C. Petronius Liviae Plautae s.p.d.,

> Someone more erudite surely can tell us when the dots started appearing. Fact is, the writer of this papyrus had better calligraphy than most.

In the book of Catherine Salles "Lire à Rome", we can find many facsimile. If I believe her the writing of this papyrus is not in cursive but in semi-cursive. Because the letters are separated and well written.

But I am happy to see that the Romans did not use apices nor macrons, as I do. ;o)

Optime vale.

C. Petronius Dexter
Arcoiali scribebat
Kalendis Maiis P. Memmio K. Fabio II coss.

>
> A. Tullia Scholastica C. Petronio quiritibus, sociis, peregrinisque bonae
> voluntatis S.P.D.
>
>
>
> C. Petronius Liviae Plautae s.p.d.,
>
>> > Someone more erudite surely can tell us when the dots started appearing.
>> Fact is, the writer of this papyrus had better calligraphy than most.
>
> In the book of Catherine Salles "Lire à Rome", we can find many facsimile. If
> I believe her the writing of this papyrus is not in cursive but in
> semi-cursive. Because the letters are separated and well written.
>
> But I am happy to see that the Romans did not use apices nor macrons, as I do.
> ;o)
>
>
> ATS: You are wrong, amice; the Romans DID use the apex, though they were
> inconsistent about this matter. They did not use macrons, which seem to be a
> more modern convention. I haven¹t checked this link yet (for examination
> writing and correction beckon, along with an anticipated visitor from afar),
> but there are several preserved Roman documents with the apex present. You
> will see some of them if you take Sermo, or even Rudimenta, if we can offer
> that again. Initiation into these mysteries requires the presence of the
> observer in our classes...
>
> Optime vale.
>
> C. Petronius Dexter
> Arcoiali scribebat
> Kalendis Maiis P. Memmio K. Fabio II coss.
>
> Optime vale et valete.
>
>
>

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

Reminder from:		Nova-Roma Yahoo! Group
Title:		Reminder Ludi Apollinares
Date:		Saturday May 1, 2010
Time:		12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Repeats:		This event repeats every week until Friday July 9, 2010.
Location:		Ludi Apollinares
Notes:		Don't forget to be inspired and start your project for the Ludi honoring Apollo! http://www.novaroma.org/nr/MMDCCLXIII/Ludi_Apollinares
Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

Copyright © 2010  Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

C. Petronius Scholasticae s.p.d.,

> ATS: You are wrong, amice; the Romans DID use the apex, though they were inconsistent about this matter.

We yet had this discussion. Quintilianus himself was against some abuses. The Romans did not use apices, this use was only a scholar one, followed by some ancient teachers but without rules well defined nor accepted by all.

And the tradition did not conserve that. None monk, for example, copied manuscripts with those apices. In the book of Catherine Salles in which are many facsimile of Roman letter rests none had apices nor macrons.

Optime vale.

C. Petronius Dexter
Arcoiali scribebat
Kalendis Maiis P. Memmio K. Fabio II coss.

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Di vos salvas et servatas volunt.

Hodie est Kalendae Maesiae; haec dies fastus est: DIE SEPTIMI TE KALO, IUNO COVELLA: Floralia; Laribus; Bonae Deae in Aventino; lustratio ad flumen Casilino; hoc biduo sol unam dicitur tenere particulam, Sucula cum sole exoritur.

The month of May is sacred to Maia or, by another account, to Apollo (CIL 6, 2305). The same source tells us that this is the month when a lustratio was performed around fields as Cato advised in De Agricultura (141). May holds a number of festivals for the Manes. The most important of these are the three days of Lemuria later in the month. But tonight would see a special ceremony where lamps were lit at the tombs of the ancestors.


Lares Praestites

In conjunction with the ceremony of this evening, today's ludi celebrates the dedication of the Temple of the Lares Praestites by Augustus, circa 16 BCE, "at the highest point of the Sacra Via" (Fasti Venusia, Apulia, CIL 9.421; Res Gestae Divi Augusti 19). The altar of the Lares Praestites was said to have been first dedicated by King Titus Tatius (Ovidius Naso, Fasti 5.129-132; Terrentius Varro, Lingua Latinae 5.74) They were depicted as two young men, possibly in reference to Romulus and Remus, or else to Titus Tatius and Romulus when they were both Kings, wearing dog-skins and bearing spears. At their feet was a dog.

"Why is a dog placed beside the Lares that men call by the special name of praestites, and why are the Lares themselves clad in dog-skins? Is it because 'those that stand before' are termedpraestites, and, also because it is fitting that those who stand before a house should be its guardians, terrifying to strangers, but gentle and mild to those who live there, even as are dogs? Or is it the truth rather, as some Romans affirm, that, just as the philosophic school of Chrysippus think that evil spirits stalk about whom the Gods use as executioners and avengers upon unholy and unjust men, even so the Lares are spirits of punishment like Furies and supervisors of men's lives and houses? Wherefore they are clothed in the skins of dogs and have a dog as their attendant, in the belief that they are skillful in tracking down and following up evil-doers." ~ Plutarch, Roman Questions 51


Bona Dea

Today also commemorates the dedication of the Aventine Temple of the Bona Dea. In 123 BCE Vestal Virgin Licinia added an aedicula, pulvinar, and ara to the Aventine Temple of Bona Dea. Licinia was the daughter of Tribunus Plebis G. Licinius Crassus (145 BCE). In 114 BCE she was condemned on a charge of incestus and put to death, and her dedication of the temple was disavowed (Cicero, Domus 136). No longer a "public temple," exactly, rites were paid to Her none the less, pro populi. Men, for the most part, were prohibited from entering Her temple (G. Aelius Gallus, GRF 18). She had a special sacerdos instead, called the Damiatrix at Rome (Festus p.68M). However, according to Ovid, some men, selected by the Goddess Herself, were allowed into Her temple precinct and on the kalends of May it was the flamen Volcanalis who offered sacrifice. The Bona Dea was so called because She provided the herbs used in medicinal simples. Servius Honoratus in commenting on the Aeneid stated that the true name of the Bona Dea was unknown (8.314), and Lactantus agreed (1.22). Macrobius instead wrote, Hanc eadem Bonam Deam Faunamque et Opem et Fatuam pontificum libris indigitari (Saturnalia 1.12.16). Fatua was the Sabine name for Fauna, while the Samnites called Her Fuusa. Paulus mentions that Her name was Damia among the Messapic tribes east of Tarentum. Among the Marrucini the Bona Dea was called Angitia, Angitina, or Anaceta Ceria. This Daughter of Ceres, like Her counterpart at Rome, had a temple from which medicinal herbs were distributed to women. At Rome Her temple became the main distribution center for abortives, which may have had something to do with the condemnation of Licinia. Her temple was not dedicated again until Livia did so with a restoration of the temple under Augustus. The flamen Vocanalis might have been involved in Her annual rite because, originally, Volcanus was a Roman version of Vertumnus, the God who ripens the earth with inner warmth. Vertumnus is associated with Flora, who appears on the Tavolo Agnone in Samnite territory as Fluusa Kerriiai and where another Goddess is called Futrei Kerriiai, like Marrucini Angitia, the Daughter of Ceres. The rededication by Livia, and this seemingly identification of the Bona Dea and Flora, may explain why the Floralia was expanded in the reign of Augustus to cover these early days of May. By the way, another feature of Her Roman temple had the Bona Dea's sacred herbs guarded by an enormous serpent. And among the Marrucini this day saw a "Procession of the Serpents," which, although now attributed to a Christian saint, is still conducted in some towns of Abruzzo.


At Capua, this day saw a lustratio performed by the banks of the river Casilinus to purify the second largest city of Italy before spring planting.


AUC 1058 / 305 CE: Abdication of Diocletianus and Maximianus

In the system of the Tetrarchy initiated by Diocletian, the two Augusti selected their successors by appointing them Caesari. This was the first time that the system of succession was put into effect. G. Galerius Valerius Maximianus in the East and Fl. Valerius Constantius in the West became Augusti, with Galerius Valerius Maximus Daia, nephew of Galerius, and Fl. Valerius Severus as Caesari. The system quickly began to unravel as young Fl. Valerius Constantinus had to flee from Galerius to his father Constantius in the following year. When Constantius died in July 306, his troops proclaimed his son Constantinus emperor. Meanwhile in Rome, the Praetorians declared Maxentius, the son of Maximianus, as Augustus. Maximianus returned as colleague to his son, and Diocletianus was recalled to resolve all the disputes over who should hold what titles and provinces. Eventually this all led to Constantinus defeating Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge six years later and Licinius defeating Maximinus Daia soon after.


Our thought for today comes from Epictetus, fr. 30:

"A ship ought not to be fixed to one small anchor, nor life to a single hope."

Reminder from:		Nova-Roma Yahoo! Group
Title:		After every Kalends, Nones, Ides, the next day is "Ater"
Date:		Sunday May 2, 2010
Time:		All Day
Repeats:		This event repeats every month.
Notes:		Ater (unlucky) *Gods or Goddesses should not be invoked by name while indoors, and no celestial God or Goddess should be invoked by name while outdoors. *Sacrifices should not be made. *These days are ill-omened to begin any new project since any new project would necessarily begin by performing a rite calling for the assistance of the gods. Such religious rites, beginning something new, are not to be performed. *Avoid making journeys, or doing anything risky. NOTA BENE: Normal work would still be performed on dies atri, and as part of performing any work one performs rites for the patron deities, geni locii, and other appropriate deities. Likewise, the daily routine is also performed before the lararium
Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

Copyright © 2010  Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

M.Hortensia C. Petronio A. Tulliaeque spd;
but in those days people knew how to speak Latin, or surrounded by them, we do not have that benefit, so the apices are very helpful for speaking.
Romans were traditional yet practical, an apex is a practical help, macron much less so. For those of us who are not erudite Latinists this is necessary...I know I know Petroni, let's think of a future world where everyone speaks Latin & apices will fade away:)

PS. I read over at Facebook that Fr. Reginald Foster might be holding his summer experience！
optime valet
Maior

>
> C. Petronius Scholasticae s.p.d.,
>
> > ATS: You are wrong, amice; the Romans DID use the apex, though they were inconsistent about this matter.
>
> We yet had this discussion. Quintilianus himself was against some abuses. The Romans did not use apices, this use was only a scholar one, followed by some ancient teachers but without rules well defined nor accepted by all.
>
> And the tradition did not conserve that. None monk, for example, copied manuscripts with those apices. In the book of Catherine Salles in which are many facsimile of Roman letter rests none had apices nor macrons.
>
> Optime vale.
>
> C. Petronius Dexter
> Arcoiali scribebat
> Kalendis Maiis P. Memmio K. Fabio II coss.
>

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Bonam habete Fortunam.

Hodie est ante diem VI Nonas Maias; haec dies fastus aterque est: Floralia in circo; Septentrionales venti.

AUC 515 / 238: Institution of Floralia

"The life led by the ancients was rude and illiterate; still, as will be readily seen, the observations they made were not less remarkable for ingenuity than are the theories of the present day. With them there were three set periods for gathering in the produce of the earth, and it was in honour of these periods that they instituted the festive days, known as the Robigalia, the Floralia, and the Vinalia . . . . The same people also, in the year of the City 513, instituted the Floralia, a festival held upon the fourth before the calends of May (28 April), in accordance with the oracular injunctions of the Sibyl, to secure a favourable season for the blossoms and flowers. Varro fixes this day as the time at which the sun enters the fourteenth degree of Taurus. If there should happen to be a full moon during the four days at this period, injury to the corn and all the plants that are in blossom, will be the necessary result." ~ Plinius Secundus, Historia Naturalis 18.69

Pliny places the year when the Floralia was first instituted as AUC 513 because, like Varro, he reckoned the Founding of Rome from 751 BCE. When first begun, the Floralia was held in the Forum. But it was later moved, in 173 BCE, to the Circus Maximus beneath the Aventine where the Temple of Flora was located. The Floralia, having begun on 28 April, continued today with a release of rabbits and deer into the crowds. Ovid linked this part of the celebration to the fact that Flora is a Goddess of gardens rather than of wild meadows. Thus the offering of rabbits and deer involved calling upon Flora to protect Her flowers. This was also the day on which something more was exhibited.

"When (M. Porcius Cato) was watching Flora's games, put on by Aedilis C. Messius, the people blushed to ask the actresses be stripped naked. When Favonius, a great friend of Cato's who was sitting next to him, told him of this, he left the theatre, not wishing that his presence should interfere with the custom of the show. The people followed him as he went out with tremendous applause and then recalled the ancient mode of merriment back to the stage." ~ Valerius Maximus 2.10.8

Supposedly this custom began with the shows of 173 BCE, where the mime dancers, who were slaves, danced nude. And this gave rise to another custom, for on that day the prostitutes of the City taunted the dancers for not knowing how to move seductively enough. They arose themselves in the stands and began to strip and gyrate. And afterward the Floralia became one of the main festivals adopted by prostitutes as their own. The other was the Vinalia earlier in April.


AUC 361 / 392 BCE: Death of a Censor while in Office

"C. Julius, the censor, died, and M. Cornelius was appointed in his place. This proceeding was afterwards regarded as an offence against religion because it was during that lustrum that Rome was taken, and no one has ever since been appointed as censor in place of another." ~ Titus Livius 5.31

AUC 373 / 380 BCE: Prohibition Against Replacing One Censor

"The censors appointed were C. Sulpicius Camerinius and Sp. Postumius Regillensis. They commenced a fresh assessment, but the work was interrupted by the death of Postumius, because it was doubtful whether the co-optation of a colleague, in the case of the censors, was permissible. Sulpicius accordingly resigned, and fresh magistrates were appointed, but owing to some flaw in their election did not act. Religious fears deterred them from proceeding to a third election; it seemed as though the Gods would not allow a censorship for that year." ~ Titus Livius 6.27


Our thought for today is from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 3.4.1:

"Do not waste the remainder of thy life in thoughts about other people, when thou dost not refer thy thoughts to some aspect of the common good."

C. Petronius Maiori s.p.d,

> but in those days people knew how to speak Latin, or surrounded by them, we do not have that benefit, so the apices are very helpful for speaking.

The apices are not helpful for speaking. Because when you speak Latin you have to make long short syllabs by position, and short syllabs never are marked with apices.

The apices are more deceptive than helpful.

> Romans were traditional yet practical, an apex is a practical help, macron much less so.

Macrons are more practical than apices, because macrons can indicate even the short syllabs made long by position as they did in the verses.

> For those of us who are not erudite Latinists this is necessary...

Necessary to what?


Optime vale.

C. Petronius Dexter
Arcoiali scribebat
A. D. VI Nonas Maias P. Memmio K. Fabio II coss.

Omnibus s.d.

We are wonderful: re-introducing topics which have been already discussed about, with the same arguments, and without any additional information..! ;-)

As I said several months ago, and imho, if apices, accents and stresses may help some of us to better handle Latin, why not? :-)

But it is important that they keep in mind, as Dexter reminds it, that written apices are as natural in Latin that they are in current Chinese, Italian or English for example.

The apices, accents and stresses are just the product of a rather recent fashion, in some scholar circles and in some countries, to introduce a peculiar method writing and reading Latin.

In order to relativize things, let us imagine that some other scholars propose tomorrow to introduce written apices and stresses in Italian, Chinese, or English for the not-native-people who would like to study these languages: this does not mean that English-speaking people daily write their language with such accents, apices, and stresses, does it? ;-)

Valete omnes,



P. Memmius Albucius

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "petronius_dexter" <jfarnoud94@...> wrote:
>
> C. Petronius Maiori s.p.d,
>
> > but in those days people knew how to speak Latin, or surrounded by them, we do not have that benefit, so the apices are very helpful for speaking.
>
> The apices are not helpful for speaking. Because when you speak Latin you have to make long short syllabs by position, and short syllabs never are marked with apices.
>
> The apices are more deceptive than helpful.
>
> > Romans were traditional yet practical, an apex is a practical help, macron much less so.
>
> Macrons are more practical than apices, because macrons can indicate even the short syllabs made long by position as they did in the verses.
>
> > For those of us who are not erudite Latinists this is necessary...
>
> Necessary to what?
>
>
> Optime vale.
>
> C. Petronius Dexter
> Arcoiali scribebat
> A. D. VI Nonas Maias P. Memmio K. Fabio II coss.
>

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Di vos inculumes custodiant

Hodie est ante diem V Nonas Maias; haec dies comitialis: Floralia; Centaurus totus apparet, tempestatem significat.

The circus games for Floralia concluded on this date with sacrifices offered to Flora.


Tullus Hostilius becomes the third Rex of Rome

"The death of Numa was followed by a second interregnum. Then Tullus Hostilius, a grandson of the Hostilius who had fought so brilliantly at the foot of the Citadel against the Sabines, was chosen king by the people, and their choice was confirmed by the senate. He was not only unlike the last king, but he was a man of more warlike spirit even than Romulus, and his ambition was kindled by his own youthful energy and by the glorious achievements of his grandfather. Convinced that the vigour of the State was becoming enfeebled through inaction, he looked all round for a pretext for getting up a war. It so happened that Roman peasants were at that time in the habit of carrying off plunder from the Alban territory, and the Albans from Roman territory. Gaius Cluilius was at the time ruling in Alba. Both parties sent envoys almost simultaneously to seek redress. Tullus had told his ambassadors to lose no time in carrying out their instructions; he was fully aware that the Albans would refuse satisfaction, and so a just ground would exist for proclaiming war. The Alban envoys proceeded in a more leisurely fashion. Tullus received them with all courtesy and entertained them sumptuously. Meantime the Romans had preferred their demands, and on the Alban governor's refusal had declared that war would begin in thirty days. When this was reported to Tullus, he granted the Albans an audience in which they were to state the object of their coming. Ignorant of all that had happened, they wasted time in explaining that it was with great reluctance that they would say anything which might displease Tullus, but they were bound by their instructions; they were come to demand redress, and if that were refused they were ordered to declare war. "Tell your king," replied Tullus, "that the king of Rome calls the Gods to witness that whichever nation is the first to dismiss with ignominy the envoys who came to seek redress, upon that nation they will visit all the sufferings of this war." ~ Titus Livius 1.22


The Sabine Deities

"Feronia, Minerva, the Novensides are from the Sabines. With slight changes we say the following, also from the same people: Pales, Vesta, Salus, Fortuna, Fons, Fides. There is the scent of the speech of the Sabines about the altars also, which by the vow of King Tatius were dedicated at Rome: for, as the Annales tell, he vowed altars to Ops, Flora, Vediovis, and Saturnus, Sol, Luna, Vulcanus, and Summanus, and likewise to Larunda, Terminus, Quirinus, Vertumnus, the Lares, Diana and Lucina." ~ Terrentius Varro, Lingua Latina 5.74

Among the most ancient deities of Rome, attributed to the Sabines by Varro, who was himself from a Sabine gens, are the enigmatic Novensides, or Novensiles. They are rarely found. They appear as the Novesedes in one inscription from Umbria. They appear one time in Livy in what is clearly a very ancient rite, the devotio of Decius Mus in the Latin War of 340 BCE:

"Janus, Jupiter, Father Mars, Quirinus, Bellona, Lares, You divine Novensiles and You divine Indigetes, deities whose power extends over us and over our foes, and to You, too, Divine Manes, I pray, I do You reverence, I crave Your grace and favour will bless the Roman People, the Quirites, with power and victory, and will visit fear, dread and death on the enemies of the Roman People, the Quirites. In like manner as I have uttered this prayer so do I now on behalf of the commonwealth of the Quirites, on behalf of the army, the legions, the auxiliaries of the Roman People, the Quirites, devote the legions and auxiliaries of the enemy, together with myself to Tellus and the Divine Manes." ~ Livy 8.9.6-8

Who the Novensiles may have been evoked some discussion among Roman antiquarians:

"Piso believes that the Novensiles are nine gods, set up among the Sabines at Trebia. Granius thinks that they are the Muses, agreeing with Aelius; Varro teaches that they are nine, because, in doing anything, that number is always reputed most powerful and greatest; Cornificius, that they watch over the renewing of things, because, by their care, all things are afresh renewed in strength, and endure; Manilius, that they are the nine gods to whom alone Jupiter gave power to wield his thunder. Cincius declares them to be deities brought from abroad, named from their very newness, because the Romans were in the habit of sometimes individually introducing into their families the rites of conquered cities, while some they publicly consecrated; and lest, from their great number, or in ignorance, any god should be passed by, all alike were briefly and compendiously invoked under one name - Novensiles." ~ Arnobius 3.38


Our thought for today is from the Golden Sayings of Democritus 6:

"The felicity of a man does not consist either in body or in riches, but in upright conduct and justice."

Un' altra impresa da compiere!



Ecco a voi il secondo appuntamento in mountain bike; dopo il mitico viaggio
dell’anno scorso “Ab Rubicone ad Urbem” sulla Via Flaminia, questa volta una
passeggiata alla portata di tutti... ma non meno carica di fascino e storia.


Dalla Porta Maggiore verso le sorgenti dellÂ’Aqua Claudia, sulle tracce
dellÂ’acquedotto terminato da Claudio nel 52 d.C. attraverso il Parco
dellÂ’Appia Antica, il Parco degli Acquedotti, ecc.

Con noi, in bici, una guida dÂ’eccezione: il prof. W.D. Schram della
Universiteit Utrecht (Olanda) e webmaster del sito
http://www.romanaqueducts.info



Unisciti anche tu al gruppo, una giornata indimenticabile a contatto con la
storia e la natura. Tu, la tua MB, macchina fotografica e tanto spirito
d'avventura.

L'evento si terrà il giorno mercoledi 26 maggio con partenza dalla Porta
Maggiore alle ore 9.



Per informazioni e partecipazione scrivi a <mailto:info@...>
info@...





_____



Per informazioni:
Associazione Pomerium - <http://www.pomerium.org> www.pomerium.org
c/o Marocco F. - Viale Alessandrino 477 - 00172 Roma

<mailto:info@...> info@... -
<mailto:amministrazione@...> amministrazione@... -
<mailto:segreteria@...> segreteria@...



Vive ergo moribus praeteritis, loquere verbis praesentibus (Vivi perciò con
la moralità degli antichi, ma usa le parole della modernità; A.Gellio -
Notti Attiche)





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

Maxima Valeria Messallina omnibus S.P.D.
 
 
"I, Maxima Valeria Messallina (Violet Phearsen), do hereby solemnly swear to uphold the honor of Nova Roma and to act always in the best interests of the people and the Senate of Nova Roma.
As a magistrate of Nova Roma, I, Maxima Valeria Messallina, swear to honor the Gods and Goddesses of Rome in my public dealings and to pursue the Roman Virtues in my public and private life.
I, Maxima Valeria Messallina, swear to uphold and defend the Religio Romana as the State Religion of Nova Roma and swear never to act in a way that would threaten its status as the State Religion.
I, Maxima Valeria Messallina, swear to protect and defend the Constitution of Nova Roma.
I, Maxima Valeria Messallina, further swear to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of the office of legata pro praetore to the best of my abilities.
On my honor as a Citizen of Nova Roma, and in the presence of the Gods and Goddesses of the Roman people and by their will and favor, do I accept the position of legata pro praetore and all the rights, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities attendant thereto."
 
 
Valete bene in pace Deorum,
 
Maxima Valeria Messallina




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

Quaestoribus Magistratibus omnibusque s.d.



You will find below the consular edict on the assignment of the yet elected quaestors.



I wish the best to every quaestor in her/his responsibility and the most productive relation with her/his assignment magistrate.



Valete,





Albucius cos.



___________________________________________________________________________




Consular joint edict on the assignment of the quaestors for 2763 a.u.c.

(de designatione quaestorum pro MMDCCLXIII a.u.c.)


We, Publius Memmius Albucius and Caeso Fabius Buteo Quintilianus, consuls, by the authority vested by the constitution, the laws and the Senate of Nova Roma, and in view of the existing rules, specially of the Constitution, in its paragraph IV.A.6 ;



Considering that:

- neither the last annual elections nor the partial election of January 2763 auc have allowed filling all the eight constitutional quaestorial positions;



After the consultation of the interested magistrates on a.d. VI Kal. Apr. 2763 auc, and considering that no objection was made on the proposed assignment;



Considering that:

- the proposal brought by the consuls towards the Comitia centuriata in March-April 2763, in order to reduce from eight to six the number of Nova Roma quaestors has, despite the support of the Senate, not been accepted;

- the organization of an election to fulfill the two missing positions has not been set since last Kal. Apriles;

- the assignment of the elected quaestors must now be issued and as soon as possible,





edict :



Article 1

The six elected quaestors for 2763 auc are assigned as such:

Arria Carina A. : consul Memmius

Vitellius Celsus A. : consul Fabius Buteo

Annaeus Regulus T. : praetura, as the praetrices see fit

Cornelius Gualterus Graecus M. : praetura, as the praetrices see fit

Lucilius Tutor Sex. : aedilis curulis, as the aediles see fit

Maria Caeca G. : aedilis curulis, as the aediles see fit


Article 2



The missions and tasks of each quaestor shall be defined by the assignment magistrate, after consultation and in the respect of the magisterial status of the concerned quaestor.

Quaestores Arria and Vitellius will share, in the frame of an agreement between both consuls and among their various missions to be defined, the budget and finances competency.


Article 3

The present assignments may be reviewed during the current year if the consuls deem necessary to.


Article 4

Every novaroman public officer and her/his departement shall, as far as they are concerned, enforce the present edict, which will be published in the Tabularium Novae Romae and in Nova Roma relevant internet 'discussion' lists, as well as notified to every concerned quaestor and assignment magistrate.





Scripto Condate Scaldi Galliae simul Umeae Thulense,, a.d. V Nonas MMDCCLXIII a.u.c. (3rd May 2010 c.c.) P. Memmio Albucio C. Fabio Buteone Quintiliano iterum coss..



















_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail arrive sur votre t�l�phone ! Compatible Iphone, Windows Phone, Blackberry, �
http://www.messengersurvotremobile.com/?d=Hotmail

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

Salvete omnes,

considering the torrential rains Nashville is experiencing, and the flooding
...I would feel much more easy if our citizens in TN and MS check in, just
to let us know that they are OK.

I do realize that our highest officials will no consider this OT ...but I do
not. You are my people, and I want to *know* that you are safe.

Valete quam optime,
C. Maria Caeca

Salvete!

There will be a meet-and-greet this coming Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the
Borders Bookstore in the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ (USA).

All are welcome; the meet-and-greet is open to Nova Roman cives and
non-cives alike, with the goal of not only getting to know one another,
but also to set forth a few goals and ideas for future get-togethers in
the NJ/NY/PA area.

For those with meetup.com accounts (and for those who don't, they're
free), details can be found here:

http://www.meetup.com/greece-and-rome-nj/calendar/13229834/

Looking forward to seeing you there, if you can make it!

Valete,

Flavius Vedius Germanicus
Pater Patriae

Maior Caecae spd;
why should anyone consider the state of our cives off topic? Julia Aquila posted that she is fine via Facebook & I correspond regulularly with A. Sempronius Regulus who is fine. As for others such as Aurelianus I don't know, but
may the gods favour them
M. Hortensia Maior

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "C.Maria Caeca" <c.mariacaeca@...> wrote:
>
> Salvete omnes,
>
> considering the torrential rains Nashville is experiencing, and the flooding
> ...I would feel much more easy if our citizens in TN and MS check in, just
> to let us know that they are OK.
>
> I do realize that our highest officials will no consider this OT ...but I do
> not. You are my people, and I want to *know* that you are safe.
>
> Valete quam optime,
> C. Maria Caeca
>

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Di vos inculumes custodiant

Hodie est ante diem IIII Nonas Maias; haec dies comitialis:

Tullus Hostilius and the War with Alba Longa

"The Albans reported this at home. Both sides made extraordinary preparations for a war, which closely resembled a civil war between parents and children, for both were of Trojan descent, since Lavinium was an offshoot of Troy, and Alba of Lavinium, and the Romans were sprung from the stock of the kings of Alba. The outcome of the war, however, made the conflict less deplorable, as there was no regular engagement, and though one of the two cities was destroyed, the two nations were blended into one. The Albans were the first to move, and invaded the Roman territory with an immense army. They fixed their camp only five miles from the City and surrounded it with a moat; this was called for several centuries the "Cluilian Dyke" from the name of the Alban general, till through lapse of time the name and the thing itself disappeared. While they were encamped Cluilius, the Alban king, died, and the Albans made Mettius Fufetius dictator. The king's death made Tullus more sanguine than ever of success. He gave out that the wrath of heaven which had fallen first of all on the head of the nation would visit the whole race of Alba with condign punishment for this unholy war. Passing the enemy's camp by a night march, he advanced upon Alban territory. This drew Mettius from his entrenchments. He marched as close to his enemy as he could, and then sent on an officer to inform Tullus that before engaging it was necessary that they should have a conference. If he granted one, then he was satisfied that the matters he would lay before him were such as concerned Rome no less than Alba. Tullus did not reject the proposal, but in case the conference should prove illusory, he led out his men in order of battle. The Albans did the same. After they had halted, confronting each other, the two commanders, with a small escort of superior officers, advanced between the lines. The Alban general, addressing Tullus, said: "I think I have heard our king Cluilius say that acts of robbery and the non-restitution of plundered property, in violation of the existing treaty, were the cause of this war, and I have no doubt that you, Tullus, allege the same pretext. But if we are to say what is true, rather than what is plausible, we must admit that it is the lust of empire which has made two kindred and neighbouring peoples take up arms. Whether rightly or wrongly I do not judge; let him who began the war settle that point; I am simply placed in command by the Albans to conduct the war. But I want to give you a warning, Tullus. You know, you especially who are nearer to them, the greatness of the Etruscan State, which hems us both in; their immense strength by land, still more by sea. Now remember, when once you have given the signal to engage, our two armies will fight under their eyes, so that when we are wearied and exhausted they may attack us both, victor and vanquished alike. If then, not content with the secure freedom we now enjoy, we are determined to enter into a game of chance, where the stakes are either supremacy or slavery, let us, in heaven's name, choose some method by which, without great suffering or bloodshed on either side, it can be decided which nation is to be master of the other." Although, from natural temperament, and the certainty he felt of victory, Tullus was eager to fight, he did not disapprove of the proposal. After much consideration on both sides a method was adopted, for which Fortune herself provided the necessary means.

"There happened to be in each of the armies a triplet of brothers, fairly matched in years and strength. It is generally agreed that they were called Horatii and Curiatii. Few incidents in antiquity have been more widely celebrated, yet in spite of its celebrity there is a discrepancy in the accounts as to which nation each belonged. There are authorities on both sides, but I find that the majority give the name of Horatii to the Romans, and my sympathies lead me to follow them. The kings suggested to them that they should each fight on behalf of their country, and where victory rested, there should be the sovereignty. They raised no objection; so the time and place were fixed. But before they engaged a treaty was concluded between the Romans and the Albans, providing that the nation whose representatives proved victorious should receive the peaceable submission of the other. This is the earliest treaty recorded, and as all treaties, however different the conditions they contain, are concluded with the same forms, I will describe the forms with which this one was concluded as handed down by tradition. The Fetial put the formal question to Tullus: "Do you, King, order me to make a treaty with the Pater Patratus of the Alban nation?" On the king replying in the affirmative, the Fetial said: "I demand of thee, King, some tufts of grass." The king replied: "Take those that are pure." The Fetial brought pure grass from the Citadel. Then he asked the king: "Do you constitute me the plenipotentiary of the People of Rome, the Quirites, sanctioning also my vessels and comrades?" To which the king replied: "So far as may be without hurt to myself and the People of Rome, the Quirites, I do." The Fetial was M. Valerius. He made Spurius Furius the Pater Patratus by touching his head and hair with the grass. Then the Pater Patratus, who is constituted for the purpose of giving the treaty the religious sanction of an oath, did so by a long formula in verse, which it is not worth while to quote. After reciting the conditions he said: "Hear, O Jupiter, hear! thou Pater Patratus of the people of Alba! Hear ye, too, people of Alba! As these conditions have been publicly rehearsed from first to last, from these tablets, in perfect good faith, and inasmuch as they have here and now been most clearly understood, so these conditions the People of Rome will not be the first to go back from. If they shall, in their national council, with false and malicious intent be the first to go back, then do thou, Jupiter, on that day, so smite the People of Rome, even as I here and now shall smite this swine, and smite them so much the more heavily, as thou art greater in power and might." With these words he struck the swine with a flint. In similar wise the Albans recited their oath and formularies through their own dictator and their priests." ~ Titus Livius 1.23-24


AUC 740 / 13 BCE: Theater of Marcellus dedicated.

"On ground purchased for the most part from private owners I built the theatre near the temple of Apollo which was to bear the name of my son-in law Marcus Marcellus." ~ Caesar Augustus, Res Geste

The Theater of Marcellus lies in the Campus Martius. Originally the theater was planned by Julius Caesar as the first stone theater in Rome. He had removed the Temple of Pietas and other shrines, as well as some private houses, to make room for the theater. Marcellus, for whom it came to be named, had died in 23 BCE. Construction on the theater may have begun shortly before his death, but from that point on Augustus made it a memorial for his son-in-law. Construction had advanced where some of the performances for the Ludi Saeculares were held there in 17 BCE. The dedication, according to Cassius Dio, was in 13 BCE, accompanied by games.

"He next dedicated the theatre named after Marcellus. In the course of the festival held for this purpose the patrician boys, including his grandson Gaius, performed the equestrian exercise called 'Troy,' and six hundred wild beasts from Africa were slain. And to celebrate the birthday of Augustus, Iullus, the son of Antony, who was praetor, gave games in the Circus and a slaughter of wild beasts, and entertained both the emperor and the senate, in pursuance of a decree of that body, upon the Capitol." ~ Cass. Dio 54.26.1-2

In 370 CE some of the traventine blocks were taken from the Theater of Marcellus for the restoration of the pons Cestius. This may be when the theater began to be torn down, although parts of it remained for several centuries afterward. Part of an outer wall still stands today.


Today's thought comes from Publilius Syrus, Sententia 610:

"Even the thorn bush is pleasant, from which is seen the rose."

Perhaps if Citizens from the affected area who may read this, or other Citizens who are in contact with them, could please post just a quick message to let us know they are all right. The pictures look awful. I pray everyone and their loved ones, pets too, are okay.
 
Maxima Valeria Messallina
 

--- On Mon, 5/3/10, rory12001 <rory12001@...> wrote:


From: rory12001 <rory12001@...>
Subject: [Nova-Roma] Re: Nashville, TN cives?
To: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 3, 2010, 5:55 PM


 



Maior Caecae spd;
why should anyone consider the state of our cives off topic? Julia Aquila posted that she is fine via Facebook & I correspond regulularly with A. Sempronius Regulus who is fine. As for others such as Aurelianus I don't know, but
may the gods favour them
M. Hortensia Maior

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogrou ps.com, "C.Maria Caeca" <c.mariacaeca@ ...> wrote:
>
> Salvete omnes,
>
> considering the torrential rains Nashville is experiencing, and the flooding
> ...I would feel much more easy if our citizens in TN and MS check in, just
> to let us know that they are OK.
>
> I do realize that our highest officials will no consider this OT ...but I do
> not. You are my people, and I want to *know* that you are safe.
>
> Valete quam optime,
> C. Maria Caeca
>











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

Salvete Omnes,

I haven't heard anything from Aurelianus or other Nashville cives, but we in Memphis, TN are fine.

We experienced the tornadoes and flooding a day or so before Nashville, but only in certain areas.

Valete,

C. Popillius Laenas

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Hercules virtutem in nos addat.

Hodie est ante diem III Nonas Maias; haec dies comitialis est. Idem sidus pluviam significat.

"Hercules, Founder of our city, You who are called Alcidus, in whose footsteps we now reside on this hallowed earth, avert the threatening storms from our land." ~ Silius Italicus Punica 1.505-7

Whever the Gods have walked upon the earth, in Their footsteps, as it were, a numen has remained. Such places may be recognized by the unsuaul lushness of vegetation, the sweetness of the water from its spring, the variety of animals and birds, or the majesty of its vision. The footsteps of the Gods are such places in Nature that naturally evoke awe in us. Hercules, more than most, was said to have traveled around the world, building altars in such locations, and in the process leaving some foot-prints of His own. An altar, enclosed in a short wall, perhaps with a column on which the image of a God or Goddess was posed was called a fanum (pl. fana). "To build a fanum," they say, "is to found a city," and thus Hercules was credited with founding cities throughout the Mediterranean region. At Rome, Hercules was attributed with having built an altar for Jupiter Inventor (Dion. 1.32) with rituals taught to Him by Carmentis. Another fanum attributed to Hercules is that which stood uncharacteristicly on the border between Nola and Avellino. In 183 BCE Rome was called upon to provide an arbitrator to settle a dispute over ownership of the sanctuary.

The Cippus Abellanus (Tavolo Avellino)

"Greater may your bounty grow by this: (By the order of the arbiter), Quaestor (Q. Fabius Labienus) speaking quid pro quo between the King of Avellanus and the ten Medixes (magistrates) of Nola, this is now the law of Avellanus, this is now the law of Nola, by a Consultum of the Senate (of Rome) the law has been established:

"Whereas the Sanctuary of Hercules near this location to which Avellanus has claims to this land, where also near this other place, Nola, has claims to the sanctuary, which lies between their two respective boundaries, straddling their common border, both sides having presented their opinions in proof of their claims, of rites conducted at the Holy Sanctuary, lying on common land, on a common border, has been for the purpose of ensuring the fertility of the land, and that this rite of fructification has also been common to both cities, Avellanus and Nola, . . . Hercules became . . . which one Nola . . . gt . . .

"From this he wanted, to build up the land, he did so without permission. Hercules came to the middle, from outside the city walls. When Hercules himself came to circumscribe around (the sanctuary) across the road behind, also, and afterward through this area. The Senate therefore issues this decision, permitting the sanctuary to be rebuilt. It is to be rebuilt in this manner: Nola is to build up this part and Avellanus is to build up another part for its own use. Also, after this has been completed, it is to be circuited (in a joint rite?) for the mutual benefit of the nearby lands of Avellanus and certainly also the nearby lands of Nola. Also whatever savrum should be discovered on the land which the sanctuary comprises, it should be commonly recognized that that which the one side desires is also what the other side wants, for their mutual benefit. Also between the two places, Avellanus and Nola, the curved roadway (passing through) the middle of the (sanctuary) shall be the border between, but belong to neither."

Nola was originally founded as the city of Hyria in 801 BCE. Its population at its founding was of Greek and a pre-Italic Ausonian people named the Calcidesi. The sanctuary of Hercules predated the arrival of the Greeks in the area, and possibly predated the Calcides as well. Likely it was attributed to some local hero whom the Greeks identified with Herakles. By the time Rome came upon the sanctuary the area was no longer Calcidesian or Greek. Between the eight and the sixth centuries this area came under a Tyrrhenian culture as it expanded east across northern Campania from the sea to the hinterlands. Beginning in the last quarter of the sixth century a wave of Oscan-speaking tribes expanded west out from the valleys of the Apennines (524-474 BCE). The Sabelli followed in another wave of Oscan expansion through Campania (450-420 BCE), Lucania (420-390 BCE), and Bruttia (c. 356 BCE). Hyria was then renamed Nuv-la in Oscan, meaning "New City." In 327 BCE 2000 warriors from Nola and 4000 Samnites set out to capture Neapolis and Palepoli. In the following year, Neapolis expelled its Samnite garrison and allied with Rome. This led to the First Samnte War in 320 BCE, with Rome eventually capturing Nola in 314 BCE. A Second Samnite War concluded by 304 BCE, and the Third Samnite War, concluding in 290 BCE, saw both Nola and Avellino allied to Rome. During the invasion by Hannibal in the Second Punic War, Nola remained allied to Rome while Avellino had defected to the Carthaginians. By 187 BCE when Rome was called upon to arbitrate this dispute she was already the predominate power in the Mediterrannean having defeated Phillip of Macedon at Cynoscephalae and Antiochus III of Syria at Magnesia just a few years earlier. An interesting aspect of the Cippus Abellinus is how it describes Hercules' founding ritual for this sanctuary when compared to the founding ritual said to have been used by Romulus.


The Labors of Hercules

"O Hercules, energetic Alcidean, unwearied after so many labors, so they recall, even so You laid aside Your cares and made delightful play with a tender girl, having forgotten the Nemean lion, and also the Erymanthian boar. What should come afterward? Twisting spindles with Your thumbs, biting smooth the rough threads in Your mouth. Lydian Omphale beat you for repeatedly knotting and breaking the thread with Your rough hands. Often she would lead You as one of her spinning maidens dressed in flowing robes. Your knotty club together with the lion's skin was thrown down to the ground, and Amor danced upon them with light feet. Who would have thought that would come about when as a babe You strangled monstrous serpents with hands that could barely grasp, or when You swiftly cut off the heads of the Hydra as each grew back again? or conquered the savage steeds of Diomede, or when alone You fought the three brothers who shared a common body and contended with six hands?" ~ Anomynous, Elegy to Maecenus 1.57-68

Having overcome such labors, Hercules, after Jupiter alone, was the most popular God in Italia and Hispania. He was called upon to aid people in all situations and to overcome the most difficult problems.

"O Hercules, to whom twelve labors was given, help me, I pray, since you are witness to the accusations made against me." ~ P. Ovidius Naso, Metamorphoses 15.39-40

"Oh that by some accident I would discover an urn full of money! as it did for him who, having found a treasure, bought that very ground he tilled before in the capacity of an hired servant, enriched by Hercules' being his friend." ~ P. Horatius Flaccus, Sermones 2.6

Then, of course with the Romans, Hercules was invoked in games of chance:

"He threw a most losing cast. I took up the dice, and invoked Hercules as my genial patron; I threw a first-rate cast, and pledged him in a bumping cup; in return he drank it off, reclined his head, and fell fast asleep." ~ T. Maccius Plautus, Curculio 358

Tali, or knuckle bones, have only four sides that are marked with pips. The "most losing cast" was the "Volturii quattor," or "Four Vultures," thought to have been four ones, comparable to casting a pair of snake eyes. The f"irst-rate cast" was named after Venus, "Venereus iactus." This was a throw of 2, 3, 4, and 5. As it was by this throw that the Romans chose the King of the Feast, it received the name of "Basilicus," or "the king's throw."

Hercules, as the model of male virtue, was invoked most often as a deity to ensure the future of the family by promoting male fertility. Not unexpectedly He was invoked for athletic competitions, and also Hercules was invoked to join in dances since dancing in public was associated with the male virtue of worshipping the Gods.

"Hail, Hercules, true son of Jove, an added Glory for the Gods are you. Come now, and dance at your holy rites with skillful feet." ~ P. Vergilius Maro, Aeneid 8.301-2


Our thought for the day is from Stobaeus, Ethical Sentences 3:

"Be persuaded that things of a laborious nature contribute more than pleasures to virtue."

Salve, Laenas
 
Thank you for letting us know!
 
Vale bene,
 
Maxima Valeria Messallina
 
 


<<--- On Tue, 5/4/10, gaiuspopilliuslaenas <gaiuspopillius@...> wrote:

Salvete Omnes,

I haven't heard anything from Aurelianus or other Nashville cives, but we in Memphis, TN are fine.

We experienced the tornadoes and flooding a day or so before Nashville, but only in certain areas.

Valete,

C. Popillius Laenas>>




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

L. Livia M. Moravio sal.

Piscine, where do you get the weather information you put into these posts?
You don't always add it, but I noticed that whenever you do it proves to be
completely accurate for Budapest. It's mind-boggling: it's actually more
accurate than a weather forecast.
Of course it rained today.

Optime vale,
Livia

----- Original Message -----
From: "marcushoratius" <MHoratius@...>
To: <Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 11:57 AM
Subject: [Nova-Roma] a. d. III Nonas Maias: Hercules


M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit:
Hercules virtutem in nos addat.

Hodie est ante diem III Nonas Maias; haec dies comitialis est. Idem sidus
pluviam significat.

"Hercules, Founder of our city, You who are called Alcidus, in whose
footsteps we now reside on this hallowed earth, avert the threatening storms
from our land." ~ Silius Italicus Punica 1.505-7

Whever the Gods have walked upon the earth, in Their footsteps, as it were,
a numen has remained. Such places may be recognized by the unsuaul lushness
of vegetation, the sweetness of the water from its spring, the variety of
animals and birds, or the majesty of its vision. The footsteps of the Gods
are such places in Nature that naturally evoke awe in us. Hercules, more
than most, was said to have traveled around the world, building altars in
such locations, and in the process leaving some foot-prints of His own. An
altar, enclosed in a short wall, perhaps with a column on which the image of
a God or Goddess was posed was called a fanum (pl. fana). "To build a
fanum," they say, "is to found a city," and thus Hercules was credited with
founding cities throughout the Mediterranean region. At Rome, Hercules was
attributed with having built an altar for Jupiter Inventor (Dion. 1.32) with
rituals taught to Him by Carmentis. Another fanum attributed to Hercules is
that which stood uncharacteristicly on the border between Nola and Avellino.
In 183 BCE Rome was called upon to provide an arbitrator to settle a dispute
over ownership of the sanctuary.

The Cippus Abellanus (Tavolo Avellino)

"Greater may your bounty grow by this: (By the order of the arbiter),
Quaestor (Q. Fabius Labienus) speaking quid pro quo between the King of
Avellanus and the ten Medixes (magistrates) of Nola, this is now the law of
Avellanus, this is now the law of Nola, by a Consultum of the Senate (of
Rome) the law has been established:

"Whereas the Sanctuary of Hercules near this location to which Avellanus has
claims to this land, where also near this other place, Nola, has claims to
the sanctuary, which lies between their two respective boundaries,
straddling their common border, both sides having presented their opinions
in proof of their claims, of rites conducted at the Holy Sanctuary, lying on
common land, on a common border, has been for the purpose of ensuring the
fertility of the land, and that this rite of fructification has also been
common to both cities, Avellanus and Nola, . . . Hercules became . . . which
one Nola . . . gt . . .

"From this he wanted, to build up the land, he did so without permission.
Hercules came to the middle, from outside the city walls. When Hercules
himself came to circumscribe around (the sanctuary) across the road behind,
also, and afterward through this area. The Senate therefore issues this
decision, permitting the sanctuary to be rebuilt. It is to be rebuilt in
this manner: Nola is to build up this part and Avellanus is to build up
another part for its own use. Also, after this has been completed, it is to
be circuited (in a joint rite?) for the mutual benefit of the nearby lands
of Avellanus and certainly also the nearby lands of Nola. Also whatever
savrum should be discovered on the land which the sanctuary comprises, it
should be commonly recognized that that which the one side desires is also
what the other side wants, for their mutual benefit. Also between the two
places, Avellanus and Nola, the curved roadway (passing through) the middle
of the (sanctuary) shall be the border between, but belong to neither."

Nola was originally founded as the city of Hyria in 801 BCE. Its population
at its founding was of Greek and a pre-Italic Ausonian people named the
Calcidesi. The sanctuary of Hercules predated the arrival of the Greeks in
the area, and possibly predated the Calcides as well. Likely it was
attributed to some local hero whom the Greeks identified with Herakles. By
the time Rome came upon the sanctuary the area was no longer Calcidesian or
Greek. Between the eight and the sixth centuries this area came under a
Tyrrhenian culture as it expanded east across northern Campania from the sea
to the hinterlands. Beginning in the last quarter of the sixth century a
wave of Oscan-speaking tribes expanded west out from the valleys of the
Apennines (524-474 BCE). The Sabelli followed in another wave of Oscan
expansion through Campania (450-420 BCE), Lucania (420-390 BCE), and Bruttia
(c. 356 BCE). Hyria was then renamed Nuv-la in Oscan, meaning "New City." In
327 BCE 2000 warriors from Nola and 4000 Samnites set out to capture
Neapolis and Palepoli. In the following year, Neapolis expelled its Samnite
garrison and allied with Rome. This led to the First Samnte War in 320 BCE,
with Rome eventually capturing Nola in 314 BCE. A Second Samnite War
concluded by 304 BCE, and the Third Samnite War, concluding in 290 BCE, saw
both Nola and Avellino allied to Rome. During the invasion by Hannibal in
the Second Punic War, Nola remained allied to Rome while Avellino had
defected to the Carthaginians. By 187 BCE when Rome was called upon to
arbitrate this dispute she was already the predominate power in the
Mediterrannean having defeated Phillip of Macedon at Cynoscephalae and
Antiochus III of Syria at Magnesia just a few years earlier. An interesting
aspect of the Cippus Abellinus is how it describes Hercules' founding ritual
for this sanctuary when compared to the founding ritual said to have been
used by Romulus.


The Labors of Hercules

"O Hercules, energetic Alcidean, unwearied after so many labors, so they
recall, even so You laid aside Your cares and made delightful play with a
tender girl, having forgotten the Nemean lion, and also the Erymanthian
boar. What should come afterward? Twisting spindles with Your thumbs,
biting smooth the rough threads in Your mouth. Lydian Omphale beat you for
repeatedly knotting and breaking the thread with Your rough hands. Often
she would lead You as one of her spinning maidens dressed in flowing robes.
Your knotty club together with the lion's skin was thrown down to the
ground, and Amor danced upon them with light feet. Who would have thought
that would come about when as a babe You strangled monstrous serpents with
hands that could barely grasp, or when You swiftly cut off the heads of the
Hydra as each grew back again? or conquered the savage steeds of Diomede, or
when alone You fought the three brothers who shared a common body and
contended with six hands?" ~ Anomynous, Elegy to Maecenus 1.57-68

Having overcome such labors, Hercules, after Jupiter alone, was the most
popular God in Italia and Hispania. He was called upon to aid people in all
situations and to overcome the most difficult problems.

"O Hercules, to whom twelve labors was given, help me, I pray, since you are
witness to the accusations made against me." ~ P. Ovidius Naso,
Metamorphoses 15.39-40

"Oh that by some accident I would discover an urn full of money! as it did
for him who, having found a treasure, bought that very ground he tilled
before in the capacity of an hired servant, enriched by Hercules' being his
friend." ~ P. Horatius Flaccus, Sermones 2.6

Then, of course with the Romans, Hercules was invoked in games of chance:

"He threw a most losing cast. I took up the dice, and invoked Hercules as
my genial patron; I threw a first-rate cast, and pledged him in a bumping
cup; in return he drank it off, reclined his head, and fell fast asleep." ~
T. Maccius Plautus, Curculio 358

Tali, or knuckle bones, have only four sides that are marked with pips. The
"most losing cast" was the "Volturii quattor," or "Four Vultures," thought
to have been four ones, comparable to casting a pair of snake eyes. The
f"irst-rate cast" was named after Venus, "Venereus iactus." This was a throw
of 2, 3, 4, and 5. As it was by this throw that the Romans chose the King of
the Feast, it received the name of "Basilicus," or "the king's throw."

Hercules, as the model of male virtue, was invoked most often as a deity to
ensure the future of the family by promoting male fertility. Not
unexpectedly He was invoked for athletic competitions, and also Hercules was
invoked to join in dances since dancing in public was associated with the
male virtue of worshipping the Gods.

"Hail, Hercules, true son of Jove, an added Glory for the Gods are you. Come
now, and dance at your holy rites with skillful feet." ~ P. Vergilius Maro,
Aeneid 8.301-2


Our thought for the day is from Stobaeus, Ethical Sentences 3:

"Be persuaded that things of a laborious nature contribute more than
pleasures to virtue."

Salve et salvete,

While surfing the web I came across this interesting site recently.This particular page displays the now abandoned Johnston Atoll,part of a United States Territory in the mid Pacific abandoned by the Airforce.All the structures are still intact,housing,recreation,hospital,etc..Just laying there waiting to be occupied.Imagine the possibilities.A future home for a Roman colony?Just a thought.> http://www.urbangho stsmedia. com/2010/ 04/isolated- and-abandoned- military- airbase-johnston -atoll

Vale et valete,
Appius Galerius Aurelianus

Salve Galeri!

Heavens forfend Nova Roma actually *act* upon its claims and
aspirations. That would make us look like kooks, dontchaknow...

Flavius Vedius Germanicus

galerius_of_rome wrote:

> Salve et salvete,
>
> While surfing the web I came across this interesting site recently.This particular page displays the now abandoned Johnston Atoll,part of a United States Territory in the mid Pacific abandoned by the Airforce.All the structures are still intact,housing,recreation,hospital,etc..Just laying there waiting to be occupied.Imagine the possibilities.A future home for a Roman colony?Just a thought.> http://www.urbangho stsmedia. com/2010/ 04/isolated- and-abandoned- military- airbase-johnston -atoll
>
> Vale et valete,
> Appius Galerius Aurelianus
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Salvete omnes!

Just two quotes from the text^
"A 25 acre landfill on Johnston Island holds radioactive debris from the failed 1962 nuclear test, along with chemical residue from Vietnam and sarin nerve gas from the former Soviet Union."
"In 2003, jurisdiction of Johnston Atoll was finally turned over to the Fish and Wildlife Service. All structures and facilities on the base were destroyed, and runway was marked closed by a giant cross at each end."

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "galerius_of_rome" <galerius_of_rome@...> wrote:
>
> Salve et salvete,
>
> While surfing the web I came across this interesting site recently.This particular page displays the now abandoned Johnston Atoll,part of a United States Territory in the mid Pacific abandoned by the Airforce.All the structures are still intact,housing,recreation,hospital,etc..Just laying there waiting to be occupied.Imagine the possibilities.A future home for a Roman colony?Just a thought.> http://www.urbangho stsmedia. com/2010/ 04/isolated- and-abandoned- military- airbase-johnston -atoll
>
> Vale et valete,
> Appius Galerius Aurelianus
>

Salve,
 
Sorry,I missed that in my excitement.I do apologize for that.Still quite an interesting site.
 
Vale bene,
Appius Galerius Aurelianus

--- On Wed, 5/5/10, mcorvvs <mcorvvs@...> wrote:


From: mcorvvs <mcorvvs@...>
Subject: [Nova-Roma] Re: Interesting Link!
To: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 10:07 PM


 



Salvete omnes!

Just two quotes from the text^
"A 25 acre landfill on Johnston Island holds radioactive debris from the failed 1962 nuclear test, along with chemical residue from Vietnam and sarin nerve gas from the former Soviet Union."
"In 2003, jurisdiction of Johnston Atoll was finally turned over to the Fish and Wildlife Service. All structures and facilities on the base were destroyed, and runway was marked closed by a giant cross at each end."

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogrou ps.com, "galerius_of_ rome" <galerius_of_ rome@...> wrote:
>
> Salve et salvete,
>
> While surfing the web I came across this interesting site recently.This particular page displays the now abandoned Johnston Atoll,part of a United States Territory in the mid Pacific abandoned by the Airforce.All the structures are still intact,housing, recreation, hospital, etc..Just laying there waiting to be occupied.Imagine the possibilities. A future home for a Roman colony?Just a thought.> http://www.urbangho stsmedia. com/2010/ 04/isolated- and-abandoned- military- airbase-johnston -atoll
>
> Vale et valete,
> Appius Galerius Aurelianus
>











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

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Deis immortlibus nobis laetitiam det.

Hodie est die pristine Nonas Maias; haec dies comitialis est: Nepa medius occidit, tempestatem significat.

AUC 568 / 195 BCE: The Seige of Sparta

"Following the war with Philip of Macedonia the Greeks began to contest with one another, contrary to the peace imposed by Rome. The tyrant of Sparta, by the name of Nabis, had seized Argos and placed the tyrant Pythagoras over it. A Roman army under T. Quinctius Flaminius, along with his Greek and Rhodian allies, outmaneuvered the Spartans, driving them on their city. Quinctius invested Sparta and then assaulted the city.

"Quinctius saw that there was nothing left but to invest the place, and after despatching officers to bring up the whole of the naval contingent from Gytheum, he proceeded with his military tribunes to ride round the city and examine its position. Sparta had formerly been unwalled, but in recent years the various tyrants had protected those parts which were level and exposed by a wall; the higher and less accessible positions were defended by permanent military posts instead of fortifications. When the consul had made a thorough inspection of the place he saw that he would have to employ the whole of his force in the attack. Accordingly he completely invested the city with Roman and allied troops, mounted and unmounted; in fact, his entire military and naval strength, amounting to 50,000 men. Some were carrying scaling ladders, others fire, others the different things with which to attack and still more to appal the enemy. Orders were issued for all to raise the battle-shout and rush straight forward to the assault at the same moment so that the Lacedaemonians, threatened on every side, would not know where first to meet the attack or where assistance would be most required. Quinctius formed his main army into three divisions: the first was to deliver the assault in the neighbourhood of the Phoebeum; the second towards the Dictynneum; the third at the place called the Heptagoniae. All these points were unprotected by walls. Though the city was now encompassed on every side by so menacing a foe the tyrant was most energetic in its defence; wherever shouts arose on some sudden onset, when breathless messengers came asking for help, he either hurried to the threatened spot himself or sent others to assist. When, however, demoralisation and panic had set in everywhere, he completely lost his nerve, and was unable either to give the necessary orders or to listen to the messages that came; he not only lost all power of judgment, but was almost beside himself.

"As long as they were in the narrow streets the Lacedaemonians stood their ground against the Romans, and three separate actions were going on at different places, but as the struggle became more intense it became more unequal. The Lacedaemonians were carrying on the fight with missiles, against which the Romans were easily able to protect themselves by their large shields, and whilst some fell harmlessly others came with little force. Owing to the confined space and the crowding together they had no room to run before hurling their missiles to give them greater force, nor could they keep a firm and steady footing while they tried to throw them. None of the darts which the enemy flung penetrated the bodies and very few the shields of the Romans. Some wounds were caused by the enemy who were on higher ground around them, but soon their advance exposed them to an unlooked-for attack from the houses, not only darts but even tiles being hurled upon them. On this they held their shields above their heads and closed up so that with shield joined to shield there might be no room for a chance missile or even for one thrown at close range to penetrate. In this testudo formation they went on.

"For a short time the Romans were held up by the narrowness of the streets as they and the enemy were closely packed together, but when they got into a broader thoroughfare they pushed the enemy back and were able to advance, and the violence of their attack made further resistance impossible. When the Lacedaemonians had once turned to flight and were making for the higher parts of the city, Nabis, in a state of distraction as though the city was actually taken, was looking round for some way of escape, but Pythagoras, who in all other respects was showing the spirit and leadership of a general, was now the one man who saved the city from capture. He gave orders for the buildings nearest the walls to be set alight and they instantly burst into flames, the townsmen, who at other times would naturally have helped to extinguish them, fanning the conflagration. The roofs collapsed upon the Romans, broken tiles and pieces of burning wood struck the soldiers, the flames spread far and wide, and the smoke caused them alarm out of all proportion to the danger incurred. Those who were still outside the city making the final assault fell back from the walls; those who were already within, afraid of being cut off by the outbreak of fire in their rear, retired, and Quinctius, seeing the state of matters, sounded the retreat. Recalled from the assault when the city was all but captured, they returned to camp." ~ T. Livius 34.38-39

For the next three days the Romans demonstrated around the walls, engaging in small skirmishes until Nabis realized his situation and surrendered.


No Marriage Ceremonies are held in the Month of May

"Why do men not marry during the month of May? Is it because this month comes between April and June, of which they regard April as sacred to Venus and June as sacred to Juno, both of them divinities of marriage; and so they put the wedding a little earlier or wait until later? Or is it because in this month they hold their most important ceremony of purification, in which they now throw images from the bridge into the river, but in days of old they used to throw human beings? Wherefore it is the custom that the Flaminica, reputed to be consecrate to Juno, shall wear a stern face, and refrain from bathing and wearing ornaments at this time. Or is it because many of the Latins make offerings to the departed in this month? And it is for this reason, perhaps, that they worship Mercury in this month and that the month derives its name from Maia. Or is May, as some relate, named after the older (maior) and June after the younger generation (iunior)? For youth is better fitted for marriage, as Euripides also says:

Old age bids Love to take Her leave for aye
And Aphrodite wearies of the old.

They do not, therefore, marry in May, but wait for June which comes next after May." ~ Plutarch, Roman Questions 86


Our thought for today is from Epictetus, Enchiridion 45

"Does any one bathe hastily? Do not say that he does it ill, but hastily. Does any one drink much wine? Do not say that he does ill, but that he drinks a great deal. For unless you perfectly understand his motives, how should you know if he acts ill? Thus you will not risk yielding to any appearances but such as you fully comprehend."

Salva sis, Lucia Livia

I try to model my posts as an almanac and therefore include the weather information. There are two sources I primarily use - Columella and Plinius, N. H. 18. Varro's Res Rustica and Vergil's Georgic I are two other sources. The weather information is actually from observation of star risings and are part of the Roman sidereal calendar. Like the Julian calendar, the dates for observed star risings are really two weeks or more later than the Gregorian dates.

Roman weather lore was based mostly on the arrival of winds, and it is the winds that were actually associated with certain star risings.

Besides star risings, I sometimes include lunar lore, as Plinius mentioned it and some Roman books on agriculture use it, as it still appears in American almanacs. Quite simply, weather changes seem to occur with the change of a lunar phase. A combination of wind direction, lunar phase, and simple observations can give a reasonably accurate forecast. Those observations, though, are what would offer a local forecast. Stars, moon, and winds provide general weather patterns.

Vale optime, amica

Piscinus

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "L. Livia Plauta" <livia.plauta@...> wrote:
>
> L. Livia M. Moravio sal.
>
> Piscine, where do you get the weather information you put into these posts?
> You don't always add it, but I noticed that whenever you do it proves to be
> completely accurate for Budapest. It's mind-boggling: it's actually more
> accurate than a weather forecast.
> Of course it rained today.
>
> Optime vale,
> Livia
>

Salvete,


Thanks to some weird inexplicable turn of events, my primary gmail account
has been deleted so I will be using my secondary address.... This is the
e-mail address where I can be reached and will be receiving posts, until
this pesky situation is resolved..

Thank you for your time, and I apologize for the inconvience..



Vale Optime,
Aeternia


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

Salvete,

I came across the following news item today:

http://wildhunt.org/blog/2010/05/update-on-the-maetreum-of-cybele-saga.html

Apparently, a 3-acre pagan sanctuary and temple of the Magna Mater
(website here: http://gallae.com/) located in upstate New York is facing
legal problems with the town. Despite having received a 501(c)3
designation from the Internal Revenue Service, the town refuses to grant
them a tax exemption (apparently in contravention of New York state
law), and they are slated to have their property confiscated at the end
of this year. More details on both their website and the Wild Hunt link
I posted above, but I think this is absolutely shameful, and it is
something that we can, and should, get behind.

Perhaps Nova Roma could make a donation to their legal defense fund?
Seems like a worthy use of the taxes we are called upon to pay.

Vale,

Flavius Vedius Germanicus
Pater Patriae

Salvete Omnes,

As much as I may sympathize with their organization, frankly, there are things NR needs to accomplish our own goals, stabilize our infrastructure, and provide services to our own citizens and Provinces. I don't think we are in a position to be contributing to anyone else's cause, at least at this point, especially since we know so little about this organization. However, having said that, I also think that such problems need our moral support, if nothing else, because the time may well come when their problems will become *our* problems, and we may need the help and support of the Polytheist community. Therefore, I encourage all citizens to research this, starting with the links already provided, and if you feel this situation deserves and needs your help, in whatever form you choose, that you supply that help. Perhaps the appropriate officials in NR might want to take a close look, also, to determine if we, as a group, would find it appropriate to express our support and solidarity with them.

Valete Bene,
C. Maria Caeca

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

Salve Caeca;
I agree with you and just I checked their website and calendar, they are pagans, goddess worshippers, but don't seem to be Roman reconstructionists at all.

They are being discriminated against, why don't they contact the ACLU instead of spending money? Though at this point I don't see why all religious orgs shouldn't pay property tax.
optime vale
Maior

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "C.Maria Caeca" <c.mariacaeca@...> wrote:
>
> Salvete Omnes,
>
> As much as I may sympathize with their organization, frankly, there are things NR needs to accomplish our own goals, stabilize our infrastructure, and provide services to our own citizens and Provinces. I don't think we are in a position to be contributing to anyone else's cause, at least at this point, especially since we know so little about this organization. However, having said that, I also think that such problems need our moral support, if nothing else, because the time may well come when their problems will become *our* problems, and we may need the help and support of the Polytheist community. Therefore, I encourage all citizens to research this, starting with the links already provided, and if you feel this situation deserves and needs your help, in whatever form you choose, that you supply that help. Perhaps the appropriate officials in NR might want to take a close look, also, to determine if we, as a group, would find it appropriate to express our support and solidarity with them.
>
> Valete Bene,
> C. Maria Caeca
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

C. Maria Caeca M. Hortensiae Maori s. P. D.

Please understand that I am not unsympathetic to their situation, whatever their form of Polytheism may be. It is not mine, and, while they are not, apparently Roman recons, I find it very disturbing when any serious religious group is the victim of bigotry and/or unfairness. However ...thee are some excellent Pagan organizations that can help them *very* effectively, and I think that, while it might make a nice PR statement to send them a donation, I also think that, until we have the luxury of having enough resources to make gratuitous PR statements of that sort, we should use our resources to put our own "house" in order. Doing so will, eventually, be of more help to the Pagan community, as a whole, than a necessarily small, one time donation to a specific group for a specific purpose.

As to the other point you raise ...I plead lack of qualifications to comment, although ...if that did happen, and not *all* religious groups were included in the requirement, I would *certainly* have a great deal to say ...loudly, emphatically, and as publicly as I could manage (smile).

Vale et valete bene,
C. Maria Caeca

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

Salve et salvete,spd

I,Appius Galerius Aurelianus,hereby officially resign all political positions,that I now retain within Nova Roma.It has been an honor to have served you and I thank all who have supported me in the past.I do this mainly for personal reasons,due to my wife's continuing battle with bone marrow cancer.I will however,continue to retain my citizenship in Nova Roma and to continue my religious pursuits.

Vale et valete,
Appius Galerius Aurelianus

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Diis bene iuvantibus sitis

Hodie est Nonae Maesiae; haec dies fastus est: Vergiliae exoriuntur mane, Favonius

Vestal Virgins Prepare Mola Salsa

"No sacrifices shall be performed without meal." ~ Numa Pompilius

On the alternating days from the Nones of May until the day before the Ides (that is, 7, 9, and 11 May), the three senior-most Vestales Virgines prepare the mola salsa that is used at the Vestalia of June, on the Ides of September for the commemoration of the dedication of the Capitolium, and again at the Lupercalia of February (Servius, Commentary on Virgil's Eclogue 8.82). The Vestales would pick the first ripening heads of grain with their own virgin fingers. The grain was then soaked in a brine. The salt for this brine was taken from far out at sea in the fall. To the salt-water was added fresh water, both sealed in clay jars and baked in an oven. The result was blocks of salt that the Vestales cut by using an iron saw (Veranius Flaccus GRF 6; Paulus, Festus p. 159, 10: muries). After the grain soaked in the sea-salt brine, it was roasted in an oven. The Vestales next ground the roasted grain with a mortar and pestle rather than use a mill. To this "salted" grain flour was then added just enough water to make a sticky dough to form the mola salsa cakes. Crumbled, the mola salsa was used to sanctify offerings before sacrifice, and was often an offering in itself. A sacrifice is not properly sanctified and dedicated without first sprinkling mola salsa on it.

"At first, they say, Numa consecrated Gegania and Verania, followed by Canuleia and Tarpeia. Later Servius added two more, making the number six that has been maintained up to our time." ~ Plutarch Numa 10.1


AUC 546 / 207 BCE: Battle on the Metaurus River

One of the most decisive battles in history, the Roman victory on the Metaurus River is overshadowed by such disasters as Cannae and Lake Transimene, or by Rome's eventual, culminating victory at Zama. But the turning point of war with Hannibal came on the Metaurus, where Hannibal's brother, Hasdrubal, was defeated and his entire army annihilated. It left Hannibal stranded in Italy, cut off from his base in Hispania and from Carthage. The Battle on the Metaurus River is a classic example of the use of interior lines to concentrate one's forces against one enemy force while screening off another enemy force. In that, the Battle of the Metaurus is comparable to battles like Tanneburg or Second Manassas, only with a more devastating effect on the outcome of the respective wars.

Hasdrubal had crossed into Italy in two months, where Hannibal had taken six months. His force was somewhat larger than his brother had raised along the way, being around 48,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, and 15 elephants (Appian, Hist.: War Against Hannibal 52). By the time of the battle his force is thought to have been reduced to around 30,000 with ten elephants. Facing him were two legions under Marcus Livius with roughly the same strength. The Roman army was fighting a delaying action in an attempt to prevent Hasdrubal from joining forces with Hannibal, but slowly the Carthaginians had advanced into Umbria. Hasdrubal sent messages to his brother where Hannibal was in Bruttium trying to maneuver against the much larger force of C. Claudius Nero. After a couple of engagements, in which the Romans got the better of the Catharginians, Hannibal was retreating towards Metapontum. Nero kept on Hannibal's heels, slowly wearing the Punic force down, but also keeping his distance to prevent a full engagement. A Roman foraging party intercepted Hasdrubal's couriers and delivered them to the Consul. Nero made rapid decisions. He wrote to the Senate, instructing then to bring the legion from Capua and additional forces to be raised at Rome into a blocking position at Narnia. This was to prevent Hasdrubal from crossing to the western side of the Apennines. Then leaving a force under Q. Catius to screen Hannibal, Nero marched with 6,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry to join Livius at Sena (Livius 27.44) A third force under Praetor L. Porcius Licinius reinforced the consular armies. The arrival of these additional forces were undetected by the Carthaginians.

During the night before the battle Hasdrubal attempted to slip away. Leaving his fortified position, his army became lost and confused in the marshy areas along the Metaurus River as they vainly sought fords across. Meanwhile the Gauls who accompanied hasdrubal's army spent the night drinking. By dawn Roman cavalry came upon Hasdrubal's army, with the legions closing in behind them. Unable to cross the Metaurus, Hasdrubal drew up his army into a line that had a narrow front and was deeper than usual. This formation was dictated by the marshy terrain. On his right he placed his best troops, the Iberians and a few Africans. At the center he led the Ligurians. On his left, their front covered by a steep ravine, were the drunken and disorderly Gauls. To the front he placed his elephants.

Marcus Livius initiated the battle by charging the Iberians. Porcius Licinius followed with a charge on the Ligurians at Hasdrubal's center. Claudius Nero, on the Roman right, was unable to reach the Gauls. He therefore took part of his force and marched them behind the Roman line to fall on the rear of Hasdrubal's right. The elephants, caught between the two armies disordered the front ranks of the Romans. But when Nero was able to come onto their flank and rear, the elephants panicked and ran through the Carthaginian lines. Six elephants were killed in battle, most by their own drivers, while the Romans captured two after the battle (Livius 27.48; Polybius 11.2.1). Around 10,000 Carthaginians fell in battle, among them Hasdrubal (Livius gives 54,000 dead and 5,400 taken prisoner). All but a few prominent Africans were executed after the battle. The Gauls were slaughtered. The rest of the army, Iberians and Ligurians, were sold as slaves. The Romans lost around 2,000 men (Livius gives 8,000 Romans and allies), while they regained nearly the same number who had been captured before the battle Polybius 11.2.3; Livius 27.49). Nero then marched back to his camp at Venusium, taking six days. Upon arrival he had his African prisoners displayed before Hannibal's outposts and had Hasdrubal head tossed towards the Carthaginian camp. Upon receiving the news of the defeat and of his brother's death, Hannibal abandoned Metapontum and retreated into Bruttium. (Livius 27.51)


Rosalia

This evening sees the lighting of candles and offering of roses at the tombs of the ancestors.

Plutarch, Roman Questions 75:

"Why did they (the Romans) not extinguish a lamp, but suffered it to go out on its own? Did they reverence it as akin and closely related to the inextinguishable and underlying fire, or it this also a symbolic indication that we should not destroy nor do away with any living thing, if it does us no harm, since fire is like a living thing? For it needs sustenance, it moves of itself, and when it is extinguished it gives out a sound as if it were being slain. Or does the custom teach us that we should not destroy fire, water, or any other necessity when we have enough and to spare, but should allow those who have need of these things to be used by them, and should leave them for others when we ourselves no longer have any need over them?"


AUC 354 / 399 BCE: Death of Socrates


AUC 918 / 165 CE: Birth of diva Iulia Maesa Augusta avia Augusti

Julia Maesa was the sister-in-law of Septimius Severus, sister to Julia Domna, aunt to Caracalla and Geta, and grandmother to Elagabalus and Alexander Severus. She raised a revolt of the Syrian legions against Macrinus, the usurper who had murdered Caracalla, and first placed Elagabalus on the throne. But when her grandson proved such a disaster as emperor and thus threatened her own position, she had him assassinated and placed her other grandson, Alexander Severus, on the throne.


Our thought for today is from Epictetus, Fragment 2:

"He who is discontented with what he has and what has been granted to him by fortune is a layman in the art of life. But he who bears it nobly, and acts rationally with regard to all that arises from it, deserves to be acknowledged as a good man."

M. Moravius Piscinus Pontifex Maximus: Quiritibus, cultoribus Deorum ex patriae et omnibus: salutem plurimam dicit:

HOC AGETE !

A sacrificial ritual for Juno Covella is performed this day, the Nonae Maiae:

Hail, Juno Covella, eternal Goddess, You who dwells in ancient temples, shining gloriously upon the Arx, most chaste Mother, whose sanctity is pleasing to the hearts of the Gods, You are the brilliant lily whom Jupiter cherished before all others. You are the Great Goddess, Queen of the Gods. You, Goddess, we adore. We invoke Your presence among us. Come. Make what we ask to be readily and easily accomplished, and draw our thanks, Goddess Juno, that, in fidelity, You do rightly merit. Juno, as it is prescribed for you in those books – and for this reason may every good fortune attend the Roman people, the Quirites – let sacrifice be made to you. I beg and pray that in making this offering to you, I pray with good prayers, that You look favorably on us and our household and our homes; may this offering strengthen and honor You.

To you, Juno Covella, I offer blue irises and incense of orris root.

Juno Covella, in offering to You this incense I pray good prayers that You will look kindly and favorably upon our children and upon us, on our homes and on our households.

Come, most chaste Queen of Heaven, in offering You this libum and strues bread I pray good prayers in order that, pleased with this offering of libum bread, You may be favorable toward us and to our children, to our houses and our households. May You be honored in this.


The festivals to be celebrated in the month of Maius, tutela Apollonis, shall be:

MAIUS

1 F KAL FLORALIA Laribus Praeneste, Angitiae,
2 F dies ater FLORALIA
3 C FLORALIA
4 C
5 C
6 C
7 F NONAE Maesiae
8 F dies ater Mens
9 N religiosus LEMURIA
10 C dies Rosaria
11 N religiosus LEMURIA
12 C Ludi Marti, Marti Ultori, Marti Moles
13 N religiosus LEMURIA, Rosaria
14 C MARTI INVICTO
15 NP EIDUS religiosus FERIAE IOVI, MERCURALIA, MAIA
16 F dies ater
17 C
18 C
19 C
20 C
21 NP Agonalia Vediovi
22 N
23 NP Tubilustrum dies Rosarum
24 QRCF
25 C FORS FORTUNA, Fortunae Publica
26 C
27 C
28 C
29 C
30 C Ludi Tarentini
31 C Ludi Saeculares, dies Rosmaria


I pour a libation of honeyed milk for You, Juno Covello.

Juno Covella, may You be strengthened by this libation, may You be honored by this portion of milk.

Then in silence I sit to await signs that my offerings on behalf of the Cives of Nova Roma have been accepted. When these are seen I rise and turn about.

Thus is it done; may the immortal Gods make it so, as fortunate as it is pious.

No more, Gods on High, do I ask of You today; it is enough.



____________

Hoc Agete!

Sacrum Iunonis Covellae

Ave Iuno Covella, Dea aeterna, tenes vetusta delubra, gloriosa in Arce, castissima Mater, cuius sanctitas cordi Diis est, tu candidum lilium quod Juppiter ante omnes coluit. Tu es Magna tuque deorum regina es, dea. Te, Dea, adoramus tuumque nos numen invocamus, facilisque praestes hoc nos quod te rogamus; referemusque grates, Dea Iuno, tibi merita fide. Iuno, uti tibi in illis libris scriptum est quarumque rerum ergo quodque melius sit populo Romano Quiritibus tibi sacrum fiat te quaeso precorque te his donis obmovendis bonas preces precor uti sis volens propitia nobis, domo familaeque nostrae. Macte his donis.

Iuno Covella, te hoc ture ommovendo bonas preces praecor ut sis volens propitius nobis liberisque notris domis familisque nostris.

Huc ades, castissima Regina, te hoc libo strueque obmovendo bonas preces precor ut sis volens propitius nobis liberisque notris domis familisque nostris. mactus hoc ferto.

Iuno Covella macte ista libatione pollicenda sint, macte lacti inferio sint.

Illicet. Di immortales faciant, tam felix quam pia.

Nil amplius vos hodie posco, superi, satis est.

I am very sorry to hear of your wife's troubles. You are both in my thoughts
and prayers

Flavia Lucilla Merula

On Fri, May 7, 2010 at 6:23 AM, galerius_of_rome <galerius_of_rome@...

> wrote:

> Salve et salvete,spd
>
> I,Appius Galerius Aurelianus,hereby officially resign all political
> positions,that I now retain within Nova Roma.It has been an honor to have
> served you and I thank all who have supported me in the past.I do this
> mainly for personal reasons,due to my wife's continuing battle with bone
> marrow cancer.I will however,continue to retain my citizenship in Nova Roma
> and to continue my religious pursuits.
>
> Vale et valete,
> Appius Galerius Aurelianus
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

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

Agricola Omnibus SPD

A new edition of Professor Claridge's archaeological guide to Rome is due out soon. The first edition is wonderful, and this new edition is said to be much updated. We have this new edition listed already in our Amazon shops.

In the USA: http://astore.amazon.com/novrom-20/detail/0199546835/

In Canada: http://astore.amazon.ca/novrom08-20/detail/0199546835

In the UK: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/novrom-21/detail/0199546835

If you purchase from one of these shops, a portion of the price goes to the Nova Roma treasury.

In my opinion, this book is a must-have for any visit to Rome.

valete!

Salve Appi Galeri,
I'm sorry for your situation. I wish your wife a full recovery.

Optime vale,
Livia

----- Original Message -----
From: "galerius_of_rome" <galerius_of_rome@...>
To: <Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 7:23 AM
Subject: [Nova-Roma] Resignation!


Salve et salvete,spd

I,Appius Galerius Aurelianus,hereby officially resign all political
positions,that I now retain within Nova Roma.It has been an honor to have
served you and I thank all who have supported me in the past.I do this
mainly for personal reasons,due to my wife's continuing battle with bone
marrow cancer.I will however,continue to retain my citizenship in Nova Roma
and to continue my religious pursuits.

Vale et valete,
Appius Galerius Aurelianus

Salvete omnes,
regardless of whether this Magna Mater temple is reconstructionist or not, I
think it's a worthy object of our solidarity. What goes round, comes round.
There is no knowing if we might face a similar situation in the future, and
whether one agrees or not to religious organizations being exempt from
estate taxes, it is important to uphold the principle that all religions
should get equal treatment.

If they are unable to obtain free legal assistance, even a symbolic donation
from our budget could be a significant gesture.
But what we can do to no cost is joining in any existing petition or
creating one, writing letters to parliament representatives, local
authorities, or whoever it is that people write to in these situations in
the US. If the authorities that are creating trouble for the Magna Mater
temple start receiving letters from all over the world, they might well
re-evaluate the situation.
Maybe some US citizen could provide a form letter we could send?

Optime valete,
Livia

> Salvete,
>
> I came across the following news item today:
>
> http://wildhunt.org/blog/2010/05/update-on-the-maetreum-of-cybele-saga.html
>
> Apparently, a 3-acre pagan sanctuary and temple of the Magna Mater
> (website here: http://gallae.com/) located in upstate New York is facing
> legal problems with the town. Despite having received a 501(c)3
> designation from the Internal Revenue Service, the town refuses to grant
> them a tax exemption (apparently in contravention of New York state
> law), and they are slated to have their property confiscated at the end
> of this year. More details on both their website and the Wild Hunt link
> I posted above, but I think this is absolutely shameful, and it is
> something that we can, and should, get behind.
>
> Perhaps Nova Roma could make a donation to their legal defense fund?
> Seems like a worthy use of the taxes we are called upon to pay.
>
> Vale,
>
> Flavius Vedius Germanicus
> Pater Patriae
>
>

Salve Appius Galerius,

I add my sorrow to learn of your wife's illness, and wish your entire family, but especially you wife, the very best! I will keep your family close in my thoughts and prayers, and it goes without saying that, if I can ever be of help to you in any way, you need only ask, and if it is in my power, it is done.

Vale quam optime,
C. Maria Caeca

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

Ap.Galerio Aureliano C. Maria Caeca spd,
 
I must say, I agree with your statements 100%.We as Nova Romans need to look to the various religious projects, that are ongoing here within our nation.Contributions to the Religio Romana are always welcome.Also the Temple Pro DllS, to build a temple to the Gods in Rome, is a very important project.As it stands we are considering Sarmatia as the temporary home for the temple and as a temporary home for the Godesses and Gods of Rome, as the lack of funds and support for this, is not sufficient to make that dream come true at this time.We Romans who support the Religeo, really need to get behind these groups in our own community.After all charity begins at home.I do feel we should lend this group our full moral and spiritual support, by prayer,petitioning and bringing pressure to bear upon the town of Catskill in any way we can.
 
For The Gods!
Appius Galerius Aurelianus--- On Fri, 5/7/10, C.Maria Caeca <c.mariacaeca@...> wrote:


From: C.Maria Caeca <c.mariacaeca@...>
Subject: Re: [Nova-Roma] Re: Temple of Cybele in Legal Trouble
To: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, May 7, 2010, 12:14 AM


 



C. Maria Caeca M. Hortensiae Maori s. P. D.

Please understand that I am not unsympathetic to their situation, whatever their form of Polytheism may be. It is not mine, and, while they are not, apparently Roman recons, I find it very disturbing when any serious religious group is the victim of bigotry and/or unfairness. However ...thee are some excellent Pagan organizations that can help them *very* effectively, and I think that, while it might make a nice PR statement to send them a donation, I also think that, until we have the luxury of having enough resources to make gratuitous PR statements of that sort, we should use our resources to put our own "house" in order. Doing so will, eventually, be of more help to the Pagan community, as a whole, than a necessarily small, one time donation to a specific group for a specific purpose.

As to the other point you raise ...I plead lack of qualifications to comment, although ...if that did happen, and not *all* religious groups were included in the requirement, I would *certainly* have a great deal to say ...loudly, emphatically, and as publicly as I could manage (smile).

Vale et valete bene,
C. Maria Caeca

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











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

Salve Appius Galerius Aurelianus, Amice!

I am very sorry to see You resign, but I do understand your situation.
It makes me very sad to hear about your situation and I will pray for
your wife, your family and You.

*************
7 maj 2010 kl. 07.23 skrev galerius_of_rome:

Salve et salvete,spd

I,Appius Galerius Aurelianus,hereby officially resign all political
positions,that I now retain within Nova Roma.It has been an honor to
have served you and I thank all who have supported me in the past.I do
this mainly for personal reasons,due to my wife's continuing battle
with bone marrow cancer.I will however,continue to retain my
citizenship in Nova Roma and to continue my religious pursuits.

Vale et valete,
Appius Galerius Aurelianus


*****************
Vale

Caeso Fabius Buteo Quintilianus

Consul Iterum
Princeps Senatus et Flamen Palatualis
Civis Romanus sum
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page
************************************************
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
"I'll either find a way or make one"
************************************************
Dignitas, Iustitia, Fidelitas et Pietas
Dignity, Justice, Loyalty and Dutifulness
************************************************
Mons Palatinus, Clivus Victoriae
Palatine Hill, Incline of Victoriae

Salve Appi Galeri;
may Aesculapius and Apollo Medicus return your wife to full health.
di tibi favent
Maior

>
> Salve Appi Galeri,
> I'm sorry for your situation. I wish your wife a full recovery.
>
> Optime vale,
> Livia
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "galerius_of_rome" <galerius_of_rome@>
> To: <Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 7:23 AM
> Subject: [Nova-Roma] Resignation!
>
>
> Salve et salvete,spd
>
> I,Appius Galerius Aurelianus,hereby officially resign all political
> positions,that I now retain within Nova Roma.It has been an honor to have
> served you and I thank all who have supported me in the past.I do this
> mainly for personal reasons,due to my wife's continuing battle with bone
> marrow cancer.I will however,continue to retain my citizenship in Nova Roma
> and to continue my religious pursuits.
>
> Vale et valete,
> Appius Galerius Aurelianus
>

Salve et salvete,

Thank you one and all for your blessings and prayers for my wife.May the Godesses and Gods of Rome bless each one of you.Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Vale et valete,
Appius Galerius Aurelianus

Reminder from:		Nova-Roma Yahoo! Group
Title:		Reminder Ludi Apollinares
Date:		Saturday May 8, 2010
Time:		12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Repeats:		This event repeats every week until Friday July 9, 2010.
Location:		Ludi Apollinares
Notes:		Don't forget to be inspired and start your project for the Ludi honoring Apollo! http://www.novaroma.org/nr/MMDCCLXIII/Ludi_Apollinares
Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

Copyright © 2010  Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

M. Moravius Piscinus cultores Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Bene omnibus nobis

Hodie est ante diem VIII Eidus Maesiae; haec dies fastus aterque est: Mensi.

AUC 538 / 215 BCE: Dedication of a Temple to Mens

"Meanwhile the two commissioners were appointed for the dedication of temples: T. Otacilius Crassus dedicated the temple to Mens, Q. Fabius Maximus the one to Venus Erycina. Both are on the Capitol, separated only by a water channel." ~ Titus Livius 23.31

"Let them worship as deities those who have always been recognized as heavenly beings; and those who have won a place in heaven through their merits: Hercules, Liber, Aesculapius, Castor, Pollux, Quirinus; and those qualities through which men may gain access to heaven – Mens, Virtus, Pietas, Fides, of these virtues let there be shrines, but none of any of the vices." ~ M. Tullius Cicero, De Legibus 2.19

"Sometimes a deity is named after a particular quality that contains some force, like Fides and Mens. We can see shrines on the Capitol recently dedicated to this pair by Marcus Aemilius while Fides had beenconsecrated before that by Aulus Atilius Calatinus. You can see the temple of Virtus as well, and the temple of Honos restored by Marcus Marcellus, but dedicated many years before in the Ligurian War by Quintus Maximus. And what of Ops, what of Salus, what of Concordia, Libertas, Victoria? In the case of all these, because they have such force that they could not possibly be controlled except by a God, the quality itself has been designated divine. In the same category the name Cupido and Voluptas and Venus Lubitina have been consecrated. They may be corrupting and unnatural qualities, although Vellius thinks otherwise, yet those very vices often have a stronger impact on our character. Accordingly, those deities who gave rise to various benefits owed their deification to the size of the benefits they bestowed; and indeed those names that I just mentioned make clear the power that resides in each God." ~ M. Tullius Cicero, De Natura Deorum 2.60-62


Tullus Hostilius and the Fetiales

"He instituted the procedure by which war is declared, or to be more precise, he formulated the procedure himself in very fair terms, and then, by incorporating it in the ceremonies of the fetials, he enacted that every war which had not been declared and proclaimed should be deem unjust and unholy." ~ M. Tullius Cicero, de Republica, 2.17.31

The institution and rites of the fetiales were attributed to Numa Pompilius by some, or to his grandson Ancus Marcus. However, stories about Tullus Hostilius, whose reign was between these other kings, have him using the fetiales in his war with Alba Longa. He even uses them as a trick to justify his war. Our knowledge of the rites of the fetiales come mainly from Livy, and the reason for that is that by his time Romans were unfamiliar with the fetiales. This sodalitas seems to have been reintroduced as part of the Augustan Restoration.

"The earliest recorded treaty is this one between the Romans and Albans, to provide for a firm peace among one another's people. As not all treaties conclude the same provisions or forms, however, I will describe the forms by which this treaty was made, as tradition has handed down to us. The Fetialis put the formal question to Tullus: `Do you, King, order me to make a treaty with the Pater Patratus of the Alban people?' Upon the king replying in the affirmative, the Fetialis said: `I demand of you, King, tufts of sacred herbs (as a sign that my person shall be inviolable).' The king replied: `Take those that are pure.' The Fetialis brought pure herbs and grasses from the Arx. Afterwards he asked the king: `Do you, King, name me the nuntio to act as herald of the People of Rome, the Quirites, sanctioning also my vessels and comrades?' To which the king replied: `In so far as it may be without harm to myself and to the People of Rome, the Quirites, I do.' The Fetialis was M. Valerius. He made Spurius Furius the Pater Patratus by touching his head and hair with the sacred herb vervain. Then the Pater Patratus, who is appointed for the purpose of making a treaty and giving it religious sanction through an oath, did so by reciting a holy song whose long formula was given in verse, which is not worth while here to repeat. After reciting the conditions he said: `Hear, 0 Jupiter; hear me, too, Pater Patratus of the people of Alba! Hear me also, people of Alba! As these provisions have been publicly read in good faith from beginning to end from these tablets, and inasmuch as they have today been most clearly understood, so the People of Rome will not be the first to withdraw from these treaty provisions. If, in their public council, they were to do so, with false and malicious intent break this treaty, then, Dispater, on that day, may You bring ruin on the People of Rome, even as today I shall strike this swine, and strike them so much more the greater, as Your power and might is greater.' With these words he struck the swine with a flint knife. In similar words the Albans recited a holy song as their oath through their own dictator and their priests." ~ Livy 1.24.3-9:

The pater patratus was thus the fetialis chosen as the spokesman for the king to another court, just as in a court of law the defendant's spokesman was called a pater. The fetialis who gathered grass from atop the Arx, or citadel on the Capitoline Hill, was the verbenarius. This was also the location of the Auguraculum, or established station from which the auspices were taken for the State. The duties of the verbenarius may have included taking auspices to see if the Gods approved of the selection of the pater patratus. At any rate, that is what the pure tufts of grass would seem to indicate.

Recording the treaties that the Romans made with the Carthaginians, Polybius said that the Romans called upon a Jupiter Lithos, using a Greek word for "stone." Jupiter was called here as a witness along with Mars and Quirinus. This may refer to the fact that the slaughter of a pig to seal the treaty was made using a flint knife, and the phrase of "striking a treaty" (foedus ferire) comes from a sacrifice that was likely made to the Manes of both cities, called as witnesses and as the guarantors of the treaty. But Polybius related this Jupiter Lithos to another aspect of the rite. A fetialis would pick up a pebble to declare his personal good faith in making the treaty by saying:

"If I keep my promise, may heaven be kind to me, but if I think or act otherwise, while all other men shall be safeguarded in their own country, with their own laws, their possessions, their culti deorum and their tombs, may I be cast out and fall like this stone." ~ Polybius 3.25.6-9

Since a treaty was made by solemn oaths, witnessed before the Gods, any violation of its provisions would be a violation of sacred law. A procedure was then conducted to seek reparations, and if not given, then war was declared.

"When the legate arrives at the frontier of those from whom restitution is demanded, he covers his head with a fillet (of wool) and says, 'Hear thou, O Jupiter, hear ye, boundaries of - naming whatever nation they belong to - let divine law hear! I am the official herald of the Roman people; I come lawfully and piously commissioned, let there be trust in my words.' Then he sets forth his demands, after which he takes Jupiter to witness, "If I unjustly and impiously demand that these men and these goods be surrendered to me, then never let me be a full citizen of my fatherland." He cites these words when he crosses the boundary line, again to the first person he encounters, again when proceeding through the town gate, and again when he enters the market place, with only slight modification to the form and wording of the oath. If his demands are not met, at the end of 33 days - for such is the customary number - he declares war as follows, 'Hear thou, O Jupiter, and thou, Janus Quirinus, and all ye heavenly Gods, and ye terrestrial gods, and ye infernal gods, hear! I call you to witness that this people - naming whatever people it is - is unjust and does not render just reparation. But regarding these matters we will consult the elders in our fatherland, how we may acquire our due.' Then the legate returns to Rome for a consultation. Without delay the king would consult the senators with words approximating these, 'Having regard to those goods, disputes and causes of which the pater patratus of the Roman people gave due notice to the pater patratus of the Ancient Latins, and to the men of the Ancient Latins, the Prisci Latini, having regard to those things which they have neither rendered, nor fulfilled, nor discharged, speak.' Turning then to the man he would first ask of his opinion, to say, 'What do you think?' Then he would reply, 'I hold that these things ought to be sought by a war of justice and sacred duty. So I agree and with my vote approve.' The others were then, in order of rank, asked the question; and when the majority of those present voted for the same opinion, war had been agreed upon. The usual procedure was for the fetialis to carry to the border of the other nation a spear of iron or else of fire hardened cornel wood, and in the presence of not fewer than three adult males, to say, 'Forasmuch as the tribes of the Prisci Latini and men of the Prisci Latini have committed act and offence against the Roman people, and forasmuch as the Roman people have ordained that war be declared on the Prisci Latini, and the Senate of the Roman people has affirmed, agreed, and with their votes approved that there be war with the Prisci Latini, I, therefore, and the Roman people, declare and make war on the tribes of the Prisci Latini and the men of the Prisci Latini.' Having said this, he would hurl his spear across the border. This is the manner in which at that time redress was demanded of the Latins and war was declared, and it has been accepted by subsequent generations." ~ Titus Livius 1.32.6-14

In one particular incident, an Aquian general refused to listen to the Roman fetialis, instead telling him to give his message from the Roman Senate "to the oak." This the fetialis did.

"Let both this oak and whatever gods there are here, may they hear that the treaty has been broken by you, and let them attend now to our complaint and presently support our arms, when we shall avenge the simultaneous violation of the rights of gods and men." ~ Titus Livius 3.25.8:

In a later period, when Rome had expanded and its enemies were no longer among the Italic tribes, the rite of the fetiales was changed somewhat.

"When thirty-three days had elapsed after they had demanded redress, the fetiales used to hurl a spear against an enemy. But later, in the time of Pyrrhus (270 BCE), the Romans were going to wage war against an overseas enemy and could not find any place for the fetiales to perform this ritual of declaring war. So they arranged for one of Pyrrhus' soldiers to be captured, and they made him purchase some land in the area of the Circus Flaminius in order to fulfill the proper procedures for declaring war on, as it were, enemy land. Later a column was consecrated on that land, in front of the temple of Bellona." ~ Servius Honorius, Ad Aeneis 9.52

The rite of declaring war had the fetialis throwing a spear onto the enemy's land. The spear took hold of the land in a manner similar to Romulus hurling a spear from the Aventine onto the Palatine, where it took root (Plutarch Romulus 20.6-8). An iron spear was sometimes used, understandably as this related to Mars and the hasta Martis that was kept at the king's residence in the Regia. Other Latin cities had their own hastae Martis as well. The cornel, or red dogwood, was one of the felices arbores attributed with magical powers (Macr. Sat. 3.20.2), its reddish tinge in the white wood perhaps indicating the bloodshed that was about to begin, or, as Robert Turcan poses, that it made the "horrors of war rebound on the enemy." In the devotio rite where one offers himself in sacrifice by first standing on a spear, there may be a relation to the cornel spear of the fetiales, since the same Gods are called upon in both ceremonies - Jupiter, Mars, (Janus) Quirinus, Bellona, and the Lares of the city.

In the same way that a fetialis was chosen and a rite performed to declare war, there was also a formula used by which to surrender to the Roman fetiales. In the example given by Livy the Sabines of Collatia surrendered to Tarquinius Priscus.

The king asked of him, 'Are you the delegate and spokesman sent from the people of Conlatino, in order that you will surrender Conlatino and its people?' 'Yes, we are.' 'Are the people of Conlatino under your authority?' 'It is so.' 'Do you then surrender Conlatino, and its people, its city, lands, waters, its boundaries, temples, utensils, all that is divinely or humanly held, over to the authority of myself, and the Roman people?' 'We do.' 'Thereupon, I accept your surrender.'" ~ Titus Livius 1.38.2

From about the time of the Second Punic War there was little mention of the fetiales and they may have fallen out of use. Augustus restored the collegium of fetiales, and we hear of the rite of throwing the warspear onto enemy territory in the time of Marcus Aurelius. They continued in use until the middle of the fourth century of our era.


Today's thought is from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.11.1:

"Since it is possible that thou mayest depart from life at any moment, regulate every act and thought accordingly. If there are Gods, departure from the world of men is nothing to fear, for the Gods will not involve thee in evil. But if indeed They do not exist, or if They have no concern about human affairs, then what is life to me to live in a universe devoid of Gods or devoid of Providence?"

Salve Maior, et. al-

While they aren't reconstructionists, we can learn from/help with their plight, for I could forsee something like this happening should we be lucky enough to get the chance to build a Roman religious sanctuary away from an historically contextal area (ie. building in Rome vs. building in the US; this coming from a girl who lives in a mostly Christian area that fought the building of a mosque for some time)...

Yes, please take care of NR first, but if you can help spreading the word, please do. I sent a link out to my historical re-enactment groups knowing that there are many 'pagans' out there who would be concerned about the issue, as well as modern re-constructionists (in both the re-enactment and NR sense, such as myself). It's the least we can do.

Gratias,

L. Antonia Auriga

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "rory12001" <rory12001@...> wrote:
>
> Salve Caeca;
> I agree with you and just I checked their website and calendar, they are pagans, goddess worshippers, but don't seem to be Roman reconstructionists at all.
>
> They are being discriminated against, why don't they contact the ACLU instead of spending money? Though at this point I don't see why all religious orgs shouldn't pay property tax.
> optime vale
> Maior
>
> --- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "C.Maria Caeca" <c.mariacaeca@> wrote:
> >
> > Salvete Omnes,
> >
> > As much as I may sympathize with their organization, frankly, there are things NR needs to accomplish our own goals, stabilize our infrastructure, and provide services to our own citizens and Provinces. I don't think we are in a position to be contributing to anyone else's cause, at least at this point, especially since we know so little about this organization. However, having said that, I also think that such problems need our moral support, if nothing else, because the time may well come when their problems will become *our* problems, and we may need the help and support of the Polytheist community. Therefore, I encourage all citizens to research this, starting with the links already provided, and if you feel this situation deserves and needs your help, in whatever form you choose, that you supply that help. Perhaps the appropriate officials in NR might want to take a close look, also, to determine if we, as a group, would find it appropriate to express our support and solidarity with them.
> >
> > Valete Bene,
> > C. Maria Caeca
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

M. Moravius Piscinus cultores Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Diis bene iuvantibus simus.

Hodie est ante diem VII Eidus Maesiae; haec dies nefastus est: LEMURIA; Aestatis initium, Favonius aut Corus, interdum et pluviae.

With tulips and crocus now faded, the dogwood in full bloom as are the columbine, and the flowers of early summer beginning to bloom, it might seem a little odd to celebrate a festival for the dead. But this time of year serves as a reminder of the eternal spring of the Blessed Isles that awaits most. We do not really know the thoughts of early Romans on an afterlife. Only by inference of such festivals as the Lemuria are we certain that they held a belief in an afterlife. As Ovid tells it, "An ancient rite, the nocturnal lemuria, will be celebrated, bringing offerings to silent ghosts. . . Yet even (in the earliest times) people brought offerings to the ashes of the dead, as is their due. The grandson paid his respects at the tomb of his grandfather (Fasti 5.421-426)."

Our earliest references on how Romans thought about the dead living in an afterlife come from the comedies of Plautus. In "The Pot of Gold" we are addressed first by the Lar of the house (1-27). He tells us how in each generation of the family the paterfamilias has been more miserly towards him, and he in turn has been less benevolent to them. But the daughter of the current occupant prays to him every day and offers him gifts of wine and incense. By the story's end the Lar repays her kindness to him by revealing the lost Pot of Gold to provide her with a handsome dowry. In "Captivi" we find a different type of spirit of the dead, the Larvae who "goad men" (598), and there is mention of a Greek notion on the torments of the dead in the Underworld (998-999). In "Casina" (592) a man complains of how a deceased former lover torments him and his wife, calling this ghost a larva. In "Amphitryon" (777) a place is said to be "infested with Larvae." There is a distinction between the Lares who can be beneficial if given their proper due from the Larvae who are always harmful shades of the dead. In "Mostellaria" (499-500) Plautus speaks of an entirely different kind of ghost, who explains his own situation, "but for me, Orcus refuses to receive into Acheruntem, because prematurely am I without life." This is a Lemur. Pomponius Porphyrio, commenting on Horace, Epode 2.2.209, describes Lemures as "Shades of the Dead (who) wander the world of men before day break and in fact for this reason are they feared." Thus are the three general categories among the Manes. There are the helpful Lares, the always evil Larvae, and something in between, the Lemures who are detached from a family's worship of the Lares, but who are not necessarily evil. However, both "Lemures and Larvae are nocturnal and terrifying apparitions of ghosts and beasts (Nonius p. 135)."

The main shrine for worshiping the family Lares is at the lararium near the front door, or else at the hearth. Of course inviting Lares into the home can attract some unwanted spirits as well. Thus for the first night of Lemuria we are reminded of a ritual to chase out the Larvae and send away the Lemures from within the house itself.

"When midnight comes, lending silence to sleep, and all the dogs and hedgerow birds are quiet, he who remembers ancient rites, and fears the Gods, rises, no fetters binding his two feet, and makes the sign with thumb and closed fingers, lest an insubstantial shade meets him in the silence. After cleansing his hands in spring water, he turns and first taking some black beans, throws them with averted face: saying, while throwing: 'With these beans I throw I redeem me and mine.' Haec ego mitto, his redimo meque meosque fabis.

"He says this nine times without looking back: the shade is thought to gather the beans, and follow behind, unseen. Again he touches water, and sounds the Temesan bronze, and asks the spirit to leave his house. When nine times he's cried: 'Manes, exite paterni!' 'Ancestral spirit, depart' He looks back, and believes the sacred rite is fulfilled." ~ P. Ovidius Naso, Fasti 5.429-444

The ritual described by Ovid for Lemuria is one with which I can especially relate. I recall in the years before I went to school how my mother would rush us indoors before sunset on these days. She would lock the doors, pull down the shades, turn mirrors to the walls, do everything to prevent the Lemures from seeing us, for, as we were told, if the Lemures saw us, they would carry us away. Then my nonna would have us bang pot lids, rather than the gong of Temesan bronze, and howl like wolves to frighten the Lemures away, while she would spin about, aspersing all around with a wooden ladle filled with boiling water. The water sometimes splattered onto us, making us howl all the more. This was a rite that we performed three times a year. In winter, before my birthday in March, so I assume corresponding to Feralia. And I especially remember the time in fall, just after Halloween, so probably corresponding to the day in early November when the mundus was opened. And of course in May, when the evenings were beginning to get noticeably longer, and warmer, so naturally we children wished to play outside rather than be pulled indoors before the Lemures arrived. Besides, we sort of wished to see these terrible creatures of the night that so frightened my mother and hers.

Prior to performing this ritual one would perform a normal ritual before the lararium, calling upon Lares to aid in chasing out the unwanted guests. After all, the Lemures are struggling to find a home by squatting where properly the Lares alone belong. The gesture which Ovid describes is called the fica. The thumbs protruding through the fingers of the fists represent the genitalia of Genita Manua, Mother of the Manes, and call upon Her for protection against the Larvae. Beans, as we have seen earlier, are associated with the Underworld. Festus even describes them as something "thrown to the Larva at Lemuria (s. v. fabia)." You might think of it as a kind of spiritual spring cleaning. But of course this is only the first night of Lemuria, and there is more to the festival than just this rite.


Today's thought is from Stobaeus, Ethical Sentences 53:

"Nor will I be silent as to this particular, that it appeared both to Plato and Pythagoras that old age was not to be considered with reference to an egress from the present life, but to the beginning of a blessed life."

Salvete, omnes!

I've requested from the legal group representing another pagan community under similar pressure copies of their sample letters in support of legal protection for pagan communities. Once I have them I will share them here.

Meanwhile, here is an update on the Maetreum of Cybele which is worth reading in light of NR's situation:



Last fall we were still trying to just find an attorney to represent us. Thanks to those who spread the word far and wide, we finally did find an attorney and a reasonably priced one at that. Thanks to a couple of very generous donations, our legal fees were also covered.

But that money is gone, the case is still in court as the Town of Catskill pulled out all legal stops to file motion after motion to dismiss. Recently the Judge ruled on those motions, in our favour. All that is required for us to do to keep the case before the court is re-serve the Town Assessor and now the County and School Board as well. This is happening right now. The attorney for the Town admitted in court, on the record, that the real reason for the denials of our property tax exemption (which is a lot of money btw) was to prevent “opening the floodgates to similar groups”. This is an open admission of discrimination. At this point, every single ruling by the Judge has been in our favour and we anticipate eventual victory.

The strain on our internal resources and deflection from our charitable mission has been considerable. Despite the fact the Town has failed to answer a single legal point and restricted itself to technical objections, once again we filed for 2010 exemption and were once again denied without a valid reason given. The county has sent us a notice that they will cease our property on Dec 31 of this year for the 2009 taxes we are still in litigation over and the 2010 taxes that are still in the appeals process. They did not say may or could, the letter clearly stated they would. Once they are served as party to this legal action in the next 48 hours we will file with the Judge for an injunction against them.

We feel we are fighting this cause not just for ourselves, but all minority religions. What we are asking of the Pagan communities at this point is this.

We need your continued spiritual support.

We could use your help raising addition money for legal fees. You can paypal a donation to centralhouse@... directly or use the donation button on our website at gallae.com

And one last thing. The “Board of Review” hearing for this year’s exemption is May 25 4-6 pm and 7-9 pm at the Town Hall in Catskill. We need a show of force, peaceful demonstrators because while we may and most likely will win this in court, they won’t stop every year unless we make the cost of that too high in bad public relations. Already I have started attending the Town meetings and calling them out and the press is taking notice. The local press will be at the Board of Review hearing.

If you can join us, please assemble at the Maetreum of Cybele in Palenville the afternoon of May 25. We need at least 15 or more to pull this off. If you can, make signs ahead of time with slogans such as “freedom of religion means all religions”

We are extremely grateful for the help we’ve received before, it made the difference between having our case dismissed and keeping it active. Our sincere thanks to the angels who donated before and especially to Jason of the Wild Hunt who really got the word out for us.

This seems like an excellent opportunity for Pagans in the upstate New York area to show solidarity, and win this organization the same legal considerations that are granted to the “mainstream” faiths in America. As always, I’ll be keeping track of this story as it develops.

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "L. Livia Plauta" <livia.plauta@...> wrote:
>
> Salvete omnes,
> regardless of whether this Magna Mater temple is reconstructionist or not, I
> think it's a worthy object of our solidarity. What goes round, comes round.
> There is no knowing if we might face a similar situation in the future, and
> whether one agrees or not to religious organizations being exempt from
> estate taxes, it is important to uphold the principle that all religions
> should get equal treatment.
>
> If they are unable to obtain free legal assistance, even a symbolic donation
> from our budget could be a significant gesture.
> But what we can do to no cost is joining in any existing petition or
> creating one, writing letters to parliament representatives, local
> authorities, or whoever it is that people write to in these situations in
> the US. If the authorities that are creating trouble for the Magna Mater
> temple start receiving letters from all over the world, they might well
> re-evaluate the situation.
> Maybe some US citizen could provide a form letter we could send?
>
> Optime valete,
> Livia
>
>
> > Salvete,
> >
> > I came across the following news item today:
> >
> > http://wildhunt.org/blog/2010/05/update-on-the-maetreum-of-cybele-saga.html
> >
> > Apparently, a 3-acre pagan sanctuary and temple of the Magna Mater
> > (website here: http://gallae.com/) located in upstate New York is facing
> > legal problems with the town. Despite having received a 501(c)3
> > designation from the Internal Revenue Service, the town refuses to grant
> > them a tax exemption (apparently in contravention of New York state
> > law), and they are slated to have their property confiscated at the end
> > of this year. More details on both their website and the Wild Hunt link
> > I posted above, but I think this is absolutely shameful, and it is
> > something that we can, and should, get behind.
> >
> > Perhaps Nova Roma could make a donation to their legal defense fund?
> > Seems like a worthy use of the taxes we are called upon to pay.
> >
> > Vale,
> >
> > Flavius Vedius Germanicus
> > Pater Patriae
> >
> >
>

Caeca Enodiae sal,

thank you very much for posting this! While I don't think our treasury is in a position to donate financially, I would hope that all cives who can, will do so. I would also encourage the following actions:

1. Send letters (or emails) of protest and support to the following organizations and institutions:
The Town counsel
2. The County administrators
3. Mayor of the town (should have been 2, sorry).
4. The Governor of NY.
5. The State legislature of NY, particularly the representatives for the county involved.
5. the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly the Representative for the district in which the county is located.
6. the United States Senate ...both Senators for NY State.
7. If you are feeling literary ...a "letter to the editor" of the local newspaper in the county or town.

I would also like to see an ex officio petition, constructed in, and issued by, the office of the Consuls, posted on our web site for the signatures of all interested cives and members, to be submitted to the Temple, for them to use as they see fit. I would hope that all citizens, especially those not living in the U.S. would sign this petition. Let the Government officials involved see that their actions are receiving, and will continue to receive International notice.

I expect that the Temple can provide names and email addresses for the groups I've mentioned above, but if not, this is all public information, and we can get it.

While these are not Roman Religio reconstructioniss, they *are* fellow pantheists, and I assure you that their problem *will* become our problem ...so it behooves us to do what we can, and we can do a great deal, without involving the use of our public funds, which, frankly, need to be spent on our own needs, at the moment.

Valete bene,
Respectfully,
C. Maria Caeca

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

Salve,

There's more than $20,000 in the treasury. You really think a $100
donation would kill us?

Vale,

Flavius Vedius Germanicus

C.Maria Caeca wrote:

> Caeca Enodiae sal,
>
> thank you very much for posting this! While I don't think our treasury is in a position to donate financially, I would hope that all cives who can, will do so. I would also encourage the following actions:
>
> 1. Send letters (or emails) of protest and support to the following organizations and institutions:
> The Town counsel
> 2. The County administrators
> 3. Mayor of the town (should have been 2, sorry).
> 4. The Governor of NY.
> 5. The State legislature of NY, particularly the representatives for the county involved.
> 5. the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly the Representative for the district in which the county is located.
> 6. the United States Senate ...both Senators for NY State.
> 7. If you are feeling literary ...a "letter to the editor" of the local newspaper in the county or town.
>
> I would also like to see an ex officio petition, constructed in, and issued by, the office of the Consuls, posted on our web site for the signatures of all interested cives and members, to be submitted to the Temple, for them to use as they see fit. I would hope that all citizens, especially those not living in the U.S. would sign this petition. Let the Government officials involved see that their actions are receiving, and will continue to receive International notice.
>
> I expect that the Temple can provide names and email addresses for the groups I've mentioned above, but if not, this is all public information, and we can get it.
>
> While these are not Roman Religio reconstructioniss, they *are* fellow pantheists, and I assure you that their problem *will* become our problem ...so it behooves us to do what we can, and we can do a great deal, without involving the use of our public funds, which, frankly, need to be spent on our own needs, at the moment.
>
> Valete bene,
> Respectfully,
> C. Maria Caeca
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Cato Vedio omnibusque in foro SPD

Agreed with Vedius, absolutely. Perhaps even $1000.00. I think the citizens should vote on the matter.

Valete,

Cato

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Vedius <vedius@...> wrote:
>
> Salve,
>
> There's more than $20,000 in the treasury. You really think a $100
> donation would kill us?
>
> Vale,
>
> Flavius Vedius Germanicus
>
> C.Maria Caeca wrote:
> > Caeca Enodiae sal,
> >
> > thank you very much for posting this! While I don't think our treasury is in a position to donate financially, I would hope that all cives who can, will do so. I would also encourage the following actions:
> >
> > 1. Send letters (or emails) of protest and support to the following organizations and institutions:
> > The Town counsel
> > 2. The County administrators
> > 3. Mayor of the town (should have been 2, sorry).
> > 4. The Governor of NY.
> > 5. The State legislature of NY, particularly the representatives for the county involved.
> > 5. the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly the Representative for the district in which the county is located.
> > 6. the United States Senate ...both Senators for NY State.
> > 7. If you are feeling literary ...a "letter to the editor" of the local newspaper in the county or town.
> >
> > I would also like to see an ex officio petition, constructed in, and issued by, the office of the Consuls, posted on our web site for the signatures of all interested cives and members, to be submitted to the Temple, for them to use as they see fit. I would hope that all citizens, especially those not living in the U.S. would sign this petition. Let the Government officials involved see that their actions are receiving, and will continue to receive International notice.
> >
> > I expect that the Temple can provide names and email addresses for the groups I've mentioned above, but if not, this is all public information, and we can get it.
> >
> > While these are not Roman Religio reconstructioniss, they *are* fellow pantheists, and I assure you that their problem *will* become our problem ...so it behooves us to do what we can, and we can do a great deal, without involving the use of our public funds, which, frankly, need to be spent on our own needs, at the moment.
> >
> > Valete bene,
> > Respectfully,
> > C. Maria Caeca
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Salve,

No, a $100.000 donation would not kill us. However, there are things we need to do with our funds, which should be done *before* we contribute financially, as an official action.

1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.

2. I think it would be appropriate to establish a fund to assist those Sacerdotes who are performing rituals and rites (with appropriate documentation, of course) for the citizens of Nova Roma, or as public rituals.

3. Some of our volunteers find themselves performing what amounts to full time jobs, and I think we should be showing our appreciation of that with a stipend, even a small stipend. I am thinking especially of our Latin instructors, especially A. Tullia Scholastica, who has, for years, spent an inordinate amount of her time teaching us, and teaching us extremely well.

4. While provinces can have access to money produced by taxes, I would like to see even more support given to them, for special projects, and, especially for both Convent(I?).

When these things have been done fully, we can use excess funds for such purposes as donations to worthy causes. Until then, doing so seems to me to be imprudent at best, and a form of ego gratification and posturing, at worst.

Respectfully,
C. Maria Caeca

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

Cato Caecae sal.

And equally respectfully, several of us have been repeatedly - for years now - trying to create and gain support for a funding system that subsidizes all kinds of things - including exactly the kinds of things you mention - yet nothing gets done.

I think it highly imprudent to continue to sit on our hands and do nothing at all, which we seem to be very very good at.

Vale,

Cato

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "C.Maria Caeca" <c.mariacaeca@...> wrote:
>
> Salve,
>
> No, a $100.000 donation would not kill us. However, there are things we need to do with our funds, which should be done *before* we contribute financially, as an official action.
>
> 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
>
> 2. I think it would be appropriate to establish a fund to assist those Sacerdotes who are performing rituals and rites (with appropriate documentation, of course) for the citizens of Nova Roma, or as public rituals.
>
> 3. Some of our volunteers find themselves performing what amounts to full time jobs, and I think we should be showing our appreciation of that with a stipend, even a small stipend. I am thinking especially of our Latin instructors, especially A. Tullia Scholastica, who has, for years, spent an inordinate amount of her time teaching us, and teaching us extremely well.
>
> 4. While provinces can have access to money produced by taxes, I would like to see even more support given to them, for special projects, and, especially for both Convent(I?).
>
> When these things have been done fully, we can use excess funds for such purposes as donations to worthy causes. Until then, doing so seems to me to be imprudent at best, and a form of ego gratification and posturing, at worst.
>
> Respectfully,
> C. Maria Caeca
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Salve,

I would agree with all those efforts, but I would also point out that it
is not necessarily the best thing to wait until everything we *want* to
do is done in the future, before doing something very modest that we
*can* do today.

Vale,

Flavius Vedius Germanicus
Pater Patriae

C.Maria Caeca wrote:

> Salve,
>
> No, a $100.000 donation would not kill us. However, there are things we need to do with our funds, which should be done *before* we contribute financially, as an official action.
>
> 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
>
> 2. I think it would be appropriate to establish a fund to assist those Sacerdotes who are performing rituals and rites (with appropriate documentation, of course) for the citizens of Nova Roma, or as public rituals.
>
> 3. Some of our volunteers find themselves performing what amounts to full time jobs, and I think we should be showing our appreciation of that with a stipend, even a small stipend. I am thinking especially of our Latin instructors, especially A. Tullia Scholastica, who has, for years, spent an inordinate amount of her time teaching us, and teaching us extremely well.
>
> 4. While provinces can have access to money produced by taxes, I would like to see even more support given to them, for special projects, and, especially for both Convent(I?).
>
> When these things have been done fully, we can use excess funds for such purposes as donations to worthy causes. Until then, doing so seems to me to be imprudent at best, and a form of ego gratification and posturing, at worst.
>
> Respectfully,
> C. Maria Caeca
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Salvete;
so give them money. Be Roman, citizens would personally support temples, that's how they attained dignitas. They would also underwrite sacrifices with dinners.
The Roman state underwrote state cults and that's it; their sacrifices were 'pro populo' for the people of Rome. This is all on behalf of the Roman community as part of the Pax Deorum.

So it would be unRoman and making us 'faux christians' for the state to support cults that don't glorify and extend the pax deorum, it all has to do with the ties of the Roman gods to the Roman community; that is what we're all about!
there are lots of good books on the subject, do find them here:
Beard and North is the best introduction to Roman state and religio
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Reading_list_for_the_cultus_deorum
optime vale
M. Hortensia Maior

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Vedius <vedius@...> wrote:
>
> Salve,
>
> I would agree with all those efforts, but I would also point out that it
> is not necessarily the best thing to wait until everything we *want* to
> do is done in the future, before doing something very modest that we
> *can* do today.
>
> Vale,
>
> Flavius Vedius Germanicus
> Pater Patriae
>
> C.Maria Caeca wrote:
> > Salve,
> >
> > No, a $100.000 donation would not kill us. However, there are things we need to do with our funds, which should be done *before* we contribute financially, as an official action.
> >
> > 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
> >
> > 2. I think it would be appropriate to establish a fund to assist those Sacerdotes who are performing rituals and rites (with appropriate documentation, of course) for the citizens of Nova Roma, or as public rituals.
> >
> > 3. Some of our volunteers find themselves performing what amounts to full time jobs, and I think we should be showing our appreciation of that with a stipend, even a small stipend. I am thinking especially of our Latin instructors, especially A. Tullia Scholastica, who has, for years, spent an inordinate amount of her time teaching us, and teaching us extremely well.
> >
> > 4. While provinces can have access to money produced by taxes, I would like to see even more support given to them, for special projects, and, especially for both Convent(I?).
> >
> > When these things have been done fully, we can use excess funds for such purposes as donations to worthy causes. Until then, doing so seems to me to be imprudent at best, and a form of ego gratification and posturing, at worst.
> >
> > Respectfully,
> > C. Maria Caeca
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

lol... how fortunate for us that we have you as the final arbiter of
what is and is not Roman.

rory12001 wrote:

> Salvete;
> so give them money. Be Roman, citizens would personally support temples, that's how they attained dignitas. They would also underwrite sacrifices with dinners.
> The Roman state underwrote state cults and that's it; their sacrifices were 'pro populo' for the people of Rome. This is all on behalf of the Roman community as part of the Pax Deorum.
>
> So it would be unRoman and making us 'faux christians' for the state to support cults that don't glorify and extend the pax deorum, it all has to do with the ties of the Roman gods to the Roman community; that is what we're all about!
> there are lots of good books on the subject, do find them here:
> Beard and North is the best introduction to Roman state and religio
> http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Reading_list_for_the_cultus_deorum
> optime vale
> M. Hortensia Maior
>
>
> --- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Vedius <vedius@...> wrote:
>
>> Salve,
>>
>> I would agree with all those efforts, but I would also point out that it
>> is not necessarily the best thing to wait until everything we *want* to
>> do is done in the future, before doing something very modest that we
>> *can* do today.
>>
>> Vale,
>>
>> Flavius Vedius Germanicus
>> Pater Patriae
>>
>> C.Maria Caeca wrote:
>>
>>> Salve,
>>>
>>> No, a $100.000 donation would not kill us. However, there are things we need to do with our funds, which should be done *before* we contribute financially, as an official action.
>>>
>>> 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
>>>
>>> 2. I think it would be appropriate to establish a fund to assist those Sacerdotes who are performing rituals and rites (with appropriate documentation, of course) for the citizens of Nova Roma, or as public rituals.
>>>
>>> 3. Some of our volunteers find themselves performing what amounts to full time jobs, and I think we should be showing our appreciation of that with a stipend, even a small stipend. I am thinking especially of our Latin instructors, especially A. Tullia Scholastica, who has, for years, spent an inordinate amount of her time teaching us, and teaching us extremely well.
>>>
>>> 4. While provinces can have access to money produced by taxes, I would like to see even more support given to them, for special projects, and, especially for both Convent(I?).
>>>
>>> When these things have been done fully, we can use excess funds for such purposes as donations to worthy causes. Until then, doing so seems to me to be imprudent at best, and a form of ego gratification and posturing, at worst.
>>>
>>> Respectfully,
>>> C. Maria Caeca
>>>
>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

C. Maria Caeca Vedio patero Patriae Salutem Plurimum Dicit:

Under normal circumstances, I would agree with you unreservedly. However, our officials and Senate have demonstrated a preference for making showy, attention getting financial gestures, and using them to evade and ignore those internal matters which, though they are noticed only by our citizens, would solidify and secure our own infrastructure. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, support something which is, essentially, external, until the Governing bodies of this Nation show their willingness to be responsible to its citizens, and attend to those internal matters in need of support. I am not of the opinion, either, that "action for action's sake" is commendable, or even wise. In fact, it has been my experience that such a policy is often, at best ill-advised.

Vale,

Respectfully,
CMC, who is only a citizen whose views, as you demonstrate in your signature, have no value ...but who will express them, nonetheless.

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

Salve Caeca;
please I'd like to know what these things are, the showy attention-getting gestures are and what infrastructure we are ignoring. I for sure would like to know.

Vedi, we're a reconstructionist org. I'm a researcher, I read a lot of scholarly books and work as a group with the PM Piscinus and the entire Collegium Pontificum. I share my knowledge with everyone via book lists, discussions and nrwiki articles. Over at the Scholasticum list I'll send anyone who requests material from JSTOR.

I joined Nova Roma as a reconstructionist roman polytheist, not as a neopagan or secularist and I assume the others feel the same way; there are plenty of other orgs out there for them, only 1 Nova Roma!
di nobis favent
M. Hortensia Maior
Flaminica Carmentalis

>
> C. Maria Caeca Vedio patero Patriae Salutem Plurimum Dicit:
>
> Under normal circumstances, I would agree with you unreservedly. However, our officials and Senate have demonstrated a preference for making showy, attention getting financial gestures, and using them to evade and ignore those internal matters which, though they are noticed only by our citizens, would solidify and secure our own infrastructure. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, support something which is, essentially, external, until the Governing bodies of this Nation show their willingness to be responsible to its citizens, and attend to those internal matters in need of support. I am not of the opinion, either, that "action for action's sake" is commendable, or even wise. In fact, it has been my experience that such a policy is often, at best ill-advised.
>
> Vale,
>
> Respectfully,
> CMC, who is only a citizen whose views, as you demonstrate in your signature, have no value ...but who will express them, nonetheless.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

C. Maria Caeca M. Hortensiae Maori S. P. D.

I listed those things in our infrastructure which I feel are acutely in need of attention in a very recent post. As to the showy gestures ...

1. scholarships which appear to be provided at the pleasure of the ruling Consul of the moment, for there is no public documentation, and for which there has been no attempt at accountability to the citizens.

. Donations to disaster funds where no Novae Romani were affected.

These are the 2 which immediately occur. There are others, but I do not wish to deflect the issue with the controversy mentioning them would necessarily raise.

Vale Bene,
CMC

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

Maior Caecae spd;
I agree with you about the disaster funds, the scholarship needs to be transparant I agree entirely.

We should spend more time on ritual and reconstruction where we are than wasting our talents.
vale
Maior

>
> 1. scholarships which appear to be provided at the pleasure of the ruling Consul of the moment, for there is no public documentation, and for which there has been no attempt at accountability to the citizens.
>
> . Donations to disaster funds where no Novae Romani were affected.
>
> These are the 2 which immediately occur. There are others, but I do not wish to deflect the issue with the controversy mentioning them would necessarily raise.
>
> Vale Bene,
> CMC
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

M. Moravius Piscinus cultores Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Di vos salvam et servatam volunt.

Hodie est ante diem VI Eidus Maesiae; haec dies comitialis est: Rosalia; Vergiliae totae apparent, Favonius aut Corus, interdum et pluviae.

AUC 957 / 214 CE: Birth of Marcus Aurelius Claudius Gothicus, Emperor 268-270 CE.

At the time divus Claudius came to the throne, nine days before the calends of April, the empire was in a dire straits. First he had to contend with the pretender Aureolus at Milan. Gaul, Hispania, Britannia, and parts of the eastern empire had been seized by foreign powers or broken away in rebellion. The remainder was exhausted after the rule of the two Gallieni, and then it was invaded by Goths, Scythians, the Peucini, Greuthungi, Austrogothi, Tervingi, Visi, and Gepedes, and also by the Celts and the Eruli, followed by an invasion of Egypt by the Palmyrenes. Somehow, in the short time of only two years, he managed to overcome all of Rome's adversaries and set the Empire on a course towards recovery. His final contest with the Goths was aided by a pestilence that first devastated the barbarian army, but which afterward spread to the empire and took the life of Claudius as well. He was succeeded by his brother Quintillus, who was killed by his own soldiers after only seventeen days as emperor.


Rosalia

Noted on the military calendar from Dura Europa, the Rosalia was held on the tenth and thirty-first of May. Military standards were kept in the aedes at the center of a camp. It was the temple of the military unit. And like other temples at Rome, an altar was set up outside the aedes. At the Rosalia the standards were brought forth from the aedes and placed by the altar. They were crowned with wreaths of roses and a supplication, or thanksgiving, was performed before them. Beyond that one detail, nothing else is certain about this military ritual. But from its nature we can surmise something of its intent.

When someone died far from home, whether while serving in the army or away at sea, and thus was unable to be buried by his family, a cenotaphium would be erected as a dwelling place for his soul. His Lar was called three times, invited to enter the cenotaphium, as where Aeneas, upon meeting Deiphobus in the Underworld says, "Then I myself on the Rhoetean shore erected a hollow tomb, and with loud voice thrice called upon thy spirit (Aeneid 6.505-506)." Much of the month of May was devoted to the honored dead, and we have seen days earlier how on the Nones a rite was held whereby the tombs of the ancestors were decorated with wreaths of roses. Similar to the practice of dusting the dead with red ochre, a practice seen in various cultures from the time of the Neolithic or even earlier, or even with the practice of painting the statue of Jupiter Capitolinus with cinnabar, or how Camillus was painted red for his triumph, red roses were offered to the dead as a gesture of reviving them. Or at least to remember them while still alive. Red roses were the flowers of Venus, who held providence over the Blessed Isles. So offering them to the Manes was a way of wishing their safe journey on to the gardens of Venus.

There is not much doubt that the Rosalia was intended to honor the military dead. The standards were being adorned in the same manner as tombs. With the Romans I think you would also have to consider that they thought of the standards as cenotaphia, carrying the Lares of their fellow soldiers into battle with them. This also explains why the loss of the eagles would be taken as such a tragedy. The second century Christian writer Tertullian criticized this veneration of the standards, but it was to continue well afterward and something of the Rosalia remains even to day in the parading of the colors of modern armies.


Capillor and Puteal

"To be sure, superior to the kind of auguries taken in the established stations of the augurs (stativa augurii) are those we call capillores, that is a place He (Jove) has touched. Indeed a Capillor is so called when a tree is auspiciously taken and consecrated by Jove's lightning bolt." ~ Servius Honorius, Ad Aeneis 10, 423

Whenever lightning struck the earth all that was scorched was regarded as holy as it contained a numen of Jupiter. Everything that had been struck and burnt, including the scorched soil, would be gathered into a wooden four-sided box for burial; the box having no bottom (Lucan 1.606). Over this grave would be placed mounded earth and a circular stone wall built to enclose the area as a sanctuary that was called a puteal. In the case where a person was struck by lightning, the body could not be cremated but had to be buried in the puteal along with all else scorched by the lightning. An haruspex or a fulgator would have to be called in to designate the area to be set off as the puteal in the same way that an an augur would take auspicial to erect a templum. Then a special sacrifice of a bidens was required, where a bidens is explained as a sheep that is old enough to have two teeth and no more than two-years old (Pliny Hist. Nat. 2.145; Festus p27; Nonius p53, 26). We may posit that the ritual for establishing a puteal would have also included the sacrifice negotiated by Numa Pompilius when he prayed, "King and Father of the high Gods, grant sure appeasement of the thunderbolt (Ovid Fasti 3.327-348)." That is, leeks and fish.

Reference to a puteal is found among the other shrines of a country estate: "an altar wreathed with flowers, a grotto shaded with foliage, an oak hung with horns, a beech with animal skins, or a consecrated knoll surrounded by a fence (a puteal), a tree trunk in which a hatchet has carved a divine effigy, a patch of turf sprinkled with libations, a stone anointed with oil (Florides 1. 3-4)." In each type of shrine it is the divine presence, or numen, that sanctifies the place. None, though, would be higher than a shrine infused with the numen of Jupiter. It would be the proximity to His numen housed in a puteal that then made a capillor a special place to take auspices, one that Jupiter Himself had designated.


Our thought for this season of Lemuria is taken from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 5.33:

"Soon, very soon, thou wilt be ashes, or a skeleton, and either a name or not even a name; but name is sound and echo. And the things which are much valued in life are empty and rotten and trifling, and like little dogs biting one another, and little children quarrelling, laughing, and then straightway weeping. But fidelity and modesty and justice and truth are 'fled up to Olympus from the wide-spread earth.' What then is there which still detains thee here? If the objects of sense are easily changed and never stand still, and the organs of perception are dull and easily receive false impressions; and the poor soul itself is an exhalation from blood. But to have good repute amidst such a world as this is an empty thing. Why then dost thou not wait in tranquility for thy end, whether it is extinction or removal to another state? And until that time comes, what is sufficient? Why, what else than to venerate the gods and bless them, and to do good to men, and to practise tolerance and self-restraint; but as to everything which is beyond the limits of the poor flesh and breath, to remember that this is neither thine nor in thy power."

Cato omnibus in foro SPD

Look, if it's so important to you, praetor, why don't you sponsor legislation creating these Funds we've been talking about for so long? You've gotten suggestions: Pontifical Fund, Aedilician Fund, etc., so you know people are interested, and Caeca's recent observations only drive the point home.

Praetor, you're part of the government. Instead of just talking, act.

Vale,

Cato

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "rory12001" <rory12001@...> wrote:
>
> Maior Caecae spd;
> I agree with you about the disaster funds, the scholarship needs to be transparant I agree entirely.
>
> We should spend more time on ritual and reconstruction where we are than wasting our talents.
> vale
> Maior
>
> >
> > 1. scholarships which appear to be provided at the pleasure of the ruling Consul of the moment, for there is no public documentation, and for which there has been no attempt at accountability to the citizens.
> >
> > . Donations to disaster funds where no Novae Romani were affected.
> >
> > These are the 2 which immediately occur. There are others, but I do not wish to deflect the issue with the controversy mentioning them would necessarily raise.
> >
> > Vale Bene,
> > CMC
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

On 5/9/2010 11:29 AM, C.Maria Caeca wrote:

>
> 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we
> should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is
> fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major
> undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this
> field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
>

Salvete omnes! I am a new member of Nova Roma, having been granted
provisional citizenship a week ago. I've been meaning to say hello on
the list, which I've been following for several months and have noticed
several mentions of a need for website services - which happens to be my
area of expertise. My partner and I run a website hosting and design
company (http://telavant.com/) and so, though I'm new and unproven, I
thought I'd offer our services. We could host a server for the website
and I'm an expert-level PHP programmer.

I also have some thoughts and ambitions toward someday building some
kind of interactive experience for Nova Romans - a "Virtual Rome" where
cives can meet online and chat. Would anyone be interested in having
such a thing, or helping to build it? This of course would be a
volunteer project. I'm thinking a text-based environment (like a MUD,
if any of you have played one of those) might be ideal.

Optime valete!


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

Cato omnibus in foro SPD

It is apparent that our government has forgotten that we are still without a colleague for the curule aedile. I formally request that the law regarding filling vacant magistracies be obeyed and elections held swiftly.

Valete,

Cato

Salve,

While I no longer function in any official capacity in our fair Res
Publica, let me first welcome you, Gaius Lucretius Seneca, and thank you
for your generous offer. I am sure that once the Senate comes up with an
official RFQ, you and your partner will be in consideration.

I would like to comment on your idea about a "virtual Rome", and how it
might fit in with the idea of what Nova Roma is, at least as it was
originally conceived.

The Internet is, without a doubt, an extremely valuable tool for Nova
Roma. It allows us to exchange ideas, get our message out, and attract
new and enthusiastic cives such as yourself. However, the goal of Nova
Roma has always been firmly planted in the real world; it is my belief
that our efforts should be on physical shrines rather than virtual
website shrines, real-world gatherings rather than online chats, and
that we should aspire towards one day having a physical Forum that we
can call our own. While chat rooms, web sites, and email lists are
excellent tools to help fulfill those real-world goals, it should always
be remembered that the virtual should never replace the physical. My
fear would be that such a virtual Rome would edge towards doing exactly
that.

Naturally, many will disagree with me (and, indeed, I can mentally name
a few that will come out of the gate swinging against this email, with
all manner of things to say about me), but while I would welcome any
enterprise that would bring us more together in the physical world, I'm
not quite sure how a "virtual Rome" would do that, at least any more
than our existing email lists, web sites, and chat rooms do. Perhaps I'm
not understanding your proposal properly?

Again, welcome, and please don't take my thoughts as any intentional
dampening of your enthusiasm. But enthusiasm channeled in the right
direction is infinitely more valuable, I believe, than enthusiasm
pointing down a divergent road.

Vale,

Flavius Vedius Germanicus
Pater Patriae


Gaius Lucretius Seneca wrote:

> On 5/9/2010 11:29 AM, C.Maria Caeca wrote:
>
>> 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we
>> should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is
>> fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major
>> undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this
>> field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
>>
>>
>
> Salvete omnes! I am a new member of Nova Roma, having been granted
> provisional citizenship a week ago. I've been meaning to say hello on
> the list, which I've been following for several months and have noticed
> several mentions of a need for website services - which happens to be my
> area of expertise. My partner and I run a website hosting and design
> company (http://telavant.com/) and so, though I'm new and unproven, I
> thought I'd offer our services. We could host a server for the website
> and I'm an expert-level PHP programmer.
>
> I also have some thoughts and ambitions toward someday building some
> kind of interactive experience for Nova Romans - a "Virtual Rome" where
> cives can meet online and chat. Would anyone be interested in having
> such a thing, or helping to build it? This of course would be a
> volunteer project. I'm thinking a text-based environment (like a MUD,
> if any of you have played one of those) might be ideal.
>
> Optime valete!
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Salvete omnes,

First of all, welcome to NR, Seneca, and congratulations on your provisional citizenship status. I hope that you will become a full and active citizen in our Res Publica, and that you will find your time with valuable as well as pleasurable.

Now, then. I have said this before, and I will keep saying it ...I strongly believe that we should use *all* resources available to us, to their utmost, not only to accomplish our primary goals, but to help us grown our Nation, to bond as far flung cives, to explore our options, and to provide ourselves with a sense of community that knits us closely together so that, when we do achieve our own physical presence, our own forum and other things, we will be ready and able to better use and develop these things, having already decided what, and how, we want to proceed, and having already worked out the "kinks" all Governments face and must deal with. If we work wisely and well, when we come to our land, we will come to it not just as a group of individuals who are a bit unsure of what to do next, but as a Nation, whose citizens are physically going "home", even if that "home" is not the place where we conduct the business of daily living.

I find it disheartening to read the internet treated as some sort of ...not quite respectable "make do" piece of technology that we only use because we must. I disagree with that, because using it to its utmost allows us to nourish ourselves in ways that we could not, otherwise, and allows us to truly establish our spiritual, emotional and ideological identity. In no way does it detract from our ultimate goal, unless we allow it to do so ...but *not* to make strong use of this resource, (distasteful as it seems to some, here), ultimately *will* hamper us, because we will become, eventually, isolated pockets of local activity, reporting infrequently to other isolated pockets of local activity, and not allowing for the cross pollination of ideas, methods, things that work and things that don't. Unless we wish to stop being an International community (and I know some who would very much like that), we would be well advised to use any means by which we can bring ourselves closer to one another. I have seen some lovely virtual shrines, and I have no problem with them ...they do not replace the real thing, and cannot, quite obviously, but they do provide a real service, and I have found them of benefit. Does that mean that I do not wish to take part, physically in the rituals of the Sacra Publica, or make a sacrifice at a physical temple? Of *course* it does not! If anything, such "places" whet my appetite for doing so. Meanwhile, until that is possible, I sustain myself with my private rites, and those few, but lovely virtual temples I have found.

Seneca, I have no idea what you are talking about ...but it sounds fascinating, and, if and when you create it, if it is accessible to my screen reading software, expect me there!

Vale et valete bene,
C. Maria Caeca

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

Salve. My Name is Gaius Apollonius Agrippa. Real Name Nathan Jeffrey Allen
and I want to offer my services as a scribe. Please advise. Vale.

Gaius Apollonius Agrippa.

Nathan Jeffrey Allen.

Nathan_Jeffrey_Allen@...

Greetings, I am a new  in the citizen America Boreoccidentalis in Rigio I. Could someone assist me so I can get more connected to my region. Thank you very much and I am very excited to be apart. Not sure my Roman name yet.....

Eric Broadhead





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

Salve Eric;
V. Rutilia Enodiaria is the governor of your province. Here is her page from the Album Civium where you can email her
http://www.novaroma.org/civitas/album?id=8104
bonam fortunam and bene vale
M. Hortensia Maior

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Eric Broadhead <eric.broadhead@...> wrote:
>
> Greetings, I am a new in the citizen America Boreoccidentalis in Rigio I. Could someone assist me so I can get more connected to my region. Thank you very much and I am very excited to be apart. Not sure my Roman name yet.....
>
> Eric Broadhead
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Salve, Eric ...and a very hearty welcome to Nova Roma! I'm afraid I can't with you region question, but others can, and will. Meanwhile ...one of the first things you will want to do is to choose your Roman name, and then, well, explore! BTW, there is a list for new potential citizens where we strive to give help with basic things and let you get acclimated to NR in a friendly, supportive environment. Please do come join us by sending an email to:

Newroman-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and I do hope you stay with us will be valuable to you on many levels, as well as very enjoyable!

Vale bene,
C. Maria Caeca

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

M. Moravius Piscinus cultores Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Ditis ego omnis ut fortunas sint precor.

Hodie est ante diem V Eidus Maesiae; haec dies nefastus est: LEMURIA.

"Mother Earth, indeed to You I pray, settle lightly on these bones, as she knew that piety is the reward of she who merits it, and whoever sincerely stands out in performing her own pious duties may be carried on that happy path to the Gods above." ~ CIL 6, 9204

We are able to get an idea of what the Romans believed on an afterlife from the thousands of funerary inscriptions they have left. Among these thousands there are very few that express a disbelief based in Epicurian philosophy – "I shall be; I am, I am no more; I don't care." Another philosophical expression, very rare, too, is "I am ashes, Earth is ashes; Earth is a Goddess, therefore am I not dead (CIL 6, 4, 29609)." Far more inscriptions express ideas like the one above. Pious attention for the rites of the deceased is to be justly rewarded by rites given you by your descendants, and those who are most deserving shall also be led to a heavenly home in commune with the Gods. Those good souls who do not go on to the celestial Via Sacra instead find their way to the Blessed Isles where it is eternally spring in the Garden of Venus. Typically Roman funerary iconography shows the deceased travelling to the Blessed Isles that lie beyond the Western Sea. Images of the Blessed Isles show the souls of the dead as winged Cupids, children of Venus, engaged in idyllic settings. Among the Cupids is an infant Minerva wearing Her helmet and aegis and an infant Hercules wearing His lion skin, where both Minerva and Hercules played a role in mortals attaining immortality as Lares. Sometimes these ideas entered into the funeral ritual itself.

"Marcus Varro, as one example, was placed in leaves of myrtle, olive and black poplar after the Pythagorean fashion." ~ C. Plinius Secundus, Historia Natura 35, 160

Myrtle, as we all know, is sacred to Venus, the olive to Minerva, and the black polar was associated with Hercules. Roman thoughts of the eternal spring of the Blessed Isles find expression in many places. One is found with Persius.

"Grant, O Gods, that the earth may lie soft and gently upon the shades of our ancestors, and may their urns be filled with a perpetual springtime blooming with the sweet scents of crocus." ~ Persius, Satura 7, 207-208

Most of the funerary inscriptions, however, follow a formula: R. I. P. for "requiescit in pace" that is itself a shorter version of "Hic in pace requiescit sanctae benae memoriae." Most often found is simply "D. M." followed by the name of the deceased and his age. One that particularly interests me is CIL 13, 11291 from Rheims which reads: "D. M. Pisc." The D. M. stands for Dis Manibus to whom the family members pray on behalf of the deceased that the Manes may lead the deceased on his journey to the Blessed Isles. Also expressed is that the Di Manes accept the deceased among them, in order that he may go to the Blessed Isles or to a celestial abode, and also that the deceased would then become a Lar who might continue to aid and advise the living members of his family. And thus we come upon an inscription of a woman praying to the Di manes for her husband.

"Whole-heartedly I pray to you, most holy Manes, may you admit my dear husband among you, and, may you want to be most indulging in this, that in the hours of the night I may see him and also be advised by him on what to do, in order that I may be able to swiftly and sweetly come stand by his side." ~ CIL 6, 18817

But if there is no one to offer proper rites for the deceased, if he has no descendants to carry on the rites afterward, or who neglect his rites, or if for some reason the Di Manes refuse to admit the deceased among their community, then there would be no place for the deceased to rest and forever must he roam in search of a home.

At Lemuria, therefore, we recall all of our Roman forefathers and foremothers whose rites were neglected for so many centuries. Perhaps, if you live within what was once the boundaries of the Empire you might offer rites to those who lie nearby. We recall our own sanctis Maiores like Popillius Strabo, Sempronia, and Marius Maior. Some honor Augustus, the Gracchi, the Scipios or the Fabii, inviting them to become members of their own family Lares. And for the rest, those who have become Lemures due to circumstance, we provide with offerings, remembering that they, too, are part of our Roman community. The central focus of the religio Romana is the cultus owed to one's family Lares. All else is founded on that pietatis. The larger community of cultores Deorum invite the Gods to become part of their community. But we must not forget, nor neglect, the Manes as part of our community, too. Embracing the Manes as our own, in our rites, is what shall lead to the springtime of the religio Romana.


Aurelianus and Apollonius of Tyana

Here is a story of how one Lar, a famous philosopher, saved his native city.

"Emperor Aurelian did indeed truly speak and truly think of destroying the city of Tyana; but Apollonius of Tyana, a sage of the greatest renown and authority, a philosopher of former days, the true friend of the gods, and himself even to be regarded as a supernatural being, as Aurelian was withdrawing to his tent, suddenly appeared to him in the form in which he is usually portrayed, and spoke to him as follows, using Latin in order that he might be understood by a man from Pannonia: 'Aurelian, if you wish to conquer, there is no reason why you should plan the death of my fellow-citizens. Aurelian, if you wish to rule, abstain from the blood of the innocent. Aurelian, act with mercy if you wish to live long.' Aurelian recognized the countenance of the venerated philosopher, and, in fact, he had seen his portrait in many a temple. And so, at once stricken with terror, he promised him a portrait and statues and a temple, and returned to his better self. This incident I have learned from trustworthy men and read over again in the books in the Ulpian Library, and I have been the more ready to believe it because of the reverence in which Apollonius is held. For who among men has ever been more venerated, more revered, more renowned, or more holy than that very man? He brought the dead back to life, he said and did many things beyond the power of man." ~ Historia Augusta, Life of divus Aurelianus 24.3-8


Our thought for today is from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.70:

"The Gods who are immortal are not vexed because during so long a time They must continually tolerate men such as they are and so many of them bad; and besides this, the Gods also take care of them in all ways. But thou, who art destined to end so soon, art thou wearied of enduring the bad, and this too when thou art one of them, too?"

The Tribunes have not forgotten and we are working on that. We will get to it as promptly as we can.
 
Maxima Valeria Messallina
Tribuna Plebis
 

--- On Mon, 5/10/10, Cato <catoinnyc@...> wrote:


From: Cato <catoinnyc@...>
Subject: [Nova-Roma] CALL FOR ELECTIONS
To: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 4:04 PM


 



Cato omnibus in foro SPD

It is apparent that our government has forgotten that we are still without a colleague for the curule aedile. I formally request that the law regarding filling vacant magistracies be obeyed and elections held swiftly.

Valete,

Cato











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

Chorus Vedio omnibusque sal.

I like the idea of a new kind of website, as I mentioned once in an earlier post.

V> "However, the goal of Nova
V> Roma has always been firmly planted in the real world; it is my V> belief"

I agree with this a 100%, and most of our efforts should be directed in achieving this. And though we try to reconstruct and live by the old ways, we should not ignore the power of these new ways of communication and spreading ideas.

V> "The Internet is, without a doubt, an extremely valuable tool for V> Nova
V> Roma. It allows us to exchange ideas, get our message out"

Indeed it is, and I think we can make it more powerful than it now is to reach more and a more diverse group people.
Make it more attractive and easier to use, so that also a younger generation can be inspired, but construct it so that the "older" generation can still use it with ease.

A new and better website, if constructed and used correctly, shouldn't have a negative effect on our real world goals in my humble opinion.
I think it could have a very positive effect, and that's the way it should be.

Are there chat rooms at the moment, as you mention in your post? would be nice, but I can't find them. I would love to chat with some fellow citizens.

Optime Valete!
M. Valerius Chlorus

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, Vedius <vedius@...> wrote:
>
> Salve,
>
> While I no longer function in any official capacity in our fair Res
> Publica, let me first welcome you, Gaius Lucretius Seneca, and thank you
> for your generous offer. I am sure that once the Senate comes up with an
> official RFQ, you and your partner will be in consideration.
>
> I would like to comment on your idea about a "virtual Rome", and how it
> might fit in with the idea of what Nova Roma is, at least as it was
> originally conceived.
>
> The Internet is, without a doubt, an extremely valuable tool for Nova
> Roma. It allows us to exchange ideas, get our message out, and attract
> new and enthusiastic cives such as yourself.
> that our efforts should be on physical shrines rather than virtual
> website shrines, real-world gatherings rather than online chats, and
> that we should aspire towards one day having a physical Forum that we
> can call our own. While chat rooms, web sites, and email lists are
> excellent tools to help fulfill those real-world goals, it should always
> be remembered that the virtual should never replace the physical. My
> fear would be that such a virtual Rome would edge towards doing exactly
> that.
>
> Naturally, many will disagree with me (and, indeed, I can mentally name
> a few that will come out of the gate swinging against this email, with
> all manner of things to say about me), but while I would welcome any
> enterprise that would bring us more together in the physical world, I'm
> not quite sure how a "virtual Rome" would do that, at least any more
> than our existing email lists, web sites, and chat rooms do. Perhaps I'm
> not understanding your proposal properly?
>
> Again, welcome, and please don't take my thoughts as any intentional
> dampening of your enthusiasm. But enthusiasm channeled in the right
> direction is infinitely more valuable, I believe, than enthusiasm
> pointing down a divergent road.
>
> Vale,
>
> Flavius Vedius Germanicus
> Pater Patriae
>
>
> Gaius Lucretius Seneca wrote:
> > On 5/9/2010 11:29 AM, C.Maria Caeca wrote:
> >
> >> 1. We need professional IT services, services extensive enough that we
> >> should be willing to pay for them. Using volunteers for most things is
> >> fine ...but the work involved in maintaining our web site is a major
> >> undertaking, and, when we use people who make their living in this
> >> field, not compensating them is unfair, if not exploitation.
> >>
> >>
> >
> > Salvete omnes! I am a new member of Nova Roma, having been granted
> > provisional citizenship a week ago. I've been meaning to say hello on
> > the list, which I've been following for several months and have noticed
> > several mentions of a need for website services - which happens to be my
> > area of expertise. My partner and I run a website hosting and design
> > company (http://telavant.com/) and so, though I'm new and unproven, I
> > thought I'd offer our services. We could host a server for the website
> > and I'm an expert-level PHP programmer.
> >
> > I also have some thoughts and ambitions toward someday building some
> > kind of interactive experience for Nova Romans - a "Virtual Rome" where
> > cives can meet online and chat. Would anyone be interested in having
> > such a thing, or helping to build it? This of course would be a
> > volunteer project. I'm thinking a text-based environment (like a MUD,
> > if any of you have played one of those) might be ideal.
> >
> > Optime valete!
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

M. Moravius Piscinus cultores Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Di vos servavissent semper.

Hodie est ante diem IV Eidus Maesiae; haec dies comitialis est: Ludi Marti.

AUC 734 / 19 BCE: Dedication of the Temple of Mars Ultor

AUC 751 / 2 BCE: Dedication of the Forum of Augustus

"Mars comes, giving the sign for war as he comes, the Avenger himself descends from the sky to view his shrine and honours in Augustus' forum. The God and the work are mighty: Mars could not be housed otherwise in his son's city." ~ Ovidius Naso, Fasti 5.

"On my own ground I built the Temple of Mars Ultor and the Augustan Forum from the spoils of war." ~ Caesar Augustus, Res Geste 21.1

This temple was vowed before the Battle of Philippi. Octavius called upon Mars Ultor to avenge the assassination of Julius Caesar in the war against the Republicans assassins. But it was not until much later that the temple was built and dedicated. The temple was located at the northeastern end of the Forum of Augustus. On its pediment, according to Zanker's iconographical scheme, Mars appeared with Venus and Romulus on His right side, with Fortuna and Roma on His left. Inside, the image of Mars Ultor had Venus at His right hand and divus Julius on His left. The Forum itself was flanked by two terraces where niches held statues of famous Romans, the viri summi. These were expanded upon by two hemicycles extending out on either side of the temple. To the left, on Mar's right hand were shown Aeneas, the Kings of Alba Longa, and the Iulii. In the eastern hemicycle stood Romulus, flanked by viri summi. At roughly the center of the Forum, on the main axis of Mars Ultor, was a statue of Augustus in the triumphal quadriga as Pater Patriae. Ludi Marti were instituted at the time this temple was dedicated.


Moles of Mars

At Cumae on this day was held a different celebration. Rather than Mars the Avenger, we hear of a festival for the Strength of Mars, or Mars Moles. Elsewhere Moles is distinguished as a distinct deity, as a companion of Mars, much as Pallor might be thought a distinct companion to Mars:

"Prayers to the immortal Gods, which are offered according to the Roman ritual, are set forth in the books of the priests of the Roman people, as well as in many ancient books of prayers. In these we find: Lua, of Saturnus; Salacia, of Neptunus; Hora, of Quirinus; the Virites of Quirinus; Maia of Vulcanus; Heries of Juno; Moles of Mars; and Nerio of Mars." ~ Aulus Gellius, Noctes Atticae 13.23.1-2

Lua is mentioned along with Mars and Minerva as a Goddess who receives spoila (Livy45.33.2). What Her connection would be with Saturnus is not exactly known, but She is presented here as wife to Saturnus in the same way as some of the other Goddesses appear. Lua is a Goddess of purification. Hersilia appears as the Sabine wife of Romulus; only later was she deified as Hora when Romulus was identified as Quirinus (Ovid, Metamorphoses 14.830-851). Nonius, however, said that Hora was a Goddess of Youth. Nerio is found as wife of Mars in a fragment from Licinius Imbrex and in a play by Plautus, as well as with Gellius (13.23.13). The names of these Goddesses came from Italic tribes. It is possible therefore that Moles was once a distinct deity of the Sabellians, whether a God of War as Mars might suggest, or as a God of Virility as the context above could suggest.


Garlands and Chaplets

"The ancients used chaplets of diminutive size, called "struppi" (woolen string or fillet); from which comes our name for a chaplet, "strophiolum." Indeed, it was only by very slow degrees that this last word became generalized, as the chaplets that were used at sacrifices, or were granted as the reward of military valour, asserted their exclusive right to the name of "corona." As for garlands, when they came to be made of flowers, they received the name of "serta," from the verb "sero" (to join together; bind) or else from our word "series." The use of flowers for garlands is not so very ancient, among the Greeks even.

"For in early times it was the usage to crown the victors in the sacred contests with branches of trees: and it was only at a later period, that they began to vary their tints by the combination of flowers, to heighten the effect in turn by their colour and their smell--an invention due to the ingenuity of the painter Pausias, at Sicyon, and the garland-maker Glyccra, a female to whom he was greatly attached, and whose handiwork was imitated by him in colours. Challenging him to a trial of skill, she would repeatedly vary her designs, and thus it was in reality a contest between art and Nature; a fact which we find attested by pictures of that artist even still in existence, more particularly the one known as the "Stephaneplocos," in which he has given a likeness of Glycera herself. This invention, therefore, is only to be traced to later than the Hundredth Olympiad (380 BCE).

"Chaplets of flowers being now the fashion, it was not long before those came into vogue which are known to us as Egyptian chaplets; and then the winter chaplets, made for the time at which Earth refuses her flowers, of thin laminæ of horn stained various colours. By slow degrees, too, the name was introduced at Rome, these garlands being known there at first as "corollæ," a designation given them to express the remarkable delicacy of their texture. In more recent times, again, when the chaplets presented were made of tinsel of copper, gilt or silvered, they assumed the name of corollaria." ~ C. Plinius Secundus, Historia Naturalis 21.2-3


Apollonius of Tyana

Since yesterday I mentioned the apparition of Apollonius of Tyana appearing to Aurelianus, I thought that today I might include something of his life.

"And they say that he declined to wear apparel made from dead animal products and, to guard his purity, abstained from all flesh diet, and from the offering of animals in sacrifice. For that he would not stain the altars with blood; nay, rather the honey-cake and frankincense and the hymn of praise, these they say were the offerings made to the Gods by this man, who realized that they welcome such tribute more than they do the hecatombs [100 oxen] and the knife laid upon the sacrificial basket. For they say that he had of a certainty social intercourse with the Gods, and learnt from Them the conditions under which They take pleasure in men or are disgusted, and on this intercourse he based his account of nature. For he said that, whereas other men only make conjectures about divinity and make guesses that contradict one another concerning it, in his own case he said that Apollo had come to him acknowledging that he was the God in person; and that Athena and the Muses and other Gods, whose forms and names men did not yet know, had also consorted with him though without making such acknowledgment. Â… And the story that he made at Olympia a bull of pastry and sacrificed it to the God also shows that he approved of the sentiments of Pythagoras." ~ Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana 1.1


Today's thought is from the Stoic Musonius, who taught Epictetus and won the latter his freedom. This fragment is from Gellius, Noctes Atticae 16.1.2:

"If you accomplish anything noble with toil, the toil passes but the noble deed endures. If you do anything shameful for pleasure, the pleasure passes but the shame endures forever."

On 5/11/2010 10:00 AM, valeriuschlorus wrote:

>
> Chorus Vedio omnibusque sal.
>
> I like the idea of a new kind of website, as I mentioned once in an
> earlier post.
>
> V> "However, the goal of Nova
> V> Roma has always been firmly planted in the real world; it is my V>
> belief"
>
> I agree with this a 100%, and most of our efforts should be directed
> in achieving this. And though we try to reconstruct and live by the
> old ways, we should not ignore the power of these new ways of
> communication and spreading ideas.
>
> V> "The Internet is, without a doubt, an extremely valuable tool for
> V> Nova
> V> Roma. It allows us to exchange ideas, get our message out"
>
> Indeed it is, and I think we can make it more powerful than it now is
> to reach more and a more diverse group people.
> Make it more attractive and easier to use, so that also a younger
> generation can be inspired, but construct it so that the "older"
> generation can still use it with ease.
>

This was just the kind of feedback I was looking for, thanks :)

It's been suggested to me that a Facebook-style interface might be the
way to go, and I agree. I know I could definitely build something like
that - actually, I'm in the planning stages of building social
networking features into a client's intranet. So I might end up having
most of the code for this already written.

Thanks again everyone for such constructive feedback. I'm excited to be
here and eager to help!

Optime valete!
Seneca


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

Salvete Omnes:

There is any Mithras interest group in Nova Roma as of now? I'm aware there have been at least talks of creating a sodalites in the past, but as much as I look for it, I can't find any kind of Mithras worshipers around, I would be very grateful if anybody can offer me some advice on this topic

Curate, ut valeatis

Titus Aurelius Ilerges

M. Hortensia T. Aurelio spd;
I know M. Cornelius Gualterus Graecus is very knowledgable about Mithras and wanted to form a collegia. Nabarz, is a devoted Mithraist.

I suggest you cross post to the Religio Romana list as there are many subscribed there & there are a number of Mithra posts, if you use the search engine.
optime vale
Maior

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "titusaureliusilerges" <titusaureliusilerges@...> wrote:
>
> Salvete Omnes:
>
> There is any Mithras interest group in Nova Roma as of now? I'm aware there have been at least talks of creating a sodalites in the past, but as much as I look for it, I can't find any kind of Mithras worshipers around, I would be very grateful if anybody can offer me some advice on this topic
>
> Curate, ut valeatis
>
> Titus Aurelius Ilerges
>

Cn. Lentulus pontifex T. Aurelio sal.

That's very honourable from you that you want to help the growth of Nova Roma. All should follow your example. Like the praetrix and Flamen Hortensia suggested, contact M. Cornelius Gualterus who is an expert on Mithraism, and also, contact the Sacerdos Mithrae, Sibylla Ambrosia Flavia. Together, you three, could work on a project of creating a Nova Roman Mithraic Sodalitas.

Vale.


--- Gio 13/5/10, titusaureliusilerges <titusaureliusilerges@...> ha scritto:

Da: titusaureliusilerges <titusaureliusilerges@...>
Oggetto: [Nova-Roma] (Ressurecting?) a Mithras Sodalites/Interest Group
A: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Data: Giovedì 13 maggio 2010, 00:12







 









Salvete Omnes:



There is any Mithras interest group in Nova Roma as of now? I'm aware there have been at least talks of creating a sodalites in the past, but as much as I look for it, I can't find any kind of Mithras worshipers around, I would be very grateful if anybody can offer me some advice on this topic



Curate, ut valeatis



Titus Aurelius Ilerges

























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

Cn. Lentulus magister aranearius et pontifex C. Lucretio sal.


Wonderful, Gai Lucreti! As official website content manager of Nova Roma, magister aranearius, I contact you privately about the details in what you can help!


VALE!



--- Mer 12/5/10, Gaius Lucretius Seneca <c.lucretius.seneca@...> ha scritto:

Da: Gaius Lucretius Seneca <c.lucretius.seneca@...>
Oggetto: Re: A Virtual Rome (as Re: [Nova-Roma] Re: Temple of Cybele in Legal Trouble)
A: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Data: Mercoledì 12 maggio 2010, 23:49



It's been suggested to me that a Facebook-style interface might be the

way to go, and I agree. I know I could definitely build something like

that - actually, I'm in the planning stages of building social

networking features into a client's intranet. So I might end up having

most of the code for this already written.



Thanks again everyone for such constructive feedback. I'm excited to be

here and eager to help!



Optime valete!

Seneca



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

























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

M. Moravius Piscinus cultores Deorum, Quiritibus et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Di Deaeque vos ament.

Hodie est ante diem III Eidus Maiae; haec dies nefastus est: LEMURIA; Rosaria; Fidis mane oritur, significat tempestatem.

Lemuria

For the third time, in the hours between Midnight and Dawn, this morning with a pinch of sulfur added to the incense, beans offered over the left shoulder, and bronze clashing, are the Lemures expiated from your house. The boundaries set once more, now is the time to restore your home with your family, beginning with your Lares.

At Capua a Rosaria was held in the amphitheatre (CIL 10, 3792). The name suggests that this was a public festival to honor the Lares. In Rome the day might have been marked with rites performed at family tombs, picnicking with the ancestors. Otherwise, at home, bringing the images of your family Lares to the supper table for a family feast; fragrant incense inviting the Lares to enjoy their now purified home; a feast welcoming them to remain a part of your family; this day is marked by a thanksgiving to your Lares.

"Lares preserve! While young and still nursing, you guided me when I played at your feet. Let none profane your antique images: rough-hewn wooden statues set upon altars of upturned sod then dwelled among our grandfathers. In those days humble reverence provided you with sweet honey alone, you stayed in meager shrines made of twigs, in tattered robes the gods were pleased with offerings of grapes and wreathes of wheat set upon carved heads. Granted his wish, a man would bring you honey cakes and set his virgin daughters to attend your little shrines." ~ A. Tibullus 1.10.15-24

The ancestors were called to protect, preserve, and advise the family as elders of the family. We find expression of this idea through the centuries, beginning with Ennius who lived from 239 to 170 BCE.

"And you Lares, care for our house that you established." ~ Q. Ennius, Annales 1 fr. 141

Tibullus was still a young man at the time Augustus defeated Marcus Antonius at Actium; he was born in 50 BCE and died about twenty years later in 19 BCE.

"Lares, and you gods also, who earlier made our household fruitful and fortunate, may you guard and bless the little that remains today on our farm. Lares, accept what your kindred present to you." ~ A. Tibullus 1.1.19-24

Gaius Valerius Flaccus came almost a century later. He died shortly before 90 CE.

"Holy Father, give me the strength and courage to try to do you credit so that I may teach my children those lessons you once taught to me." ~ C. Valerius Flaccus Argonautica 6.288-91

It is, of course, on tombstones that we would most often find expressions about and towards the dead. The formulaic D. M. that begins most funerary inscriptions means "to the Di Manes" and it signfies a sacrifice offered to the Manes on behalf of the deceased that they might accept him among them and guide him to his destination in the afterlife in order that he might in turn become a Lar to guide his family. This idea is best expressed by a woman for her husband, and also on behalf of her own afterlife, probably in the second century CE:

"Whole-heartedly I pray to you, most holy Manes, may you admit my dear husband among you, and, may you want to be most indulging in this, that in the hours of the night I may see him and also be advised by him on what to do, in order that I may be able to swiftly and sweetly come stand by his side." ~ CIL 6.18817

Expressions like this are found from nearly the earliest period of Rome's written records, well into the fifteh century. So how does one make offerings to one's Lares, as opposed to the Lemures? Lares are ancestores, family members, so it is a simple matter of sharing your food and drink, and mostly your laughter with them. And at the end of the day an offering of olive oil is made by lighting a lamp for them at their tombs.


Our thought for today is from L. Annaeus Seneca minor, De Consolatione ad Marciam 9.4:

"Snatch the pleasures your children bring, let your children in turn find delight in you, and drain joy to the dregs without delay."

Salve Senator!

The Consuls have not forgotten it, but as You know it all hangs on one
person and it isn't easy any longer for him to find time to deal with
this.

Still the Senate has taken the necessary steps to get the IT-system
fixed so that we can deal with elections and other things without
needing to have anyone to "manipulate" the scripts.

********

11 maj 2010 kl. 01.04 skrev Cato:

Cato omnibus in foro SPD

It is apparent that our government has forgotten that we are still
without a colleague for the curule aedile. I formally request that
the law regarding filling vacant magistracies be obeyed and elections
held swiftly.

Valete,

Cato




*****************
Vale

Caeso Fabius Buteo Quintilianus

Consul Iterum
Princeps Senatus et Flamen Palatualis
Civis Romanus sum
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page
************************************************
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
"I'll either find a way or make one"
************************************************
Dignitas, Iustitia, Fidelitas et Pietas
Dignity, Justice, Loyalty and Dutifulness
************************************************
Mons Palatinus, Clivus Victoriae
Palatine Hill, Incline of Victoriae

This is just a test post.

Thank you.


MVM


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

Salve Maior,
Could you possibly post a link to this group? I didn't know such a thing exionsted!

Gratias,

L. Antonia Auriga

--- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "rory12001" <rory12001@...> wrote:
>
> M. Hortensia T. Aurelio spd;
> I know M. Cornelius Gualterus Graecus is very knowledgable about Mithras and wanted to form a collegia. Nabarz, is a devoted Mithraist.
>
> I suggest you cross post to the Religio Romana list as there are many subscribed there & there are a number of Mithra posts, if you use the search engine.
> optime vale
> Maior
>
> --- In Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com, "titusaureliusilerges" <titusaureliusilerges@> wrote:
> >
> > Salvete Omnes:
> >
> > There is any Mithras interest group in Nova Roma as of now? I'm aware there have been at least talks of creating a sodalites in the past, but as much as I look for it, I can't find any kind of Mithras worshipers around, I would be very grateful if anybody can offer me some advice on this topic
> >
> > Curate, ut valeatis
> >
> > Titus Aurelius Ilerges
> >
>

Salve Cn. Cornelius Lentulus:

I shall contact M. Cornelius Gualterus and Sibylla Ambrosia Flavia as soon as possible and see what can be done about a Mithras Sodalites, I've still got plenty of doubts and questions and hope everyone who wishes will collaborate in this project. I'm really gratiful to both you and to Flamen Hortensia for your gentle advice. Please forgive my uncompetent use of the latin protocol, I'm still learning it.

Curate et Valeatis

T. Aurelius Ilerges



 



________________________________
From: Cn. Cornelius Lentulus <cn_corn_lent@...>
To: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 8:36:31 AM
Subject: R: [Nova-Roma] (Ressurecting?) a Mithras Sodalites/Interest Group

 

Cn. Lentulus pontifex T. Aurelio sal.

That's very honourable from you that you want to help the growth of Nova Roma. All should follow your example. Like the praetrix and Flamen Hortensia suggested, contact M. Cornelius Gualterus who is an expert on Mithraism, and also, contact the Sacerdos Mithrae, Sibylla Ambrosia Flavia. Together, you three, could work on a project of creating a Nova Roman Mithraic Sodalitas.

Vale.

--- Gio 13/5/10, titusaureliusilerges <titusaureliusilerges@...> ha scritto:

Da: titusaureliusilerges <titusaureliusilerges@...>
Oggetto: [Nova-Roma] (Ressurecting?) a Mithras Sodalites/Interest Group
A: Nova-Roma@yahoogroups.com
Data: Giovedì 13 maggio 2010, 00:12

 

Salvete Omnes:

There is any Mithras interest group in Nova Roma as of now? I'm aware there have been at least talks of creating a sodalites in the past, but as much as I look for it, I can't find any kind of Mithras worshipers around, I would be very grateful if anybody can offer me some advice on this topic

Curate, ut valeatis

Titus Aurelius Ilerges

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







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

M. Moravius Piscinus cultoribus Deorum et omnibus salutem plurimam dicit: Dei vos annuant oro.

Hodie est die pristine Eidus Maiae; haec dies comitialis est: sacra Argeorum

"On this day too, the Vestals throw effigies made of rushes, in the form of men of old, from the oak bridge." ~ Ovidius Naso, Fasti 5.621

"Why is it that in the month of May at the time of the full moon they throw into the river from the Pons Sublicius figures of men, calling the images thrown Argives? Is it because in ancient days the barbarians wholived in these parts used to destroy thus the Greeks whom they captured? But Hercules, who was much admired by them, put an end to their murder of strangers and taught them to throw figures into the river, in imitation of their superstitious custom, The men of old used to call all Greeks Argives; unless it be, indeed, since the Arcadians regarded the Argives also as their enemies because of their immediate proximity, that, when Evander and his men fled Greece and settled here, they continued to preserve their ancient feud and enmity." ~ Plutarch, Roman Questions 32

On March 16 and 17 a procession was conducted throughout the City to the various sacella of the Argei. Varro said that there were twenty-seven sacella, of which he gives the location for several though not all, divided among the four divisions of the Servian City( Lingua Latinae 5.45-54). At each a puppet made of rushes was deposited. Next, on 14 May these rush puppets were taken from their sacella and brought to the Pons Sublicius from which they were thrown into the Tiber, or otherwise submerged into the water. Present at this ritual were magistrates, in particular the praetor urbanus, the pontifices, Vestales Virgines, the flamenica Dialis, and a class of priests called tutulati. Of the latter, Varro explains:

"The Argei are made of rushes, human figures twenty-seven in number; each year these are thrown into the Tiber from the Pons Sublicius by the sacerdotes, acting on behalf of the public. These priests are called tutulati since at the sacrifice they are accustomed to have something like a conical marker on their heads; this is called a tutulus from the fact that the twisted locks of hair which the matrons wear on the tops of their heads wrapped with a woolen band, used to be called tutuli, whether named from the fact that this was done for the purpose of protecting (tueri) the hair, or because that which is the highest in the City, namely the Arx, was called tutissimum (the safest)." ~ M. Terrentius Varro, Lingua Latinae 7.44

"It is said also that the ancients sacrificed human victims to Saturn, as was done at Carthage while that city stood and as is there is done to this day among the Gauls and certain other western nations, and that Hercules, desiring to abolish the custom of this sacrifice, erected the altar upon the Saturnian hill and performed the initial rites of sacrifice with unblemished victims burning on a pure fire. And lest the people should feel any scruple at having neglected their traditional sacrifices, he taught them to appease the anger of the God by making effigies resembling the men they had been wont to bind hand and foot and throw into the stream of the Tiber, and dressing these in the same manner, to throw them into the river instead of the men, his purpose being that any superstitious dread remaining in the minds of all might be removed, since the semblance of the ancient rite would still be preserved. This the Romans continued to do every year even down to my day a little after the vernal equinox, in the month of May, on what they call the Ides (the day they mean to be the middle of the month); on this day, after offering the preliminary sacrifices according to the laws, the pontifices, as the most important of the priests are called, and with p125them the virgins who guard the perpetual fire, the praetors, and such of the other citizens as may lawfully be present at the rites, throw from the sacred bridge into the stream of the Tiber thirty effigies made in the likeness of men, which they call Argei." ~ Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities, 1.38.2-3

Different stories were told to explain this rite, projecting it back into a time before Rome. In one story, Hercules teaches the aboriginal people of the seven hills to use men made of rushes as substitutes for human sacrifices. In another it was said that young men use to throw old men from the bridge when passing over to vote in comitia. The rite was then thought to have been made to placate the murdered old men. There is very little evidence that human sacrifices were practiced at Rome, and what there is comes from a later period than the legends suggests. That is, Livy tells us of two instances during the era of the Punic Wars where two couples in each instance, one of Greeks and one of Etruscans, were sacrificed. Also Carandini has discovered the remains of four individuals that appear to have been sacrificed in a rite related to Remus at a time when the poemerium was extended. The Romans themselves speculated that such a use puppets as found with the argei, and also the oscilla hung in trees at the feriae Latinae and the Paganalia, had been substituted for an earlier practice of human sacrifice. There is no evidence in any remains ever found at such places that such was true; whereas the puppets would seem more likely to correspond to bronze votives of human and animal forms as have been found in favissa on the Capitoline Hill, in Sabine territories and elsewhere. Something like the paintings found in Val Camonica, dating from the Bronze Age and into the early Iron Age, the votives represent participants in the rites rather than any sacrificial victims.

Another story told is that the Argei represent those Greek heroes who travelled with Hercules to Italy and settled at Rome. When in old age and nearing death they requested that they be returned by sea to their native land, and thus the puppets represent sending their souls down river, to the open sea, where they might be carried to their fatherland. This story, too, is a later invention and lends no real explanation for the ritual.

Working from such ideas Wissowa proposed that the rite was introduced by the decemviri sacris faciundis in response to a pestilence that occurred between the first and second Punic Wars. In his theory, twenty-seven (or twenty-four, or thirty after Dionysius of Halicarnassus) Greeks were taken to different stations in the City, and held for a while before being sacrificed by drowning. Wissowa's ideas have been refuted for the same reasons as disputes the Romans own speculations, but also because the decemviri did not participate in this rite, and no mention is made of the Sibylline Oracles in relation to the Argei. Nevertheless there may be some merit to his ideas on when this rite was introduced. It does not appear in any calendar, and does not appear to have been one of the early state rites. Thus it would seem to have originated sometime after the fourth century, and the Greek elements in legends about the rite's origin may suggest an introduction as late as the mid second century.

The origin and purpose of the ritual is uncertain among our sources. The presence of the Vestales along with the pontifices, and the fact that a procession was conducted from the various sacalla to the Tiber suggest that this was a purification ritual. Another feature is seen with the flamenica Dialis.

"When she goes to the Argei, that she neither combs her head nor dresses her hair." ~ Aulus Gellius, Noctes Atticae 10.15.30

In other words, she presents herself in public as though she is in mourning. On two other occasions she is seen in the same manner; when the Salii perform a purification of the City in March and when the Vestales perform a purification of the Temple of Vesta in June. There is another rite with something similar. The lapis manalis, a large stone that sounded like thunder when rolled through Rome, was brought from the Campus Martius to the Capitolium. This was a rite of sympathetic magic to induce Jupiter to send rain. The rite of the argei is a dramatic performance rather than a sacrifice. So it shares in something common with the ritual where the lapis manalis is brought out. Also in Ptolemaic Egyptwhere images of Adonis were immersed in the Nile amid a weeping crowd in a ritual to secure the flooding of the river and fertility of the land. Tacitus describes how images of the Germanic Goddess Nerthus was immersed in rivers for a similar reason (Germania 40). Other examples of such rites among Teutonic, Slavonic, and Greek traditions are cited by W. W. Fowler as parallels. Behind the legends, and some modern assumptions as well, the ritual of immersing the rush puppets into the Tiber has features that show it, too, is a rite involving sympathetic magic, a purification of the City, in order to secure rain and fertility.

"The magic elements in the rite are clear: The straw puppets, made to look like men, were as good as men themselves in a magic rite, whether or not the rite originated in human sacrifice. Again, if the straw represented the products of the earth, `the corn spirit,' as it has been called, these puppets, when drenched in water, were sufficient to cause the rain to fall, just as the lapis manalis, when drenched with water, could cause the heavens to overflow. Further, this view is strengthened by the prominent part taken in the rite by the Vestals, who, in all their public religious duties, were concerned with rites to produce fertility in crops and flocks and who, as we know, were possessed of magic powers. The procession itself involved purification – a magic rite itself – as was the case with all Roman processions." ~ Eli Edward Burriss, The Classical Journal, Vol. 24, No. 2 (Nov., 1928), pp. 112-123.


Today's thought is from Seneca, On Tranquility 10:

"We are all chained to Fortune. Some chains are golden and loose, some are tight and made of base metal; but what difference does it make? All of us are in custody, the binders and the bound – unless you suppose the left end of the chain is lighter. Some are chained by office, some by wealth; some are weighed down by high birth, some by low; some are subject to another's tyranny, some to their own; some ar confined to one spot by banishment, some by a priesthood. All life is bondage. Man musttherefore habituate himselfto his condition, complain of it as little as possible, and grasp whatever good lies within his reach. No situation is so harsh that a dispassionate mind cannot find some consolation in it."

Ex domo Auguris

M. Moravius Piscinus Magister Collegii Augurum P. Memmio et K. Fabio Butone Consulibus: salutem plurimam dicit.

Responsum augurum de tribudio consularis

Having weighed the laws of Nova Roma and the ars augurium on the matter of the dispute between Consul P. Memmius Albucius and myself in regard to the auspices taken for the rogation held in the Comitia Centuria last April, it is my considered opinion that:

First, the Constitution VI.B.1assigns the Collegium Pontificum with "responsibilities within the Religio Romana"alone, and limits its responsibilities to "the public Religio Romana." In all of the specific responsibilites of the Collegium Pontificum and with its "general authority over the institutions, rites, rituals, and priesthoods of the public Religio Romana" as well as over the religious calendar, it is clear that the constitutional limitation on the authority of the Collegium Pontificum are the sacra publica alone. Its power of issuing decreta is likewise limited to the sphere of the public Religio Romana with regard to the sacra publica alone. The Constitution VI.B.2 is still more clear on the sphere of responsibilities of the Collegium Augurum with regard to the ars auguria. The Collegium Pontificum has no constitutional authority to issue decreta concerning any aspect of the ars augurum, and the Collegium Augurum has no constitutional authority to issue decreta concerning any sacra publica performed by the Collegium Pontificum, except with regard to declaring the inauspiciousness of that vitia as may occur during the sacra publica. Further, there is no authority under the Constitution for the Collegium Pontificum and the Collegium Augurum to have held a joint session. Indeed, with the completely distinct areas of responsibility and authority, it is clear that, in the absence of any authorization to hold joint sessions of the Collegia, the Constitution prohibits joint sessions of the two Collegia.

Therefore I must conslude that the the Decretum Collegii Pontificum et Augurum de iure auspicando et tripudio, issued a.d. IV Non. Dec. K. Fabio T. Labieno ccos.in anno MMDCCLVI, and the corresponding decreta issued under it, were unconstitutional as were so many other decreta issued by the Collegium Pontificum in that time period of Nova Roma's history. Therefore the provisions of those decreta must be regarded as unconstitutional, voided, and without any effect. It is solely the responsibility of the Collegium Augurum to issue decreta concerning auspicium and tripudium and they shall now have to issue decreta to replace the earlier and unconstitutional decreta in question..


Secondly, a question arose as to whether those who are granted imperium by the Comitia Curiata have an implicit power of auspicium. They do not. It is very clear that imperium and auspicium were always regarded as separate powers. The curiata passed seperate leges de imperia and leges de auspicia. One example of the distinction made in Roma antiqua is with the Scholia Veron. Aen. 10.241, which is our only description of a tripudium. There the phrase "quem imperium auspiciumque erat" is used. Roberta Stewart address this distinction in Public Office in Early Rome: Ritual Procedures & Political Practice. At p. 22 she says:

"Political power at Rome was made efficient by its diffusion. Popular election
annually conferred title of office to multiples of public officials of equal
rank, what Mommsen called collegiality. A subsequent vote of the curiae
ratified the general authority of office bestowed by election, the right to
issue orders to an army (imperium), and the right to seek auspices, or bird
signs, from Jupiter before undertaking any public business (auspicium)."

And again at p. 95, she writes:

"we observed a three-step procedure for investiture among military tribunes with
consular power: an election conferred title of office among multiples of
officials of equal rank; a curiate law affirmed imperium and auspicium; the
absolute powers of curule office and the allotment of particular assignments in
pairs of colleagues established internal control on the authority of
colleagues."

With regard to the tribunes with consular powers of which R. Stewart speaks, they held imperium so that they could command armies, but they did not hold auspicium by which to hold elections. The imperium and the auspicium of praetores were less than those of consules, and thus a praetor could not hold an election for a consul (Cicero, ad Att.
9.9.3). Valerius Messalla distinguished between maiores magistrates elected in the centuriata under major auspicium and the minores magistrates elected in the tributa under lesser auspicium (Gell. Noct. Att. 13.15.4). Only those elected under the major auspices could be installed with imperium by the curiae. Lesser magistrates held a kind of quasi-auspicium commensable with their offices since auspices were taken before doing any public business. But they did not hold the higher ius auspicandi that a consul held, whereby he had the right to represent the respublica when calling upon Jupiter.

This distinction is quite important, especially in how it is found in our own Constitution. .The Constitution III.A.1 empowers the Comitia Curiata "To invest elected and appointed magistrates with Imperium," and says nothing about auspicium. Likewise the Constitution IV.A2a; 3.a; and 4.a invests curule magistrates with imperium, but says nothing about a power of auspicium. Leges that follow the Constitution, such as the Lex Arminia Equitia de imperio, try to define the rights of magistrates as granted by their holding imperium and also speak of the potentes of magistrates and tribuni plebis. But no where in any Nova Roma law are magistrates given the power, right, or honor of auspicium.

On the other hand, the Constitution VI.B.2 explicitly invests the Collegium Augurum collectively and augures individually with all "honors, powers and responsibilities" over the ars auguria and its application in Nova Roma. Augures alone have the constitutional power to delay a meeting of a comitia or the Senate by declaring an obnuntio (VI.B.2.b.2). Implicitly, if individual augures have a power to declare obnuntiones, they must have the power of auspicium because only with auspicium would they have authority to call upon Jupiter Optimus Maximus to provide signs during an auspication, while without auspicium one is not authorized to conduct a public auspication.

Therefore curule magistrates who hold imperium in Nova Roma do not hold auspicium. And therefore also, the Collegium Augurium alone has constitutional authority to grant usufruct rights to auspicium and no magistrate or comitia may usurp that power from the Collegium Augurum.


Thirdly, the Lex Fabia de Ratione Comitiorum Centuriatorum that governs rogations held in the comita states at 3.B.2 that during the contio "A member of the Collegium Augurum shall be invited by the presiding magistrate to seek favorable auspices for the conduct of the vote, subject to those rules and regulations the Collegium Augurum shall set forth by decreta. Should the presiding magistrate himself be a member of the Collegium Augurum, he may take the auspices for the vote himself."

The fact is that Consul P. Memmius did request a member of the Collegium Augurum to take auspices for his convening of the Comitia Centuriata. He was informed that my own three attempts to find favorable auspices had failed, that unusual and ill-omened signs were seen instead. As Magister Collegii Augurum, I advised the Consul that I should wait and take the auspices again when it might be a better time. Specifically, the Consul had requested that I take auspices for convening both the Senate and the Comitia Centuriat, and I suggested that since my attempts at this had failed that we should hold separate auspices for the Senate and later for the comitia. He agreed. I took the auspices for the Senate session, which, although not favorable, they did not prohibt the Senate from convening either. The Consul held the session on his own discretion.

The call for the Comitia Centuriata to assemble, issued by Consul P. Memmius stated that favorable signs had been obtained. Certainly not by me. Nor had my colleague taken the auspices, and therefore had not seen favorable signs. The Consul apparently never took the auspices either, as he was later to claim. However, the Lex Fabia de ratione does not require that favorable auspices are received before a comitia is assembled; only that favourable auspices be sought. It is left to a consul's discretion, by virtue of his imperium, whether or not to proceed with a comitia in spite of having received unfavorable auspices. The stunning results of the rogationes, with all of the Consul's proposed legislation failing, is a clear example of what happens when a magistrate ignores the will of the Gods as expressed through the auspices. Ne istuc Iuppiter opiimus maximus sirit. Male te Di faciant, qui profane et impie sis. But in this, there was nothing in the Consul's actions that did not comply with the letter of Nova Roman laws and therefore his actions were legal, if enteriely unprecedent in his disregard of the auspices by a Nova Roma consul.

Therefore I shall merely pass on to the Consul and to all magistrates the advice offered by Titus Livius (5.51.5-6): Invenietis omnia prospera evenisse sequentibus Deos, adversa spernentibus. "You discover that all events turn out well when we follow the Gods in obedience, and ill when we spurn Them."


Lastly then, there is a seemingly contradictory assignment of precedence in the Constitution. Whereon the one hand legal precedence at I.B has: "This Constitution shall be the highest legal authority within Nova Roma" and has in descending order the "legal authority by edicta issued by consuls acting under the Senatus consulta ultima, laws properly voted and passed by one of the comitia, decreta passed by the collegium pontificum, decreta passed by the collegium augurum, Senatus consulta, and magisterial edicta," While on the other hand VI.B.1.c and VI.B.2.a.2 hold that decreta issued by the Collegium Pontificum or the Collegium Augurum "may not be overruled by laws passed in the comitia or Senatus consultum." These seemingly contradicting provisions are instead exclusionary of one another. It is clear in section VI that the intent is that decreta that had previously been issued by the Collegia may not be overturned later by leges or senatusconsulta. However, the Constitution is also clear that the Collegia may not issue any decreta that would overrule a pre-existing lex as it would then violate section I.B. It is therefore equally clear that were either a comitia to pass a lex to overrule a decretum of one of the Collegia, or a Collegium to issue a decretum that overruled a lex passed by a comitia, then the Tribuni Plebis must strike it down as unconstitutional.

The Lex Fabia de ratione comitiorum centuriatorum was passed on 8 Oct. 2003. Its requirement that favourable auspices be sought prior to an assembly of the Comitia Centuriata refers to the ars auguria under the Collegium Augurum, and this takes precedence over any augural decretum that would be issued at a later date. It should be noted that the Decretum Collegii Pontificum et Augurum de iure auspicando et tripudio, had it been constitutional, would fall into this category of a decretum issued after the lex since it was issued on 2 Dec. 2003. However section 3.B.2 of the Lex Fabia states that the taking of the auspices shall be "subject to those rules and regulations theCollegium Augurum shall set forth by decreta". Clearly the Lex Fabia addressed the possibility that later decreta would be issued by the Collegium Augurum and would hold legal precedence in matters concerned with the ars auguria.

Therefore even though the Lex Fabia de ratione comitiorum centuriatorum would normally have legal precedence under the Constitution I.B over any decreta that would follow after it, this lex itself deferrs legal precedence to later decreta of the Collegium Augurum that deal with auspices in relation to the Comitia Centuriata. The Decretum Collegii Pontificum et Augurum de iure auspicando et tripudio may be void by virtue of its being unconstitutional, but it is still left to the Collegium Augurum under the Constitution and under the Lex Fabia to issue an instructive decretum in this regard.


Therefore, from the above considerations ,one must conclude the following:

1. In any question over legal precedence between leges and decreta, the main initial consideration is which had preceeded the other. Leges passed by comitia may not nullify pre-existing decreta of a sacerdotal collegium, and decreta may not set conditions that would, in effect, nullify a pre-existing lex.
2. The Lex Arminia Equitia de imperio grants curule magistrates the power to interpret the law when there are discrepencies in the law and/or seemingly contraditory provisions in the law.
3. Although curule magistrates of Nova Roma hold imperium, they do not hold a power of auspicium.
4. The Collegium Augurum alone has constitutional authority over the auspices in regard to how they are to be taken, who shall be authorized to take auspices, how this authorization is granted if extended from the constitutional authority of the Collegium Augurum, when auspices may be taken and when, and every other aspect of the ars auguria and of templa erected under the authority of augures.
5. Under the Constitution VI.B.2.b.2 individual augures alone may declare obnuntiones, which was further recognized in the Lex Fabia de ratione comitiorum centuriatorum section 3.B.1.2 on timing of the vote in comita, and therefore, implicitly, it must hold that only the public augures possess a constitutional power of auspicium.
6. The imperium of a magistrate does not allow him or her to deviate in any way from the instructions provided by augures in regard to the ars auguria. The imperium of a curule magistrate does, however, allow him or her to ignore the advice provided by the auspices, as Appius Claudius famously did, but a magistrate who does so risks breaking fides with the Gods and thus could also jeapordize the pax Deorum of the Res Publica Populi Novi Romani, leading to a disaster for Nova Roma as occurred to the fleet of Appius Clauidus and to the army of Flaminius at Lake Trasimene.

Nova Roma, its Citizens and its Magistrates need to reflect more deeply on the statement of Valerius Maximus (2.1.1), "Among our ancestors nothing was done either publicly or privately without first consulting the auspices." It had been unprecedented before for any consul of Nova Roma to either ignore or forego the auspices as Consul P. Memmius appears to have done. It has cost him personally and politically. May the Gods understand and not allow the neglect of one man to reflect upon the future of Nova Roma.


Ab manu pridie Idus Maiae ab Urbe condita MMDCCLXIII P. Memmio K. Fabio Buteone cos.

Cato Piscino sal.

Mixed in among a large number of things is this curious statement:

"1. In any question over legal precedence between leges and decreta, the main initial consideration is which had preceeded the other. Leges passed by comitia may not nullify pre-existing decreta of a sacerdotal collegium, and decreta may not set conditions that would, in effect, nullify a pre-existing lex."

This is not true. The Constitution clearly states the order of legal precedence:

"This Constitution shall be the highest legal authority within Nova Roma, apart from edicts issued by a legally appointed dictator. It shall thereafter be followed in legal authority by edicta issued by consuls acting under the Senatus consulta ultima, laws properly voted and passed by one of the comitia, decreta passed by the collegium pontificum, decreta passed by the collegium augurum, Senatus consulta, and magisterial edicta (in order of descending authority as described in section IV of this Constitution), in that order."

No lex or edictum or decretum can override the Constitution's enumeration of legal precedence, so a law passed in comitia does, in fact, nullify a decretum. The Constitution does not allow for us to impose restrictions on its language regarding when a decretum or lex was passed, only that a lex overrides a decretum.

There is not even a question of a decretum having any effect on a lex.

Vale,

Cato

Tribunae Plebis Maximae Valeriae Messallinae Quiritibus S.P.D. 
 
Citizens of Nova Roma,
 
Here is the Tribunician report of the Senate session of April 24 to May 7, 2763. The votes have been tallied and the results are as follows: 

 
The Senate was called into session at 6:00 hours, Rome time (12:00 a.m. EDT) on a.d. VIII Kal. Mai., Saturday, April 24, 2763 auc. and discussions continued until 24:00 hours, Rome time (6:00 p.m. EDT). A recess was called due to April 25th being Robigalia and dies nefastus publicus. Discussions were resumed at 6:00 hours, Rome time (12:00 a.m. EDT) on a.d. VI Kal. Mai., Monday, April 26, 2763 and continued until 24.00 hours, Rome time (6:00 p.m. EDT), pr. Kal. Mai., Friday, April 30th. A second recess was called due to May 1st being Floralia and May 2nd being dies ateri. 

Voting on the Agenda began at 6:00 hours, Rome time (12:00 a.m. EDT) on a.d. V Non. Mai., Monday, May 3, 2763 and concluded at 18:00 hours, Rome time, (12:00 p.m. EDT) on Non. Mai., Friday, May 7, 2763 auc.

 
The following XX Senators cast their votes on time. They are referred to by their initials which are listed in alphabetical order (with the exception of the presiding magistrate who will be listed first): 
 

*KFBQ: K. Fabius Buteo Quintilianus – Presiding Magistrate
 
*ATS: A. Tullia Scholastica
*CCS: C. Curius Saturninus
*CFD: C. Flavius Diocletianus
*CnEM: Cn. Equitius Marinus
*CnIC: Cn. Iulius Caesar
*EqIL: Equestria Iunia Laeca
*KFBM: K. Fabius Buteo Modianus
*MAM: M. Arminius Maior
*MHM: M. Hortensia Maior
*MIP: M. Iulius Perusianus
*MLA: M. Lucretius Agricola
*MMA M. Minucius Audens
*MMPH: M. Moravius Piscinus Horatianus  
*PMA: P. Memmius Albucius 
*QFM: Q. Fabius Maximus
*QSP: Q. Suetonius Paulinus
*TiGPTi.: Ti. Galerius Paulinus
*TIS: T. Iulius Sabinus 


One Senator voted by proxy:
*LCSF: L. Cornelius Sulla Felix (Proxy vote delivered by Cn. Iulius Caesar)

 
One Senator's vote arrived too late:
*CEC: C. Equitius Cato 
 
The following Senatores (XI) did not vote:
*ArnMA: Arn. Moravia Aurelia
*CMM: C. Marius Merullus
*CVP: C. Vipsanius Agrippa
*DIPI: Dec. Iunius Palladius Invictus
*EmCF: Em. Curia Finnica
*FAC: Fr. Apulus Caesar
*FGA: Fl. Galerius Aurelianus 
*MCC: M. Curiatius Complutensis
*MIS: M. Iulius Severus
*PVSV: P. Ullerius Stephanus Venator   
 
_____________________________________________
  
"VTI ROGAS" indicates a vote in favor of an item,
"ANTIQVO" is a vote against,
"ABSTINEO" is an open abstention. 
_____________________________________________

 
 
ITEM I – Decision about a possible public advertisement outside of Nova Roma or
a Nova Roman ad on the main list to get someone for the IT job. Discussion + voting.

The Senatores were asked to vote on Option 1 and/or Option 2. Option 1 was for placing an advertisement on our mailing list to try to find a cheaper solution. Option 2 was to try and find an outside programmer.

Item I - Option 1:
Vti Rogas - 20  
Antiqvo - 0 
Abstineo - 0
 
The result of the voting is Item I - Option 1 PASSED.
 
Item I - Option 2:
Vti rogas - 0
Antiqvo - 15
Astineo - 1
 
The result of the voting is Item I - Option 2 FAILED. 
 
*KFBQ: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo.
*ATS: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 1 - "The website might also be a good place for this."  On Option 2 - "Let us try Option A  (or 1, though correct outlining follows the Roman numeral with a capital letter) first.  Even among my students there are several who are involved in IT."    
*CCS: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo.  
*CFD: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. 
*CnEM: I.1 Vti rogas. 
*CnIC: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 2 - "We need to explore the possibly cheaper options, and examine the abilities, qualifications and references of those on the Main List who believe they can handle the task."  
*EqIL: I.1 Vti rogas. 
*KFBM: I.1 Vti rogas.
*LCSF: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo.
*MAM: I.1 Vti rogas.
*MHM: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. 
*MIP: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. 
*MLA: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 2 - "Better to try option 1 before going to option 2."
*MMA: I.1 Vti rogas. 
*MMPH: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 2 - "This option would prove costly and leave less funds available to do the work needed. Better to try option 1 before going to option 2."
*PMA: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Abstineo. On Option 2 - "As the sub-item is written, it may be believed that both solutions are incompatible. But, if a first call "on the mailing list" cannot help us finding the appropriate candidate, we will have to find a programmer "outside"." 
*QFM: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 1 - "Members here would be the first choice since they know how Nova Roma works.  They already know the requirements the new program needs."  On Option 2 - "An outside designer will be pricey.  We all know programmers,  we deal with them daily in our mundane life.  Let's ask around."  
*QSP: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 2 - "An outside designer will be costly and I agree with QFM."    
*TiGPTi.: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. 
*TIS: I.1 Vti rogas, I.2 Antiqvo. On Option 1 - "Our members have priority. They know how the things are going on in Nova Roma and understand which are the requirements and expectations from the program or system they must create." On Option 2 - "That is an option only if the first don't work."

 
_____________________________________________________________
 
 
ITEM II – Appointment of a Central Financial Officer (CFO). Names will be sent
to the Senate in time for the contio if at all possible. Discussion + voting.
 
*Attention Citizens: there is a special note regarding the vote on Item II at the end of this report.*
 
The Senate was asked to vote on keeping Equestria Iunia Laeca as the CFO for Nova Roma for an extended period from May 8, 2763 auc., to September 30, 2763 auc., during which time a new CFO would be found or another reasonable solution to the handling of the finances of Nova Roma.

 
Item II
Vti Rogas - 18  
Antiqvo - 0 
Abstineo - 1  
 
The result of the voting is Item II PASSED. 
 
*KFBQ: Vti rogas. 
*ATS: Vti rogas. "She has done a fine job amid considerable difficulties. " 
*CCS: Vti rogas. 
*CFD: Vti rogas. 
*CnEM: Vti rogas. 
*CnIC: Vti rogas. 
*EqIL: Vti rogas. "The correct title should be Chief Financial Officer,
not Central Financial Officer."
*KFBM: Vti rogas.
*LCSF: Abstineo.
*MAM: Vti rogas.
*MHM: Vti rogas. "I admire and respect our CFO who has done so much to put Nova Roma's financial house in order, I hope the newly returned G. Popillius Laenas, who is an accountant will help & assume this burden."  
*MIP: Vti rogas. 
*MLA: Vti rogas. "I cannot agree more with the praise already given to Equestria Iunia. Her performance and dedication have been exemplary. Her work has been one of the best things that has happened in a long time and it will continue to benefit us all in the years to come."
*MMA: Vti rogas. 
*MMPH: Vti rogas. "Equestria Iunia has performed in a most exempliary and professional manner. All Nova Romans should offer her their thanks for the benefit she has provided to Nova Roman by her placing our finances on a more stable and secure footing, and for providing us with a system that allows accountability, improved financial reporting, and better budgeting. She deserves our thanks, and she deserves a respite from the duties she has performed so admirably over the past years." 
*QFM: Vti rogas. 
*QSP: Vti rogas. 
*TiGPTi.: Vti rogas. "I want to say thank you to Equestria Iunia Laeca for her outstanding service in a thankless position. She has done a superlative job. Her dedication is unmatched, her integrity untouchable, her performance outstanding, her attention to detail exceptional and her over all demeanor that of a consummate professional. Well done madam!" 
*TIS: Vti rogas. 

______________________________________________________

 
ITEM III – This Item was tabled. No discussion or vote.
 
_____________________________________________________
 
 
ITEM IV - Information about the Conventus in Rome from a.d. XV Kal. Quint., June 17, 2763 auc., to a.d. XI Kal. Quint., June 21, 2763 auc. Discussion only, no vote.
 
No information was presented about this Item, thus there was no discussion and no comments to be included in this report.
  
____________________________________________________  


 
*Special note concerning the vote on Item II.
 
Citizens,
 
On May 7 at 16:04 hours, Rome time, Consul Albucius voted on Item I, but on Item II, the Consul vetoed the vote. (Message# 16947 on the Senatus Romanus list).
 
Here are Consul Albucius' comments exactly as he posted them along with his veto:
 
 

"Item II - NO VOTE, for VETO on the period from June 20th to Sept. 30th. 
 
Comments: 
 
In Jan. 2761 auc, the consuls proposed the Senate the creation of an office of Chief Financial Officer. This office was to last two years, until last March 1st.. Hon. Iunia Laeca was, in the same senatus consultum, appointed as this CFO. In November 2761, Hon.Iunia was granted by the senate special century points for her service.


At this time, I had told my disagreement towards creating such CFO position, as long as we will not have solved the question of the relation between our Roman magistracies and offices and the positions that we would need in the frame of our association, NR Inc., under national laws.
 
My position as a consul is the same that my position, two years ago, as a senator, and is a fortiori confirmed by the last debate on the constitution preamble debate: if we intend to remain close to Roman principles and specially the organization of a Roman State, there is no place for a CF office for the Res publica has financial quaestors.
 
If on the contrary we consider that the external environment obliges us to be organized, at least for a few points, like an association, we may consider that such positions are required. We have the same difficulty for every technical position which did not exist in Ancient Rome, like for example the C.I.O. and the Magister aranearius ones.


Whatever the choice we do, we must be coherent and assume it.


Hon. Iunia's term has ended on last March 1st, at the natural time set by the senate, and in a context where Iunia's availabilities did not allow her taking part to the preparation of the Budget 2763 auc.
 
It was then, when a draft for new bylaws had been issued, the time to open from March on til now, a coherent and timely thinking and debate on this point. This is why, taking also in consideration Iunia's uneasy availability, I did not propose the Senate to prorogue the CFO's term, whoever the civis be in charge of it.


If the management of Nova Roma finances requires the utmost attention, it is not good policy to delay month after month decisions on the matter, and be obliged, by the calendar to prorogue by default a situation.


I am well conscious of the efforts of my colleague in order to have filled the CFoffice as soon as possible. I am grateful that Laeca could find new time to care about NR finances.
 
My second difficulty, in addition of the position evoked above, is that the consuls agreed in Sweden on a preliminary consultation; at the end of this consultation, a joint point would be made, and the way how to consult the senate would be decided at this time. By proposing Hon. Iunia a prorogation, my colleague has leaped over this step, despite my observations of last a.d. III Kal. Maias.


As I am sure that my dear colleague Quintilianus has acted with good will and faith, I have decided not to oppose his whole proposal, for we agree on the essential things, but just to veto it on the period going from June 20th on to September 30th. This will allow us to assume our financial priorities (the receipt of the annual taxes, the preparation of the meeting organized by my colleague in Rome, the first expenses on the IT Project, and to set some financial moves), and to boost the examination of the NR Inc. Bylaws, which we should has discussed sooner.
 
The present veto is naturally worth of a consular edict, issued on this day and hour, interceding on the item II, as worded above, currently presented by my colleague. It allows the normal application of the Item II, specially if approved, from May 8th to June 20th, and does not for the period from June 21st to Sept. 30th."
 
(end of comments)
____________________________________________________
 
 
Upon closer inspection of this unexpected and unprecedented action, I, as Tribuna Plebis, post the following to the Senatus Romanus list in response:
 
 
"From: Maxima Valeria Messallina <maximavaleriamessallina@...>
Subject: [SenatusRomanus] Intercessio
To: senatusromanus@yahoogroups.com, Tribunes@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2010, 9:41 PM

 



 







Ex Officio Tribuna Plebis Maxima Valeria Messallina Senatui  
 
 
I, Maxima Valeria Messallina, Tribuna Plebis, hereby do pronounce intercessio against the veto of Consul P. Memmius Albucius given on May 7, 2763 auc., at 16:04 hours, Rome time, to the vote on Item II of the Senate's agenda. Upon closer inspection of this unexpected and unprecedented action, I issue this counter-veto for the following reasons:
 
The Constitution of Nova Roma states about the consules (2,d) that they may "pronounce intercessio (intercession; a veto) against another consul or magistrate of lesser authority.."  Therefore, a consul may veto the actions of another consul or magistrate, but there is nothing in our Constitution that states a consul may veto the collective decision of the Senate or any of the Comitia.  The law is implicit in its limits on a consul's actions.
 
Consul Albucius could have vetoed the proposed item when it was placed for discussion, but he took no such action at the proper time. Once a vote was called on said item, it was too late. 
 
Also, as per Article V of our Constitution "The supreme policy-making authority for Nova Roma shall be embodied in its Senate" and not in a consul. And as per Article IV, 7a, which states:
 



"To pronounce intercessio (intercession; a veto) against the actions of any other magistrate (with the exception of the dictator and the interrex), Senatus consulta, magisterial edicta, religious decreta, and leges passed by the comitia when the spirit and /or letter of this Constitution or legally-enacted edicta or decreta, Senatus Consulta or leges are being violated thereby;"
 
As a Tribune, I feel strongly that the veto of Consul Albucius violates the spirit, if not the letter of the law, because the full Senate is neither a consul nor a lesser magistrate.  



 
 
Valete bene in pace Deorum,
 
Maxima Valeria Messallina
Tribuna Plebis"
 
 
Tribuni Plebis C. Curius Saturninus, C. Petronius Dexter, and M. Octavius Corvus supported the intercessio.
 
 
On May 10, 2763 auc., at 11:58 hours, Rome time, Consul Albucius informed Consul Quintilianus that he was withdrawing his veto. Therefore, no vote is shown for Consul Albucius on Item II.
 
_________________________________________________________
 
Tribuni Plebis:

Maxima Valeria Messallina (reporting)
C. Curius Saturninus
C. Petronius Dexter
M. Octavius Corvus
C. Aquilius Rota 
  
Valete bene in pace Deorum,
 
Maxima Valeria Messallina
Tribuna Plebis




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