sunday, or Sunday of the Willow Boughs.
Since the celebration recalled the solemn entry of Christ into
Jerusalem people made use of many quaint and realistic
representations; thus, a figure of Christ seated on an ass, carved
out of wood was carried in the procession and even brought into the
church. Such figures may still be seen in the museums of Basle,
Zurich, Munich, and Nürnberg (Kellner, p. 50). [My emphasis]

Of course, the symbolism of the palm and palm tree pre-dates
Christianity, in most ancient cultures, including Persia, the start
of the solar year has been marked to celebrate the victory of light
over darkness and the renewal of the Sun. For instance, Egyptians,
four thousand years ago celebrated the rebirth of the sun and they
set the length of the festival at 12 days, to reflect the 12
divisions in their sun calendar. They decorated with greenery, using
palms with 12 shoots as a symbol of the completed year, since a palm
was thought to put forth a shoot each month. "Palm Tree. In ancient
Egypt it was sacred to the sun god, Re, and represented the
fertility of the crops...In Judaism, it is an emblem of Judea; in
Christianity of Christ's entry into Jerusalem". (Bruce-Mitford, p.
44). "Palm. Solar...The Tree of Life...As phallic it signifies
virility and fertility, but if depicted with dates it is
feminine...Arabian: The Tree of Life...Christian:...immortality and
as such, is sometimes depicted with the phoenix; divine
blessing...associated with Jesus Christ... Greek: Emblem of
Apollo...Hebrew: The righteous man; emblem of Judea after the
Exodus; Sumero-Semetic: A Tree of Life, emblem of Phoenician Baal-
Tamar (the Lord of the Palm) and of Astarte and the Assyro-
Babylonian Ishtar." (Cooper, under Palm). As for the Phrygian
Mother Earth goddess or "Great Mother" (Cybele or MAGNA MATER) whose
cult was brought from the near east (Pessinus in Galatia, Asia
Minor) to Rome in 191 BC, her sacred tree was the palm, four of
which, relates Dio (XLVIII.43.6), sprang up around her temple. From
it, comes the symbolic palm of victory with which she was
associated. Hence in an early third century mosaic of the CIRCVS in
Carthage (held in the Bardo Museum in Tunis) in place of an obelisk,
there is an image of Cybele/MAGNA MATER seated on a lion. Thus, we
get an indication as to the reason why the palm is awarded to the
victors in the CIRCVS.

However, to understand why it would have been easy to subsume the
Festival of the Entry of the Tree into Palm Sunday and the HILARIA
into Easter Sunday , we must first review exactly what these two
pagan festivals signified and what was the ceremony.

Followers of Cybele or MAGNA MATER held an annual spring festival
dedicated to the goddess with a major festival being celebrated on
the 22nd March to commemorate the castration and death of Attis her
lover - this was the Festival of the Entry of the Tree. The
ceremonies involved cutting down a pine tree that represented the
body and image of the dead Attis, the much beloved consort of MAGNA
MATER. After wrapping the tree in bandages, the followers took it in
procession through the streets of Rome to Cybele's shrine. Many of
the worshipers were organised into fraternities, most notably the
Dendrophori ("Tree-bearers") and Cannophori ("Reed-bearers"). Many
of the ceremonies commemorated the deeds of MAGNA MATER and her love
for Attis, who represented the fertility and plants of the land. By
his castration and death the land was given new life. The Cannophori
carried reeds and stalks (palm or palm equivalents such as olive
branches) to the temple together with the idol of Attis. There they
honoured the tree and decorated it with violets, which they
considered to have sprung from Attis's blood at the base of a pine
tree. After three days of sorrow and grief for Attis, the carnival
returned with HILARIA (25th March), the Day of Joy as Attis was
resurrected and fertility yet again reigned thanks to the power of
MAGNA MATER. [My emphasis] At its peek, the Cult of Cybele was
rivalled only by that of Isis, and there were temples in all
provinces of the Empire.

The similarities between Holy Week from Palm Sunday through to
Easter Sunday and Festival of the Entry of the Tree and are
many. Both represent death , resurrection and rebirth, victory of
life over death, good over evil, rebirth and renewal. Jesus Christ
was God made man, mortal whom after 3 days through the love and
power of God was resurrected from death. Attis was also mortal,
whom after 3 days through the love and power of Cybele or MAGNA
MATER was resurrected from death. Of course, there are many other
similarities in the attendant ceremonies of each, such as the use of
palm, the holding of a procession ET CETERA.

VALE,



M•CALIDIVS•M•F•M•N•M•PR•PAL•GRACCHVS
CIVIS NOVÆ ROMÆ

VERITAS•LVX•MEA

L•ARMINIVS•Ti• GALERIO COS.‡
(MMDCCLX A•V•C)




--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "Gaius Equitius Cato"
<mlcinnyc@...> wrote:

>
> Cato M. Calidio Graccho sal.
>
> With the greatest respect, Calidius Gracchus, Palm Sunday was not
> among the (many) pagan holidays subsumed by the Christian
> Church; it celebrates the triumphant entry of Christ into

Jerusalem,

> during which many of the crowd cheering Him waved branches of palm

(a

> universal symbol in the ancient world of celebration, hope and/or
> victory) before Him as He rode:
>
>
> "On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when

they

> heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the
> palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, "Hosanna!
> BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of
> Israel." - The Gospel According to St. John 12:12-13
>
>
> Vale bene,
>
> Cato
>

On 3/25/07, Tita Artoria Marcella <icehunter@...> wrote:

>
> Salvete omnes,
>
> C. Aurelia Falco Silvana has written an excellent essay about the God in
> whose honor these games were held, and provided references for further
> reading, if anyone desires to learn more.

Thank you so much for posting this article. i found it really informative

The distinctive figure-of-eight shape of the shields is like that of the

> shields of the Mycenaeans of the Bronze Age, and strongly suggests that this
> ceremony goes back to very early times. (16)

Do you know anywhere online where there is a picture of these shields? I've
been trying to picture exactly what they looked like?

Many thanks
Flavia Lucilla Merula

.Chaos, confusion, disorder - my work here is done


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Salvete Omnes!

I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the participants in
the games! It was all grand fun ...even though Alfius is testy, having lost
...and I enjoyed myself so much that ...well, I'll discuss that just before
the next games (smile).

Optime vale,
C. Maria Caeca

Salve,

That was a great article. Any other links to the cults of
Juipter, Fortuna, or Mars would be helpful. What a great article thank
you,

T. Decius Agrippa

The Edictum Consulare De Tributis Anni MMDCCLX a.U.c issued ante diem V
Nonas Martias , MMDCCLX a.U.c , L. Arminio Fausto Ti. Galerio Paulino
coss.

Is amended to included Lebanon at the tax rate of $1.83 US Dollar
(USD) = 2,661.37 Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Given under my hand, ante diem VII Kalendas Apriles 2760 a.U.c in the
consulship of Lucius Arminius Faustus and Tiberius Galerius Paulinus.)


Tiberius Galerius Paulinus

Consul



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

2760 III xxvi

C. Aurelia Falco Silvana F. Lucillae Merulae, T. Decio
Agrippae omnibusque civibus Novae Romae SPD.

Thank you for your kind words. Comments like yours make
the research worthwhile.

In response to your requests, below are some additional
sites, somewhat annotated.

Valete bene in pace Deorum
C. Aurelia Falco Silvana

> Re: [Nova-Roma] Ludi Martiales--Essay on Mars (Message 49557)
>
> Do you know anywhere online where there is a picture of
> these shields? I've been trying to picture exactly what
> they looked like?
>
> Many thanks
> Flavia Lucilla Merula

For an line drawing (perhaps woodcut) of the shields, see
William Smith, A DICTIONARY OF GREEK AND ROMAN ANTIQUITIES, at
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Salii.html

A similarly shaped (but Celtic) shield is included in this web
course in the history of ceramics. The site is exceptional for
the superb photography of the pieces discussed. It loads slowly
because it contains hundreds of images. You are looking for
Image 070 from Tutorial No. 7. Scroll waaaay down the "page",
past lots of blank spaces. This website dates from 2004, and
unfortunately the internal links within the tutorials themselves
are not working, so access from the site below:

HISTORY OF CERAMICS FOR POTTERS
http://www.ceramicstudies.me.uk/frame1tu7.html#HC07-Pic.000

The newer site (2006) is very awkwardly designed.
http://www.ceramicstudies.com/

Finally, from Greece: This site includes many images of shields
including (the figure-8) in ancient pottery, metalworking.
THE GREEK AGE OF BRONZE: Weapons and warfare in the late
Helladic time 1600-1100 BC, by Andrea Salimbeti & Raffaelo
D'Amato
http://www.salimbeti.com/micenei/shields1.htm

Check out the home page for more topics, and links.
This is a GREAT site for the pre-Roman Agean region.
http://www.salimbeti.com/micenei/

(Message 49559)

>Salve,
>
> That was a great article. Any other links to the cults of
> Juipter, Fortuna, or Mars would be helpful. What a great
> article thank you,
>
> T. Decius Agrippa

The best place to start is the Nova Roma section on the
CULTUS DEORUM in the NR wiki. Every citizen should spend
time exploring all that is available via this page. As the
NR Wiki site becomes ever more complex, it becomes a challege
—with rewards in proportion.
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page

The Gens Vitellia Virtual Temple of Mars is at
http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/vitellia/mars/index.html

And their Virtual Temple of Jupiter is at
http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/vitellia/ivpiter/index.html

Gens Vitellia is a plebian gens of Nova Roma. Check out
the Album Civium via the main wiki page (above).

For a 3-D interactive Roman temple simulation, based on the
Temple of Mars Ultor, go to this site. You must be running
Internet Explorer as your browser. The site says you need
Windows XP, but it works on my Windows 2000. Plug-in
software is automatically available on the site.
http://www2.gsu.edu/~artwgg/romantemple/romantemple.htm

CAPITOLIUM dot ORG has most of Rome in virtual reality at
http://www.capitolium.org/eng/virtuale/virtuale.htm

For Jupiter from ENCYCLOPEDIA MYTHICA, try
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/roman/articles.html

For Fortuna Dea, try THE MAGIC OF THE HORSESHOE, by
Robert Means Lawrence in SACRED TEXTS at
http://www.sacred-texts.com/etc/mhs/mhs27.htm

And last, but very important, is the NR RELIGIO ROMANA group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ReligioRomana/?yguid=225167417

You will have your best chance of finding sincere practitioners
through this group. Just browsing the web for groups can turn
up a lot of cyberjunk. One "virtual temple of Jupiter" had been
created in 2003; from that day to this, it has recorded 19 posted
messages. Not a winner, and looking more like someone's
fantasy than researched fact.

Q. Caecilius Metellus Quiritibus salutem.

For the coming nundinum, beginning today, the calendar will be thus as
decreed by the Collegium Pontificum:

a.d. VI Kal. Apr., Fastus
a.d. V Kal. Apr., Comitialis
a.d. IV Kal. Apr., Comitialis
a.d. III Kal. Apr., Comitialis
pr. Kal. Apr., Comitialis
Kal. Apr., Fastus
a.d. IV Non. Apr., Fastus, Ater
a.d. III Non. Apr., Comitialis
pr. Non. Apr., Fastus

The feriae publicae stativae to be observed during this period are:

Veneralia (Kal. Apr.)
Megalesia (pr. Non. Apr. - a.d. IV Id. Apr.)

For more information on the character of the days, please reference
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Responsum_Pontificum_de_Diebus_%28Nova_Roma%29
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Roman_Calendar or, as always, you may send a
private message to me.

Optime Valete in Pace Deorum,

QVINTVS·CAECILIVS·L·F·SAB·METELLVS·POSTVMIANVS
PONTIFEX

P. Memmius Albucius Marcio Artoriae omn.que s.d.

Thanks to you, Marci, for your dedication to this Certamen, and
thanks to both, Aedilis Artoria - and her cohors - and you, for
having organizing this passionating contest.

My sincere congratulations to the other runners, who led me to apply
roman virtues to my participation. No real victory without strong and
skilled opponents !

Valete et omnes,


P. Memmius Albucius
Propr. Galliae


--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "Gaius Marcius Crispus"
<jbshr1pwa@...> wrote:

>
> Salvete omnes
>
> And so we come to the end of the historical quiz. Here are the last
> set of answers, and the final scores.
>
> 21. The name of the festival held between 19 and 23 March, and in
> whose honour was it held?
>
> The Quintratria, a five-day holiday in honour of Mars, later

Minerva,

> was held from 19 March.
>
> 22. Dramatist and epic poet who arrived in Rome as a Greek-speaking
> slave and translated Homer's Odyssey into Latin verse?
>
> Lucius Livius Andronicus (Andronikos) was the greek-speaking slave
> who translated Homer's Odyssey.
>
> 23. Name of the guild of poets and actors to which he belonged, and
> the name and location of the temple at which they met?
>
> To ward off menacing omens, Andronicus was commissioned to compose

an

> intercessory hymn to be sung, in procession, to Aventine Iuno. As a
> reward for the success of this intervention, a guild of poets and
> actors, of which he became president, was granted a domicile in the
> temple of Minerva on the Aventine, called the Collegium Poetarum /
> Scriborum or the Aventine Sanctuary.
>
> 24. What were the hastae martiae, where were they kept, and what

did

> any movement of them portend?
>
> The hastae martiae, the "lances of Mars" were kept in a small

chamber

> in the Regia on the Forum Romanum. Any movement of these lances was
> seen as an omen of war. The army leaders had to move the lances

while

> saying 'Mars vigila' ("Mars awaken").
>
> 25 Which college of priests kept how many of what in the Sacrarium

of

> Mars?
>
> The Salii Palatini had the care of twelve sacred shields called
> ancilia. During the reign of Numa a small oval shield fell from
> heaven, and Numa, in order to prevent its being stolen, had eleven
> others made exactly like it. These twelve shields (amongst which

the

> original one was concealed) were in the charge of the twelve

priests

> of the Salii and kept in the Sacrarium of Mars.
>
> 26. What did these priests get up to during March, and what

happened

> at the altars and temples on their route?
>
> The greater part of March, beginning from the 1st, on which day the
> original shield (ancile) was said to have fallen from heaven and

the

> campaigning season began, was devoted to various ceremonies

connected

> with the Salii. From March 1 they marched, or danced, or leapt,in
> procession through the city, dressed in an embroidered tunic, a
> brazen breastplate and a peaked cap; each carried a sword by his

side

> and a short staff in his right hand, with which the shield, borne

on

> the left arm, was struck from time to time. A halt was made at the
> altars and temples, where the Salii, singing a special chant,

danced

> a war dance with much leaping. Every day the procession stopped at
> certain stations (mansiones), where the shields were deposited for
> the night, and the Salii partook of a banquet On the next day the
> procession passed on to another mansio; this continued till the

24th,

> when the shields were replaced in their sacrarium.
>
> 27 Name the three who kept the bridge over the Tiber, thus

defending

> Rome against whom who wrought the deed of shame? Who had raised

this

> army, and who was it designed to restore to power?
>
> The three who kept the bridge from Janiculum across the Tiber into
> Rome were Horatius Cocles ("brave Horatius the Captain of the
> Gate"), Spurius Lartius and Titus Herminius. They held back an army
> raised by Lars Porsena which tried to restore the Tarquins and

Sextus

> Tarquinius to power. It was Sextus who wrought the deed of shame.
>
> 28. What was the deed of shame he wrought, and what change in the
> form of Roman government followed his departure?
>
> The deed of shame was the ravishment by Sextus of Lucrece, the wife
> of Collatinus, one of Sextus's officers. Following his defeat,

Sextus

> and the Tarquins were banished from Rome ending the line of Kings
> going back to Romulus. Thereafter Rome was administered by consuls,
> elected yearly.
>
> 29. What is the modern and Roman name of the town in the west of
> England where the waters from the original sacred spring are still
> fed through Roman lead pipes into the lead-lined facility from

which

> the town takes its name?
>
> Bath (Roman Aquae Sulis).
>
> 30. Composite Roman name associating the Roman and Celtic goddesses
> associated with this town?
>
> The hot springs of Bath are believed to have been sacred to the
> Celts. It was there that they worshipped a god called Sul (Sulis).
> Under the Romans, the shrine was rebuilt and rededicated to a new
> deity, creatively named Sulis Minerva. This was intended to appeal

to

> both the local Celts and the Romans. Among her attributes, Minerva
> was the Goddess of wisdom and was strongly associated with healing;
> thus she was a fitting comparison to Sulis who reflected the same
> values. A gilt bronze head of Minerva was found during exploration

of

> her temple site.
>
> And the scores. We lost two more contestants during the third lap,
> and so the final places are as follows:
>
> Publius Memmius Albucius 30
> C Aurelia Falco Silvana 29.4
> Lucius Vitellius Triarius 28.8
> Gn Equitius Marinus 28.6
> Gaia Iulia Cicurina 28.2
> Q Cornelia Quadrata 16.75
> Titus Decius Brutus 16.2
> Gn Cornelius Lentulus 9.5
>
> So it was a closely contested fight to the finish, and all those

who

> survived the course are to be congratulated. Very well done, all of
> you. But particular congratulations must go to Albucius, especially
> as English is not his first language and so he had a few problems
> with the words of some questions.
>
> I therefore declare PUBLIUS MEMMIUS ALBUCIUS the outright winner.
>
> I should like to encourage all citizens to read the whole of the

poem

> about Horatius and the bridge. One good source of the text is at:
> http://www.englishverse.com/poems/horatius
>
> And so we have now arrived at the end of our contest. I would like

to

> thank all those who took part for the work they have done, and
> congratulate them for the efforts they have made. By thanks also go
> to Tita Artoria Marcella and the Cohors Aedilicia.
>
> So, farewell for now.
>
> Valete optime
> Gaius Marcius Crispus
>