Maps of Gaul!

Gaul is present-day France, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

Works Cited

Caesar's Campaign in Gaul. Digital image. Emersonkent. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://www.emersonkent.com/images/caesars_gaul.jpg>.
Celtic Tribes. Digital image. CeltNet. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://www.celtnet.org.uk/images/gaul_large.gif>.
Colored map of Gaul. Digital image. Pitt. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/image/france/france-l-to-z/mapsfrance/sf038fra.jpg>.
Cultural Areas in Gaul. Digital image. Athena Pub. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://www.athenapub.com/gaul3prz.GIF>.
Gaul 1st Century BC. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Gaul%2C_1st_century_BC.gif>.
Map Gallia Tribes Towns. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 5 May 2010. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Map_Gallia_Tribes_Towns.png>.

Discipline in the Roman Legion

Discipline was quite harsh, and rules were strictly enforced in the Roman Legion

Minor punishments-being hit by the centurion with a staff (castigatio), reduction of rations, reduction in pay (pecuniaria multa), flogging  in front of the legion, whipping with the flagrum (short whip), reduction in rank (gradus deiectio), dishonorable discharge (missio ignominiosa), loss of time in service advantages, relegation to inferior duties (militiae mutatio), additional duties (munerum indictio)

Major punishments
-Fustuarium-a sentence for desertion or dereliction of duty. The legionary would be stoned or beaten to death with cudgels in front of the army
-Decimation-this was carried out against an entire mutinous unit. One out of every ten men, chosen by lots, would be beaten to death by the other nine men.

"Roman Legion." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 4 May 2010. .
Roman Legion at Attack 10. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 4 May 2010. .

Parsing Check-Gallic Wars paragraphs 3 + 4

Pick 10 verbs:
1. comparare-present active infinitive meaning "to prepare"
2. coemere-present active infinitive meaning "to buy"
3. facere-present active infinitive meaning "to make"
4. confirmare-present active infinitive meaning "to strenghten"
5. esse-present active infinitive meaning "to be"
6. confirmant-3rd person plural present active indicative of "confirmare" meaning "to strengthen"
7. sperant-3rd person plural present active indicative of "sperare" meaning "to hope"
8. est-3rd person singular present active indicative of "esse" meaning "to be"
9. dicere-present active infinitive meaning "to speak"
10. habebat-3rd person singular imperfect active indicative of "habere" meaning "to have"

Latin Armor So Far... #2

ClustrMap-4/29/10

Roman Swords and Spears

 

Roman Spears

 

Roman Dagger

 

Roman Gladius

Roman Gladius. Digital image. www.a2armory.com. A2Armory. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. <http://www.a2armory.com/images/new-swords/RomanGladiusSword.jpg>.
Roman Pugio. Digital image. Armillum.com. Armillum. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. <http://armillum.com/tienda/images/DEEPEEKA/pugioIII.jpg>.
Roman Spear. Digital image. www.ancientresource.xom. Ancient Resource. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. <http://www.ancientresource.com/images/roman/spears_arrowheads/roman-spear6387a.jpg>. 

Biography of the Helvetii

The Helvetii were a confederation of Celtic tribes. They originated in what is now Germany, and also inhabited what is now the Swiss plateau during the time of conflict with the Roman Republic in the first century BC. They feature prominently in Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico, or Commentaries on the Gallic War. Caesar stated that the Helvetii were divided into four subgroups, which he called pagi.  Caesar speaks of the Helvetii in Book 1, chapters 2-29 of his commentary.

"Helvetii." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvetii>.

Maxima Sequanorum. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Wikipedia. Web. 27 Apr. 2010. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Maxima_Sequanorum.jpg>.

Latin Military Jargon #2

1. Legatus legionus-overall legion commander
2. Praefectus castrorum-prefect
3. Forward hastati
Rear hastati
Forward principes
Rear principes
Forward triarii
Rear triarii
4. Optio-second in command to the primus pilus
5. Decurio-leader of the cavalry
6. Tarma-cavalry unit
7. Aquilifer-standard bearer
8. Signifer-standard bearer for a century
9. Cornicen-horn blower
10. Immunes-legion soldiers with specialized skills
Bonus #1-?
Bonus #2-Decimation-forcing the soldiers to take lots in which one out of ten will draw a separate one, meaning the other nine must kill him. It is used as a form of discipline.

Latin Armor So Far...

Ancient World Examples of Recycling

Pliny the Elder, in the first century AD, wrote about reuse of scrap copper in Roman foundries. He listed that the copper was remade into armor, weapons, and articles for personal use (ex. mirror). The melting and recasting foundries were located at an Italian port city called Brindisi. This city sat on the Adriatic coast, and was the end of the Appian way (See "Appian Way" post), the Roman road constructed to facilitate easy trade and military access. Later, scientists found actual proof of this recycling along the Adriatic coast in ancient times.

"Brindisi Bronzes"; National Geographic; Vol 187 No. 4;  April
1995; P. 88-101.

Photograph. Scrapcopperprices.net. Scrap Copper Prices. Web. 22 Apr. 2010. .

Gallic Wars-Paragraph #3

Induced by these things, and influenced by the Orgetorix's authority, they decided to provide such things that were necessary for their trip - to buy as large a number as possible of beasts of burden and wagons - to make their harvests as large as possible, so that on their departure plenty of corn might be in store - and to establish peace and friendship with the neighboring states. They reckoned that a term of two years would be enough for them to execute their plans; they fix by decree their departure for the third year. Orgetorix was chosen to complete these arrangements. He took upon himself the office of ambassador to the states: on this journey he persuaded Casticus, the son of Catamantaledes, one of the Sequani, whose father had possessed the sovereignty among the people for many years, and had been styled "friend" by the senate of the Roman people, to seize upon the sovereignty in his own state, which his father had held before him, and he also persuaded Dumnorix, an Aeduan, the brother of Divitiacus, who at the time possessed the chief authority in the state, and was exceedingly beloved by the people, and gives him his daughter in marriage. He proved to them that to accomplish their attempts was a thing very easy to be done, because he himself would obtain the government of his own state; there was no doubt that the Helvetii were the most powerful in the whole of Gaul; he assures them that he will, with his own forces and his own army, acquire the sovereignty for them. Inspired by this speech, they gave a pledge and oath to one another, and hope that, when they have seized the sovereignty, they will, by means of the three most powerful and valiant nations, be enabled to obtain possession of all of Gaul.

Vastatio!

On a wider front, the Romans denied their enemies the means to keep sustained warfare. This was called vastatio. It was the systematic ravaging of an enemy territory. Crops were destroyed or stolen. Animals were slaughtered or taken. People were massacred or enslaved. The enemy's lands were demolished, denying his army any form of support. Sometimes these tactics were also used as a punitive method when barbarians crossed into Roman lands. This spread terror and acted as a deterrent. In the case of all-out war, the enemy was denied the means to survive a lengthy struggle.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
FIRE. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/FIRE_01.JPG.

Withdrawal of the Army

The important section of Vegetius closes with the tactics to be used in the face of withdrawal from the enemy. This highly difficult task requires immense skill and judgement. Both your own men and those of the enemy need to be deceived. He suggests that the troops be informed that their retirement is to draw the enemy into a trap and the movement can be screened from the enemy with the use of cavalry across the front. Then the units are drawn off in a normal manner, but this can only happen if the troops have not yet been engaged. During a retreat, some units are detached and left behind to ambush the enemy if there is a hasty advance, and this way the tables can be turned.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Roman Army in Nashville. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 16 Apr. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Roman_army_in_nashville.jpg.

Odd Strategems

Vegetius was full of odd strategems to mislead the enemy or demoralize the enemy troops. Once the enemy cracked, they were not to be surrounded, but left an easy escape route. The reason for this is that trapped soldiers would fight to the death, but when left a possible escape route, they were exposed to the cavalry waiting on the flanks.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Cracked Surface 2. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 16 Apr. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Cracked_Surface2.jpg.

Breaking the Enemy Battle Line (2)

If a weakness was detected in the enemy line, it was exploited, using a stranger force to oppose it. It was necessary to disguise one's battle line, and even troops were disguised to fool to enemy. Often the very size of the army was skillfully hidden, giving a great advantage to the disguisers. The troops could be packed very tightly to seem small, or spread far apart to seem large. There were also examples of surprise tactics made by detaching a small unit, which later emerged from a hidden space to attack. They arrived with much dust and noise to make it seem like reinforcements had arrived.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Broken Line. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 15 Apr. 2010. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Line_clipping.svg.

Gallic Wars-Paragraph 2

Among the Helvetii, Orgetorix was by far the most sophisticated and wealthy. When M. Messala and M. Pisone were consuls , he was driven by lust of sovereignty, he formed a conspiracy with the nobility, and told the people to go forth from their territories with all their possessions, that it would be very simple, since they excelled all in valor, to acquire the supremacy of the whole of Gaul. To this he the more easily persuaded them, because the Helvetii are confined on every side by the nature of their situation; on one side by the Rhine , a very wide and deep river, which separates the Helvetian territory from the Germans; on a second side by the Jura , a high mountain, which is between the Sequani River and the Helvetii; on a third by the Lake of Geneva, and by the river Rhone, which separates the province from the Helvetii. From these circumstances it resulted, that they could range less widely, and could less easily make war upon their neighbors; for which reason men fond of war were affected with great regret. They thought, that considering the extent of their population, and their renown for warfare and bravery, they had but narrow limits, although they extended in length 240, and in width 180 miles.

LATIN MILITARY JARGON

1. Pugio-dagger
2. Gladius-one handed short sword
3. Hasta-thrusting spear
4. Pilum-throwing spear
5. Arcus et Sagitta-bow and arrow
6. Loricas Segmentata-breastplate
7. Greave-metal sheet over forearms
8. Scutum-shield
9. Caliga-nail boots
10. Ballista-giant crossbow
11. Buccina-horn
12. Caltrop-tribulus

Gallic Wars-Paragraph 1

All of Gaul is divided into three parts, the first of which the Belgae inhabit, the second Aquitani, the third which in their language are called Celts, and in our language called Gauls. They differ from each other in language, institutions, and law.The river Garonne separates the Gauls from the Aquitani; the Marne and the Seine separate them from the Belgae. Of all these, the Belgae are the bravest, because they are furthest from the civilization and refinement of our Province, and merchants least frequently resort to them, and import those things which tend to effeminate the mind; and they are the nearest to the Germans, who dwell beyond the Rhine , with whom they are continually waging war; for which reason the Helvetii also surpass the rest of the Gauls in valor, as they contend with the Germans in almost daily battles, when they either repel them from their own territories, or themselves wage war on their frontiers. One part of these, which it has been said that the Gauls occupy, takes its beginning at the river Rhone ; it is bounded by the river Garonne, the ocean, and the territories of the Belgae; it borders, too, on the side of the Sequani and the Helvetii, upon the river Rhine , and stretches toward the north. The Belgae rises from the extreme frontier of Gaul, extend to the lower part of the river Rhine ; and look toward the north and the rising sun. Aquitania extends from the river Garonne to the Pyrenaean mountains and to that part of the ocean which is near Spain: it looks between the setting of the sun, and the north star.

Breaking the Enemy Battle Line (1)

All of Vegetius' battle tactics all have the same purpose, that of breaking the enemy battle line. If a flank can be turned, then the strong center has to fight on two fronts or is forced to fight in a restricted place. Once this advantage is gained, it is very difficult to right the situation. Even in the highly trained Roman army it would have been difficult to change tactics during the course of a battle and the only units which can be successfully deployed are those in the reserves or the part of the line not yet engaged. That makes the most important decision a general has to make the disposition of his troops.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Line. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 8 Apr. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Line.PNGhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Line.PNG.

Even More Layout Before Battle

These are the last three instructions from Vegetius regarding the layout before battle of the Roman army.

5. Same as number 4, but the center is screened by light infantry or archers who can keep the enemy center distracted while the wings engage.

6. A variation of number two, whereby the center and wing are kept back while the right wing attempts a turning movement. If successful, the left wing, enforced with reserves, could advance and hop to complete the enveloping movement, which should compress the center.

7. This is the use of suitable ground for either flank to protect it.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Seven, Eh? Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Seven.jpg.

More Layout Before Battle

These are the next two of Vegetius' seven instructions regarding layout before battle.
3. The same as number two, except that the left wing is made stronger and attempts a turning movement and is to be tried only when it is known that the enemy's right wing is weak.

4. Both wings advance together, leaving the center behind. This may take the enemy by surprise and leave his center exposed and demoralized. If, however, the wings are held, then this is a hazardous movement, since the army is now split into three seperate formations and a skillful enemy could turn this to their advantage.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Wing. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Wing.jpg.

Layout Before Battle

There are seven specific instructions by Vegetius regarding the layout before battle.
1. One level ground, the force in drawn up with a center, with two wings and reserves in the rear. The wings and the reserves must be strong enough to prevent an eveloping or outflanking maneuver.
2. An oblique battle line with the left wing held back in a defensive position while the right wing advances to turn the opponents left flank. Opposition to this move is to strengthen your left wing with cavalry and reserves, but if both sides are successful then the battle front would tend to move in a counterclockwise direction, the effect of which qould vary with the nature of the ground. The left wing should be stabalized the the right wing should have unimpeded movement.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Layout Before Battle. Digital image. Museum of London. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/learning/features_facts/digging/army/images/large_ermine_street_guard.jpg.

Even More Roman Formations

The order to repel cavalry brought about this next formation. The first rank would form a firm wall with their shields, with only their pila protruding, forming a line of spearheads. A horse, no matter how well trained, could not be brought to break through such a barrier. The second rank would then use their spears to drive off any horses that came to a halt near them.
The orb is a defensive position in the shape of a circle taken by a unit in desperate straits. It provided for a reasonably effective defense, but needed a very high level of discipline by the individual soldiers.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Repel Cavalry! Digital image. Roman-Empire.net. Web. 2 Apr. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/repel-cavalry.html.

More Roman Formations

The saw was the opposite tactic to the wedge. It was a detached unit behind the front line capable of fast sideways movement down the length of the line to block any holes that might appear. During a Roman civil war, the saw formation would inevitably be the response to the wedge formation.

The skirmishing formation was a widely spaced line of troops, as opposed to the tighter packed battle ranks typical of Roman legionaries. Every second man in the line stepped forward a few paces, essentially doubling the amount of ranks. It allowed for greater mobility and found many uses in the tactical handbooks of Roman generals.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.

Skirmishing Formation. Digital image. Roman-Empire.net. Web. 1 Apr. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/skirmishing.html.

Roman Formations

The tortoise (testudo) was a defensive formation when the legoinaries would hold their shields above their heads, except for the front row, thereby creating a shell to project from projectiles from the front or above. The legionaries were virtually invulnerable to arrows or objects dropped from the defensive walls.

The wedge was commonly used by attacking legionaries. The legionaries formed a triangle, with one man at the front pointing towards the enemy. This allowed small groups to thrust into the enemy and expand, restricting the enemy's efforts. This made the Roman gladius great for use, but longer swords of the Germanic tribes were useless, as hand-to-hand combat was made difficult. This was a vital tactic of the Roman army.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Reenact Testudo. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 10 Apr. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reenact_testudo.jpg.

Ranks of the Roman Legion

Senior officers:

1. Legatus legionus-overall legion commander

2. Dux-the leader

3. Tribunus laticlavius-Broad Band Tribune

4. Praefectus castrorum-the Camp Prefect

5. Tribuni angusticlavii-Narrow Band Tribune

Centurions:

1. Primus pilus-the senior centurion

2. Primi ordines-century commander of the first cohort

3. Primus prior-commander of each cohort's first century

4. The forward hastati-forward spears

5. The rear hastati-rear spears

6. The forward principes-the forward principle line

7. The rear principes-the rear principle line

8. The forward triarii-the forward third line

9. The rear triarii-the rear third line

"Roman Legion." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_legion.

Roman Legion On Attack. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roman_legion_at_attack.jpg.

Even More Roman Tactics

It was recommended that if your cavalry was weak, then it should be stiffened with light armed foot soldiers. Vegetius also stresses the need for adequate reserves to prevent an army from enveloping one's own or fending off cavalry from attacking the rear of the infantry. Alternatively, they could perform an eveloping manuever on the opponent. The positions taken by the commander was usually on the right wing.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.

Envelope. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Envelope_-_Boonville_Address-000.jpg.

Gallic Rivers

More Roman Tactics

10,000 men can be placed in a rectangle 1,500 yards by twelve yards, and it was advised not to extend the line beyond that. The normal arrangement was the infantry in the center and the cavalry on the wings. Having the cavalry on the wings prevented the infantry from being outflanked, and once the battle turned and the enemy started to flee, the cavalry could finish up. Horsemen were always a secondary force in ancient warfare, as most of the fighting was done by the infantry.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.
Roman Cavalry 2. Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Roman_Cavalry_2.jpg.

Roman Tactics

In the works of Vegetius, many Roman battle tactics are expressed. The importance of choice of ground is pointed out. Height is an advantage over the enemy. Rough ground is also better for pitting infantry against cavalry. The sun should be behind you to dazzle the enemy. The wind should also be blowing away from you, blowing your projectiles further and putting dust into the enemy's eyes. In the battle line, each man should have three feet of space, while there should be six feet between each rank.

Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Celestia_sun.jpg.
"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.

Ancient Ruins in Gaul

Ancient Gaul Ruins. Digital image. Tripadvisor.com. Trip Advisor. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. <http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/60/b9/a3/the-ancient-roman-ruins.jpg>.
Gaul Map. Digital image. Humanities.mq.edu. Humanities. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. <http://www.humanities.mq.edu.au/acans/caesar/images-coins/Map-of-Roman-Gaul.jpg>.
Ruins in Gaul. Digital image. Gutenberg.com. Gutenberg Site. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. <http://www.gutenberg.org/files/19694/19694-h/images/022.jpg>.
Ruins of Gaul. Digital image. Travel.webshots.com. Webshots. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. <http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1136275551055159650oVNiSJ>.

Sallust's View on Human Nature-38 Latin CH 34

All men who wish to surpass the other creatures ought to strive for the greatest power, so that their life isn't passed through with silence like the rest of the cattle, which nature formed bent forward but with an obedient belly. But all of our strength is placed in spirit and flesh; souls enjoy power, souls enjoy service, our soul is common between us and the gods, and the body is common between us and the beasts. To me, virtue appears to seek glory with the help of powers and of natural talent, because life itself is enjoyed and short, seeming to bring about memories to be long lasting as possible. For glory and beauty and riches are changeable and also fragile; while virtue is clear and eternal strength.

But many mortals, addicted to the stomach and to sleep, have carried an ignorant and unsophisticated life, just like those who travel; To the, the body assuredly served as a source of pleasure against nature, the soul was a burden. But at last the soul seemed to live and enjoy of me, which comes to seek some business of intent on acts rather than good reputation

Danae-Who

Danae was the princess of Argos, in Peloponessos. She was a daughter of King Akrisios. When her father learns of a prophecy that he was to be killed by a son of his daughter, he locked her away, but Zeus, disguised as a golden shower, impregnated her. She had a son named Perseus. After hearing of this, the king locked them in a chest and cast them out at sea. Perseus did eventually fulfill the prophecy.

Works Cited

"DANAE." Theoi Project. Theoi. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. <http://www.theoi.com/Heroine/Danae.html>.

Bats and Owls-Why?

The Minyades were the princesses of Orchomenus, under King Minyas. They scorned the worship of the god Dionysus, and refused to participate in his orgies. As punishment for this crime, the gods inflicted them with madness. This caused them to dismember one of their sons. The gods then transformed the three into bats and owls.

Works Cited

Bat. Photograph. Commons.wikimedia.com. Wikipedia. Web. 19 Mar. 2010. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bat_%28PSF%29.jpg>.

"Minyades." Theoi Project. Theoi. Web. 19 Mar. 2010. <http://www.theoi.com/Heroine/Minyades.html>.

Decimation!-Special Post

Decimation was a form of military discipline used by officers in the army to punish mutinous or cowardly soldiers. The word "decimation" is derived from Latin meaning "removal of a tenth." In Latin, "decem" means "ten." Units were divided into groups of ten, and then lots were drawn to see who would die. The unlucky victim was then killed by stoning or clubbing by the remaining nine comrades. The remaining soldiers were given barley instead of wheat and had to sleep outside of the Roman encampments.

Works Cited

"Decimation (Roman Army)." Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Web. 18 Mar. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decimation_%28Roman_army%29>.

Photograph. Silverclipboard.com. Silverclipboard. Web. 18 Mar. 2010. <http://silverclipboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/rome1.JPG>.

Aqua Virgo-Where?

The Aqua Virgo aqueduct was built by Agrippa in 19 BC. It supplied Rome with 100,000 cubic meters of water per day. It ran almost entirely underground, out of sight. It ended in the Baths of Agrippa in the Campus Martius. It was restored in the 18th century, and its waters feed the famous Trevi Fountain (1744).

Works Cited

"Aqua Virgo." Romereborn.com. University of Virginia. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://www.romereborn.virginia.edu/ge/AQ-006.html>.

The Realm of Elysium-What

The Elysium Fields were the fields where the souls of heroes and virtuous men found rest. This included the islands of the Blessed and the Lethean fields of Hades. The first of these, also known as White Island, was reserved for the heroes of myth. The latter Elysium was a netherworld realm on the side of the river Lethe, in Hades. Its fields were promised to the initiates of the Mysteries who lived a virtuous life. 

Works Cited

Atsma, Aaron J. "The Realm of Elysium." Theoi Project. Theoi. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://www.theoi.com/Kosmos/Elysion.html>.

Goethe's Ankunft Im Elysium. Photograph. Commons.wikimedia.com. Wikipedia. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goethe_Elysium.jpg>.

 

King Midas-Who

King Midas was a wealthy king of Phyrgia, in Asia Minor. When an elderly companion of Dionysus was separated from his master, Midas showed great hospitality. Therefore, when Midas returned the old satyr to Dionysus, he was granted one wish. He wished for the golden touch, which quickly turned out to be more of a blessing than a curse. He could not even eat without his meal turning into gold. When Midas confronted Dionysus about this, he was told to travel to the river Paktolos, and bathe there. Midas obeyed, which rid him of the power, and imbued the river's sands with gold.
Later, he was asked to judge a musical contest between Apollo and Pan. When he chose the pipe over the lyre, the lyre-god gave him donkey ears. Ashamed of this, Midas hid these ears under a Phyrgian cap, the traditional cap of the nobility.

Works Cited

Atsma, Aaron J. "MIDAS." Theoi Project. Theoi. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. <http://www.theoi.com/Heros/Midas.html>.

Photograph. Home.comcast.net. Comcast. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. <http://home.comcast.net/~bmill07/TurkeyTrip_files/image005.jpg>.

Photograph. Realmagick.com. RealMagick. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. <http://realmagick.com/articles/69/1169-1.jpg>.

Vocab Check-Chapters 23-33

1. dehinc-then
2. hic-here
3. credere-to believe
4. negare-to deny
5. nescire-to not know
6. patefacire-to make open
7. putare-to reckon
8. lex-law
9. limen-threshold
10. mensa-table
11. tristis-sad
12. turpis-ugly
13. quam-whoever
14. tantum-so much
15. nepos-descendant
16. quot-how great
17. utilis-useful
18. ponere-to put, place, or set
19. stella-star
20. ut-so that
21. cedere-to withdraw
22. dedicare-to dedicate
23. egere-to lack
24. tacere-to be silent
25. moenia-walls of a city
26. osculum-kiss
27. denique-finally
28. ita-so
29. quidem-someone
30. condere-to store
31. contendere-to contend
32. pugnare-to attack
33. respondere-to answer
34. surgire-to arise
35. repente-suddenly
36. unde-so that
37. bibere-to drink
38. cognoscere-to learn
39. comprehendere-to comprehend
40. exponere-to explain
41. rogare-to ask
42. vinum-wine
43. apud-among
44. semel-once
45. usque-all the way
46. dolere-to grieve
47. ferre-to carry
48. adferre-to bring to
49. conferre-to bring together
50. referre-to carry back
51. invidere-to look at with envy
52. occiddere-to die
53. custodia-custody
54. exercitus-army
55. dives-rich
56. dummodo-provided that
57. malle-to want
58. patere-to be evident
59. praebere-to excel
60. promittere-to send forth, promise
61. velle-to wish
62. initium-beginning
63. ops-aid
64. philosophus-philosopher
65. plebs-plebeians

Arachnids-Why

Arachne was an arrogant girl and a weaver in the Greek town of Colophon in Lydia. She dared to challenge the goddess Athena to a contest in weaving. Athena presented the gods seated on high thrones, while Arachne presented them disguised as animals chasing around mortal girls. This made Athena furious, so she beat Arachne with her shuttle. Arachne hung herself in despair, and Athena transformed her into a spider.
Arachne -> Arachnid


Source: http://www.theoi.com/Heroine/Arakhne.html

Iron Age-When

The Iron Age is the prehistoric period during which cutting tools and weapons were made mainly of iron or steel. This coincided with other changes in society, including agricultural practices, religious beliefs, and artistic styles. The Romans lived through the end of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. The British Iron Age ended with the Roman Conquest.

Picture: http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Science/images-2/iron-age-tools.jpg

Pons Aelius-Where

This bridge is the modern Ponte S. Angelo. It was also completed by Hadrian in AD 134. It linked his mausoleum with the Campus Martius across the Tiber River. Other names for the bridge included the Pons Hadriani and the Pons S. Petri. It included three main arches and three smaller arches. 

Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b1/Pons_Aelius_production2YD.jpg/500px-Pons_Aelius_production2YD.jpg

Caucon-What

Caucon was a priest of the goddess Demeter, and established her Mysteries in the land of Messenia. Caucon was the Lord of the Cauconians, nestled between Elis, Arkadia, and Messenia. The three genealogies derived from a long running dispute over the sovereignty of the region. He was worshiped as a hero and his tomb was shown in Lepreos.


Site: http://www.theoi.com/Heros/Kaukon.html

Wheelock's Latin-Chapters 23-33 Vocab

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AY6tOzWDGMWVZGdwaHZrNjlfMmNkYmNwN2hr&hl=en

Callisto-Who

Callisto was the daughter of the Arkadian King Lykaon. She was also a hunting companion of the goddess Artemis. Callisto's name means "most beautiful." She was seduced by the god Zeus, and was later transformed into a bear. Callisto bore a son named Arkas. She was later hunted down as a beast and placed among the constellations as Ursa Major.

Picture: http://www.theoi.com/Heroine/Kallisto.html