THEDAILYEAGLE

“For who could keep his hands off Libya, or Carthage, when that city got within his reach, a city which Agathocles, slipping stealthily out of Syracuse and crossing the sea with a few ships, narrowly missed taking?” Plutarch

Public Key

npub1yyrhzeamzfzgpcvaf0q2thyup5fdve47tk4vsgmf3g63vdl7nthq62wj4y

NIP-05 Address

THE-DAILY-EAGLE@primal.net

Profile Code

nprofile1qqszzpm3v7a3y3yquxw5hs99mjwq6ykkv6l9m2kgyd5c5dgkxllf4mspz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0ds7eq67p

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1yyrhzeamzfzgpcvaf0q2thyup5fdve47tk4vsgmf3g63vdl7nthq62wj4y

Show more details

Last Notes

2026-06-04 02:45:30 UTC

When you feel hurt seeing dips like this, always remember: it’s just pain.

2026-05-28 20:57:34 UTC

⚪️ THE RISE OF SULLA
“Cinna and Marius were soon punished by divine vengeance, after their massacre of citizens and their outrages against other men. Sulla, who was the only one remaining out of their enemies, destroyed the army of Mithridates in Boeotia, took Athens by storm, and made a treaty with Mithridates; then he took over the fleet of Mithridates and returned to Italy. In a very short time, he destroyed the armies of Cinna and Marius, and made himself master of Rome and all Italy. He slew all the bloodthirsty supporters of Cinna, and exterminated the family of Marius. Many reasonable men considered that the punishment of the perpetrators of so many murders was imposed by divine providence. Such a punishment ought to be a valuable lesson for those who follow the path of impiety, prompting them to turn away from their wickedness.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/aa787569597f83163d04845e2d9a0cdd90f36ccf916afbb7c27db42d02563e4b.png

2026-05-23 18:28:22 UTC

🔺 DECEIVING THE GAULS
“The Dictator was going into action feeling more assured as to the courage than as to the strength of his troops. He began to turn over in his mind every possible device by which he could inspire fear into the enemy. At last he thought out an ingenious and original plan, one, too, which has since been adopted by many of our own generals as well as those of other countries and which is even practiced to-day. He ordered the packsaddles to be taken off the mules and two pieces of coloured cloth placed on their backs. The muleteers were then furnished with arms, some taken from the prisoners and others belonging to the invalided soldiers, and after thus equipping about a thousand of them and distributing a hundred of the cavalry amongst them he ordered them to ascend the mountains which overlooked the camp and conceal themselves in the woods, and remain there motionless till they received the signal from him As soon as it grew light the Dictator extended his lines along the lower slopes of the mountain in order that the enemy might have to form their front facing the mountain.”
https://blossom.primal.net/e22afb161217ef49f24c9ac546e25582b92634bc0490a15ba87b1638bd217ccc.png

2026-04-26 21:22:24 UTC

🟣 STRABO ON THE BRITONS
“Most of the island is flat and overgrown with forests, although many of its districts are hilly. It bears grain, cattle, gold, silver, and iron. These things, accordingly, are exported from the island, as also hides, and slaves, and dogs that are by nature suited to the purposes of the chase; the Celti, however, use both these and the native dogs for the purposes of war too. The men of Britain are taller than the Celti, and not so yellow-haired, although their bodies are of looser build. The following is an indication of their size: I myself, in Rome, saw mere lads towering as much as half a foot above the tallest people in the city, although they were bandy-legged and presented no fair lines anywhere else in their figure. Their habits are in part like those of the Celti, but in part more simple and barbaric — so much so that, on account of their inexperience, some of them, although well supplied with milk, make no cheese; and they have no experience in gardening or other agricultural pursuits. And they have powerful chieftains in their country. For the purposes of war they use chariots for the most part, just as some of the Celti do. The forests are their cities; for they fence in a spacious circular enclosure with trees which they have felled, and in that enclosure make huts for themselves and also pen up their cattle — not, however, with the purpose of staying a long time.”
Strabo
https://blossom.primal.net/e91054c0c08f62e77f3cc300571d02936dc0d57cc025630786fc29b40b8cf1be.png

2026-04-23 08:33:45 UTC

⚪️ DIODORUS ON MARIUS
“Gaius Marius was the most renowned person of his time, when he was young: he was ambitious of honour and glory, free from greed, and performed many noble acts, both in Africa and Europe, so that his name was famous, and celebrated everywhere. But when he reached old age, he coveted the riches of king Mithridates, and the wealth of the cities of Asia, and sought against the laws to have the province, which was allotted to Cornelius Sulla, transferred to himself. As a result, he suffered many calamities, and brought disgrace on his previous good reputation; for he not only failed to obtain those riches which he coveted, but also he lost all his own possessions, when his property was confiscated because of his extraordinary greed. He was, moreover, condemned to death by his own country; but escaped that punishment by running away, and wandered solitarily and alone up and down Italy. At length he was forced out of Africa and reached Numidia, without any resources, servants or friends. Afterwards, when the civil wars broke out in Rome, he joined with the enemies of his fatherland, and, being victorious, he was not contented with his return home, but stirred up the flames of war. At length, having gained a seventh consulship, and by his own misfortunes learned the inconstancy of fortune, he was unwilling to put things to a hazard any more.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/e7e9466a0e1d5572a9e93c3e419779805d280adb2ae014cb674023ee98aed8bf.png

2026-04-18 21:44:57 UTC

🔶 TWO BROTHERS, TWO SIDES
“The river Weser ran between the Roman and Cheruscan forces. Arminius came to the bank and halted with his fellow chieftains:— "Had the Caesar come?" he inquired.⁠ On receiving the reply that he was in presence, he asked to be allowed to speak with his brother. That brother, Flavus by name, was serving in the army, a conspicuous figure both from his loyalty and from the loss of an eye through a wound received some few years before during Tiberius' term of command. Leave was granted, <and Stertinius took him down to the river>.⁠ Walking forward, he was greeted by Arminius; who, dismissing his own escort, demanded that the archers posted along our side of the stream should be also withdrawn. When these had retired, he asked his brother, whence the disfigurement of his face? On being told the place and battle, he inquired what reward he had received. Flavus mentioned his increased pay, the chain, the crown, and other military decorations; Arminius scoffed at the cheap rewards of servitude.”
Tacitus
https://blossom.primal.net/76e5f6df527b3dbb3f4bf7127a2e37a07dee1b1c6cb22de3883540772588cd1e.jpg

2026-04-15 21:39:06 UTC

https://youtu.be/ZzePaQN-fsw?is=T28bQ10ywE9OhMmq

2026-04-13 13:22:02 UTC

🔶 THE MEETING PLACE OF THE ROMAN ARMADA
“A thousand vessels were considered enough, and these were built at speed. Some were short craft with very little poop or prow, and broad-bellied, the more easily to withstand a heavy sea: others had flat bottoms, enabling them to run aground without damage; while still more were fitted with rudders at each end, so as to head either way the moment the oarsmen reversed their stroke. Many had a deck-flooring to carry the military engines, though they were equally useful for transporting horses or supplies. The whole armada, equipped at once for sailing or propulsion by the oar, was a striking and formidable spectacle, rendered still more so by the enthusiasm of the soldiers. The Isle of Batavia⁠ was fixed for the meeting-place, since it afforded an easy landing and was convenient both as a rendezvous for the troops and as the base for a campaign across the water. For the Rhine, which so far has flowed in a single channel, save only where it circles some unimportant islet, branches at the Batavian frontier into what may be regarded as two rivers. On the German side, it runs unchanged in name and vehemence till its juncture with the North Sea:⁠ the Gallic bank it washes with a wider, gentler stream, known locally as the Waal, though before long it changes its style once more and becomes the river Meuse, through whose immense estuary it discharges, also into the North Sea.”
Tacitus
https://blossom.primal.net/0259436f24d34708d5348b101b8a4e5da0bcc199b72eddf288b4825e38c9cf80.png

2026-04-08 20:21:08 UTC

🟢 SULLA’S LEADERSHIP
“When a lieutenant of Lucius Sulla had gone over to the enemy at the beginning on an engagement, accompanied by a considerable force of cavalry, Sulla announced that this had been done by his own instructions. He thereby not merely saved his men from panic, but encouraged them by a certain expectation of advantage to result from this plan.
The same Sulla, when certain auxiliary troops dispatched by him had been surrounded and cut to pieces by the enemy, fearing that his entire army would be in a panic on account of this disaster, announced that he had purposely placed the auxiliaries in a place of danger, since they had plotted to desert. In this way he veiled a very palpable reverse under the guise of discipline, and encouraged his soldiers by convincing them that he had done this.”
Frontinus: The Strategemata
https://blossom.primal.net/ab1f305fa1790c6d71d57954250831bd959188dc9b770853d71bfc11fc43b7f3.jpg

2026-03-24 22:42:18 UTC

- reply

https://blossom.primal.net/657434fc7a5e83a6d78865a45a7c5c09c151dbaeca9487748e3ae606d997ccb3.jpg

2026-03-20 09:17:02 UTC

2026-03-20 09:16:50 UTC

⚫️ REASSAMBLING BOATS IN MESOPOTAMIA
“And since the region near the Tigris is bare of timber suitable for building ships, he brought his boats, which had been constructed in the forests around Nisibis, to the river on waggons; for they had been built in such a way that they could be taken apart and put together again. He had great difficulty in bridging the stream opposite the Gordyaean mountains, as the barbarians had taken their stand on the opposite bank and tried to hinder him. But Trajan had a great abundance of both ships and soldiers, and so some vessels were fastened together with great speed while others lay moored in front of them having heavy infantry and archers board, and still others kept making dashes this way and that, as if they intended to cross. In consequence of these tactics and because of their very consternation at seeing so many ships appear all at once out of a land destitute of trees, the barbarians gave way. And the Romans crossed over and gained possession of the whole of Adiabene. This is a district of Assyria in the vicinity of Ninus; and Arbela and Gaugamela, near which places Alexander conquered Darius, are also in this same country. Adiabene, accordingly, has also been called Atyria in the language of the barbarians, the double S being changed to T.”
Cassius Dio
https://blossom.primal.net/4fde97309915298551824c52a9d8979ada196e5ac0540294c65005f680595be6.jpg

2026-03-20 09:15:44 UTC

🟡 “THE MAGNITUDE OF THE STRUGGLE”
“Now it was the purpose of the Romans to sail across to Libya and transfer the war there, in order that the Carthaginians might find the danger affecting themselves and their own country rather than Sicily. But the Carthaginians were determined to prevent this. They knew that Libya was easily invaded, and that the invaders if they once effected a landing would meet with little resistance from the inhabitants; and they therefore made up their minds not to allow it, and were eager rather to bring the matter to a decisive issue by a battle at sea. The one side was determined to cross, the other to prevent their crossing; and their enthusiastic rivalry gave promise of a desperate struggle. The preparations of the Romans were made to suit either contingency, an engagement at sea or a disembarkation on the enemy's soil. Accordingly they picked out the best hands from the land army and divided the whole force which they meant to take on board into four divisions. Each division had alternative titles; the first was called the "First Legion" or the "First Squadron,"—and so on with the others. The fourth had a third title besides. They were called "Triarii," on the analogy of land armies. The total number of men thus making up the naval force amounted to nearly one hundred and forty thousand, reckoning each ship as carrying three hundred rowers and one hundred and twenty soldiers. The Carthaginans, on the other hand, made their preparations almost exclusively with a view to a naval engagement. Their numbers, if we reckon by the number of their ships, were over one hundred and fifty thousand men. The mere recital of these figures must, I should imagine, strike any one with astonishment at the magnitude of the struggle, and the vast resources of the contending states. An actual view of them itself could hardly be more impressive than the bare statement of the number of men and ships.”
Polybius, histories
https://blossom.primal.net/e5918b4a4574815661c359841ebd7a0a53c7e4b3de9a1887eae35faff51b6bf4.jpg

2026-03-16 20:59:05 UTC

🟤 GAN YING’S JOURNEY
Gan Ying was a Chinese diplomat and explorer who lived during the Han Dynasty. He is best known for his attempted journey to the Roman Empire in 97 CE.
Gan Ying's mission was initiated by the Chinese general Ban Chao, who sought to establish diplomatic relations with the Roman Empire. Ban Chao believed that such a relationship would benefit both empires, particularly in trade and cultural exchange.
Gan Ying embarked on his journey westward, traveling along the Silk Road. He reached Parthia, an empire that controlled much of the trade routes between China and the West. In Parthia, he was discouraged from continuing his journey to Rome.
The Parthians, fearing that closer ties between China and Rome would disrupt their own trade dominance, misled Gan Ying, telling him that the sea voyage to Rome was long and perilous.
https://blossom.primal.net/b1f253c5671338a83582ca890d50ed6e29e4002cd35e2591b263a1654b4cd29e.png

2026-03-15 13:36:31 UTC

🔶 MARKING BREAD
The Romans used bread stamps to mark their loaves. In Roman cities, many people didn't have their own ovens and would take their prepared dough to communal or commercial bakeries to be baked. To ensure they got their own bread back, or to identify the baker in case of issues (like a short loaf or poor quality), they would press a stamp into the dough before it went into the oven.
These stamps could bear the baker's name, a family mark, or even symbols.
The importance of bread in Roman society, particularly with the state distribution of grain (later bread) to citizens, meant that quality and accountability were significant.
Photo: Carbonized bread from the city of Pompeii or Herculaneum.
https://blossom.primal.net/c72ac77999e84c91fd0cfa83bad9ef981a1809393d18691b9493b9d39d9d5f22.jpg

2026-03-13 22:25:23 UTC

🔺 THE SUB-CENTURION
“A force of equal size used to be supplied by the Latins, now, however, they were hostile to Rome. The two armies were drawn up in the same formation, and they knew that if the maniples kept their order they would have to fight, not only vexilla with vexilla, hastati with hastati, principes with principes, but even centurion with centurion. There were amongst the triarii two centurions, one in each army - the Roman, possessing but little bodily strength but an energetic and experienced soldier, the Latin, a man of enormous strength and a splendid fighter - very well known to each other because they had always served in the same company. The Roman, distrusting his own strength, had obtained the consuls' permission before leaving Rome to choose his own sub-centurion to protect him from the man who was destined to be his enemy. This youth, finding himself face to face with the Latin centurion, gained a victory over him.”
Livy
The Latin War (340-338 BC) was fought between the Roman Republic and its former allies in the Latin League who desired independence from Roman dominance. Rome won, dissolving the League and solidifying its control over Latium.
https://blossom.primal.net/dd7fcc46cfa66cf38eaba34f65cb17ba6ebc7261e2e754a49b3d2ddcc7271d65.jpg

2026-03-13 20:24:28 UTC

🔘 THE FORTUNATE PRINCEPS
“What then? Caesar's son, who was the first to be styled Augustus, and who ruled for fifty-four years, when he was sending forth his grandson to war, did he not pray to the goddess to bestow upon the young man the courage of Scipio, the popularity of Pompey, and his own Fortune, thus recording Fortune as the creator of himself, quite as though he were inscribing the artist's name on a great monument? For it was Fortune that imposed him upon Cicero, Lepidus, Pansa, Hirtius, and Mark Antony, and by their displays of valour, their deeds, victories, fleets, wars, armies, raised him on high to be the first of Roman citizens; and she cast down these men, through whom he had mounted, and left him to rule alone.
It was, in fact, for him that Cicero governed the State, that Lepidus commanded armies, that Pansa conquered, that Hirtius fell, that Antony played the wanton.
For I reckon even Cleopatra as a part of Caesar's Fortune, on whom, as on a reef, even so great a commander as Antony was wrecked and crushed that Caesar might rule alone. The tale is told of Caesar and Antony that, when there was much familiarity and intimacy between them, they often devoted their leisure to a game of ball or dice or even to fights of pet birds, such as quails or cocks; and Antony always retired from the field defeated. It is further related that one of his friends, who prided himself on his knowledge of divination, was often wont to speak freely to him and admonish him,
"Sir, what business have you with this youth? Avoid him! Your repute is greater, you are older, you govern more men, you have fought in wars, you excel in experience; but your Guardian Spirit fears this man's Spirit. Your Fortune is mighty by herself, but abases herself before his. Unless you keep far away from him, your Fortune will depart and go over to him!”
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/54ad7e7c7063af8d0e2a8715fe4c85ba345e87f522200db0b512d877da01656d.jpg

2026-03-13 19:11:14 UTC

🔵 PESCENNIUS NIGER
“Pescennius Niger, then, was born of humble parentage, according to some, of noble, according to others. His father was Annius Fuscus, his mother Lampridia. His grandfather was the supervisor of Aquinum, the town to which the family sought to trace its origin, though the fact is even now considered doubtful. As for Pescennius himself, he was passably well versed in literature, thrifty in his habits, and unbridled in indulgence in every manner of passion. For a long time he commanded in the ranks, and finally, after holding many generalships, he reached the point where Commodus named him to command the armies in Syria, chiefly on the recommendation of the athlete who afterward strangled Commodus; for so, at that time, were all appointments made.
And now, after he learned that Commodus had been murdered, that Julianus had been declared emperor, and then, by order of Severus and the senate, put to death, and that Albinus, furthermore, had assumed in Gaul the name and power of emperor, Pescennius was hailed imperatorby the armies he commanded in Syria;— though more out of aversion to Julianus, some say, than in rivalry of Severus.
Even before this, during the first days of Julianus' reign, because of the dislike felt for the Emperor, Pescennius was so favoured at Rome, that even the senators, who hated Severus also, prayed for his success, while with showers of stones and general execrations the commons shouted "May the gods preserve him as Emperor, and him as Augustus". For the mob hated Julianus because the soldiers had slain Pertinax and declared Julianus emperor contrary to their wishes; and there was violent rioting on this account.”
Historia Augusta
https://blossom.primal.net/2f26315d2604d978fea088ac63811b53971585b1e8515338ef6e9f3306b823c3.jpg

2026-03-13 19:10:15 UTC

🟣 THREE SETS OF MEN
Among all the Gallic peoples, generally speaking, there are three sets of men who are held in exceptional honour; the Bards, the Vates and the Druids. The Bards are singers and poets; the Vates, diviners and natural philosophers; while the Druids, in addition to natural philosophy, study also moral philosophy. The Druids are considered the most just of men, and on this account they are entrusted with the decision, not only of the private disputes, but of the public disputes as well; so that, in former times, they even arbitrated cases of war and made the opponents stop when they were about to line up for battle, and the murder cases, in particular, had been turned over to them for decision. Further, when there is a big yield from these cases, there is forthcoming a big yield from the land too, as they think. However, not only the Druids, but others as well, say that men's souls, and also the universe, are indestructible, although both fire and water will at some time or other prevail over them.”
Strabo
https://blossom.primal.net/f99ea7544537a0cacaba238970388d2649824ed3be0b9634ba2c0a5d6c381bc5.jpg

2026-03-11 13:47:21 UTC

⚪️ THE VIRTUE OF THE PROCONSUL OF ASIA
“Quintus Scaevola used his utmost endeavour to reform other men's corrupt manners by his own virtuous example. For when he was sent as proconsul to Asia, he chose Quintus Rutilius, the worthiest of his friends, to be his legate, and always took his advice in the government of his province, and in making of laws. All the costs and expenses both of himself and his retinue he ordered to be defrayed out of his own purse; and by his moderation and frugality, together with his just and upright dealings, he freed the province from its former miseries and oppressions. For the proconsuls of Asia before him had conspired with the publicans (tax collectors), who at that time controlled the administration of justice at Rome, and they oppressed the whole province with their illegal exactions.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/a3f29a7f54da4a88aa7110722d048f2c63b3fd203d39e5549ca1c18e21424024.png

2026-03-11 13:46:06 UTC

🟢 NEW TESTAMENT CENSUS
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2. 1-5 NKJV
https://blossom.primal.net/5a2d63f20cfff7a04a6871052b386008caf2a7d2e1c2586f78257b0af5789675.jpg

2026-01-10 21:02:12 UTC

https://youtu.be/uAYKTMQl7MQ

2025-12-26 21:58:44 UTC

🟢 CLOACINA
Cloacina was the Roman goddess of the sewers, her name derived from the Latin word "cloaca" meaning sewer. She held responsibility for the efficient functioning of the vast Roman sewer systems, and also offered protection to the workers who maintained these vital underground networks. The Romans honored her with a shrine, the Sacrum Cloacina, built directly above the Cloaca Maxima, Rome's primary sewer. This shrine likely served a dual purpose, acting as both a sacred space and a practical access point, perhaps a rather ornate manhole. Cloacina held an important place in Roman religion, associated with cleanliness, purification, and even fertility. Romans believed she played a crucial role in maintaining the health and prosperity of their city. Originally an Etruscan goddess, Cloacina was adopted by the Romans around the 1st century BCE. She also became associated with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Her shrine in the Roman Forum was a significant religious site, and the remnants of its foundations can still be seen in Rome today.
https://blossom.primal.net/0098ee1b2cb08cc3c02b4f0dc90df103163d4f3d641085f7a41b102a215dd67e.jpg

2025-10-22 08:45:06 UTC

🔶 AN EDICT OF GERMANICUS
Date: 19 AD
“Proclamation of Germanicus Caesar, son of Augustus (Tiberius) and grandson of the deified Augustus, proconsul. [Being informed that in view of my visit] requisitions of boats and animals are being made and that quarters for lodging are being occupied by force and private persons
intimidated, I have thought it necessary to declare that I wish neither boat nor beast of burden to be seized by anyone except on the order of Baebius my friend and secretary, nor quarters to be occupied. For if it be necessary, Baebius himself will allot the quarters fairly and justly; and for boats or animals which we requisition I command that hire be paid in accordance with my schedule.
Those who disobey I desire to be brought before my secretary, who will either himself prevent private persons from being wronged or will report the case to me. And I forbid beasts of burden to be forcibly appropriated by those who meet them traversing the city ; for this is nothing but an act of open robbery.”
https://blossom.primal.net/a0d86c3641ba5bb5ce16692791e04687ee0847ac77d0d1b42d5bb793d67ff033.jpg

2025-10-21 19:57:16 UTC

- reply

🤢

2025-10-21 19:04:28 UTC

😂 Gregory of Tours on Clovis:
“One day when he had called a general assembly of his subjects, he is said to have made the following remark about the relatives whom he had destroyed: 'How sad a thing it is that I live among strangers like some solitary pilgrim, and that I have none of my own relations left to help me when disaster threatens!' He said this not because he grieved for their deaths, but because in his cunning way he hoped to find some relative still in the land of the living whom he could kill.”
https://blossom.primal.net/dd43b29f336680647185198695c2e8e10f569576fbd27324f966a4711d33aac4.jpg

2025-10-21 18:16:45 UTC

🔺 THE CIMBRIAN WAR
The Cimbrian War (113-101 BC) was a significant conflict pitting the Roman Republic against migrating Germanic and Celtic tribes, most notably the Cimbri and Teutones. Their southward movement, possibly due to environmental changes in their northern homelands, brought them into contact and conflict with Roman territories and allies.
The initial Roman response was disastrous, marked by heavy losses at battles like Noreia (113 BC) and the catastrophic defeat at Arausio (105 BC). These defeats exposed Roman military vulnerabilities and caused alarm in Rome. However, the migrating tribes' decision to move west into Gaul and Spain provided Rome with crucial time to reorganize and for the emergence of Gaius Marius.
Marius's subsequent military reforms proved vital. He decisively defeated the Teutones and Ambrones at the Battle of Aquae Sextiae in 102 BC. The war concluded in 101 BC with Marius and Catulus jointly crushing the Cimbri at the Battle of Vercellae in northern Italy. This decisive Roman victory eliminated the immediate threat of these migrating tribes to Italy.
The war was instrumental in the rise of Marius, whose military reforms had a lasting impact on the Roman legions, and it highlighted the challenges posed by large-scale migrations to Roman security.
Interesting video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
https://blossom.primal.net/913025d872c6047b9edaa8c0fe7b1c73d48400f88936c8e03b6fffb4d7558193.png

2025-10-20 20:43:54 UTC

🔘 WHY DID THEIR ANCIENT COINAGE HAVE STAMPED ON ONE SIDE A DOUBLE-FACED LIKENESS OF JANUS, ON THE OTHER THE STERN OR THE PROW OF A SHIP?
“Is it, as many affirm, in honour of Saturn who crossed over to Italy in a ship?
Or, since this might be said of many, inasmuch as Janus, Evander, and Aeneas all landed in Italy after a voyage by sea, one might rather conjecture thus: some things are excellent for States, others are necessary; and of the excellent things good government is the chief, and of the necessary things facility of provision. Since, therefore, Janus established for them an ordered government by civilizing their life, and since the river, which was navigable and permitted transportation both from the sea and from the land, provided them with an abundance of necessities, the coinage came to have as its symbol the twofold form of the lawgiver, as has been stated, because of the change he wrought, and the vessel as the symbol of the river.
They also used another kind of coinage, stamped with the figures of a bull, a ram, and a boar, because their prosperity came mostly from their live stock, and from these they also derived their affluence. This is the reason why many of the names of the ancient families are such as the Suillii (belonging to pigs), Bubulci (herdsman of oxen), Porcii (pig), as Fenestella has stated.”
Plutarch, Roman Questions
https://blossom.primal.net/fad2594c962fa46c401028886f7ccb4022199a5f0a0146495e722b8fced1a5ab.jpg

2025-10-20 19:27:28 UTC

🔵 ROMAN ENVOYS ARRIVE AT ANTIOCH
“After the completion of the festival, the envoys with Tiberius Gracchus arrived, who had been sent from Rome to investigate the state of affairs in Syria. Antiochus received them with such tact and with so many expressions of kindness, that Tiberius not only had no suspicion that he was meditating any active step, or cherishing any sinister feeling on account of what had happened at Alexandria, but was even induced by the extraordinary kindness of his reception to discredit those who made any such suggestion. For, besides other courtesies, the king gave up his own hall for the use of the envoys, and almost his crown in appearance; although his true sentiments were not at all of this kind, and he was on the contrary profoundly incensed with the Romans.”
Polybius, histories
https://blossom.primal.net/1d83e238b944b0ee1aa5e71c526ccd4f32d37928f2312cacc9ac801cdf41d7b9.png

2025-10-20 00:18:51 UTC

🟣 DALMATIAN CUSTOMS
“The Dalmatians have the peculiar custom of making a redistribution of land every seven years; and that they make no use of coined money is peculiar to them as compared with the other peoples in that part of the world, although as compared with many other barbarian peoples it is common.”
Strabo
https://blossom.primal.net/f0f29b786f9e7c1585613e7adf575f717da19120cd7ee06cab62fb00dceec28f.jpg

2025-10-10 20:06:36 UTC

- reply

What is the black symbol ?

2025-10-10 20:04:52 UTC

- reply

Probably playing tanki online

2025-10-09 16:28:13 UTC

🔶 POMPEY CHASES ARISTOBULUS
“Indignant at this behaviour, and yielding to the urgent entreaties of Hyrcanus and his friends, Pompey started in pursuit of Aristobulus, with the Roman forces and a large contingent of Syrian auxiliaries. Passing Pella and Scythopolis, he reached Coreae, at which point a traveller ascending through the interior enters the territory of Judaea. There he heard that Aristobulus had taken refuge in Alexandreion, one of the most lavishly equipped of fortresses, situated on a high mountain, and sent orders to him to come down. At this imperious summons Aristobulus felt disposed to brave the risk rather than obey ; but he saw that the people were terrified, and his friends urged him to reflect on the irresistible power of the Romans. He gave way, came down to Pompey, and after making a long defence in support of his claims to the throne, returned to his stronghold. He descended again on his brother's invitation, discussed the rights of his case, and withdrew, unimpeded by Pompey. Torn between hope and fear, he would come down determined by importunity to force Pompey to deliver everything to him, and as often ascend to his citadel, lest it should be thought that he was prematurely throwing up his case. In the end, Pompey commanded him to evacuate the fortresses and knowing that the governors had orders only to obey instructions given in Aristobulus's own hand, insisted on his writing to each of them a notice to quit. Aristobulus did what was required of him, but indignantly withdrew to Jerusalem and prepared for war with Pompey.”
Flavius Josephus
https://blossom.primal.net/c22bd3f30971afba4de3026b864ad29e6b03e43c9d7d438eba53164c652731af.jpg

2025-10-09 16:25:44 UTC

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
https://blossom.primal.net/b0c7544c9aca85fccc56e5957696d82a05f8fc810250072f0150a7699fd3fc7c.jpg

2025-10-05 08:49:18 UTC

- reply

This real?😂

2025-09-28 20:36:04 UTC

🟢 IMAGINES
The Romans did not create what we would consider traditional death masks. Instead, they produced wax effigies called "imagines" during their lifetimes.
These weren't made after death, but rather during a man's lifetime, usually around the age of 35-40 when he achieved a certain political status. These imagines served a dual purpose: they were displayed at funerals to honor the deceased and connect the family to its illustrious past, and they signified a man's social and political prominence. Wax was the primary material used to create these lifelike portraits.
This practice differs significantly from modern death masks, which are typically plaster or wax casts taken directly from the deceased's face. Roman imagines were created during life and served a different social and cultural purpose, focusing more on celebrating a lifetime of achievement and maintaining family lineage than preserving a likeness after death.
https://blossom.primal.net/ceed3ff2eac41667acde369dc9733e5c8b945528aa336461a980e796f7592505.jpg

2025-09-27 20:41:27 UTC

The amount of abortions in the western world would make the Phoenicians blush as worshippers of Baal Hammon.
https://blossom.primal.net/4b5270e6cdbf01e3d834ebbf4a31406a72d23a22a34c58b3d84efa1eb531dc2a.jpg

2025-09-27 20:27:55 UTC

Not Kosher, nor Halal, but delicious above all.
https://blossom.primal.net/dd0cbdc15ed7a12a2eec853a4045ca9c3917c9fbc59e658c90b9bd99b144b6e2.jpg

2025-09-27 19:37:46 UTC

🟡 POW DESTROYS CARTHAGINIAN ELEPHANT.
“There is a famous story of one of the Romans fighting single-handed against an elephant, on the occasion when Hannibal had compelled his prisoners from our army to fight duels with one another. For he pitted one survivor against an elephant, and this man, having secured a promise of his freedom if he killed the animal, met it single-handed in the arena and much to the chagrin of the Carthaginians dispatched it. Hannibal realized that reports of this encounter would bring the animals into contempt, so he sent horsemen to kill the man as he was departing.”
Pliny the Elder
https://blossom.primal.net/198c7c0733d67cad3e3f59ddbd7baf96d8ee2635dcba0a62824ef0666427a2d3.png

2025-09-25 19:18:19 UTC

🟤 KINGDOM TO REPUBLIC
“My first book contains the deeds of Rome's seven kings, viz.: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius (a descendant of Numa), Tarquinius, Servius Tullius, and Lucius Tarquinius, a son of the other Tarquinius. The first of these was the founder and builder of Rome, and although he governed it rather as a father than as an absolute monarch, he was nevertheless slain, or, as some think, translated. The second, not less kingly, but even more so than the first, died at the age of . . . The third was struck by lightning. The fourth died of a disease. The fifth was murdered by some shepherds. The sixth lost his life in a similar manner. The seventh was expelled from the city and kingdom for violating the laws. From that time kingly rule came to an end, and the administration of government was transferred to consuls.”
https://blossom.primal.net/ef50c0d7ed0cfcc8dd651257e1364e5967e3eef9af830b5f585ba940e2888b4b.jpg

2025-09-24 16:49:02 UTC

🔶 SISTER’S YOKE
7th century BC.
“When war arose between the Romans and the Albans, their leaders Hostilius and Fufetius decided to end it by the combat of a small number of men. On the side of the Romans, three brothers, named Horatii and on the side of the Albans, three other brothers, named Curiatii, were chosen by agreement. In the first encounter two Romans were killed, and the three Albans were injured. The last Horatius, seeing himself unable to defend himself against three, although he had not received any wounds, pretended to flee. The Curiatii pursued him at unequal intervals, as much as the pain of their wounds allowed; and one after the other, they were killed by him. As he returned laden with their spoils, he met his sister on the way, and she recognised the military cloak of one of the Curiatii, to whom she was engaged. When she began to cry, her brother killed her. For this he was condemned by the duumvirs, but he appealed to the people. His father's tears obtained his pardon, but on condition that he would pass under a yoke. This yoke is still in place on the street, and it is called the Sororium {"sister's yoke"}.”
https://blossom.primal.net/b05057f1f601ed25fa5b518423192dd517b6a0a3fabee265e1d0f9ac3d19d91e.jpg

2025-09-23 22:50:26 UTC

https://blossom.primal.net/3179bfd8afe4565564989531cb24272bebe384bbf7b432421cc81a733b713c85.jpg

2025-09-22 17:22:54 UTC

🔺 GALLIC AUXILIARIES VS PERSIAN HEAVY CAVALRY
“Publius himself, accordingly, cheered on his cavalry, made a vigorous charge with them, and closed with the enemy. But his struggle was an unequal one both offensively and defensively, for his thrusting was done with small and feeble spears against breastplates of raw hide and steel, whereas the thrusts of the enemy were made with pikes against the lightly equipped and unprotected bodies of the Gauls, since it was upon these that Publius chiefly relied, and with these he did indeed work wonders. For they laid hold of the long spears of the Parthians, and grappling with the men, pushed them from their horses, hard as it was to move them owing to the weight of their armour; and many of the Gauls forsook their own horses, and crawling under those of the enemy, stabbed them in the belly. These would rear up in their anguish, and die trampling on riders and foemen indiscriminately mingled. But the Gauls were distressed above all things by the heat and their thirst, to both of which they were unused; and most of their horseshad perished by being driven against the long spears.”
(The battle of Carrhae, 53 BC).
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/9112f263f2148065e947c6e5763c6d79f619e10b0d8fb265d9466d3483296451.png

2025-09-22 17:22:09 UTC

🔘 WHY HAVE THEY IN THE MONTH THREE BEGINNINGS OR FIXED POINTS, AND DO NOT ADOPT THE SAME INTERVAL OF DAYS BETWEEN THEM?
“Is it, as Juba and his followers relate, that on the Kalends the officials used to call the people and announce the Nones for the fifth day thereafter, regarding the Ides as a holy day?
Or is it rather because, since they measured time by the phases of the moon, they observed that in each month the moon undergoes three very important changes: first, when she is hidden by her conjunction with the sun; second, when she has escaped the sun's rays and becomes visible for the first time at sunset; and third, at the full moon, when her orb is completely round?
The disappearance and concealment of the moon they call Kalendae, for everything concealed or secret is clam, and "to be concealed" is celari. The first appearance of the moon they call Nones, the most accurate since it is the new moon: for their word for "new" and "novel" is the same as ours. They name the Ides as they do either because of the beauty and form (eidos) of the full-orbed moon, or by derivation from a title of Jupiter. But we must not follow out the most exact calculation of the number of days nor cast aspersions on approximate reckoning; since even now, when astronomy has made so much progress, the irregularity of the moon's movements is still beyond the skill of mathematicians, and continues to elude their calculations.”
Plutarch, Roman Questions
https://blossom.primal.net/4a000f76f3770e4797c4efaf99c9a0a2e5c79e5610491aacf4713b6838b9982f.png

2025-09-22 17:21:21 UTC

🔵 VALERIAN WRITES GALLIENUS ON FUTURE EMPEROR PROBUS
"From Valerian the father to Gallienus the son, an Augustus to an Augustus. Following out the opinion which I have always held concerning Probus from his early youth, as well as that held by all good men, who say that he is a man worthy of his name, I have appointed him to a tribuneship, assigning six cohorts of Saracens and entrusting to him, besides, the Gallic irregulars along with that company of Persians which Artabassis the Syrian delivered over to us. Now I beg of you, my dearest son, to hold this young man, whom I wish all the lads to imitate, in the high honour that his virtues and his services call for in view of what is owed him by reason of the brilliance of his mind."
Historia Augusta, the life of Probus
https://blossom.primal.net/68ab3f1288c3c927c09f6b303ee9c78f43572e127a1932a2bc59a74e0b0b5618.png

2025-09-21 18:39:12 UTC

Hello fren!
https://blossom.primal.net/ea8a8d4efcadc2d5773f25750f19734a7403dc770651a357bb8692dd46f03863.jpg

2025-09-19 18:55:44 UTC

https://blossom.primal.net/c05d9cb4e0c58a8fbd60abb43abb621a18983bf4d0e1411b95d335e38a129950.mov

2025-09-18 16:51:34 UTC

Hagia Sophia
https://blossom.primal.net/51d8e8914ee51f25764de60980053f45211f6d535ee3237a2d99a2fec8543d5b.jpg

2025-09-17 22:03:42 UTC

Constantinople
https://blossom.primal.net/20ea0a0bc04ea3a13028247df5143559419111ca3639b564e7e500665483524f.jpg

2025-09-16 00:37:30 UTC

https://youtube.com/shorts/fQpkejV9W8k?si=VG_ve0Qb9QgJetHW

2025-09-15 21:41:13 UTC

https://youtube.com/shorts/yJR6GD7V1s0?feature=shared

2025-09-15 01:41:13 UTC

🟣 VARIETY AND HEALTH
“A man in health, who is both vigorous and his own master, should be under no obligatory rules, and have no need, either for a medical attendant, or for a rubber and anointer. His kind of life should afford him variety; he should be now in the country, now in town, and more often about the farm; he should sail, hunt, rest sometimes, but more often take exercise; for whilst inaction weakens the body, work strengthens it; the former brings on premature old age, the latter prolongs youth.
It is well also at times to go to the bath, at times to make use of cold waters; to undergo sometimes inunction, sometimes to neglect that same; to avoid no kind of food in common use; to attend at times a banquet, at times to hold aloof; to eat more than sufficient at one time, at another no more; to take food twice rather than once a day, and always as much as one wants provided one digests it. But whilst exercise and food of this sort are necessities, those of the athletes are redundant; for in the one class any break in the routine of exercise, owing to necessities of civil life, affects the body injuriously, and in the other, bodies thus fed up in their fashion age very quickly and become infirm.”
Cornelius Celsus, De Medicina
https://blossom.primal.net/f4928c94818dff36a5241a626c882e6435f3aef550e4aade1fcf90498f1170eb.png

2025-09-13 19:04:00 UTC

⚪️ THE CRUELTY OF THE SICELS
“Learn the fate that befell Marcus Regulus, the Roman general, after his capture by the Sicels (a Sicilian people). They cut off his eyelids with a knife and left his eyes open. Then, having penned him in a very small and narrow hut, they goaded to madness a wild elephant, and incited it to draw him down under itself and mangle him. Thus the great general, as though driven by an avenging fury, breathed his last and died a most wretched death. Xanthippus the Spartan also died at the hands of the Sicels. For round about Lilybaeum, a city of the Sicels, there was the clash of war between Romans and Sicels, war that had continued for twenty-four years. The Sicels, having suffered defeat in battle many times, offered to put their city in subjection to the Romans. The Romans, however, would not listen even to this offer but ordered the Sicels to go forth empty-handed. Xanthippus the Spartan, who had come from Sparta with a hundred soldiers (or alone, or with fifty soldiers, according to various authorities), approached the Sicels while they were yet hemmed in, and after conversing with them at length through an interpreter finally gave them courage to oppose their enemies. He clashed in battle with the Romans and with the aid of the Sicels cut to pieces their whole army. Yet for his good service he received a recompense worthy of and appropriate to that perverse people, since the foul wretches set him in a leaking ship and sank him beneath the swirling waters of the Adriatic, in their envy of the hero and of his nobility.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/dcc540ab9a674556d76b3bf1e8ac1df2bdc0e16ede0bbf0bcb852b6448238824.png

2025-09-13 19:03:24 UTC

🟢 ROMAN HOUSES
Stepping into a Roman house, you'd likely find yourself in the vestibulum, a small entryway. From there, you'd enter the atrium, the heart of the home.
Atrium: This large open room often featured an open roof with a central pool (impluvium) to collect rainwater. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the room and highlighting decorative features.
Tablinum: Beyond the atrium, you might find the tablinum, a formal reception room where the head of the household conducted business or received guests.
Cubicula: These were the bedrooms, often small and simply furnished. Wealthier Romans might have multiple cubicula for family members.
Triclinium: This was the dining room, designed for reclining on couches while enjoying meals.
Culina: The kitchen was typically located towards the back of the house and was often small and basic.
Peristyle: Some larger houses had a peristyle, a colonnaded courtyard garden offering a more private and relaxing space.
Balneum: Wealthier Romans might have included a private bathhouse (balneum) within their homes, with hot and cold rooms.
https://blossom.primal.net/6b5596e9936065b692eb6bcff3d8982fd30bd6ae42dda920f5ad38b52252bf2b.jpg

2025-09-12 23:31:40 UTC

⚫️ A HEROIC SACRAFICE IN VAIN
“He sent horsemen to kill Piso. They rode so rapidly that they broke into the proconsul's residence in the half-light of the early dawn with drawn swords. The majority of them were unacquainted with Piso, for Festus had selected Carthaginian auxiliaries and Moors to accomplish the murder. Not far from Piso's bedroom a slave happened to meet them. The soldiers asked him who and where Piso was. The slave answered with an heroic falsehood that he was Piso, and was at once cut down. Yet soon after Piso was murdered; for there was present a man who recognized him.”
Tacitus, Histories
https://blossom.primal.net/f3fc43af4328174447037f1e6e97f0e049155f18c64c2c929c9ebd75e0750453.png

2025-09-12 13:41:40 UTC

🟡 CAESAREA MARITIMA
Caesarea Maritima was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, originally a Phoenician trading post named Straton's Tower. Herod the Great significantly expanded it in the 1st century BCE, transforming it into the capital of the Roman province of Judea and a major center of trade and administration.
The city boasted impressive architecture, including a large artificial harbor, a hippodrome, a theater, and a temple dedicated to Augustus. It played a role in early Christianity and continued to be an important city throughout the Byzantine and early Islamic periods before eventually declining.
Today, Caesarea Maritima is a major archaeological park, showcasing the remains of the ancient city and offering insights into Roman-era life. The harbor, a marvel of ancient engineering, features a large breakwater and a complex system of docks. The hippodrome, a large stadium for chariot racing and other games, and the well-preserved Roman theater that once hosted theatrical performances and public events, provide a glimpse into the grandeur of a major Roman provincial city.
https://blossom.primal.net/ea016c915a4b80dda6c1126e71f7a56a29221c8e97000dbfb1274d2890508b8a.jpg

2025-09-11 21:15:06 UTC

https://youtube.com/shorts/iXFGCLy5M6w?si=sJdr5uHAIuAedHbS

2025-09-11 16:39:20 UTC

🟤 ROME AND THE TROJANS
“ÆNEAS, the son of Anchises, the son of Capys, flourished in the Trojan war. After the capture of Troy he fled, and after long wandering arrived at that part of the Italian coast called Laurentum, where his camping-place is shown to this day, and that shore is called, after him, the Trojan beach.
The Aborigines of this part of Italy were then ruled by Faunus, the son of Mars, who gave to Æneas his daughter Lavinia in marriage, and also a tract of land four hundred stades in circuit. Here Æneas built a town, which he named after his wife, Lavinium.
Three years later, at the death of Faunus, Æneas succeeded to the kingdom by virtue of his marriage relationship, and he called the Aborigines Latins, from his father-in-law, Latinus Faunus.
Three years later still, Æneas was killed by the Rutuli, a Tuscan tribe, in a war begun on account of his wife Lavinia, who had been previously betrothed to their king. He was succeeded in the government by Euryleon, otherwise called Ascanius, the son of Æneas and Creusa, a daughter of Priam, to whom he had been married in Troy. But some say that the Ascanius who succeeded to the government was the son of Æneas and Lavinia.
Ascanius died four years after the founding of Alba (for he also built a city and gave it the name of Alba, and settled it with a colony from Lavinium), and Silvius succeeded to the throne. They say that this Silvius had a son named Æneas Silvius, and he a son named Latinus Silvius, and he a son named Capys, and he a son named Capetus, and he a son named Tiberinus, and he a son named Agrippa, who was the father of the Romulus who was struck by lightning, and who left a son Aventinus, who was the father of Procas. All of these bore the surname of Silvius.
Procas had two sons, the elder named Numitor, and the younger Amulius. When the elder succeeded to the throne on the death of the father, the younger took it away from him by force and violence. He also killed Egestus, his brother's son, and he made Rhea Silvia, his brother's daughter, a vestal, so that she might remain childless.
Notwithstanding a conspiracy against his life, Numitor himself was saved because of the gentleness and clemency of his manners. Silvia having become pregnant contrary to law, Amulius cast her into prison by way of punishment, and when she had given birth to two sons he gave them to some shepherds with orders to throw the babes into the neighboring stream called the river Tiber. These boys were Romulus and Remus. Being of the lineage of Æneas, on their mother's side, for their father's lineage was unknown, they always boasted their descent from the former.”
https://blossom.primal.net/9dbe60daec177bbef06569fa1cf2e177fa292b840d5d922519bde4ca9b3711f4.jpg

2025-09-09 21:53:32 UTC

🔶 MAKING FUN OF PRISONERS OF WAR
“Aemilius on conquering the Insubres (Cis Alpine Gauls) celebrated a triumph, and in it conveyed the foremost captives clad in armour up to the Capitol, making jests at their expense because he had heard that they had sworn not to remove their breastplates until they had mounted to the Capitol.”
https://blossom.primal.net/4fd70d1e558bee539fb03e12780b91988874baafbf403af062451a4944348406.jpg

2025-09-09 21:46:04 UTC

- reply

“Depend upon it, sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.”

2025-09-09 19:57:37 UTC

🔺 PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE
“But when they were near the Romans and the signal was raised by their commander, first of all they filled the plain with the sound of a deep and terrifying roar. For the Parthians do not incite themselves to battle with horns or trumpets, but they have hollow drums of distended hide, covered with bronze bells, and on these they beat all at once in many quarters, and the instruments give forth a low and dismal tone, a blend of wild beast's roar and harsh thunder peal. They had rightly judged that, of all the senses, hearing is the one most apt to confound the soul, soonest rouses its emotions, and most effectively unseats the judgment.”
(The battle of Carrhae, 53 BC).
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/be10c69af0951a38026b6d801f550d246a01f658d31d94fe55799c14f268f754.png

2025-09-08 20:16:28 UTC

Hello, fren!
https://blossom.primal.net/02562c892b5d3da18f30da5f9404d8feee4fe49abd519d1a2d42457b95992826.png

2025-09-08 20:13:42 UTC

🔘 WHY DO THEY SUPPOSE JANUS TO HAVE BEEN TWO-FACED AND SO REPRESENT HIM IN PAINTING AND SCULPTURE?
“Is it because, as they relate, he was by birth a Greek from Perrhaebia, and, when he had crossed to Italy and had settled among the savages there, he changed both his speech and his habits? Or is it rather because he changed the people of Italy to another manner and form of life by persuading a people which had formerly made use of wild plants and lawless customs to till the soil and to live under organized government?”
Plutarch, Roman Questions
https://blossom.primal.net/16ad5968d7c6c7ed6b79cec8d20557aeb8a96b621cb1b3c6c9f79a79209a99a1.jpg

2025-09-08 20:10:54 UTC

🔵 THE HARBOR OF CARTHAGE
Carthage possessed two distinct harbors: a large, rectangular commercial harbor for merchant ships and a remarkable circular military harbor known as the Cothon.
The Cothon was a masterpiece of engineering, designed specifically for the Carthaginian navy. It was a perfectly circular basin, surrounded by a ring of structures that provided individual docking bays for warships, facilitating efficient maintenance and repair. An artificial island stood at the center of the Cothon.
The Cothon enabled the Carthaginians to build and maintain a formidable navy, The commercial harbor facilitated trade with other civilizations, bringing wealth and resources to the city.
https://blossom.primal.net/e45a48b1e66c4dd9e48bead1316b5722121c0aeee3489e6a58aebbf88c6c1b41.jpg

2025-09-07 20:47:36 UTC

🟣 DEFENDING WISELY
“And if the country be not easy to invade but have few and narrow approaches, you should prepare these in advance by such a distribution of forces as has just been described, placing soldiers at the approaches to oppose those who are attacking and wish to march upon the city, having stationed in advance other troops who are made aware by signal-fires of the fortunes of the several divisions, in order that these may bring support, if in any way they need one another's help. 17 If, on the other hand, the land is not difficult to invade, but it is possible for large forces to attack at many points, the strategic positions of the country should be seized, so that the approach to the city may be difficult for the enemy.”
https://blossom.primal.net/bd97c8c0e71495ea2cb2f84ecfa416703cb9e6ac38b305717c16e65464c07dd2.png

2025-09-07 15:57:39 UTC

https://youtube.com/shorts/u-80os27kJM?si=E-cnODXVMpbJSnEH

2025-09-07 11:51:35 UTC

⚪️ HIERO PAYS, SYRACUSE SAFE
“The Romans, after adding the forces of these cities to their own, advanced upon Syracuse, intending to besiege Hiero. But Hiero, perceiving the discontent of the Syracusans, sent envoys to the consuls to discuss a settlement, and inasmuch as the Romans were eager to have as their foe the Carthaginians alone, they readily consented and concluded a fifteen-year peace; the Romans received one hundred and fifty thousand drachmas; Hiero, on condition of returning the captives of war, was to continue as ruler of the Syracusans and of the cities subject to him, Acrae, Leontini, Megara, Helorum, Neetum, and Tauromenium.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/7835e90e71f51a8b97e66e69b637ccf781b3bc7e4cb4a3f35fbae5637c44b630.jpg

2025-09-06 23:06:28 UTC

🟢 THE ANCESTRAL DAYS
The Parentalia was a nine-day festival held in ancient Rome during the month of February to honor deceased family members. This period, known as the "dies parentales" or "ancestral days," began on February 13th and concluded on February 21st.
The Parentalia was primarily a private affair, with families visiting the tombs of their ancestors to pay their respects. These visits involved a variety of rituals. Food and drink offerings, such as milk, honey, wine, and bread, were left at the gravesites to nourish the spirits of the departed. Prayers and libations were also performed, seeking the continued goodwill and protection of the ancestors.
Beyond these private observances, the Parentalia also held a significant social and religious importance. It served to reinforce the strong emphasis on family ties and ancestral veneration within Roman society. Romans believed that maintaining harmonious relationships with their deceased ancestors was crucial for the well-being and prosperity of their families and the community as a whole. By honoring their ancestors, they believed they ensured continued support and protection from these revered spirits.
The final day of the Parentalia, February 21st, was marked by the Feralia, a public ceremony honoring all the dead. This public observance further emphasized the collective importance of respecting and remembering one's ancestors within Roman culture.
https://blossom.primal.net/d51c4d855289e1365b3956582bd17051eca0b0371521aab918b50d96a79ce9f7.jpg

2025-09-06 13:10:22 UTC

🟡 CONSTANTINOPLE BEFORE CONSTANTINE
Before becoming the Roman capital, Byzantium was a small, but strategically important Greek city located on the European side of the Bosporus strait. Its prime location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia made it a natural hub for trade and commerce.
Founded in the 7th century BC, Byzantium was a prosperous city-state that participated in the trade of the ancient world. Its strong fortifications and its naval power were used to protect its lucrative trade routes.
Byzantium also had a rich cultural heritage, being home to a number of temples, theaters, and other public buildings. It was a center of learning and the arts, and its citizens were known for their love of literature and philosophy.
Byzantium's small size and limited resources meant that it was always vulnerable to attack from larger powers. It was conquered several times throughout its history, most notably by the Persians in the 6th century BC.
In 330 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine I chose it as the new capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople.
https://blossom.primal.net/f81c272f8b509b5530adcd3157c89361179fc321a9233987b113116aab355292.jpg

2025-09-05 20:47:51 UTC

🟤 LETTER FROM CONSTANTINE TO SHAPUR
A part:
3.11.10 “You may well see how delighted I am to hear that this company of my fellow servants—I mean Christians (for my whole message is about them)—abundantly adorns even the finest parts of Persia, in accord with my wishes. Now if you do what is proper and allow them to live happily, then may you accrue happiness, for they are your subjects.”
3.11.11 “Then God, the Lord of all, will be gentle, gracious, and kind toward you. Since you are so mighty and distinguished by piety, I commend them to you. I entrust the task of guiding them (I mean the Christians) to the overseers of the pious worship of God among them. Love them as befits your philanthropy. You will do an indescribable favor for yourself and for us through faith.”
3.11.12 “The all-excellent Emperor Constantine cared for those adorned with piety toward Christ so much that he not only looked after his own subjects but also took care for those living under other regimes, if possible. Therefore he enjoyed the care of God from above, and as he held the reins of all the inhabitants of the Roman world, even of the barbarians, his willing officials and subjects joyfully obeyed the bridle of his will.”
https://blossom.primal.net/ed15c260a216afe6d68b3ebe410840d464c4e862cc4bb43ef074c36f66f5096a.png

2025-09-03 20:34:16 UTC

🔺 THE PARTHIAN GENERAL
“Nor was Surena an ordinary man at all, but in wealth, birth, and consideration, he stood next the king, while in valour and ability he was the foremost Parthian of his time, besides having no equal in stature and personal beauty. He used to travel on private business with a baggage train of a thousand camels, and was followed by two hundred waggons for his concubines, while a thousand mail-clad horsemen and a still greater number of light-armed cavalry served as his escort; and had altogether, as horsemen, vassals, and slaves, no fewer than ten thousand men. Moreover, he enjoyed the ancient and hereditary privilege of being first to set the crown upon the head of the Parthian king; and when this very Hyrodes was driven out of Parthia, he restored him to his throne, and captured for him Seleucia the Great, having been the first to mount its walls, and having routed with his own hand his opponents. And though at this time he was not yet thirty years of age”
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/f88a134caf056dbcc03667ab29b1cce534abdd675935d335735ba0f6dedba8cb.png

2025-09-03 17:58:54 UTC

https://youtube.com/shorts/2EDambizUE4?si=YCOIastkCyUtNqfj

2025-09-03 17:34:24 UTC

🔵 HANNIBAL PERSUADES THE SENATE
“It was then that the story goes that, upon a certain Senator intending to speak against accepting the terms and actually beginning to do so, Hannibal came forward and pulled the man down from the tribune; and when the other senators showed anger at this breach of custom, Hannibal rose again and "owned that he was ignorant of such things; but said that they must pardon him if he acted in any way contrary to their customs, remembering that he had left the country when he was but fourteen, and had only returned when now past forty-five. Therefore he begged them not to consider whether he had committed a breach of custom, but much rather whether he were genuinely feeling for his country's misfortunes; for that was the real reason for his having been guilty of this breach of manners. For it appeared to him to be astonishing, and, indeed, quite unaccountable, that any one calling himself a Carthaginian, and being fully aware of the policy which they had individually and collectively adopted against the Romans, should do otherwise than adore the kindness of Fortune for obtaining such favourable terms, when in their power, as a few days ago no one—considering the extraordinary provocation they had given—would have ventured to mention, if they had been asked what they expected would happen to their country, in case of the Romans proving victorious. Therefore he called upon them now not to debate, but unanimously to accept the terms offered, and with sacrifices to the gods to pray with one accord that the Roman people might confirm the treaty." His advice being regarded as both sensible and timely, they resolved to sign the treaty on the conditions specified; and the senate at once despatched envoys to notify their consent.”
Polybius, histories
https://blossom.primal.net/76436cf32ce48352961a1e616d44901d1bacfa90523c683cd816e8ea543bb83d.jpg

2025-09-01 21:50:16 UTC

🟣 PRECAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO ALLIED FORCES
“If allied forces [are admitted] into the city they should never be stationed together, but should be separated in the manner already suggested and for the same reasons. In the same way those who are to make use of mercenary troops should always have citizens under arms surpassing these mercenaries in number and power, otherwise both the citizens and the state are at their mercy. [A danger] of this sort [befell] the Chalcedonians while in a state of siege, due to the presence of allied forces sent by [the people of Cyzicus], their allies. When the Chalcedonians were deliberating upon measures affecting their interest, the troops of the garrison said that they would not consent unless it seemed advantageous to the people of Cyzicus as well, so that the garrison within the walls was much more terrible to the Chalcedonians than was the besieging enemy. One must, therefore, never admit into a city an alien force greater than that already available to the citizens, and the state employing mercenaries must always be much superior to them in strength, since it is not safe to be outnumbered by aliens nor to be in the power of mercenaries, as actually happened to the inhabitants of Heracleia Pontica; for, by bringing in more hired troops than they should, they first made away with those of the opposing faction, but later brought destruction to the themselves and the state, being forced into subjection to the man who introduced the mercenaries.”
Aeneas tacticus siege defense
https://blossom.primal.net/8426be2d895d759c2ddb96ee3b509f9572f1d0a22ae748fdd8fd063ec77f6503.jpg

2025-08-31 22:30:19 UTC

⚪️ WINNING VS TRULY WINNING
“The Phoenicians and Romans fought a naval battle; afterwards, in consideration of the magnitude of the war that lay before them, they sent envoys to the consul to discuss terms of friendship. There was much discussion, and both sides engaged in acrimonious debate: the Phoenicians said that they marvelled how the Romans could venture to cross over into Sicily, inasmuch as the Carthaginians had control of the seas; for it was obvious to all that if they did not maintain friendly relations, the Romans would not dare even to wash their hands in the sea. The Romans, for their part, advised the Carthaginians not to teach them to meddle with maritime affairs, since the Romans, so they asserted, were pupils who always outstripped their masters. For example, in ancient times, when they were using rectangular shields, the Etruscans, who fought with round shields of bronze and in phalanx formation, impelled them to adopt similar arms and were in consequence defeated. Then again, when other peoples were using shields such as the Romans now use, and were fighting by maniples, they had imitated both and had overcome those who introduced the excellent models. From the Greeks they had learned siegecraft and the use of engines of war for demolishing walls, and had then forced the cities of their teachers to do their bidding. So now, should the Carthaginians compel them to learn naval warfare, they would soon see that the pupils had become superior to their teachers.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/43cb44ca3065d7273975aeceb26dd93d940957032dae9bf29e557dfc9c629e01.jpg

2025-08-31 20:33:18 UTC

🟢 MILITARY EXERCISE
“if any one does but attend to the other parts of their military discipline, he will be forced to confess that their obtaining so large a dominion hath been the acquisition of their valor, and not the bare gift of fortune; for they do not begin to use their weapons first in time of war, nor do they then put their hands first into motion, while they avoided so to do in times of peace; but, as if their weapons did always cling to them, they have never any truce from warlike exercises; nor do they stay till times of war admonish them to use them; for their military exercises differ not at all from the real use of their arms, but every soldier is every day exercised, and that with great diligence, as if it were in time of war, which is the reason why they bear the fatigue of battles so easily; for neither can any disorder remove them from their usual regularity, nor can fear affright them out of it, nor can labor tire them; which firmness of conduct makes them always to overcome those that have not the same firmness; nor would he be mistaken that should call those their exercises unbloody battles, and their battles bloody exercises.”
Flavius Josephus, The Wars Of The Jews
https://blossom.primal.net/0ceb3560b60c98167b098c2b062fd65573228051dd072dfa88b9ef953aa83629.jpg

2025-08-31 19:57:03 UTC

⚫️ THE IDEA OF FREEDOM
“The Batavians," he said, "although free from tribute, have taken up arms against our common masters. In the very first engagement the Romans have been routed and defeated. What if the Gallic provinces should throw off the yoke? What forces are there left in Italy? It is by the blood of the provinces that provinces are won. Do not think of Vindex's battle. It was the Batavian cavalry that crushed the Aedui and Averni; among the auxiliary forces of Verginiusº were Belgians, and if you consider the matter aright you will see that Gaul owed its fall to its own forces. Now all belong to the same party, and we have gained besides all the strength that military training in Roman camps can give; I have with me veteran cohorts before which Otho's legions lately succumbed. Let Syria, Asia, and the East, which is accustomed to kings, play the slave; there are many still alive in Gaul who were born before tribute was known. Surely it was not long ago that slavery was driven from Germany by the killing of Quintilius Varus, and the emperor whom the Germans then challenged was not a Vitellius but a Caesar Augustus. Liberty is a gift which nature has granted even to dumb animals, but courage is the peculiar blessing of man. The gods favour the braver: on, therefore, carefree against the distressed, fresh against the weary.”
Tacitus, Histories
https://blossom.primal.net/f1ebd05ca84e807fb36ae75dd872ecd5b493f1a3bf2e5f1c2be0311d47d91898.png

2025-08-31 19:55:53 UTC

Read this:
“What thou sayest,” replied Cineas, “is probably true; but will our expedition stop with the taking of Sicily?” “Heaven grant us,” said Pyrrhus, “victory and success so far; and we will make these contests but the preliminaries of great enterprises. For who could keep his hands off Libya, or Carthage, when that city got within his reach, a city which Agathocles, slipping stealthily out of Syracuse and crossing the sea with a few ships, narrowly missed taking? And when we have become masters here, no one of the enemies who now treat us with scorn will offer further resistance; there is no need of saying that.” “None whatever,” said Cineas, “for it is plain that with so great a power we shall be able to recover Macedonia and rule Greece securely. But when we have got everything subject to us, what are we going to do?” Then Pyrrhus smiled upon him and said: “We shall be much at ease, and we’ll drink bumpers, my good man, every day, and we’ll gladden one another’s hearts with confidential talks.” And now that Cineas had brought Pyrrhus to this point in the argument, he said: “Then what stands in our way now if we want to drink bumpers and while away the time with one another? Surely this privilege is ours already, and we have at hand, without taking any trouble, those things to which we hope to attain by bloodshed and great toils and perils, after doing much harm to others and suffering much ourselves.”

2025-08-31 19:51:40 UTC

The OutdoorBoys youtuber makes great video’s.

2025-08-31 19:48:30 UTC

I’m getting out of a tough few years slowly but surely. Because of stubborness and prayer.
Unstoppable.

2025-08-31 19:45:42 UTC

I get dopamine from watching dopamine fasting video’s.

2025-08-29 21:56:59 UTC

🟤 MEDITATIONS BY MARCUS AURELIUS
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal writings by the Roman Emperor, composed between 170 and 180 AD. Originally titled "Things for Himself," it was never intended for publication.
The work is deeply rooted in Stoic philosophy, emphasizing virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. Aurelius uses the book as a tool for personal growth, reflecting on his own thoughts, emotions, and actions. He emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Stoicism teaches that some things are beyond our control, and we should accept them rather than resist. As a ruler, Aurelius felt a strong sense of duty to serve the public good and to live a virtuous life.
https://blossom.primal.net/8862e54f742ce02096de56ce84258e198e3d69fc46470beafe56cf372e1fd30a.png

2025-08-27 18:58:45 UTC

- reply

Looks like a horse 😂

2025-08-27 16:15:15 UTC

🔶 THE FAMOUS LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA
“This Ptolemy (III Euergetes) is said to have given sufficient proof of his eagerness to collect old books, by his behaviour towards the Athenians. After giving them fifteen talents of silver as a surety, he received from them the manuscripts of Sophocles and Euripides and Aeschylus, on the understanding that he would simply make new copies from the manuscripts, and then promptly return them intact. But after he had produced magnificent new copies on the finest writing material, he kept the books that the Athenians had sent to him, and sent back to them the copies that he had made. He urged them to keep the fifteen talents, and at the same time to receive new copies instead of the old books that they had sent to him. The Athenians would have had no other option, even if he had kept the old books without sending new copies to them, because when they accepted the money, they had agreed that if he kept the books, then they would keep the money; and so they accepted the new copies and kept the money.”
https://blossom.primal.net/144861e2611792bc29c9deb8d1c673cb52b81632febea5767d269feea2b20027.jpg

2025-08-27 16:14:42 UTC

🔺 AN ARMENIAN OFFER DECLINED
“And most of all, Artabazes the king of Armenia gave him courage, for he came to his camp with six thousand horsemen. These were said to be the king's guards and couriers; but he promised ten thousand mail-clad horsemen besides, and thirty thousand footmen, to be maintained at his own cost. And he tried to persuade Crassus to invade Parthia by way of Armenia, for thus he would not only lead his forces along in the midst of plenty, which the king himself would provide, but would also proceed with safety, confronting the cavalry of the Parthians, in which lay their sole strength, with many mountains, and continuous crests, and regions where the horse could not well serve. Crassus was tolerably well pleased with the king's zeal and with the splendid reinforcements which he offered, but said he should march through Mesopotamia, where he had left many brave Romans. Upon this, the Armenian rode away.”
(Before the battle of Carrhae, 53 BC).
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/9c9573ec736c6642085e65422e952f95305b0927c895446e21f2616854c8b205.png

2025-08-27 16:13:33 UTC

🔵 TERMS MADE
“The following are the heads of the terms offered them:—The Carthaginians to retain the towns in Libya, of which they were possessed before they commenced the last war against Rome, and the territory which they also heretofore held, with its cattle, slaves, and other stock: and from that day should not be subject to acts of hostility, should enjoy their own laws and customs, and not have a Roman garrison in their city. These were the concessions favourable to them. The clauses of an opposite character were as follows:—The Carthaginians to pay an indemnity to the Romans for all wrongs committed during the truce; to restore all captives and runaway slaves without limit of time; to hand over all their ships of war except ten triremes, and all elephants; to go to war with no people outside Libya at all, and with none in Libya without consent from Rome; to restore to Massanissa all houses, territory, and cities belonging to him or his ancestors within the frontiers assigned to that king; to supply the Roman army with provisions for three months, and with pay, until such time as an answer shall be returned from Rome on the subject of the treaty; to pay ten thousand talents of silver in fifty years, two hundred Euboic talents every year; to give a hundred hostages of their good faith, —such hostages to be selected from the young men of the country by the Roman general, and to be not younger than fourteen or older than thirty years.”
Polybius, histories
https://blossom.primal.net/bdf6c199428ca1f4862c71398b29a82957fc51afb3c6c68b31fbb80ae76857bb.png

2025-08-24 22:15:19 UTC

🟡 DEBT PAYMENTS
“When Marcus Manlius, the patrician, saved the city of Rome from a Gallic invasion, he received the highest honors.
At a later period when he saw an old man, who had often fought for his country, reduced to servitude by a money lender, he paid the debt for him. Being highly commended for this act, he released all his own debtors from their obligations. His glory being much increased thereby, he paid the debts of many others. Being much elated by his popularity, he even proposed that all debts should be cancelled, or that the people should sell the lands that had not yet been distributed and apply the proceeds for the relief of debtors.”
Appian, the foreign war
https://blossom.primal.net/3afb4d990f4f34909d6a3681b519755d96df731c735fcb17b98e6c9d5e8693dd.jpg

2025-08-24 21:48:39 UTC

- reply

Do you have any pull up tips when it comes to form

2025-08-22 19:42:58 UTC

🟤 THE CELTIC WOMEN
“Before the Celts crossed over the Alps and settled in that part of Italy which is now their home, a dire and persistent factional discord broke out among them which went on and on to the point of civil war. The women, however, put themselves between the armed forces, and, taking up the controversies, arbitrated and decided them with such irreproachable fairness that a wondrous friendship of all towards all was brought about between both States and families. As the result of this they continued to consult with the women in regard to war and peace, and to decide through them any disputed matters in their relations with their allies. At all events, in their treaty with Hannibal they wrote the provision that, if the Celts complained against the Carthaginians, the governors and generals of the Carthaginians in Spain should be the judges; and if the Carthaginians complained against the Celts, the judges should be the Celtic women.”
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/52665215452443209f9b7e8f00ff28ebddf3f74385101766e2a7e0a73531df89.jpg

2025-08-21 21:01:24 UTC

🔶 ROYAL DECREE OF PTOLEMY XIII AND CLEOPATRA VII
Greek text:
Date: 50 B.C.
For an explanation of the background to this decree, see D. Thompson, "Nile grain-transport under the Ptolemies", pp.74-75 ( academia. edu ).
“By decree of the king and queen. No one purchasing wheat or pulse from the nomes above Memphis shall carry it down to the low country or yet carry it up to the Thebaid on any pretext, though all may transport it to Alexandria free of question, on pain of being liable to death if detected. Whoever wishes shall inform the strategos of his nome about contraventions of this order, on the understanding that he shall receive the third part of the property of the person found guilty, or, if he be a slave, shall be freed and in addition receive the sixth part. Year 3, Phaophi 23. {Docketed} I, Horus, district scribe, acting through Onias, scribe, have posted up one copy of the foregoing decree. Year 3, Hathur [.]5.”
https://blossom.primal.net/ee5faafe62ae19f3d553dbeeb21c31881891fce56c8d9bacad7b39d8c3f7697d.png

2025-08-20 21:29:28 UTC

🔺 THE REPUTATION OF THE PARTHIANS
“The embassy, accordingly, rode away to King Hyrodes (or Arsaces, king of Parthia 57 BC - 37 BC), to tell him there must be war. But from the cities of Mesopotamia in which the Romans had garrisons, certain men made their escape at great hazard and brought tidings of serious import. They had been eyewitnesses both of the numbers of the enemy and of their mode of warfare when they attacked their cities, and, as is usual, they exaggerated all the terrors of their report. "When the men pursued," they declared, "there was no escaping them, and when they fled, there was no taking them; and strange missiles are the precursors of their appearance, which pierce through every obstacle before one sees who sent them; and as for the armour of their mail-clad horsemen, some of it is made to force its way through everything, and some of it to give way to nothing." When the soldiers heard this, their courage ebbed away. For they had been fully persuaded that the Parthians were not different at all from the Armenians or even the Cappadocians, whom Lucullus had robbed and plundered till he was weary of it, and they had thought that the most difficult part of the war would be the long journey and the pursuit of men who would not come to close quarters; but now, contrary to their hopes, they were led to expect a struggle and great peril.”
Plutarch
https://blossom.primal.net/46dc0af9cd04b05a9d9012beaae4bb81f8a2d9d58e1ce97e898ccb19bec6c8bd.png

2025-08-19 22:38:50 UTC

🔘 WHY DO THE WOMEN KISS THEIR KINSMEN ON THE LIPS?
“Is it, as most authorities believe, that the drinking of wine was forbidden to women, and therefore, so that women who had drunk wine should not escape detection, but should be detected when they chanced to meet men of their household, the custom of kissing was established?
Or is it for the reason which Aristotle the philosopher has recorded? For that far-famed deed, the scene of which is laid in many different places, was dared, it appears, by the Trojan women, even on the very shores of Italy. For when they had reached the coast, and the men had disembarked, the women set fire to the ships, since, at all hazards, they desired to be quit of their wanderings and their sea-faring. But they were afraid of their husbands, and greeted with a kiss and a warm embrace such of their kinsmen and members of their household as they encountered; and when the men had ceased from their wrath and had become reconciled, the women continued thereafter as well to employ this mark of affection towards them. Or was this rather bestowed upon the women as a privilege that should bring them both honour and power if they should be seen to have many good men among their kinsmen and in their household?
Or is it that, since it is not the custom for men to marry blood relations, affection proceeded only so far as a kiss, and this alone remained as a token of kinship and a participation therein? For formerly men did not marry women related to them by ties of blood, just as even now they do not marry their aunts or their sisters; but after a long time they made the concession of allowing wedlock with cousins for the following reason: a man possessed of no property, but otherwise of excellent character and more satisfactory to the people than other public men, had as wife his cousin, an heiress, and was thought to be growing rich from her estate.
He was accused on this ground, but the people would not even try the case and dismissed the charge, enacting a decree that all might marry cousins or more distant relatives; but marriage with nearer kin was prohibited.”
Plutarch, Roman Questions
https://blossom.primal.net/0edc8d4fc7d3ffd82279d3688a035ebfce63baf5ee1fb1338f46f1fbe912ac8e.png

2025-08-18 20:45:11 UTC

🔵 POLYBIUS ON THE BATTLE OF ZAMA
“All arrangements for the battle being complete, and the two opposing forces of Numidian cavalry having been for some time engaged in skirmishing attacks upon each other, Hannibal gave the word to the men on the elephants to charge the enemy. But as they heard the horns and trumpets braying all round them, some of the elephants became unmanageable and rushed back upon the Numidian contingents of the Carthaginian army; and this enabled Massanissa with great speed to deprive the Carthaginian left wing of its cavalry support. The rest of the elephants charged the Roman velites in the spaces between the maniples of the line, and while inflicting much damage on the enemy suffered severely themselves; until, becoming frightened, some of them ran away down the vacant spaces, the Romans letting them pass harmlessly along, according to Scipio's orders, while others ran away to the right under a shower of darts from the cavalry, until they were finally driven clear off the field.
It was just at the moment of this stampede of the elephants, that Laelius forced the Carthaginian cavalry into headlong flight, and along with Massanissa pressed them with a vigorous pursuit. While this was going on, the opposing lines of heavy infantry were advancing to meet others with deliberate step and proud confidence, except Hannibal's "army of Italy," which remained in its original position.”
Polybius, histories
https://blossom.primal.net/182697cfc71c1390ee4115db51b571d5236706166395a8c72679cbaa375fd614.jpg

2025-08-17 19:53:18 UTC

🟣 CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY OF JULIUS CEASAR
"He was tall, of a fair complexion, round limbed, rather full faced, with eyes black and piercing; he enjoyed excellent health except toward the close of his life when he was subject to sudden fainting fits and disturbances in his sleep. He was likewise twice seized with the 'falling sickness,' while engaged in active service.
He was extremely nice in the care of his person, and kept the hair of his head closely cut and had his face smoothly shaved. His baldness gave him much uneasiness, having often found himself on that score exposed to the jibes of his enemies. He used therefore to brush forward the hair from the crown of his head, and of all the honors conferred on him by the Senate and People, there was none which he either accepted or used with greater pleasure than the right of wearing constantly a laurel crown.
It is said that he was particular in his dress, for he wore the (special toga only Roman senators could wear) with fringes about the wrists, and always had it girded about him, but rather loosely.
[He was a notable lady's man, and indulged in many intrigues; he was especially intimate with Servilia, the mother of Marcus Brutus,] for whom' he purchased in his first consulship . . . a pearl which cost him 6,000,000 sesterces and in the Civil War, besides other presents assigned to her -for a trifling consideration -some valuable farms that had been set up at public auction.
He was perfect in the use of arms, an accomplished rider, and able to endure fatigue beyond all belief. On a march he used to go at the head of his troops, sometimes on horseback, but oftener on foot, with his head bare in all kinds of weather. He would travel post in a light carriage without baggage, at the rate of one hundred miles per day; and if he was stopped by floods in the rivers, he swam across, or floated on skins inflated in the wind, so that he often anticipated the tidings of his movements.
Often he rallied his troops by his own personal exertions, stopping those who fled, keeping others in their ranks, and seizing men by the throat, turned them again towards the enemy, although numbers [of his men] were [sometimes] so terrified that an eagle bearer thus stopped made a thrust at him with the spearhead (on the eagle), and another on a like occasion left the standard in his hand."
Suetonius
https://blossom.primal.net/43559377e309a7d4f23914139093387aae7667e520f98b8ba1805d94752a7d2c.jpg

2025-08-16 16:07:12 UTC

⚪️ ROOF TILES SUPPLIED BY THE STATE
“The Romans, now that their houses had been razed to the ground and the majority of their citizens slain, gave permission to anyone who wished to build a home in any place he chose, and supplied him at state expense with roof-tiles; and up to the present time these are known as "public tiles." Since every man naturally built his home where it suited his fancy, the result was that the streets of the city were narrow and crooked; consequently, when the population increased in later days, it was impossible to straighten the streets. Some also say that the Roman matrons, because they contributed their gold ornaments to the common safety, received from the people as a reward the right to ride through the city in chariots.”
Diodorus Siculus
https://blossom.primal.net/aae8ff0e3f6c6dfbb178ffee8b20ffe1a9bbe6ad90c31de400df440c726e0c5f.png

2025-08-16 12:48:43 UTC

- reply

They are left holding the bag

2025-08-15 13:21:20 UTC

🟢 ROMAN PARIS
The Parisii, a Celtic tribe, inhabited the area before the Roman conquest in 52 BC.
“The Parisii live round about the Sequana River, having an island in the river and a city called Lucotocia” (Strabo)
During Roman times, Paris was known as Lutetia. The Romans conquered the area in 52 BC, establishing a Gallo-Roman town on the Île de la Cité, which is the heart of modern Paris.
Lutetia grew into a significant urban center with an amphitheater, public baths, a forum, and temples. Its location on the Seine River made it an important trading hub. The Romans brought their language, culture, and architectural styles to Lutetia, leaving a lasting impact on the city's development.
Today, you can still see remnants of Roman Paris in the Arènes de Lutèce (an amphitheater), the Thermes de Cluny (remains of public baths), and the Crypte Archéologique beneath the Notre Dame Cathedral.
https://blossom.primal.net/8a602a55158aa17c51c2c93caf2b0bafc132849361e4ce3f68f6d9a2fabc9a5c.jpg

2025-08-14 17:22:13 UTC

⚫️ JULIUS CIVILUS SPEAKING TO HIS PEOPLE
“At the orders of Vitellius a levy of the young Batavians was now being made. This burden, which is naturally grievous, was made the heavier by the greed and licence of those in charge of the levy: they hunted out the old and the weak that they might get a price for letting them off; again they dragged away the children to satisfy their lust, choosing the handsomest — and the Batavian children are generally tall beyond their years. These acts aroused resentment, and the leaders in the conspiracy, on which they were now determined, persuaded the people to refuse the levy. Civilis called the leaders of his tribe and the boldest of the common people into a sacred grove under the pretext of giving a banquet, and when he saw that the night and revelry had fired their spirits, he began to speak of the honour and glory of their tribe, then passed on to count over their wrongs, the extortion practised on them, and all the rest of the misfortunes of slavery. "For," he declared, "we are no longer regarded as allies, as once we were, but as slaves. When does a governor come to us with full commission, even though his suite would be burdensome and insolent if he came? We are handed over to prefects and centurions: after one band is satisfied with murder and spoils, the troops are shifted, and new purses are looked for to be filled and varied pretexts for plundering are sought. We are threatened with a levy which separates children from parents and brothers from brothers, as if in death. Never has the Roman state been in direr straits than now, and there is nothing in their winter camps but booty and old men. Simply lift your eyes and do not fear the empty name of legions. But on our side are our strong infantry and cavalry, our kinsmen the Germans, the Gallic provinces that cherish the same desires as ourselves. Not even the Romans will regard this war with disfavour; if its outcome is uncertain we shall say that it was undertaken for Vespasian; for victory no account is ever rendered."
Tacitus, Histories
https://blossom.primal.net/2574eca46da443917657ed2fedf61841bf5fbc89441d4e0d2a2fd2ee2e84630d.png

2025-08-14 15:16:55 UTC

I think every person is a high value person because they have a soul.

2025-08-12 20:38:47 UTC

🟡 THE ASCENT OF CAMILLUS
“Bad omens from Jupiter were observed after the capture of Veii. The soothsayers said that some religious duty had been neglected, and Camillus remembered that it had been forgotten to appropriate a tenth of the plunder to the god that had given the oracle concerning the lake.
Accordingly the Senate decreed that those who had taken anything from Veii should make an estimate, each one for himself, and bring in a tenth of it under oath. Their religious feeling was such that they did not hesitate to add to the votive offering a tenth of the produce of the land that had already been sold, as well as of the spoils. With the money thus obtained they sent to the temple of Delphi a golden cup which stood on a pedestal of brass in the treasury of Rome and Massiliat until Onomarchus melted the cup during the Phocæan war. The pedestal is still standing.
Camillus was afterwards accused before the people of being himself the author of those bad omens and portents. The people, who had been for some time set against him, fined him heavily, having no pity for him although he had recently lost a son. His friends contributed the money in order that the person of Camillus might not be disgraced. In deep grief he went into exile in the city of Ardea, praying the prayer of Achilles that the time might come when the Romans would long for Camillus. And in fact this came to pass very soon, for when the Gauls captured the city, the people fled for succor to Camillus and again chose him Dictator, as has been told in my Gallic history.”
Appian, the foreign wars
https://blossom.primal.net/3aa6a198c64a0721336b5d89450cb7e2ab2a2c0eda0afbb96da5cace031670fb.jpg