A scene from the movie The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964). For many people including myself, it is utterly impossible to imagine a world without Rome. The fabled “Eternal City of the Seven Hills” dominated the ancient world for… Read More ›
April
April 28 – The Floralia: The Ancient Roman Flower Festival
Get ready for some ancient Roman flower power, dude! April 28 was date of the Floralia, a festival dedicated to the goddess Flora, the ancient Roman goddess of flowers and fertility. Flora was associated with Spring, the season of new… Read More ›
April 23 – The Vinalia Priora: The Ancient Roman Spring Wine Festival
I feel the coming of the flowery Spring,Wakening tree and vine;A bowl capacious quickly bringAnd mix the honeyed wine.Weave for my throat a garland of fresh dill,And crown my head with flowers,And o’er my breast sweet perfumes spillIn aromatic showers…. Read More ›
April 4 – The Feast of Cybele
April 4 marked the beginning of a multi-day festival in ancient Rome dedicated to Cybele, the mother of the gods; Cybele is the Roman version of the Greek goddess Hera. Cybele originated from Crete, with her sanctuary atop Mount Berekynthos… Read More ›
April 1 – The Feast of Venus, Changer of Hearts
April is the month of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and April 1 was one of several days in the Roman calendar dedicated to her. April is also the month of Apru, the Etruscan goddess of love; her name… Read More ›
DINOSAURS AND BARBARIANS 