Our World Editors have placed the latest news from the far corners of the realm at your fingertips, with something for every taste. Can we talk ? In Visigoth ?? Explore Germanic languages at Kunjarazdoz. If your interested in Roman Law ( a personal fave of mine) check out Lex Romana. If your focus is on strategy and military history visit The Academy, The War College of Sun-Tzu or read an excellent article about Thucydides’ opinion of the Spartans. Need a beach read ? Check out a scroll from the Alexandria Library and never pay a fine.

Role-play in Celtia , or travel across the ocean and find out how the ancient Americans lived. If the hardball world of politics is your bent, tune in to a fascinating critique of Cicero’s attacks on Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. They say that all’s fair in war and love, but in Mesopotamia, you’ll discover there are rules for romance that the gods themselves must obey! Scientific discoveries about the ancient world make headlines every day, and you can read more about it right here. For instance, archaeologists in Europe have discovered what may be the earliest civilization on the continent, unearthing the remains of temples far older than the pyramids. In Israel, botanists have coaxed a 2,000 year old date palm seed to germinate and grow, an amazing example of endurance and vitality.

Speaking of endurance and vitality, I want to take note of a significant milestone. It was ten years ago this month that the online game, SPQR, was launched on the old Time –Warner Pathfinder site. The game’s detailed immersive experience of third century Rome was an instant hit with gamers and history lovers alike. More important, these fans became pioneers of a new concept, the interest-based online community. Despite serious challenges and setbacks thru the years the founders of the game, and the fans they inspired, persevered and attracted new devotees. The result is this remarkable community, one that continues to grow and evolve through the creative vitality of her members, old and new. In a world as ephemeral as the Web this longevity is no mean achievement, and is a testament, not only to our unending fascination with the past, but also to the lasting friendships and camaraderie we’ve shared here. So here’s a salute to those who kindled the flame and to all of you who keep it burning, here, at Ancient Worlds !

Ahhhhh, summertime! Our last ACTA edition was May 15th and covered the site-wide activities of Springfest, '05. Now, we've had six relaxing weeks in which all worlds were active in a relaxed fashion while we take our usual "summer break" before activities heighten as fall approaches. And it will soon be time for an ACTA changeover as well.

The editorial staff of the ACTA is planning for the upcoming year's activities. Laurels Curius will assume the position of Editor-in-Chief, assisted by Heraklia Aelius, as assistant editor (well, that makes sense - Laurels' drive has helped make the ACTA what it is!) Almost all world editors are looking for volunteers to work with the next year's edition. Interested in helping? All it takes is a few agonizing hours of your month (just kidding - well, maybe not) to write up the events of your world. Contact any one of the current editors (links to your left) if you are interested in participating next year!

It's time for our roving "Historical Fiction" reporter, Maria Marius, to give us another update of just what's going on in the numerous fictional stories in development throughout AncientWorlds. Check Page 2 of the Global edition for details!

Lost? Don't know where to go? Although we are revamping and updating our "Beginner's Guide" to AncientWorlds, in the meantime, there's a wealth of good information here.

We also have our global 'Newbie' help board and welcome area: Welcoming Newcomers.

For avatars, homesite decor resources or code help check out Arachne's Web HelpCenter & FAQ.