THE SUMMER OF S.P.Q.R.
AND ALL THAT IS AT HAND, IN THIS PAPER
by Maximius Flavius
Again, as visible, the Acta Diurna has gone through some changes! Thanks to the divine Jot Ariston's tips, our layout is now a bit more newspaper-like what comes to the headlines. The beautiful graphic to the left has been designed by Diantha Livius; and if your humble editor just can persuade her, each section will have similar kind of graphics in later issues.
This time the newspaper has been divided into four sections: in addition to this editorial, there are sections for news, history and archaeology articles, as well as a Special Section. As the amount of articles submitted seems to be on the rise, it is possible that the paper will be divided into yet more sections next time in order to make browsing the articles easier. All kinds of comments and suggestions are very welcome!
As promised, this issue also includes a Special Section on S.P.Q.R. The Game, which is currently making its comeback to AncientWorlds! Perhaps many of you have already noticed one of the works in process: the S.P.Q.R. Handbook, which can be found on Rome mainpage (scroll down, down, down!). It is already worth browsing, and one can only imagine all the material that will be available there.
Heraklia Aelius's "History of AncientWorlds" parts I and II were originally published in the old Acta Diurna of AncientSites Rome. This history brings forward the original events and reasons for the birth of the S.P.Q.R. Game as well as the predecessor of our dear site, AncientSites. Hopefully the parts III and IV, continuing the history till today, will appear on the pages of Acta Diurna soon!
For us past and future players, Lucius Aelius has written a beautifully concise introduction to the historical context of S.P.Q.R., one of the most interesting moments of Roman history.
Also, two of the "Old Romans" who were amongst the first members of the Pathfinder site and AncientSites, Julilla Sempronius and FeAudrey Penguinus, have written more personal memorabilia about how they ended up at the original site. Both these articles also include information about the history of the S.P.Q.R. Game and this site. A good reading for anyone wishing to be prepared for the Games!
The City & Group News section will certainly demostrate how much there is going on all over the site, albeit the fact it is summer. Diantha Livius, our new Rome Reporter, has written an update on events in Rome and Roman groups after the Spring Festival. As also the Group news items from Rome show, there is a lot going on! A new group in Athens is represented by Nikolaos Cleomenes, and from Egypt we have a wide coverage: an article of general city news as well as an update of the Opet Festival and its historical background, by Hapshetsut Nebet. In Babylon, new boards are opening, and another festival is soon underway in Machu Picchu.
There is a most interesting and multi-faceted selection of articles on History and Archaeology on this issue. Aulus Sergius has prepared an article on Roman coins - and their so timely relation to the crops - revealing us many of the items in his own personal collection at the same time.
Drakus Domitius offers an article, partially based on a discussion at The Academy group in Rome, on Philip II of Macedonia, who to many is known (only) as the father of Alexander the Great. Take a peak into the shadow, and you will find an interesting father lurking behind Alexander's name!
In this issue we have two wonderful articles on Mesopotamian history: ApilIsthar Etana has written at lenght about sexuality and related customs in ancient Mesopotamia, Leah Enkidu presents the Storm God Adad.
Germania is also present in the intriguing article by Anya Gepid on the "gypsies," covering the history of their origin and migration from the lingual evidence of their early origins till this day.
As a wonderful addition to our montly paper, Aifa Niafer has compiled an extensive selection of archaeology news of late. The news items are organised by location in order to help concentrating on the ones of interest to the reader.
This issue truly shows what remarkable individuals have gathered to this site during its (already long) history! Thanks to all reporters and contributors! Our next Acta will be published on the 15th of July, and thus the deadline to submit reports and articles is the 13th next month.
