tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13512908287463735652024-03-12T22:00:32.047-07:00The Butser IX LegionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351290828746373565.post-9571002612822049402014-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:002014-04-30T15:14:04.042-07:00Gladiators at Beltain!<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday 3<sup>rd</sup> May, Butser Ancient Farm will be
holding its biggest event of the year, Beltain.</div>
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The weather is set to be spectacular and the event even more
so. We have many things planned, but this blog is about what I have been
involved in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG4OetLZydV-VWxQ499PPMZfYMYxkIWs-Tdej1lOhUWUuByLEXnc_jtmDBqEf_x3CIOW4AABzPMoZhQq7A3wKm0O_h_87iF8LqMWyizxy7jEfrwPT6AcS9AIcMOoLubYXw8Dbo7LJW9X9/s1600/DSCF2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG4OetLZydV-VWxQ499PPMZfYMYxkIWs-Tdej1lOhUWUuByLEXnc_jtmDBqEf_x3CIOW4AABzPMoZhQq7A3wKm0O_h_87iF8LqMWyizxy7jEfrwPT6AcS9AIcMOoLubYXw8Dbo7LJW9X9/s1600/DSCF2065.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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For 9 months, three of us have undergone intense Gladiator
combat training. It has been much harder than any of us expected. Constant
bruises and many cuts were not in the game plan, but with the hard work done
and the blood spilt, we are ready for our first public event. On the 3<sup>rd</sup>
of May, we would love you to be part of our most ambitious undergoing as a
re-enactment group and support our three Gladiators in their opening games!</div>
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Heinacus:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K7pnAazxF_Kf0jYz9pXTNrF-yh9puhBBtYFQCz73pJMfd1G7czlaxkfgLg9yQKo8nFn-FF5xPUam7OVj9BhkIuyFzE1BSDUXPGiMq91xQPQngibYk1RQKoGRPML466rZiPzdn9q9d4G3/s1600/DSCF2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K7pnAazxF_Kf0jYz9pXTNrF-yh9puhBBtYFQCz73pJMfd1G7czlaxkfgLg9yQKo8nFn-FF5xPUam7OVj9BhkIuyFzE1BSDUXPGiMq91xQPQngibYk1RQKoGRPML466rZiPzdn9q9d4G3/s1600/DSCF2039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A Sicilian con-man who tried his luck a little too far. He
conned a wealthy merchant who had powerful friends; the merchant gave him an
ultimatum, repay the debt or die. Heinacus had already spent the money living the
life of the wealthy, and too much drink and too many women had left him unable
to repay. The merchant was a sponsor of a Ludus. Heinacus was offered the
chance to sell his freedom and wipe away the debt. </div>
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Now renowned as one of the finest gladiators to grace the
sands — many have fallen to his spear. A favourite with the ladies, he only
fights with honour. </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/heinacusgladiator">www.facebook.com/heinacusgladiator</a></div>
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Lupus:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcuvFS-a0YI1Se7TBCi7SgyvJeVorcUdJJRrPXAvHH0KEhAVcWSxkHvqvw9tB7ZeSGgopS_6wdDQMl9QQRvksMvAYmTHjQrnpruGjefpALjf0Kw-pq4RR2lEK5ImFQnre0tvqWIWWLj45/s1600/DSCF2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcuvFS-a0YI1Se7TBCi7SgyvJeVorcUdJJRrPXAvHH0KEhAVcWSxkHvqvw9tB7ZeSGgopS_6wdDQMl9QQRvksMvAYmTHjQrnpruGjefpALjf0Kw-pq4RR2lEK5ImFQnre0tvqWIWWLj45/s1600/DSCF2023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A tribal king from Carthage, he was Hannibal’s best
commanders during the Punic war. Feared by the citizens of Rome, he defeated
11000 legionaries in one day. Eventually the Romans prevailed and Lupus was
captured. </div>
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His unrivalled skills made him perfect for Gladiatorial
combat and he soon became a champion of the arena. He strikes fear into the
heart of all opponents. His fighting ability has made him a favourite for some,
and his arrogance has made him hated by others. </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/lupusgladiator">www.facebook.com/lupusgladiator</a> </div>
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Cassus.</div>
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This Spaniard was once a soldier with the IX Legion. His hot
headed ways often got him into trouble as he took on situations beyond him, but
often coming out unscathed. His fortunes dramatically changed when he fell in
love with his commander’s daughter, Amelia. When Amelia was caught in his
embrace, Cassus was condemned to life in the arena.</div>
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His modest style undermines his greatness. He lacks the
showmanship of past champions, but not the skill. He fights for one thing,
freedom. He dreams of reuniting with his sweet Amelia. </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/cassusgladiator">www.facebook.com/cassusgladiator</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351290828746373565.post-88401430677917851182014-02-26T13:27:00.000-08:002014-02-26T13:27:06.586-08:00Marcus Valerius Corvus Calenus!Ancient Rome is full of stories of grand men, great warriors and outstanding leaders. Marcus Valerius Corvus Calenus is one of these such men and is one of our members favourite Romans! So we thought we would share a little bit about him with you! Where did we get the information?....... good old Wikipedia but sources have been checked and it all seems cosha!<div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Born c.370 BC, Marcus Valerius Corvus Calenus</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> was an important military commander and politician
during the early-to-middle Republic. His career saw him elected <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_consul" title="Roman consul"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Roman consul</span></a>
six times (his first at the tender age of 22!). He was also appointed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_dictator" title="Roman dictator"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dictator</span></a>
three times, and led the armies of the Republic in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samnite_Wars" title="Samnite Wars"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">First Samnite
War</span></a> (343-341BC). He occupied the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curule_chair" title="Curule chair"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">curule chair</span></a>
a total of twenty-one times throughout his career, and according to tradition
he lived to be one hundred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">A member of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrician_(ancient_Rome)" title="Patrician (ancient Rome)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Patrician</span></a> <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerius" title="Valerius"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gens Valeria</span></a></i>,
Valerius first came to prominence in 349 BC when he served as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_tribune" title="Military tribune"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Military
tribune</span></a> under the consul <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lucius_Furius_Camillus&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Lucius Furius Camillus (page does not exist)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Lucius Furius Camillus</span></a> who
was on campaign against the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauls" title="Gauls"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Gauls</span></a> of northern Italy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">According to legend, prior to one battle a gigantic Gallic warrior
challenged any Roman to single combat, and Valerius, who asked for and gained
the consul’s permission, accepted. As they approached each other, a raven
settled on Valerius’ helmet and it distracted the enemy's attention by flying
at his face, allowing Valerius to kill the enemy Gaul. The two armies then
fought, resulting in the Gallic forces being comprehensively routed, and ending
in a decisive Roman victory. As a reward for his courage, Valerius was
apparently given a gift of ten oxen and a golden crown, and he was eventually
given the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnomen" title="Agnomen"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">agnomen</span></a>
<i>Corvus</i>, which is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin" title="Latin"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Latin</span></a> term for a raven.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Regardless of the legend’s veracity, after this victory Corvus’ popularity
soared. He was elected <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_consul" title="Roman consul"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Roman consul</span></a> <i>in absentia</i> in 348 BC, at
the unusually young age of 22. During his first consulship, a treaty was made
between Rome and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Carthage" title="Ancient Carthage"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Carthage</span></a>. In the following year (347 BC) Corvus
was probably elected to the office of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praetor" title="Praetor"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Praetor</span></a>.
This was followed by his second consulship in 346 BC, where he took to the
field to against the Antiates and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volsci" title="Volsci"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Volsci</span></a>,
defeating them and sacking the town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satricum" title="Satricum"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Satricum</span></a>,
destroying it completely apart from the temple of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mater_Matuta" title="Mater Matuta"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mater Matuta</span></a>.
For these victories, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Senate" title="Roman Senate"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Senate</span></a> awarded Corvus his first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_triumph" title="Roman triumph"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">triumph</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 345 BC, it is believed that Corvus served as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curule_aedile" title="Curule aedile"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Curule aedile</span></a>,
before his outstanding military abilities again saw him being elected to the
consulship for the third time in 343 BC. This year saw the outbreak of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Samnite_War" title="First Samnite War"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">First Samnite
War</span></a>, and Corvus was dispatched to the warfront, where he won a
bruising and bloody victory over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samnites" title="Samnites"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Samnites</span></a>
at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mount_Gaurus" title="Battle of Mount Gaurus"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Battle of Mount Gaurus</span></a>. He followed this
up with another victory at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Suessula" title="Battle of Suessula"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Battle of Suessula</span></a>, where he crushed the
remnants of the Samnite army after their defeat at Mount Gaurus. After the
second victory, he had some 40,000 shields of the abandoned and killed and 170
enemy standards piled up before him on the battlefield. After these victories
Corvus returned to Rome to celebrate his second triumph, reportedly the most
impressive that the Romans had yet witnessed up to that time. After this he
returned to the southern warfront in the winter to protect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campania" title="Campania"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Campania</span></a>
from Samnite incursions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The year 342 BC was one of crisis for the Roman state, with the Roman
legions stationed around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capua" title="Capua"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Capua</span></a>, as well as the surrounding Campanian towns, rebelling
and marching on Rome. In this crisis, Corvus was appointed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_dictator" title="Roman dictator"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dictator</span></a>
to deal with the mutineers. He met them at the head of an army some eight miles
outside of Rome, but decided to negotiate with the rebels instead of fighting a
battle. Using his past association with the army to gain their trust, he was
able to reach an agreement with the rebels. He agreed and pushed through laws
(the <i>ne cui militum fraudi secessio fuit</i>) which granted the mutinous
soldiers immunity from prosecution, prevented the removal of a soldier’s name
from the roll of service without his consent, and prohibited any Military
Tribune being demoted down to the rank of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion" title="Centurion"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">centurion</span></a>.
He however refused to agree to the lowering of the rate of pay for the
cavalrymen, and to the immediate execution of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decemviri" title="Decemviri"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Decemviri</span></a>.
It was also alleged that, during the troubles brought about the passage of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leges_Genuciae" title="Leges Genuciae"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Leges
Genuciae</span></a>, Corvus suggested that the Senate agree to the plebeian
demands for the abolition of all debts, but this was rejected out of hand. Some
historians, such as Gary Forsythe and S. P. Oakley consider the alleged events
of the mutiny to be later literary inventions, although the laws passed in this
year are accurate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 335 BC, Corvus was elected consul for a fourth time, once again in
response to an escalation in the military situation in Italy. The Sidicini had
formed an alliance with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausones" title="Ausones"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ausones</span></a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cales" title="Cales"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cales</span></a>, and the Senate was keen to send out someone with a
proven military record. In a break with tradition, the consuls did not cast
lots for their provinces, but the Senate instead assigned the area around Cales
directly to Corvus. He besieged and successfully stormed the town; after its
capture, the Romans established a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonia_(Roman)" title="Colonia (Roman)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">colony</span></a>
there of 2,500 men. For this victory, Corvus was granted a second triumph, and
the honor of carrying the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnomen" title="Agnomen"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">agnomen</span></a> <i>Calenus</i>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 332 BC, Corvus was appointed as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interrex" title="Interrex"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Interrex</span></a>,
a function he again fulfilled in 320 BC. He was also possibly a legate under
the Dictator <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Papirius_Cursor" title="Lucius Papirius Cursor"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Lucius Papirius Cursor</span></a> in 325 BC during
the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Samnite_War" title="Second Samnite War"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Second Samnite War</span></a>. In 313 BC he was appointed
as one of the <i>Triumviri coloniae deducendae</i>, who were given the
authority to establish a Latin colony at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saticula" title="Saticula"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Saticula</span></a>.
Then in 310 BC he was again appointed as a legate under Lucius Papirius Cursor,
and fought in a major battle at Longulae against the Samnites. Then in 308 BC
he was elected Praetor for the fourth time, as a reward for his services at
Longulae.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In 302 BC, Corvus was appointed Dictator for the second time. This
appointment was brought about by the revolt of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsi" title="Marsi"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Marsi</span></a> at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arretium" title="Arretium"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Arretium</span></a>
and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carseoli" title="Carseoli"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Carseoli</span></a>,
and Corvus was able not only to defeat them in battle, but to take the
fortified towns of Milionia, Plestina and Fresilia. The Marsi sued for peace,
and for his victories over them he was awarded his third Triumph. For the
following year (301 BC), he was again appointed Dictator, this time to engage
in operations against the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etruscans" title="Etruscans"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Etruscans</span></a>.<sup id="cite_ref-30"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Valerius_Corvus#cite_note-30"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[29]</span></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Valerius_Corvus#cite_note-31"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[30]</span></a></sup>
While Corvus was in Rome taking the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auspice" title="Auspice"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">auspices</span></a>,
his <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magister_equitum" title="Magister equitum"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Magister equitum</span></a></i> (probably <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marcus_Aemilius_Paullus&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Marcus Aemilius Paullus (page does not exist)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Marcus Aemilius Paullus</span></a>) was
ambushed by the enemy, and forced to retreat to his camp, in the process of
which Paullus lost a portion of his army. Corvus, coming quickly to his rescue,
engaged and defeated the Etruscans in battle, earning Corvus an additional
Triumph.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">300 BC saw Corvus elected consul for the fifth time. During his year in
office he defeated some rebel <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aequi" title="Aequi"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aequians</span></a>. He also was involved in the passage of two laws; the
first was his support for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lex_Ogulnia" title="Lex Ogulnia"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Lex Ogulnia</span></a>, which resulted in the opening up
of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_of_Pontifices" title="College of Pontifices"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">College of Pontifices</span></a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_of_Augurs" title="College of Augurs"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">College of
Augurs</span></a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plebeian" title="Plebeian"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Plebeians</span></a>. The second, which he legislated himself, was the
expansion of the <i>provocatio</i>, or right of appeal to the people, which now
made illegal the use of severe force, specifically killing or lashing by the
higher magistrates, within the city of Rome. Then in the following year (299
BC), after the Senate considered appointing him dictator for the fourth time,
he was elected <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffect_consul" title="Suffect consul"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">suffect consul</span></a> after the death of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus_Manlius_Torquatus" title="Titus Manlius Torquatus"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Titus Manlius Torquatus</span></a>, who was in
command of the Etruscan war. Corvus replaced him, and with his arrival the
Etruscans refused to give battle, but remained closed up within their fortified
towns. Although Corvus set entire villages on fire to draw them out, the
Etruscans refused to engage the Romans under Corvus.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">After his sixth consulship Corvus retired from public life, and he died at
the age of 100, around the year 270 BC.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">A man with considerable military talents, apparently Corvus also possessed
a very kind and amicable nature. Very popular with the soldiers he led into
battle, and in the camps he shared with his soldiers, he reportedly competed
with them in the athletic games which they played during their leisure time. He
was also an enthusiastic supporter of reform, siding with the Plebeians during
the ongoing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_the_Orders" title="Conflict of the Orders"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Conflict of the Orders</span></a>. His position was
that the changing needs on an expanding Roman state required a necessary
readjustment of the opportunities provided to Plebeians to serve the state, for
the good of Rome.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">To later Roman writers, he was a memorable example of the favours bestowed
by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortuna" title="Fortuna"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Fortuna</span></a>,
and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus" title="Augustus"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Augustus</span></a>
erected a statue of Corvus in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forum_of_Augustus" title="Forum of Augustus"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Forum of
Augustus</span></a>, alongside the statues of other Roman heroes. Nevertheless,
his list of accomplishments is suspiciously long; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerius_Antias" title="Valerius Antias"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Valerius
Antias</span></a> is considered to have been responsible for some of the
exaggeration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351290828746373565.post-14908684099022817022014-02-19T12:24:00.005-08:002014-02-19T12:26:03.636-08:00The introduction of the "men with nothing" into the Roman army during the Marian reforms, ca. 107 BC<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">During a heavy period of
reforms, headed by Marius, a new, “more numerous kind of volunteer [was
enrolled]: the men with nothing.”</span><sup style="line-height: 115%;">1</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> These men could not provide the
means of sustenance for themselves, so often went without the necessities in
life. Life in the Roman army was seen as ideal – payment and provisions of
weaponry, armour, food and company </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">were secured via state funding through
legislative measures.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In general, these reforms
came under heavy scrutiny from opponents and ancient writers, who often claimed
Marius “stands accused of paving the way for the so-called lawless, greedy
soldiers whose activities were thought to have contributed largely to the fall
of the Republic a few generations later.”<sup>1</sup> However, conflicting information
suggests that the fall of the Republic was escalated through years of raising
taxes and the aggressive repercussions of such measures, although after Julius Caesar
came to power, the official fall of the Republic came, which was also, notably,
after a civil war.<sup>2</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The introduction of the “men
with nothing” into the Roman army, which were listed officially under the <i>Capite Censi</i>, is often torn
ideologically between supporters and opponents. However, in general, it should
be regarded as a logical move towards expanding the Roman army and giving hope
to those who were previously without; it meant that people could receive
payments, provisions, and company. Not only that, but it provided the Roman
army with extra power which was previously required. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><sup><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1</span></sup><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> ‘The Roman Army: the greatest war machine of the
ancient world’, p.85; edited by Chris McNab, published in Great Britain in 2010
by Osprey Publishing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2</span></sup><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Heritage History: “Ancient Rome – decline of a Republic”
(website)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351290828746373565.post-36546263126549877982014-02-12T12:32:00.000-08:002014-02-12T12:32:26.619-08:00Romanization!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Films portray the
Romans in various ways. Some fair whilst others can be very inaccurate. Being around
Children that are learning about the Romans, I get to see the many reactions. Often
an expression of nervousness is displayed. For many, the Romans mean fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For many under Roman
rule, occupation was a good thing. People went from bathing in lakes to bathing
in spectacular bath houses. The intricate design of these buildings defined excellence
and superiority. Some people went from living in simple round houses, to beautifully
decorated villas. Some British kings even ended up living in palaces, as
suspected at Fishbourne Palace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Initially, Roman
invasions were exceedingly brutal. But once a country was conquered, occupation
was fair, unlike the Normans. One effective technique was to keep native kings
in their position. Let them rule, but rule for the Romans. The Romans weren’t interested
in inhabiting countries to rule. What country could be more enticing than Rome?
What they wanted were resources and taxes. Ruling could be left to the people
that had always ruled, under various conditions (native Britons were no longer
permitted to have weapons under Roman Rule. The explanation was that Rome would
now defend them. The actual reason was to prevent uprisings).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In a nutshell, the Romans made people want to
become Roman. In most countries they conquered, it didn’t take long for the
inhabitants to start acting and dressing like Romans. Far from pillaging and
plundering, Rome divided the people, conquered, and Romanized</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzJKI0Ea35483gGE-lYhSYHHCuZWEMOepZsRJZP45HnNcg99-a0WCM3gnCEu-Slsyls4V3mqLb0jZ4JAGhmo4VQwV5wBzlTV2mxlN4dNTe9VbEkApGPt0x-HPxrz9nREfqmcDJ7FZ_0fP/s1600/Butser_Farm_Roman_Villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzJKI0Ea35483gGE-lYhSYHHCuZWEMOepZsRJZP45HnNcg99-a0WCM3gnCEu-Slsyls4V3mqLb0jZ4JAGhmo4VQwV5wBzlTV2mxlN4dNTe9VbEkApGPt0x-HPxrz9nREfqmcDJ7FZ_0fP/s1600/Butser_Farm_Roman_Villa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A reconstruction of the Sparsholt villa at <a href="http://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/">Butser Ancient Farm</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351290828746373565.post-75084366420477744412014-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:002014-02-05T12:34:08.659-08:00'We who are about to die.....'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRahBEhZ6LcbzW-HiK1c9Rufk0WMuvHknVdN1FHIQVJsU7Kl77qOcj_ZM23agqk-i9PZfrybr8TpsbnekZMDKp0wLWSvc9vPh6gc74xFZv7AAqblSiV-NIclx4VU6rAB0BF3C-KqVdeDnA/s1600/DSC07078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRahBEhZ6LcbzW-HiK1c9Rufk0WMuvHknVdN1FHIQVJsU7Kl77qOcj_ZM23agqk-i9PZfrybr8TpsbnekZMDKp0wLWSvc9vPh6gc74xFZv7AAqblSiV-NIclx4VU6rAB0BF3C-KqVdeDnA/s1600/DSC07078.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the bad weather outside training moves inside!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It isn’t just Roman Legion drills and education that is our
focus. This summer we plan on putting on shows of Gladiatorial combat. Of course
there are many obstacles that have been put in front of us. The main one being
that we are not Gladiators. We have to learn everything in a relatively short
amount of time (in fact, we only started last Summer!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My main concern was always footwork. How did a Gladiator
move around? An educated guess can be made my observing any, or all combat
sports. Their footwork is different but they don’t casually walk due to lack of
agility and balance. We decided to move similar to a boxer but with slight
variations on the footwork.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQtG060DA5E5fqe3zQU-h3ncSNPJWW3jBT0hgcQoxzGRtP5Tn0rwCTrJxA4rhgR7GG5UqKuOJZda41EW2xR2PCDyujDmUlJlBS34S3Y-3Xjjeus6nbMnutE7OaEoX8UGQRIIctfEwIpYa/s1600/DSC07076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQtG060DA5E5fqe3zQU-h3ncSNPJWW3jBT0hgcQoxzGRtP5Tn0rwCTrJxA4rhgR7GG5UqKuOJZda41EW2xR2PCDyujDmUlJlBS34S3Y-3Xjjeus6nbMnutE7OaEoX8UGQRIIctfEwIpYa/s1600/DSC07076.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on our foot work while sparring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course we have an abundance of Legion kit. But we had
nothing for Gladiator shows, aside from gladius (sword). Clothes, helmets,
armour and weapons are not cheap; but we are slowly getting there!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij44JVfn6TCiTK2xORnFe-kCJ6xSkQLsbCQouqdREifYAd2LbqEH6waOrIl67fZjAp3YuF97kcUsBINaCagZgyHybI4WVVVcha7lnpgGhHQ-uJwoPhrLqjCIXvKQWmjHnVKvX0VPYlpyhB/s1600/DSC07090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij44JVfn6TCiTK2xORnFe-kCJ6xSkQLsbCQouqdREifYAd2LbqEH6waOrIl67fZjAp3YuF97kcUsBINaCagZgyHybI4WVVVcha7lnpgGhHQ-uJwoPhrLqjCIXvKQWmjHnVKvX0VPYlpyhB/s1600/DSC07090.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improvising safety kit to stop too many accidents too soon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The training can be hard work and frustrating – it certainly
is painful. We have all had injuries; however it makes the experience feel even
more authentic. What is a Gladiator without a few cuts and bruises?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hope to see you this summer for the games! Keep posted
for more information!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl02vG1TtWV4igo9U_b2c5fAkw1woe9rvRCGyExfRKqJBgi0lBfiR7Xx7TGtHURfx2ywx5CJrfrJ6zzMuO6xADkO6Bb5xUIB5d0ZA4-gfNgcCMAqcBNIbEgdzPERkm8wcQZaw1ofKzFQsh/s1600/DSC07089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl02vG1TtWV4igo9U_b2c5fAkw1woe9rvRCGyExfRKqJBgi0lBfiR7Xx7TGtHURfx2ywx5CJrfrJ6zzMuO6xADkO6Bb5xUIB5d0ZA4-gfNgcCMAqcBNIbEgdzPERkm8wcQZaw1ofKzFQsh/s1600/DSC07089.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A key element to becoming a gladiator was learning how to die well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1351290828746373565.post-54116461111072434452014-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:002014-01-22T12:05:11.250-08:00A new year and hard at it!It is the first Legion meeting of the year and the lads are busy checking out all the gear from over winter storage and carrying out any necessary repair work!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfVL9HH2jD2qPXnSeEsRi_IsdgN5dwAVY4sgbgo0MbPvPhiI1DiyQ1k5jQFDqKvIQTYkaPqfoRyy7GE1GIF04s9AJR6Htp4e6Ejf3E6lbF7HG7XzHvO7ns9hFsB07vAkGXAKJeGsqABSZ/s1600/DSC06993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfVL9HH2jD2qPXnSeEsRi_IsdgN5dwAVY4sgbgo0MbPvPhiI1DiyQ1k5jQFDqKvIQTYkaPqfoRyy7GE1GIF04s9AJR6Htp4e6Ejf3E6lbF7HG7XzHvO7ns9hFsB07vAkGXAKJeGsqABSZ/s1600/DSC06993.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
Sorting all of the kit out from storage including chain mail (lorica hamata), shields (scutum) and shoes (caligae).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmMFzjpFi_f2yAp2xSsSr2HUiZhi7GCTQ8k9-oVODTNiassB07FxV0e9E09bhnhDdxeMlzBx2jMXNn6gE0HdAFWR8c2jWkhdyJj98lxVkPqVleMTiS4JAuMldeoq78M1z72NGRUoo1sEh/s1600/DSC06988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmMFzjpFi_f2yAp2xSsSr2HUiZhi7GCTQ8k9-oVODTNiassB07FxV0e9E09bhnhDdxeMlzBx2jMXNn6gE0HdAFWR8c2jWkhdyJj98lxVkPqVleMTiS4JAuMldeoq78M1z72NGRUoo1sEh/s1600/DSC06988.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
Mark polishing his pilum! A few of our metal parts were showing early signs of rust, a must to get rid off!!<br />
<br />
We are hoping to have another successful year this year, building on our début year last year so making sure all of our equipment is in good order is a must! We will also spend our 'down time' in January refreshing our drill, manoeuvres and skills (both military and non).<br />
<br />
If you would like to book us for an event you are holding, for an educational school visit, party or team building days then please contact our Centurion on 07969673236!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMDYbMaDYwIcPRSQd0FWM-_fY_myjNKeDBowGA6JBgnnt7gNYGCoFnL73l69FnFg_Puel2rA5M2C8EU0xmYqWuTroO77L_KQ_B9QOz_GdjhBCpMEc_kjKYq_AWj-d4WePDoHzUR1VZ_z9/s1600/DSC06973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMDYbMaDYwIcPRSQd0FWM-_fY_myjNKeDBowGA6JBgnnt7gNYGCoFnL73l69FnFg_Puel2rA5M2C8EU0xmYqWuTroO77L_KQ_B9QOz_GdjhBCpMEc_kjKYq_AWj-d4WePDoHzUR1VZ_z9/s1600/DSC06973.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301882724662391082noreply@blogger.com0