The Similarities You Never Saw Coming

The popular book and television series, Game of Thrones, portrays a world rich with magic, adventure, romance, and history. While most fans of the series thoroughly enjoy the refreshing originality of the series; others would say that Game of Thrones is simply a fantastical interpretation of actual historic events and themes. In this post, I will attempt to analyze some of these historic references that may be obvious or not so obvious. While it is known that a majority of the history that Game of Thrones is based on is much earlier than Ancient Rome (1400's-1600's); I would argue that there are several examples from Ancient Rome that relate to this series.

DISCLAIMER: If you are new to the series and are not up to date on the HBO series' episodes, I should warn you that there are spoilers ahead! I will not be discussing any events that lie beyond the current HBO series (OathKeeper; Episode S4E4) as I do not wish to deter those who have not read the books from this post. Any quote from the books will not reveal any spoilers or new information.

1) The Wall vs. Hadrian's Wall

The author, George R.R. Martin, has acknowledged openly his inspiration of The Wall from Hadrian's Wall:

Certainly the Wall comes from Hadrian's Wall, which I saw while visiting Scotland. I stood on Hadrian's Wall and tried to imagine what it would be like to be a Roman soldier sent here from Italy or Antioch.  To stand here, to gaze off into the distance, not knowing what might emerge from the forest.  Of course fantasy is the stuff of bright colours and being larger than real life, so my Wall is bigger and considerably longer and more magical.  And, of course, what lies beyond it has to be more than just Scots. (SF Site Interview; found here.)

 

 

Hadrian's Wall was begun in 122 CE by Emperor Hadrian. The suggested origins for its purpose vary from military defense, to protection from immigration, smuggling, or simply a demonstration of power. Perhaps it was built for all these reason (or none of them).One text, Scriptores Historiae Augustae: Vita Hadriani, claims:

"(Hadrian) was the first to build a wall 80 miles long to separate the Romans from the barbarians"

In the series, one of the main characters (Jon Snow) gives his account upon seeing The Wall for the first time:

Almost seven hundred feet high it stood, three times the height of the tallest tower in the stronghold it sheltered. His uncle said the top was wide enough for a dozen armored knights to ride abreast. The gaunt outlines of huge catapults and monstrous wooden cranes stood sentry up there, like the skeletons of great birds, and among them walked men in black as small as ants. - Jon Snow's first impression of  " The Wall."

The following video is of Jon Snow seeing The Wall for the first time (please excuse any add-ons; this was the only video available):

 

 

2) Daenerys  Targaryen vs. Boudicca

In Game of Thrones, the once proper and submissive princess is transformed through the series into a barbaric queen, a destitute widow, a mother of dragons, a sacker of cities, and a mother of freed slaves. Daenerys Targaryen is interesting character that evolves quite rapidly and adapts to each of her roles. She is one of the strongest female characters within the series. Here is a perfect quote concerning her character:

I know that she spent her childhood in exile, impoverished, living on dreams and schemes, running from one city to the next, always fearful, never safe, friendless but for a brother who was by all accounts half-mad...a brother who sold her maidenhood to the Dothraki  for the promise of an army.  I know that somewhere upon the grass, her  dragons hatched, and so did she.  I know she is proud. How not?  What else was left her but pride? I know she is strong.  How not? The Dothraki despise weakness. If Daenerys had been weak, she would have perished with Viserys. I know she is fierce. She has survived assassins and conspiracies and  fell sorceries, grieved for a brother and a husband and a son, trod the cities of the slavers to dust beneath her dainty sandalled feet.

Here is an example of her strength and wit from season 3:

Daenerys Targaryen is highly reminiscent of the strong barbarian queen Boudicca. According to historians,  Boudicca was a capable military leader whose hair is often remarked upon (not unlike Daenerys' white hair):

 She was "possessed of greater intelligence than often belongs to women", that she was tall and had hair described as red, reddish-brown, or tawny hanging below her waist. Dio also says she had a harsh voice and piercing glare, and habitually wore a large golden necklace (perhaps a torc), a many-coloured tunic, and a thick cloak fastened by a brooch.

 

Boadicea by Thomas Thornycroft, standing near Westminster Pier, London

 

Similarly, both women find that the death of their husband (in Boudicca's case) and/or father (in Daenerys') lead to their doom and exile. However, these deaths do not defeat their spirits, but invigorate them to become warriors. For example, Boudicca leads an uprising against the Romans just as Daenerys plans to lead an uprising against those in Westeros. They both seek to take revenge upon those that have wronged (Westeros and Rome) their people/loved ones whilst avenging the injustices inflicted upon themselves. On a side note, it would seem that Boudicca's fashion was a point of inspiration for Daenerys as both Khaleesi and the Mother of Dragons  (large necklace, multi-colored tunic, etc.)
For another look at Daenerys and historic figures; check out her comparison to Henry VII: here.

 

 

3) Weddings

Wedding are known for being a joyous event in which man and woman become one family and their families in turn recognize and honor the union. However, this would seem not to be the case for weddings in Game of Thrones. They are political advancements, bring short-lived joy, and bloody.  First there was the Red Wedding and now just this week: the Purple Wedding.  In the series, weddings appear to be an event in which people die and the story's plot takes an unprecedented turn.

 

In Ancient Rome, there are various accounts historic and mythological that portray the setting of a wedding, but produce death and havoc.

• Messalina's marriage to Sentaor Gaius Silius; although she was already married to the emperor. This action resulted in their deaths.
• Wedding feast of Pirithous, which resulted in the battle of Centaurs and Lapiths (here).
• Medea's poisoned wedding gifts to Jason's new soon-to-be wife Glauce, which killed Glauce and Medea's children.
• Dido, who believes her and Aeneas are married due to their sexual union, kills herself on their "wedding night" because he leaves her.
• And while it is not ancient, to anyone who didn't know that the Red Wedding was based on the Black Dinner; here.

 4) The Seven and Lord of Light vs. Roman Pantheon and Christianity

 

 

 In Game of Thrones, religion is a topic that sparks (literally in some cases) controversy, allies, and enemies. The Faith of Seven (shown as a seven pointed star) includes seven deities, the Iron Islands have the Drowned God, the North has the Old Gods, and the newest addition- the Lord of Light. The similarities between theses deities and ancient gods can be seen in every region, but within ancient Rome they are as follows:

• The Father (JUPITER) represents divine justice, and judges the souls of the dead.
• The Mother (JUNO) represents mercy, peace, fertility, and childbirth. She is sometimes referred to as "the strength of women".
• The Maiden (DIANA) represents purity, love, and beauty.
• The Crone: (CERES) represents wisdom and foresight. She is represented carrying a lantern.
• The Warrior:  (MARS) represents strength and courage in battle.
• The Smith: (VULCAN) represents creation and craftsmanship.
• The Stranger: (PLUTO)represents death and the unknown. It is rarely prayed to.

These seven deities which are the most popular in Westeros and reflect (as I have implied) the Roman pantheon. The other two gods are as followed:

• The Drowned God:  (NEPTUNE) represent maritime skills and seafaring ability.
• The Old Gods of the Forest:  (TITANS)  represent a personal and less structured deity/religion than other religions, though some basic social violations are proscribed by it, such as kinslaying, incest, and bastardy. It also upholds the laws of hospitality.

The Old Gods seem reminiscent to the idea of "the natural order" of things. This is why I say they are symbolic for the nature and primordial titans: Cronus , Rhea, Oceanus, Themis, Hyperion (and I would include Uranus and Gaia).
All of these deities being old and ancient, but within the series become undermined by the upcoming religion of R'hllor:

• R'hllor: The Lord of Light: (CHRISTIANITY) is a centered belief in the existence of a single, all-powerful god. R'hllor  or The Lord of Light (Judeo-Christian God) is the god of fire, which provides light, heat, and life, and struggles against darkness, cold, and death, represented by an opposing deity, the Great Other (Devil, Satan, Evil). He is often referred to as the "one true god."

The following was said of The Lord of Light by George R.R. Martin:

The R'hllor religion is strongly influenced by the real-life religion of Zoroastrianism. The central element it borrows is that it is a ditheistic religion: there is one true, "Good" God, locked in eternal combat with an evil deity. As part of this dualism R'hllor, who embodies light, fire, and heat, is opposed on the level of primordial forces by the "Great Other" who embodies cold and darkness.

 5) Wild Fire vs. Greek Fire

In Game of Thrones, wildfire is a dangerous liquid which can explode with tremendous force and burns with a fire that water cannot extinguish( only large quantities of sand can put it out). Wildfire is identifiable through the distinctive green hue of its flames. Even in its stored liquid state, it gives off a green color.

In reality, George R.R. Martin most likely took inspiration from Greek Fire:

Greek fire in use against another ship.

 

Greek fire was an incendiary weapon used by the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It was typically used it in naval battles to great effect as it could continue burning while floating on water. It provided a technological advantage, and was responsible for many key military victories. Although the term "Greek fire" has been general in English and most other languages since the Crusades, in the original Byzantine sources it is called by a variety of names, such as "sea fire," "Roman fire," "war fire," "liquid fire," or "manufactured fire."

GAME OF THRONES & ANCIENT ROME: PART II

Tyrion Lannister vs. Emperor Claudius

 

 

(As always, please excuse any language- it is after all Game of Thrones)

These two figures represent the black sheep of their families. Both Tyrion and Claudius are born into prestigious families of power, and both are ridiculed and belittled for their physical abnormalities. However, none of their physical traits interfere with their witty minds and capability to lead (in Tyrion’s case: into battle a few times and in Claudius’ case: ruling Rome and into Britain).  I, of course, refer to the Emperor Claudius that many people know from Robert Grave’s series “I, Claudius.” In which, Claudius has the good sense to “play the fool” in order to be overlooked in the chaos and murders of those wishing to be emperor. Tyrion unfortunately does not have this reticent talent.  From the “I, Claudius” series:

Livia: Tiberius wants to be loved, at least after his death if not before. And the best way to insure that… [in reference to Caligula becoming emperor]
Claudius: …is to have someone worse to follow him. Yes, naturally. He’s certainly no fool.
Livia: He’s the biggest fool in my family. I’ve always thought that that was you. But I think now… I was wrong.
Claudius: [Claudius pauses, crafting a response] Grandmother, after all these years you didn’t invite me to dinner just to tell me this.
Livia: Wine has made you bold, hasn’t it.
Claudius: You said you kept in with Caligula because he was to be the next emperor.
Livia: Lost your stutter too I see.
Claudius: But if by then you’re dead, what difference can it make to you?
Livia: Oh, it makes a lot of difference. And that’s really why you’re here.
[Pleadingly]
Livia: I want to be a goddess, Claudius.

Kingsguard  vs. Praetorian Guard

 

 

These two guards of the highest degree and class are sworn to protect their king and/or emperor. They are usually loyal, but are loyal (more so) to those with the large coffer. While the Kingsguard swear their lives to their king and forsake women and children; the Roman praetorian guards are body guards who were allowed to have a family. Furthermore, the Kingsguard is used as a political tool by various characters to promote their allies and give power. While the praetorian guard is both a political tool, but at the same time it becomes its own political body. They were even able to claim Claudius as emperor of Rome.

Proclaiming Claudius Emperor, by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, oil on canvas, c. 1867. According to one version of the story of Claudius’ ascension to the role of Emperor, members of the Praetorian Guard found him hiding behind a curtain in the aftermath of the murder of Caligula in 41, and proclaimed him emperor.

Joffrey Baratheon vs. Caligula

Caligula on the Left and Joffrey on the Right. Courtesy of Flickr

Perhaps it is madness or cruelty that is the common thread between these two individuals. In regards to Caligula: “Some scholars have suggested that an illness made him come unhinged—possibly temporal lobe epilepsy, hyperthyroidism or Wilson’s disease, an inherited disorder that can cause mental instability.” (Cohen; History Lists) If you are unfamiliar with all the crazy and “mad” actions of this Roman Emperor; read on:

He went out of his way to humiliate the senate (Suetonius says that he intended to make his horse consul), and encouraged treason trials for his own financial benefit. He also insisted on being treated as a god (in contrast to the wiser policy of Augustus). Excavations in the Roman forum in the summer of 2003 confirmed that he incorporated the ancient Temple of Castor and Pollux within his palace – a sacrilege reversed by his successor Claudius I.
Gaius had three sisters, with whom he was alleged to have committed incest, and they were given unprecedented public honors, being included in the soldiers’ oath of allegiance.

Joffrey’s cruelty and madness can be accredited to his parent’s incestuous relationship and thus producing his abnormal genetics (i.e. mind). However, George R.R. Martin neither mentions nor confirms this hypothesis. However, it should be noted that George R.R. Martin is familiar with Emperor Caligula’s exploits, because he named one of his personal deviant cats: Caligula.

*** “EUREKA” MOMENT: I say that Tyrion is like Claudius and Joffrey is like Caligula; just as Claudius and Caligula were Uncle and Nephew-so are Tyrion and Joffrey.

War of the Five Kings vs. Year of the Five Emperors

In both cases, kings and emperors claim power when they have none or seek to take power where they see weakness. But unlike the War of the Five Kings, the Year of the Five Emperors features the succession and death (assassination) of five different emperors within a year.  The War of the Five Kings is the fight and struggle of five men fighting each other within several years.

 

“The Seven Kingdoms are at war with one another… false kings destroying the country… the Usurper is dead. The Starks fight the Lannisters, the Baratheons fight each other.“                                                                      ―Daenerys Targaryen to Ser Jorah Mormont

 

The Year of the Five Emperors refers to the year 193, in which there were five claimants for the title of Roman Emperor. The five were Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus. All these “emperors” fought, plotted, and bribed their way to power.  You can read about the crazy year of 193; here.

In Game of Thrones, the War of the Five Kings includes Robb Stark, Joffrey Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, and Balon Greyjoy; all of whom are contending for the Iron Throne after Robert Baratheon’s death.

The following video is from the episode “The Lion and the Rose” in which Joffrey has a performance of the War of the Five Kings shown to his guest:

The Mad King vs. Emperor Nero

Robert Baratheon: “What about Aerys Targaryen? What did the Mad King say when you stabbed him in the back? I never asked. Did he call you a traitor? Did he plead for a reprieve?”
Jaime Lannister: “He said the same thing he’d been saying for hours… “Burn them all.””
— The Mad King’s last words.

The Mad King, also known as Aerys II Targaryen, was known for his madness and his obsession with fire and burning people alive. His madness is often attributed to the incestual relationships his family, the Targaryens, were known for having. Jaime Lannister, also known as the King Slayer, reveals exactly how mad the Mad King was (WARNING-there may be some language):

The reason I pair the Mad King to Nero is due to the infamous phrase “Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned.” This phrase that portrays this emperor as uncaring and slightly delusional. First, I should state that the phrase itself is anachronism. There were no fiddles during the Great of Fire ( 64 CE). Nero thus played a fiddle-like instrument known as the lyre. Suetonius records Nero’s singing and playing in his “Life of the Twelve Caesars:”

"For six days and seven nights destruction raged, while the people were driven for shelter to monuments and tombs…Viewing the conflagration from the tower of Maecenas and exulting, as he said, in “the beauty of the flames,” he sang the whole of the “Sack of Ilium,” in his regular stage costume."

Artwork depicting the Great Fire of Rome

Thus, I feel as if their love for fire and "mad" attitude render them worthy comparisons.

Roman Empire vs. Map of Westeros

 My final point is to illustrate the remarkable resemblance between Westeros and the Ancient Roman empire in maps. Here is Westeros:
A cleaner more precise map; can be found here in an interactive map (like google maps).
Ancient Rome


Roman Empire

As you can see, the capital (Rome or King’s Landing) is in the southern realm of the map, the Wall (Hadrian or Night’s Watch) is north, the East is exotic and unfamiliar (like Egypt, Ancient Near East, etc.) and so on. The climates are quite similar to the ancient world with northern being colder and southern being more Mediterranean. Here is a behind-the-scenes look on how the HBO production staff handled the realms, worlds, and sets. And you will be able to see how the makers of Game of Thrones pulled from history (and the real world) to create the HBO series.

You are What you Eat: Roman Diet and Habits

Welcome to 2014!

As of the New Year, I am sure many of us have chosen to “lose weight” or “eat healthier” as a resolution. As there are many diets and trends to follow in order to lose weight; one of the most respectable ways is to eat healthy and exercise at 30 minutes a day. However, this was not the case for the Ancient Romans.
Popular Food

1. Fruits- Figs
2. Nuts
3. Oil
4. Wine (Watered Down; of course)
5. Vegetables
6. Breads
7. Eggs
8. Fish and Shellfish
9. Garum
10. Poultry

So far, food doesn’t seem that different from our traditional food. However, the tradition of watering down wine is a Greek custom in which “civilized” people would water down wine in order not to dull the senses. Garum is also a unique food condiment. Garum equivalent to the use that many have for ketchup was a type of fish sauce.  You can make your own recipe here.
Delicacies in Ancient Rome

1. Snails
2. Dormice
3. Giraffe

The Giraffe is the latest find (Jan 5th, 2014 to be exact) by archaeologists. It was discovered in the drains of an ancient restaurant.

“This is thought to be the only giraffe bone ever recorded from an archaeological excavation in Roman Italy,” researcher Steven Ellis, of the University of Cincinnati, says. Read More on it here.

The rich and famous of Ancient Rome sure ate some interesting things. Would you be willing to eat certain exotic foods in order to lose weight or uphold status? More interesting recipes can be found in Apicius’ Cookbook. You can view the cookbook here.
Vocabulary

Category	Latin	Principal Parts	English Meaning	English Derivative
Dining	prandium	prandii n.	lunch
	ientaculum	ientaculi n.	breakfast
	cena	cenae f.	dinner
	vesperna		small supper
	prima mensa		main course
	Sanitas! Bona! Bene tibi Sit!		Health, Good things, May it be well for you (sg.) AKA:Cheers!
	Edamus		Let’s Eat!
	Laetitia omnibus		Happiness to all!
	secunda mensa		dessert
Manners	si tibi placeat		please
	gratias tibi		thank you
	nihil est		not at all, ’tis nothing
	ignosce mihi		excuse me
Food	panis	panis m.	bread
	potio	potionis f.	beverage
	triticum		wheat
	cibi		food
	sucus	suci m.	juice
	aqua	aquae f.	water
	lac	lactis n.	milk
	puls		porridge
	vinum	vini n.	wine
	sal	salis m.	salt
	mel		honey
	caro	caronis m.	meat
	bubula	bubulae f.	beef
	porcina	porcinae f.	pork
	pisces	piscis m.	fish
	pullus	pulli m.	chicken
	holus	holeris n.	vegetable
	fructus	fructüs m.	fruit
	solanum tubersum	solani n.	potato
	uvae		grapes
	olivae		olives
	fabae		beans
	fungi		mushrooms

Where would people sit?

Reproduction of a triclinium.

As I am sure many of the enthusiasts of this blog have seen ancient movies or ancient TV series. Do you recall Roman families dining at a table? Were they sitting upright? Reclining? Laying Down being fed grapes?  Most dining would occur in a room known as the triclinium. The Getty provides an insightful article on the details of where guests and hosts sat during dining parties in the triclinium.
What was it like?
As language lovers, we are constantly trying to understand the culture of the language which we pursue proficiency. However, with Latin as well as Ancient Greek, it is difficult to grasps a culture that is essential dead or no longer available outside history books or classroom settings. Albeit, primary sources aid in our ability to see a glimpse into history and indirectly into the habits of the ancients.

Paratae erant lactucae singulae, cochleae ternae, ova bina, halica cum mulso et nive – nam hanc quoque computabis, immo hanc in primis quae perit in ferculo -, olivae betacei cucurbitae bulbi, alia mille non minus lauta. Audisses comoedos vel lectorem vel lyristen vel – quae mea liberalitas – omnes. (Pliny the Younger; Letters 1.15.2)
I had provided for each guest one lettuce, three snails, two eggs, spelt mixed with honey and snow (you will please reckon up the cost of the latter as among the costly of all, since it melts away in the dish), olives from Baetica, cucumbers, onions, and a thousand other equally expensive dainties. You would have listened to a comedian, or a reciter, or a harp-player, or perhaps to all, as I am such a lavish host.

After each course fingers were washed again and napkins (mappae) were used to wipe one’s mouth. Guests could also bring their own mappae to take home the leftovers from the meal or small gifts (apophoreta). Since not everything could  be eaten (e.g. bones and shells), these were thrown onto the floor, whence it was swept away by a slave.
However, slaves were not always so capable of sweeping the floors (often mosaics) of triclinium. There is some proof that Roman households actually designed mosaics that were dirty and messy on purpose in order to hide any food thrown on the floor. The Getty has a conservation project in order to restore some of these mosaics; which can be found here.
The video is a fun little note to leave off on about a Roman emperors and dining with them. I do hope you enjoy! It has been fun writing on such a topic and I do hope it was resourceful.
Cheers!

Romulus and Remus

The following is a definition submitted to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, which is a great free resources for students of any age.


In Roman mythology, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were the children of Rhea Silvia and Mars (or in some variations the demi-god hero Hercules). Romulus is best known for being the founder of the city of Rome. Their story is record by many authors including Vergil who claims their birth and adventures are fated in order for Rome to be founded.

 

The Capitoline She-Wolf with figures of Romulus and Remus by Antonio Pollaiuolo (1433-98) c.1484-96 (bronze)

The Birth & Parentage of Romulus and Remus

Romulus and Remus were the direct descendants of Aeneas, whose fate-driven adventures to discover Italy are described by Vergil in "The Aeneid." Romulus and Remus were related to Aeneas through their mother's father; Numitor. Numitor was a king of Alba Longa, an ancient city of Latium in central Italy, and father to Rhea Silvia. Before Romulus' and Remus' conception, Numitor's reign was usurped by Nimitor's younger brother: Amulius. Amulius inherited control over Alba Longa's treasury with which he is able to dethrone Numitor and become king. Amulius, wishing to avoid any conflict of power, killed Nimitor's male heirs and forced Rhea Silvia to become a Vestal Virgin. Vestal Virgins were priestesses of Vesta, patron goddess of the hearth; they were charged with keeping a sacred fire that was never to be extinguished and to take vows of chastity.




Romulus and Remus by Rubens 17thC

There is much debate and variation as to whom was the father of Romulus and Remus. Some myths claim that Mars appeared and laid with Rhea Silvia; other myths attest that the demi-god hero Hercules was her partner. However, the author Livy contests that Rhea Silvia was in fact raped by an unknown man, but blamed her pregnancy on divine conception. In either case, Rhea Silvia was discovered to be pregnant and gave birth to her sons. It was custom that any Vestal Virgin betraying her vows of celibacy were condemned to death; the most common death sentence was to be buried alive. However, King Amulius, fearing the wrath of the paternal god (Mars or Hercules) did not wish to directly stain his hands with the mother's and children's blood. So, King Amulius imprisoned Rhea Silvia and ordered the twin's death by means live burial, exposure, or being thrown into the Tiber River. He reasoned that if the twins were to die not by sword, but by the elements; he and his city would be saved from punishment of the gods. He ordered a servant to carry out the death sentence, but, in every scenario of this myth, the servant takes pity on the twins and spares their lives. The servant, then, places the twins into a basket onto the River Tiber, and the river carries the boys safely.

The Discovery of Romulus and Remus


Faustulus entrusting Romulus and Remus
to his wife Acca Larentia, c.1643

Marble statue representing Tiber River, Temple of Isis and Serapis. Detail, Cornucopia and Wolf nursing twins Romulus and Remus, From Rome 2nd c. AD

The river god Tibernus ensures their safety with easy and calm floating along the river, and causes their basket to catch in the roots of a nearby fig tree. The tree was located at the base of the Palatine Hill in the Velabrum swamp. The twins were first discovered by a she-wolf or lupa, who suckled them and they were fed by a wood-pecker or picus. Eventually, they were discovered and cared for by a shepherd and his wife: Faustulus and Acca Larentia.The two boy grew up to be shepherds like their adoptive father. One day while they were herding their sheep, they were met by shepherds of King Amulius. These shepherds started a fight with Romulus and Remus in which Remus was captured and taken before King Amulius. Romulus gathered and incited a band of local shepherds to join him in rescuing his brother. King Amulius believing that Rhea Silvia's children were dead; he did not recognize Remus or Romulus. Romulus freed his brother, and in the process killed King Amulius.

Romulus and Remus Begin to Quarrel

Romulus and Remus by Scarpelli

After Amulius' death, the brothers rejected the citizen's offer of the crown of Alba Longa and instead reinstated Nimitor as king. They left Alba Longa seeking to find their own city, and each set out to find the best locale. The brothers quarreled over the location of the foundation of their new city; Romulus wished to discover the city on the Palatine Hill, while Remus wished to find it on the Aventine Hill. In order to settle their disagreement, they agreed to consult augury; augury is a type of prophecy in which birds are examined and observed to determine what actions or persons the gods favor. Each brother prepared a sacred space on their respective hills and began to watch for birds. Remus claimed to have seen six birds, while Romulus said he saw twelve birds. Romulus asserted that he was the clear winner by six birds, but Remus argued that since he saw his six birds first, that he had won. The brothers remained at a standstill and continued to quarrel until Romulus began to dig trenches and build walls around his hill: the Palatine Hill.

Death of Remus & Founding of Rome

Romulus and Remus (gouache on paper)

Baraldi, Severino 1930

Romulus and Remus (gouache on paper)

 Baraldi, Severino 1930

In response to Romulus' wall, Remus made continuous fun of the wall and his brother's city. Remus was so bold as to jump over Romulus' wall jestingly. In response to Remus' mockeries and for jumping over his wall, Romulus angered by his brother's belittlement killed him. There are several versions as to how Remus is killed on the day Rome was founded. In Livy's version, Remus simply died after jumping over Romulus' wall, which is thought to be a sign from the gods of Rome's power and fate. According to St. Jerome, Remus is killed for mockeries by one of Romulus' supporters either Fabius or Celer, who killed Remus by throwing a spade at his head. Afterwards, Romulus mournfully buries his brother bestowing upon his funeral honors. However, most sources would convey that Romulus killed Remus. Remus' death and founding of Rome are dated by Livy to have taken place on April 21st, 753 B.C.E.

 

Beginnings of Rome: War & Peace

Romulus, Victor over Acron, hauls the rich booty to the temple of Jupiter, by Ingres

Romulus named his city Roma after himself. Following the foundation of his city, Romulus instated a governmental system which implemented Senators and Patricians. As the popularity of his city and government system grew so did the population. Rome's initial population was supplied by fugitives, exiles, run away slaves and criminals and other cast offs. Due to the inflation of male population, Rome was unable to produce any generations of their own. As a result of the low ratio of women to men, the newly Roman men decided to abduct women from a neighboring city. They invited the Sabines and Latins to a festival of Cronus at the Circus Maximus, and while the men of these cities were distracted; the Roman men carried off their women into Rome. Many of these women were persuaded to marry these Roman men. However, in response to this rape or abduction of women, the Sabine and Latin men went to war against Rome.

The Sabine Women, 1799

Romulus was the definitive winner of this war and his victory marked with Rome's first triumph. Although defeated, the Sabine king, Titus Tatius, attempted to assault Rome by marching on the Capitoline citadel. The citadel's commander's daughter promised to open the gates for the Sabine army if they gave her whatever "they bore on their left hand." When the Sabine army passed through, the poor girl expected hundreds of golden bracelets, but unfortunately she was crushed to death by their large shields. The Sabines were sieging the Romans and the Romans almost lost until Romulus prayed to Jupiter for help. Jupiter answered aiding the Romans to a final victory. Eventually, a truce formed between the Romans and Sabines along with Tatius and Romulus agreeing to form a joint reign of two kings. They jointly ruled for five years, and integrated each other's customs from calendars, gods, and even military tactics. This was a time of peace within Rome, but this intercity harmony ceased due to Tatius' actions. After these prosperous five years, Tatius was caught sheltering some of his allies who had robbed the neighboring allied Lavinians and murdered some of their ambassadors. The Senate decided that Tatius must go to Lavinium to sacrifice and appease both the locals and god in regards to his crimes. While in Lavinium, Tatius was assassinated and Romulus became the sole king of Rome. For the next twenty years, Romulus sought to expand Rome's land through war. When Numitor died, Romulus incorporated Alba Long into Rome's government and lands. Through Romulus reign, he slowly became more autocratic and the Senate became resentful.
 
Death of Romulus

The Death of Romulus by Mirys

The life of Romulus has several endings depending on the myth and source. In one myth, Romulus mysteriously disappeared in a storm or whirlwind. Romulus is claimed have been ascended to the heavens to become a god by several eye-witnesses. There was the suspicion that Romulus death was plotted by the Senate in order to reassume their own power. Livy writes about these events, while Cassius Dio writes about how Romulus was surrounded by hostile, resentful senators who "rent limb from limb" the senate-house, which was then followed by an eclipse and sudden storm (which Dio claims to be the same phenomenon that happened at his birth). Romulus disappeared in 717B.C.E as reported by Plutarch at the age of 53, but Dionysius of Halicarnassus reports that he died at the age of 55.

Myth or Man
There is much debate on whether Romulus and Remus were a real man or simply a myth or even a combination of both. While most scholars believe that Aeneas, the catalyst of the foundation of Rome, may have existed in some folktale; his Roman mythology was not solidified until Augustus commissioned Vergil's epic "The Aeneid." Romulus and Remus feats and adventures are somewhat far-fetched to be taken literally, but some scholars attest that their characters may be based in some historic foundation. Foundation myths are often convoluted with the aspect of fiction and non-fiction. While, it may never be certain if these twin brothers were real; what it certain is that their story was treated with respect and discussed at length even by the ancients.


Art & Portrayal
Romulus and Remus are most commonly portrayed together in art and on coins. They are often only seen in art as infants being suckled by the she-wolf. They are featured in this manner on the statue of Romulus and Remus in Siena, Italy. Siena which was founded, according to myth, by Remus' son: Senius. Likewise, they are also featured on a mosaic found in Yorkshire from 300 C.E known as the Wolf Mosaic. However, the most famous piece of art is the Capitoline She-Wolf. It is a 5th century B.C.E Etruscan bronze wolf with which two small figures of Romulus and Remus were added to in 15th century C.E. Romulus' and Remus' mythical lives were the source of many renaissance artists from Berrettini to LaFosse to Cesari, and even Rubens.



Encyclopedia Britannica- Romulus and Remus
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/509038/Romulus-and-Remus

Livy, The History of Rome or Ab Urbe Condita
http://web.archive.org/web/20080926121037/http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/Liv1His.html

Cassius Dio, Roman History
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/

Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Dionysius_of_Halicarnassus/

Plutarch, The Life of Romulus
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Romulus*.html

Romulus and Remus portrayal in Art
http://www.bridgemanart.com/search.aspx?key=Romulus%20and%20Remus.&sl=gb


 

How Mosquitoes Shaped Ancient Rome

How the Mosquito Shaped Ancient Rome

 

With July closing, I hope that everyone is having a wonderful summer and is making the most of the warm weather. Summer offers many great experiences from trips to the beach, the Fourth of July, fireworks, trips to the park, family reunions and so on.   For the Romans, the god of the seasons including summer was known as Vertumnus (which may be related to the verb vertere “to change”) and he is known as the lord of the season, harvest, and plant accretion.

Vertumnus and Pomona in the Louvre. Courtesy of Marie-Lan Nguyen.

However with the fun-spirited breezes of summer come the bugs. Now in this articles I wish to discuss one of the most determined and dangerous insect of the season: the mosquito. The word mosquito is actually a Spanish word, but the Latin is culex.

The Roman Mosquito! Beware!

Mosquitoes have had a long history with the human race. They have adapted with us in order to ensure their survival and this adaptation has bred many types of diseases, but none deadlier than malaria. Malaria is actually an Italian word meaning “bad air.” However, Italian as a romance language finds it roots within Latin as can be seen with malaria: malus which is an adjective meaning “bad” and aria coming from aer meaning “air.” Sadly, malaria continues today to be a disease that plagues many people, but efforts continue to be made to eradicate it.
Malaria has also been called the Roman Fever. Although the disease was carried by mosquitoes, not all ancient Romans understood the concept of parasites and thus thought the “bad air” brought the disease. They observed that people who lived closer to marshes or swamps were more likely to become ill and die. Due to this, there was even a goddess to prayer and sacrifice to for malaria: Dea Febris. She is believed to be related to, the Roman god of purification, Februus from whom we receive our second month’s name: February.

Image of the Roman God Februus. Courtesy of SuperCargo.

Since, the Romans were able to discern that “bad air” from the polluted waters of Rome were leading to the illness and death; it prompted change. There was a need for clean water that would promote the health of the people, as Varro said in De Re Rustica Book I, XII.II:
Advertendum etiam, siqua erunt loca palustria, et propter easdem causas, et quod crescunt animalia quaedam minuta, quae non possunt oculi consequi, et per aera intus in corpus per os ac nares perveniunt atque efficiunt difficilis morbos.
For attentiveness must be taken, if in anyway, in swampy places, and for the same reasons, and because there are bred certain small creatures, these things which the eyes cannot follow, and they travel through the air into the body through the mouth and nose and they produce perilous ailments.*
Could this description of “minute creature” be in reference to mosquitoes? Or simply to bad air particles?
Thus avoidance of dirty stagnant water became an essential along with having access to clean drinking water. One can see from this need where the concept of Aqueduct must have originated. The word aqueduct is actually a latin word!  Latin aquaeductus, aquae is the genitive of aqua “of water” and ductus means a leading. So literally, an aqueduct is a “leading of water.”

Pont du Gard, Roman Empire. Courtesy of Emanuele.

Roman lifestyles changed due to this disease drastically, swamps were drained (even by Julius Caesar), summer home were built in mountains to avoid the marshes, and malaria continued to run rampage in Rome that even four popes died of it hundreds of years later. For an in-depth analysis of how Rome took precautions please read Sura’s Article: The Cloaca Maxima. The Cloaca Maxima was one of the earliest sewer systems which drained swamp water, stagnant water, and other unwanted liquids into the Tiber River.

Map of central Rome during the Roman Empire, the Cloaca Maxima in red. Courtesy of Wikimedia.

So, who do you think had it worse when it came to mosquitoes? Some may argue that we can never know the true potency of the mosquito in modern times due to all the medical, commercial, and domestic advances. However, it can not be ignored that this ancient civilization in which most of Western civilization is based upon was greatly impacted by these tiny winged pests. But, was this a positive or negative impact? Some have argued that it was the mosquito that brought the Roman Civilization to its knees and even destroyed it.
The mosquito is a determined little bug who has adapted along side with humans; it has been jestingly called the modern day vampire! So with the summer, come the mosquitoes which bring the agonizing bug bites, itching, bumps, and soreness, this is of course not mentioning the dangers of West Nile Virus.

World War II era pamphlet. Courtesy of Nation Archives and Records Administration, College Park.

According to the Huff Post, 2013 has been projected to have a huge boom in the mosquito population due to the hot weather and unusual wet summer. While, West Nile is rare and the death toll from it even rarer; one must be careful to guard against the unwanted blood-suckers! Here is a page on awesome tips to have a mosquito-free summer! So be safe, prepared, and have a wonderful summer!

Top Ten Most Scandalous Women of Ancient Rome

The following blog post is from my other blog, I manage, at Transparent Language Latin Blog

Ancient Rome was quite a scandalous time. While, we can not believe everything that is written in ancient sources; one must admit there are certainly some astonishing tales. So this month, this blog will be taking a look at some of the most infamous, malicious, scheming women from Ancient Rome.

NUMBER 10



Theodora, detail of a Byzantine mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna

Name: Empress Theodora (500AD-548AD)
Vices:  Roman Actress (Prostitute), Defying an Emperor, Brothel Worker, Wit
Weakness: Responsibility, Stubbornness
Prime Examples: She became a prostitute out of necessity(to support her family), but pursued the scandalous lifestyle even when she left her family. In the Secret History, she was recorded for her indecent exposure, theatrics, sexual services off the stage, and even her lecherous portrayal of “Leda and the Swan.” Emperor Justinian I, so enamored with her, repealed the law that government officials could not marry actresses in order to marry her and even treated her illegitimate daughter and grandson as legitimate children.
Ergo:  Theodora places 10th on our list due to her “low” beginnings, although she only began working as a prostitute and “actress” to support her orphaned sibling and herself. History regards Theodora as a great empress of Rome, who was strong, courageous, intelligent, and decisive(i.e: she saved Justinian’s throne in the Nika Riots and was firm in religious policy even if it opposed Justinian). History does not implicate that she was an plotting woman, but it is not difficult to discern that a former “actress” could seduce the emperor, persuade him to change laws to marry her, make her queen, and give her power to rule. Click here to read more of her life story.

NUMBER 9

Faustina the Younger Marble, ca. 161 AD. Courtesy of ChrisO.

Name: Faustina the Younger (125-130AD-175AD)

Vices: Ordering Death Sentences, Poisoning, Promiscuity, Excessive Adultery, Inciter of Revolutions
Weakness: Self-Control, Victim to Gossipy Literature, and Insatiable Lust
Prime Examples: Although Faustina the Younger was given various titles of honor such as Augusta and Mater Castorum (Mother of the Camp), she has also been recorded as a woman of shameful lust and murder. Cassius Dio records that Faustina, wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, ordered the deaths of several people by poisoning or execution and he claims that she had affairs with sailors, gladiators, and even soldiers (This give the title Mater Castorum a new meaning). She , also, was accused of inciting a revolution between her husband and Avidius Cassius.
Ergo:  Due to her promiscuity and willingness to kill for power, Faustina has made this list of infamous and devious women. However, the sources on her infamy and scandal are somewhat uncertain and this is why she is in 9th place.  You can read more here.

NUMBER 8

 

Fulvia with the Head of Cicero by Pavel Svedomsky.

Name:Fulvia Flacca Bambula (83BC-40 BC) a.k.a Fulvia
Vices: Gang Leader, Manipulator, Political Match-Maker, Mutilation, Jealousy
Weakness: Power, Politics, and Marc Antony
Prime Examples:  Fulvia used marriage to acquire power.  She acquired the loyalties of a gang or collegium from her first husband, money from her second, and she did not survive her third husband; Marc Antony. According to Plutarch, she was a mass manipulator who was responsible for rendering Marc Antony easily controllable by women (Now, we know who Cleopatra should thank!). Furthermore,  Dio reports that she pierced the tongue of the decapitated head of Cicero out of disdain. Also, in Appian’s Civil War, Fulvia’s  jealous supposedly fueled the tension between Lucius and Octavian against Antony thus sparking the Perusine War.
Ergo: Fulvia earns the 8th spot in this countdown for her immoral actions all for the sake of power.  Even though a highborn woman, she went through husbands as a gold-digger, allowed her jealous to fuel a war, performed wanton violence against a dead man’s head, and manipulated all those around her for power.  You can read more on her here.


Lucrezia in a fresco by Pinturicchio. c. 1494

 HONORABLE MENTION OF THE WEEK 

Name: Lucrezia Borgia (1480-1519)
Vices: Poisoner, Murder, Incest, Adultery
Weakness: Family
Prime Examples: As seen within Showtime’s Borgia, Lucrezia was a pawn within her family’s politics and social climbing. She was daughter of the Pope Alexander VI and was married off to any man that would ameliorate their family. It also rumored that she had incestuous relations with her brother. More of Lucrezia’s life can be read here.
Ergo: Although Lucrezia is not ancient, she encompasses the idea: “Don’t Mess with Roman Women” (Albeit, the Borgias are from Spain; Lucrezia was born near Rome.), because Rome seems to breeds murderous women who use seduction, poison, and their cunning wit to achieve power.

Next week we will be looking at #5-7; who do you think made that list?