Rome's News & Notes
Salvete Omnes!
I am your new reporter from Rome, here to get you up to date with all that's new, all that's news and all that jazz!
Romans who participated in the
Symposion Series discussions with author Bryan Ward-Perkins on March 11-18 were very impressed with his ease and sense of humor while he visited with us. Discussion about his controversial book
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization, taken out of the sphere of judgemental Gibbon and other scholars, made it fresh. Seen from Ward-Perkins' perspective, the subject became something altogether new to consider. We thank him again for joining us.
Since the 2007 Best Places in AncientWorlds competition has been ongoing, the mighty muscles of the Aventines and Suburans have been getting a workout! Hammers, saws, graphics, html, virtual environments, wine shops, domii, libraries, shops, beauty salons and temples have emerged. These dedicated groups of Romans have worked hard to improve their neighborhoods, providing history, fun, laughter and as such it has become a real community of neighbors. It is this author's hope that other regions and neighborhoods in Rome would follow suit, taking the Aventine example to heart, especially now! Check out some of the "spotlighted" items in this Rome edition just to get a feel for all that's been happening!
Let me take this opportunity to say a word about the newest group in town: "Rome...Every City Has Its Secrets", based on the HBO mini-series ROME. So many of us are enthusiasts of the show, the characters, and history, that our own Titus Pullo Lupus has built this wonderful group based on the show. We can role play, research, discuss, imbibe....well, you get the picture! Bravo Pullo... "Thirteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!"
Rome's Birthday # 2760 - and Counting
Why now? Because April 21st is the Anniversary of the Founding of Rome in 753 BC! If every part of the city got together as the Subura and the Aventine have, by the 20th of April, when the Founding Celebrations commence, we could entice more citizens out for the festivities in all the city neighborhoods, as well as perhaps gain more patrons. Let us show off our great city!!! Clean up the streets, build shops and theaters, plan a special contest, parade, or activity specific of you locality! Let's show off, as Romans really know deep down in their DNA how to!
On April 2nd visit the thread for the Founding Festival, and join in the fun. Let's plan some interesting activities! We already have a wedding scheduled, an avatar ball, a banquet, gladiatorial games, quizzes, contests and a play....please volunteer an activity or offer to help those who have one under construction.
On a final, newsy note - at this writing our patrons number 99....when shall we hit the century mark? Maybe someone at the local collegium is laying odds!
Well, I am off to Ostia. The new ships are in from Egypt, and I must, must MUST find just the right fabric for that Avatar Ball...and just what will my costume be....hmmm? I'll never tell. Till next time my friends!
Livia Servilius
