The Blog

Jennifer

Where do Roman roads lead, exactly?

We’ve all heard the saying that all roads lead to Rome, but do you know where exactly in Rome they led to? The Milliarium Aureum, the...

Jennifer

Here's looking at you, Janus.

Have you ever wondered how the Ancient Romans celebrated New Year? Well, they initially celebrated it on March 1, until they smartened up...

Jennifer

Happy Saturnalia!

Or, as the Romans would say, “Io, Saturnalia!” Saturnalia is the holiday celebrated from December 17 – 23, in honour of the god Saturn,...

Jennifer

How did we lose the Lupercal? And did anyone look behind the couch?

One of the most fascinating things to me about any ancient city like Rome is that things are lost over time, and then sometimes even...

Jennifer

The Gods of Childbirth

Childbirth in ancient Rome is a hazardous undertaking. To safeguard the delivery of a baby, there are at least thirty different gods you...

Jennifer

Catallus 16 - The Latin they don't teach you in school (NSFW)

There is a common misconception that the Ancient Romans patricians were a moralistic, dull bunch of blokes who spent their lives orating...

Jennifer

Obscure Roman gods, and Happy Halloween!

I love ancient polytheism. A god for every occasion. If I ever start a cult based on the ancient Roman model, I will have T-shirts made...

Jennifer

What's in a name?

Roman names, generally speaking, can be divided into three categories—the praenomen (personal name), the nomen (family name), and the...

Jennifer

Ancient Rome is Ruder than you think

A million years ago I had a blogspot blog, which was terrible. But to kick off this new one, which (fingers crossed) will be much, much...