Archive for March, 2011
Books on Ancient Roman Sexuality Posted by kunthra on Mar 29, 2011
For some reason we have always been fascinated by ancient Roman sexuality. In previous times, the discussion of ancient Roman sexuality was either covered up or ignored. In other cases, it has been sensationalized. There are countless books on the subject matter, and depending on how you feel (embarrassed or interested), here are some books…
Wise Sayings of the Ancient Romans Posted by kunthra on Mar 25, 2011
The ancient Romans were witty people who left us with pithy and wise sayings. Take for instance this phrase, Volenti non fit iniuria (Volenti = willing. Non = not. Fit = do. Iniuria = harm.) In English this means “To a willing person one cannot do harm”. Note that ‘iniuria’ can also mean “injustice”, “wrong”…
Ancient Roman Victories Posted by kunthra on Mar 22, 2011
When we remember the ancient Romans, we will remember them for their literature, their art and for their military prowess. In terms of the number of battles the ancient Romans waged, they won more times than they lost. In honor of these victories, here are my top three triumphs that demonstrate the ancient Romans did…
Gaudeamus Igitur Posted by kunthra on Mar 20, 2011
Gaudeamus Igitur (Let us rejoice) is a popular song among the university students in Europe. It’s a song about the brevity of youth and how one should enjoy it while it lasts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcQJPo4Hh6k Gaudeamus igitur iuvenes dum sumus (Let’s rejoice while we are young) Post iucundam iuventutem, (After a pleasant youth,) Post molestam senectutem (After…
Priests of Ancient Rome Posted by kunthra on Mar 17, 2011
The ancient Romans were a religious people. They believed that the gods existed and that the gods had the power to bring upon blessings or misfortunes. The belief in the divine placed the priest class of ancient Rome in a powerful position. In ancient Rome, being a priest could boost an individual’s wealth and status…
Ancient Roman Recipes Posted by kunthra on Mar 14, 2011
The upper class of ancient Rome loved to dine and throw banquet parties for guests. These banquets were feasts with all sorts of lavish and exotic dishes. One of the complete collections of ancient Roman recipes that we have a copy of is from a collection called Apicius : De re coquinaria . This title…
Ancient Roman Circuses Posted by kunthra on Mar 12, 2011
The modern usage for the term circus is not that different from the ancient Roman usage for the word circus. Like the ancient Roman circuses, modern circuses provide various entertainments for the audience’s pleasure. However ancient Roman circuses were slightly different in that the entertainment was not suitable for young children. There would often be…