The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence is a Mystery Series Written for Children:

Do you enjoy mysteries?  Are you fascinated by the history of ancient Rome?

Do you enjoy it when history is made interesting instead of just being tested on how well you can recall dates, events, and names of people and places?

Think you might like reading a historical mystery series?
(Written for young readers but nobody has to know you’re an adult. One of my guilty pleasures is reading children's books.)

Here is a recommendation. This series has won awards. It’s called The Roman Mysteries and was written by Caroline Lawrence. Her goal for undertaking this task was to entertain children while reading and educate them about this ancient civilization. She succeeded. In fact, her books received praise from teachers and parents, as well as awards and recognition. This is not the only mystery series she has written but since it deals with life in ancient Rome which is one of my favorite topics, it is being recommended for mystery lovers who also have an interest in the Roman Empire.

Set in 1^st century A.D., Book 1 of the series is titled “The Thieves of Ostia”. The last of the series, Book 17 is “Man from Pomegranate Street”. The reading material targets ages 10 through 14 and the novels are available in various formats: hard copy, audio, digital, etc.
♦♦♦♦♦♦

Here is the complete Roman Mysteries series:

The Thieves of Ostia (1)

The Secrets Of Vesuvius (2)

The Pirates Of Pompeii (3)

The Assassins Of Rome (4)

The Dolphins Of Laurentum (5)

The Twelve Tasks Of Flavia Gemina (6)

The Enemies Of Jupiter (7)

The Gladiators From Capua (8)

The Colossus Of Rhodes (9)

The Fugitive From Corinth (10)

The Sirens Of Surrentum (11)

The Charioteer Of Delphi (12)

The Slave-Girl From Jerusalem (13)

The Beggar Of Volubilis (14)

The Scribes From Alexandria (15)

The Prophet From Ephesus (16)

The Man From Pomegranate Street (17)

The Slave-Girl From Jerusalem

This exciting adventure recreates the siege at Masada.

Caroline Lawrence has also written other historical mysteries. View Her Author's Page.

Source:  Webnuggetz.com

NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Ancient Rome vs The Movie 'Gladiator' (2000)

EMPEROR MARCUS AURELIUS ~ Ancient philosophy or psychology?

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius (April 26, 121–March 17, 180) kept a notebook (like a diary or journal of sorts), his Meditations.  It has been translated and annotated by the British classics scholar Robin Waterfield.  I might have titled the notebook “Anger Management Techniques”.  

“First, don’t be upset. Nothing happens that isn’t in accord with universal nature, and before long you won’t exist at all, just like [your heroes]… Second, fix your gaze on the matter at hand and see it for what it is, and then, keeping in your mind your obligation to be a good man and the demands of your humanity, go right ahead and do it, in the way that seems to you to be most just. But do it with kindness and modesty, and without dissembling.” 

The emperor basically said KEEP YOUR COOL!!

The Stoic Antidote to Frustration: Marcus Aurelius on How to Keep Your Mental Composure and Emotional Equanimity When People Let You Down – Brain Pickings

ENTERTAINMENT TRIVIA:  The movie "Gladiator" (2000) which starred Russell Crowe did not present a true historical picture of Marcus Aurelius.

"Marcus Aurelius really was a Roman Emperor for about 6 decades (161 - 180). He was a scholar who adhered to Stoicism, and reflected his view and perspectives about life in a writing called “Meditations”. Although he was a philanthropist and introduced social reforms, he did not like the Christians.

History says that Marcus Aurelius did nominate his own son to succeed him. Aurelius died in March 180 and Commodus – full name: Lucius Aelius Aurelius - was 19 years old when he came to the throne. He reigned from 180 - 193. He was a mad tyrant who believed himself to the reincarnation of the demigod Hercules and that he somehow possessed superhuman strength. The people did not like him at all and they tried to kill him many many times. Each failed assassination attempt was met with some serious payback consequences. In the end, he was murdered by a hired gladiator."   (Source)

Original source

RELATED LINKS:

My Blog Stop!: Entertainment : Superhero Movies : Gladiator (2000) (UPDATE: Gladiator 2 is Coming!)

Enjoying Some Quality ME Time With Movies, Music and Books: Movie to Watch Again and Again: Gladiator (2000). ~ Gladiator 2 is Coming Nov 2024!

What a Horrible Way to Go! : History of Ancient Rome : Executions

There was once a time when things were happening in my life that were overwhelming. There was one thought that kept me going and gave me the fortitude to find my inner strength and rise up to face each day:

“Eh! A lot worse things could be happening. But I'm not going to share those 'things that could be' because I don't want to give anybody any ideas.”

Someone asked a question on Quora which is a question and answer intelligence community. They wanted a description of “the most brutal death”.  Several contributed responses. But after reading the first response, I couldn't read any more.  I did not want to know.

Have you ever heard of the Brazen Bull?

(Look at the image below and use your imagination.)

Invented in ancient Greece.

The person who invented it was killed in it!

See what I mean? Had the inventor kept his thoughts to himself, he might not have died that way.

I'm surprised the Romans didn't copy it. They copied almost everything else from the Greeks. Never heard of this device being used in Roman history. Have you? Crucifixion must have been easier and cheaper. Instead of burning the wood, they could re-use the crosses. When it came to executions (since there were evidently so many to perform), the Roman governors were probably just thinking economically and employing fiscally responsible measures.  👀

Interesting.  (Shocking!)

REF: Thompson, Samuel. "What Is the Most Brutal Death?" Quora.com. Quora, Inc., n.d. Web. 20 May 2017.

Ancient History : People and Places : Mark Antony and Antonia Fortress

When you hear the name Mark Antony, do your Cleopatra antennas go up? Mine do. It's because of that old classic movie which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

It was quite spectacular!

Image credit:  Found at Buzzfeed : 15 Things You Might Not Know About The Movie “Cleopatra”

♦ ♦ ♦

So! Do you wonder? If Mark Antony slept with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, then … he hung out in the right circles. Yes? No?

Eh! Let's just say his circle of friends were "interesting".

• Did you know the Antonia Fortress was named for Mark Antony?

Historical records indicate that it was Mark Antony who persuaded the Roman Senate to make Herod the King of Judea (king of the Jews). To show his appreciation and return the favor, Herod the Great, aka Herod the Builder, built a fortress where Roman soldiers lived and could keep an eye on the Jewish people and sort of “keep the peace”. He named this military stronghold “Antonia Fortress” after his friend, Mark Antony.

Can't show you a picture of the real structure because the fortress was destroyed along with everything else in Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  (Image credit: Jerusalem Model, Antonia Fortress – Wikimedia Commons)

As for Marcus Antonius, he was long gone before that event. He committed suicide, circa 30 B.C.

Some speculate that the Antonia Fortress might have been the place where Pontius Pilate tried Jesus.

Archaeologists Believe They've Found Site of Jesus' Trial 

♦ ♦ ♦

Related Links of Interest:

Learn more about: Marcus Antonius

Liz Taylor & Richard Burton on the Set of ‘Cleopatra': Rare Classic Photos- TIME Magazine

 

* * *

Travel and History: Ten Facts About the Republic of Turkey

When you travel it is good to know historical facts.  Modern-day Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, and its leaders have an integral role on the world stage. The Asian part of Turkey was at one time called Asia Minor and was a part of the ancient Roman empire. Later, Turkey became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Its historically religious, political, and cultural significance, including the fact that its largest city was once the capital of three empires ~ Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ~ should not be discounted or minimized. The heritage of Turkey and its influence in today’s political and economic arena are intricately woven into world history and world affairs.

♦ Here are TEN FACTS About the Republic of Turkey:

1. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is revered as the founder of the Republic of Turkey and is also called the “Father of the Turks”.
2. The founder of the Republic of Turkey was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934.
3. The current capital city of Turkey is Ankara.
4. Istanbul was once the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
5. Istanbul was once historically known by the name Constantinople.
6. “Turkey entered World War II in 1945 on the side of the Allies, who secured an agreement that Turkey would become a democracy.”
7. Even though Britain or the UK has voted to exit the EU (“Brexit”), Turkey wishes to be accepted as a member state of the European Union (EU).
8. NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international alliance between European and North American countries and Turkey is a member state.
9. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are all famous buildings in Turkey; must-see places for any traveler or visitor. Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
10. GoTurkeyTourism published a list of Turkey’s 10 most popular cities that attract tourists; 5 inland cities and 5 coastal cities. Even though Cappadocia is located in Central Turkey and is mentioned in the Bible, this city was NOT on their list.

Content previously published at Virily.com

Related Links:

Geography and History Lesson: Turkey

What is the Capital of Turkey?

Accession of Turkey to the European Union

Top 10 most famous places to visit in Turkey

Top 10 Most Popular Cities in Turkey | Go Turkey Tourism

* * *

*

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque aka Blue Mosque, built in the 1600s during the rule of Ahmed I. #FamousBuildings in #RepublicOfTurkey #travel #vacation #touristattractions #travelplanner #Turkey pic.twitter.com/dUP2rbfYRe

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) December 29, 2018

Hagia Sophia was first a cathedral, later a mosque and now a museum. #FamousBuildings in #RepublicOfTurkey #travel #vacation #touristattractions #travelplanner #Turkey pic.twitter.com/P2WiuF20jO

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) December 29, 2018

Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower built in 1348. During the #ByzantineEmpire it was called the ‘Christea Turris,’ or the Tower of Christ. #FamousBuildings in #RepublicOfTurkey #travel #vacation #touristattractions #travelplanner #Turkey pic.twitter.com/rstsHEz3F7

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) December 29, 2018

Art Forms I Fancy: Mosaics ~ Ancient and Modern

I love the art of mosaics.  It is amazing the art people can create from broken pieces of almost anything and smooth tiles.  Years ago, we rented a house in Cedar Park, Texas, and the first thing I noticed when I walked into the house was the kitchen.  The tiles on the wall were a beautiful mosaic/  It was like a still life painting of fruit; only it was tiles.  Gorgeous!

Historians of antiquity give the ancient Greeks the credit for making the mosaic an accepted and respected art form.  However, mosaics originated in Mesopotamia about 4000 years ago.  The Romans who seemed to believe that everything the Greeks did was worthy of their admiration used mosaics as decorative accents.  Mosaic art could be found in public buildings and private residences throughout ancient Rome.  Today mosaics are everywhere!  Even in video games.

Featured Image – Photo by Sarah Phillips on Unsplash

? New illustration ! ?￰ﾟﾌ﾿⭐
I had a lot of fun doing this illustration. I wanted to make mosaïc pattern for a while ! ?

? PSD file, JPEG HD and step by step will be available on my Patreon for the december pack.#illustration #berber #arabic #mosaic #woman #robynnfrauhn pic.twitter.com/QUFg5mBc6s

— • Robynn Frauhn • (@RFrauhn) December 8, 2019

Fantastically preserved mosaic floor from the House of Paquius Proculus, #Pompeii. #MosaicMonday pic.twitter.com/QT3YUHgddK

— Digital Maps of the Ancient World (@DigitalMapsAW) January 20, 2020

A cool #musical #mosaic on the streets of #Alexandria, #EGYPT. Photo by Beth Moon. #street… https://t.co/w0BlMozhwS pic.twitter.com/cSU4l42Cyd

— AFKTravel (@AFKTravel) November 3, 2015

Source:  Virily.com