“THEIR BLADE HAS NO POINT”
“The Tribunes accordingly gave out the spears of the Triarii, who are the last of the three ranks, to the first ranks, or Hastati: and ordering the men to use their swords only, after their spears were done with, they charged the Celts full in front. When the Celts had rendered their swords useless by the first blows delivered on the spears, the Romans close with them, and rendered them quite helpless, by preventing them from raising their hands to strike with their swords, which is their peculiar and only stroke, because their blade has no point. The Romans, on the contrary, having excellent points to their swords, used them not to cut but to thrust: and by thus repeatedly hitting the breasts and faces of the enemy, they eventually killed the greater number of them. And this was due to the foresight of the Tribunes:”
Polybius, histories
I get a followed notification from this account and a few others every day.
What's going on?
https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqsf24u42d2ltugavnwpcttazdk4syvsflw9j254pj6qj8g9g9llhgg898jnk
Same. I don’t know why.
INTAGLIO RINGS
Roman intaglio rings were not only fashionable accessories but also essential tools in ancient Rome. The word "intaglio" itself, derived from the Italian meaning "to cut into," describes the technique where the design is carved into the gemstone, creating a sunken image.
These rings primarily served as seals, used to authenticate documents, letters, and personal belongings. The owner would press the ring into soft wax, leaving an impression that acted as their unique signature.
The materials used for these rings were carefully selected. Gemstones like carnelian, agate, amethyst, onyx, and sardonyx were favored for their hardness, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The designs carved into the gemstones were diverse, ranging from mythological scenes and portraits to symbolic motifs and depictions of everyday life.
The skill of the gem engraver was highly valued, and renowned artists contributed to the creation of these intricate works of art.
Beyond their practical use, Roman intaglio rings held significant social and personal meaning. Wearing a ring adorned with a finely carved gemstone could signify wealth and social status. The quality of the gemstone and the intricacy of the carving often reflected the wearer's affluence.
Furthermore, the choice of design could express the owner's interests, beliefs, or aspirations. For example, a ring depicting a mythological hero might symbolize strength and courage.
Some notable types of Roman intaglio rings include Gnostic rings, featuring cryptic symbols and inscriptions related to Gnostic beliefs, and portrait rings, depicting the likeness of the owner or a loved one. Mythological rings often showcased scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, such as the labors of Hercules or epic battles between gods and giants.
Appreciate the Zaps man. Very generous. Did not expect it🫡
I myself have not been to these places. Maybe one day.
Spain generaly has nice variety of architecture and history. (Celts iberians, greek phoenician carthaginian influences, roman, goths, muslim, catholic).
Carthago Nova (New carthage)
Baelo Claudia, southern spain
ROME AND INFLATION
Ancient Rome experienced periods of inflation. The primary driver was often the debasement of their currency, primarily the silver denarius. To fund costly wars and government projects, Roman emperors would reduce the silver content of coins while maintaining their face value. This effectively increased the money supply, leading to a decline in the currency's purchasing power.
This debasement had significant social and economic consequences. The wealthy, who often held assets like land, benefited as their debts became easier to repay with devalued currency. Conversely, the poor, who relied on wages, suffered as their purchasing power diminished. This economic inequality could exacerbate social unrest and even contribute to political instability.
Furthermore, chronic inflation eroded trust in the currency, hindering economic growth and investment. Trade and commerce could be disrupted as people became hesitant to engage in transactions with a rapidly depreciating currency.
Historical examples of Roman inflation include periods of debasement during the late Republic and early Imperial periods. The reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 CE) is particularly notable for experiencing significant price inflation, prompting him to implement price controls through the Edictum de Pretiis.
300 followers, bots included. I appreciate it frens! 🟣🟠
TACITUS MENTIONS CHRISTUS
“But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace.”
“Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular.”
“Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.”
“Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed.”
Tacitus
It’s a good day when the sun shines and the sats are cheap.
GHOST SOLDIERS
Back in 1953, in the city of York, a plumber named Harry Martindale reported a ghostly encounter of seeing 20 Roman legionnaires, apparently spectral, marching out from a wall at his worksite.
Martindale was working in the basement of the Treasure's House, a structure constructed near an ancient Roman fort, where he was installing piping for a heating system.
Martindale narrated hearing a thunderous sound of a trumpet, after which a spectral horse, ridden by a Roman soldier, emerged from the wall. This spectacle was followed by several other legionnaires, fully decked out in their uniforms with javelins and shields.
His account, full of peculiar details, was initially met with skepticism. One of the odder points he mentioned was that the ghostly legionnaires carried oval shields, not the traditional rectangular ones.
However, over time, it came to light that an ancient Roman road associated with the old fort ran underneath the floor of the basement.
Further, subsequent archaeological digs uncovered an unanticipated fact: the auxiliary troops from the Roman VI legion were indeed known to carry oval shields.
Such a detail was something Harry couldn't have possibly known, and yet, he did.
Nice. Your lifestyle now looks quite healthy 👍🏻
TELEMACHUS
“Honorius, who inherited the empire of Europe, put a stop to the gladiatorial combats which had long been held at Rome.
The occasion of his doing so arose from the following circumstance. A certain man of the name of Telemachus had embraced the ascetic life. He had set out from the East and for this reason had repaired to Rome.
There, when the abominable spectacle was being exhibited, he went himself into the stadium, and, stepping down into the arena, endeavoured to stop the men who were wielding their weapons against one another. The spectators of the slaughter were indignant, and inspired by the mad fury of the demon who delights in those bloody deeds, stoned the peacemaker to death.
When the admirable emperor was informed of this he numbered Telemachus in the array of victorious martyrs, and put an end to that impious spectacle.”
Book V, Chapter XXVI: Of Honorius the Emperor and Telemachus the Monk
