Novus
Dearest reader, One of the sentiments that was expressed by my parents and friends when I chose to learn Latin was, “It’s a dead language”. This year of learning Latin has taught me so much more than how to conjugate a verb or translate a sentence. I have had the privilege to read about the culture and daily lives of the ancient Romans. I’ve found that although ancient Rome is long gone, the actions and creations of the Romans continue to impact society today. I chose the name “Novus” for this publication because it means new, and I hope that Novus can create a new connection between the ancient and the modern. My goal is for readers to learn more about the world of the ancients, and to appreciate the many similarities between the ancient Roman society and society today.
♥
A Day in the Life of a Roman
6 - 11
Eating Like a Roman: Roman Toast
12 - 13
Travel Guide: Vaison-la-Romaine
14 - 17
Rome Around the World
19
A Spring Celebration: Floralia
20 - 21
Blue’s Big Win: Roman Chariot Racing
22 - 23
Fashion Feature: Mōs Deārum
24 - 27
Interview with a Roman Soldier
30 - 31
table of contents
THe Maps Room in the Vatican Museum.
The ancient Romans would
tunics were made of linen,
have breakfast, called the
while winter tunics were made
ientaculum, served at dawn.
of wool. Tunics were usually
Poor Romans would usually eat
short-sleeved, and they
bread, perhaps with some
extended to the knees. The
cheese and wine. Bread was so
design of a tunic reflected the
important to the ancient
wearer’s social status.
Romans that unemployed
Completely white or
Roman people could receive
monochromatic tunics were for
bread free of charge. For upper
ordinary Romans. The second-
class Romans, ientaculum
wealthiest group of Roman
was a big meal. It commonly
individuals, know as the
included foccace (bread buns),
equestrian class, would wear a
bread, bowls of honey, milk,
tunic called
fruit, cheese, and even leftovers
the angusticlavia, which had
from the previous day’s lunch
two thin vertical stripes that ran
or dinner.
down to the waist. Those in the
After breakfast, the Romans
senatorial class would wear the
would dress to go out. The
tunica laticlavia, which had two
most basic piece of Roman
wide stripes running down to
clothing was a tunic. Summer
the waist.
Romans also wore togas.
earrings, bracelets, and
Togas were the mark of a
friendship rings. Pearls were
citizen and worn only on
particularly popular. Other
special occasions. Different
accessories included parasols
colors of togas were worn in
and fans. Women might also
different occasions, such as
use false hairpieces to make
during mourning or triumphal
their hair thicker or longer,
parades. Roman men would
although like today, the
express good taste by wearing
popularity of different hairstyles
one ring as an accessory. Some
would vary.
wore arm bracelets, but they
During the Roman Republic,
never wore wrist bracelets as
the Romans saw how the
that would reflect the chains of
Greeks taught their children
slaves.
using paid teachers to educate
As for Roman women, there
groups of students, and
were two types of tunics:Â the
adopted this system. School
peplos and the chiton. A
would start before sunrise, and
married woman might also
students would take a break for
wear a stola over her peplos or
lunch and siesta. After that,
chiton. Ancient Roman women
they would continue to work
loved ornate necklaces, pins,
until late afternoon.
Education was not free, so
daily life — it was surrounded
poor children would still only be
by banks, temples, baths, and
taught by their families. A
businesses. The open area in
Roman education involved
the center held the
much more than just reading
marketplace, where Roman
and writing. Mathematics and
adults would do their shopping,
Greek literature were taught as
banking, trading, and
well. However, the goal of
marketing. Additionally, the
education in ancient Rome was
Forum was a place where
to become an effective
anyone could stand and talk to
speaker, so the main subject
the crowd to share their
was oration. At age 16, some
opinions on a myriad of
boys would go on to study
subjects. Teachers would bring
public speaking at the rhetoric
their students to the Forum and
school, to prepare for a life as
assign them to attempt to
an orator.
convince the crowd of a
While children were in
specific idea, and politicians
school, adults might spend their
would give speeches there.
mornings in the Forum. The
The Forum would also be used
Forum was one of the most
for festivals and religious
important centers of Roman
ceremonies.
After browsing the Forum, a
the temple. Romans had
Roman might choose to visit a
thousands of gods, and if you
public bath. Romans would
or your family were to neglect
bathe in the public baths every
the proper worship of the gods,
day, even on holy days. The
bad things would happen to
bathhouse was more than just a
you. The Romans attributed
place to wash — it was a place
most of their misfortunes to
to meet friends, eat, exercise,
people forgetting to worship
or even read the day’s news.
the gods properly. Huge,
There were hot and cold pools,
elaborate temples for the gods
saunas, workout rooms, reading
were built in every city in the
rooms, restaurants, and hair
Roman empire, and every day,
salons. However, Romans had
the ancient Romans brought
to pay to enter a public bath,
offerings of meat and other
and children and slaves were
items to the temples.
not supposed to enter.
The gods were also
Nevertheless, bathing was an
honored during festivals
important part of every Roman’s
throughout the year — because
day.
there were so many gods, there
Another part of a Roman’s daily routine would be a trip to
were about 200 major festivals each year.
In the afternoon, wealthy
would play with their friends,
Romans would take a break
toys, and pets. Dogs were a
called the siesta. During the
favorite pet of the Romans, as
siesta, everyone went home
well as birds and later, cats.
and ate a light lunch called the
Children would ride
prandium. Wealthy Romans
hobbyhorses, build play
might eat eggs, cheese, olives,
houses, and play with balls and
bread, fruits and nuts, and wine.
kites. Boys usually played war
Then, they would take a nap or
type games, practicing with
just relax with family and
wooden swords, while girls
friends. Siesta usually lasted
played with dolls. Poor children
about two hours, and wealthy
would make rag dolls, while
Romans would resume their
richer children had dolls of clay
activities for the day afterwards.
or wax. Some even had joints
 The poor worked constantly,
to bend and pose.
and did not get to take a break.
Then, it was time for dinner.
Their lunch might consist
Dinner, or cena, was the most
of vegetables, porridge, or
important meal of the day, and
bread and cheese.
it was eaten in the late
When the children returned from school for the day, they
afternoon or early evening.
An ordinary cena could consist
Feet and hands were
of asparagus and eggs, chicken
washed before the cena, and
and goat, apples, pears,
after each course, the fingers
grapes, and dessert.
were washed again. The
However, wealthier Romans
Romans did not have forks, but
would hold expensive
they did use spoons and
banquets, which would include
knives. However, most people
dozens of elaborate courses
ate with their hands, and
that lasted from mid-afternoon
discarded food was simply
to late evening. Some Roman
thrown on the floor for a slave
banquets would serve exotic
to pick up. Guests could also
dishes such as stuffed
bring their own napkins
dormouse, flamingo tongue,
(mappae) to take home
camel feet, and even lobster
leftovers from the meal.
stuffed with caviar. Romans ate at these banquets by lying down on three couches called a triclinium. While they ate, they were entertained by acrobats or musicians.Â
“
Slice fine white bread, remove the crust, and break it into large pieces. Soak these pieces in milk and beaten egg, fry in oil, and cover with honey before serving.
”
— Apicius, 7.13.3
1. Slice the white bread into thin pieces, and remove the crusts. 2. Break three eggs into a casserole dish or a bowl. 3. Add 200 mL of milk, and mix
Ingredients 3 eggs 200 mL milk Honey 6 slices white bread
together. 4. Soak the bread slices in the mixture for just a few seconds on
Surprise! The Romans
each side.
called dibs on the
5. Drop the bread into a hot, oily
recipe we know as
frying pan. Turn the bread over
“French toast”. Not
occasionally to make sure it
only that, Roman
doesn’t burn.
Toast was a treat that
6. When you are ready to serve,
showed status, as
cover it in honey. Cinnamon was
white bread was a
also available to the Romans, so
luxury only available
you can sprinkle some on as well.
to wealthy Romans.
Vaison
TRAVEL
THE JEWEL OF ROMAN PROVENCE
France has an abundance of charming communes, from the stunning Saint-Paul-deVence to the metropolis Paris, but there are none as unique as Vaison-laRomaine. It is a modern town in which ancient Roman history can be seen alongside artifacts of the medieval times — it’s almost as though Vaison-laRomaine has preserved every stage of its 2000 years of history. The area was first inhabited during the Bronze Age, and at the end of the fourth century BC, Vaison became the capital of a Celtic tribe, the Vocontii. Even after the Roman conquest from 125-118 BC, the Vocontii retained a degree of authority, which is why Vaison-la-Romaine’s city plan was not re-founded along Roman standards. However, by the 60s BC, the Vocontii were formally allied to Rome. the narrow streets of the old town.
By the time of Augustus’ reign, Vaison was known by the Latin name Vasio Vocontiorum and had become a political capital. It has been dubbed the “Jewel of Roman Provence”, as it was one of the wealthiest cities of Gallia Narbonensis.
Archeological digs have unearthed luxurious and elaborate Gallo-Roman homes, complete with mosaic and marble floors, statues, ponds, atriums, and even private thermal baths. Everyday life was already very refined for these Romans!
The Villasse Quarter has a magnificent paved and colonnaded street, surrounded by excavated domūs and baths, as well as shops, gardens, and fountains.
Inside the Puymin Quarter, you can visit a 6000-seat, restored Roman theater with marble statues of the emperor Hadrian. You may also wander the excavated ruins of a rich private domus, the House of Apollo LaurÊ. The Puymin Quarter is open every day, June to September, from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. the theater is still used for vaison’s summer dance festival in July.
Today, tourists can visit the remains of the once-flourishing Gallo-Roman city. Vaison-la-Romaine is a delightful town which lies nestled in the stunning French countryside, between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Apart from its collection of carefullypreserved historical relics — be sure to visit the Museum of Vaison-laRomaine! — Vaison-la-Romaine is also known for its art scene. Home to many writers, painters, and actors, tourists
tip: bring a phrase book, not every person speaks english in vaison!
may want to enjoy a show in one of Vaison-la-Romaine’s four theaters, or spend a day admiring the numerous exhibitions and galleries.
“
it is a nice, calm place, but also packed with history and culture.
Horseback Riding: Adults and children of all skill levels are invited to take horse riding lessons at Centre Equestre PoneyClub de Vaison! Road Villedieu 8411 Vaison la Romaine
”
— Alastair campbell
Shopping Spree: All year round, there is an open air market every Tuesday from 8AM - 1PM. You can buy everything from shoes to furniture, and there is an array of options for fish, meats, cheese, vegetables, and wine. In the summer, there is also an evening market every Thursday from 6PM - 8PM.
rome around the allworld roads lead to rome South Korea: The adorable Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju, South Korea, features a variety of famous artworks and historical scenes remade using teddy bears, including a recreation of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
London: London was founded by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. The original city was contained within defensive walls, which can still be seen in some places in the city. One section of the wall can be seen on Tower Hill, and it is guarded by a 20th century statue that is thought to be of the Emperor Trajan.
As April draws to a close, it’s time to honor one of the most ancient goddesses in Roman religion - the goddess of flowers, vegetation, youth, and fertility Flora! In Roman mythology, Flora is a minor goddess of flowers and springtime. The Ludi Florae, or ‘Games of Flora’ are celebrated during the 6-day festival known as Floralia. They begin on April 28th, and extend until May 3rd. They are presented by the plebeian aediles, and have a carefree, pleasure-seeking atmosphere. Multicolored clothing is customary, and everyone dons bright flower garlands as Floralia is meant to celebrate the renewal of the cycle of life. The festival opens with theatrical performances, and concludes with competitive events and spectacles at the Circus, as well as a sacrifice to Flora. There are many accounts of the festivities and performances during the Floralia: Ovid says that hares and goats were ceremonially released as symbols of fertility. Persius claims that the crowd was pelted with vetches, beans, and lupins - also representing fertility. In 68 CE, entertainments at the Floralia featured a tightrope-walking elephant!
roman
Chariot
racing
Chariot racing was a big part of Roman culture, mainly because it was so accessible. Admission to chariot races was free to everyone, and there were 24 races a day. Even women, who typically were not allowed to watch sporting events, were allowed to watch the excitement. The popularity of chariot races allowed charioteers to become very wealthy. The most famous charioteer was Gaius Apuleius the emperor Diocles, who retired at the age of 42 after a 24-year career. Domitian His winnings totaled 35,863,120 sesterces! created two Organizations of different chariot-racing teams were called new factions factions, which trained, equipped, and entered teams. There (purple and were four factions: red, white, blue, and green. Citizens were gold) which very dedicated to supporting their own factions, and would support a faction for life. People would dress in their team’s colors, disappeared sing songs, make cheers, and even write curse tablets against the soon after other teams! he died. Each faction would enter three chariots in a race, which usually took place in the Circus Maximus. Up to 350,000 spectators would eagerly watch as a napkin called the mappa was dropped, signaling the beginning of a race. Races took place on a sandy, oval racetrack that was about 600 meters long and 180 meters wide. Each race was 7 laps around the track, and laps were counted using eggs or golden dolphins. However, the 7 laps required to finish a race weren’t easy-peasy! Fountains and other obstacles were placed along the track to make things more difficult for the horses. There were also multiple types of chariots. Bigae chariots were drawn by two horses, and quadrigae chariots were drawn by four horses. If a driver wanted to show off his skill, he could use up to ten horses, but this was extremely impractical. Chariot races were already dangerous enough without so many horses to manage, and the life illustration of a chariot race in the circus maximus. expectancies of both a charioteer and his horses were not very high.
o y id d
? w o ku n
e u l
Supporters of the blue faction will be proud to hear about their latest win over at the Circus Maximus. Though the 8-kilometer race typically lasts 15 minutes, Spurius Octavius Nepos of the blue team sped through the course in just 13 minutes and 57 seconds during the final race of the day. Now, that’s a grand finale!
B
Spurius Octavius Nepos has been racing with the blue team for two years, and during his debut he had consistently performed well. However, many had begun to speculate that he was on the verge of retiring from the chariot-racing scene, as he had not pulled out a win for the blue faction in several months. Spurius Octavius Nepos proved his 350,000 spectators wrong today - someone has been making the right sacrifices to Victoria! “We invested quite a sum of sesterces in improving and repairing our chariots, and our charioteers have been training hard,” a representative of the blue faction, who has chosen to remain anonymous, declared. “Our win was no surprise.” Despite the clear win - green came in second at 14 minutes 32 seconds, red trailed close behind at 14 minutes 45 seconds, and white finished off the race at 14 minutes 58 seconds - riots have already been started by supporters of the other teams. In particular, those backing the red faction were counting on a big victory from their recently recruited charioteer, Titus Octavius Severus, who has refused comment. Tomorrow’s chariot-racing schedule has already been released. Place your bets, practice your cheers, and get your team togas on!
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r o m a n - i n s p i r e d
Fashion
Designed by Madame Grès, featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art
mōs deārum
MŌS DEĀRUM is taking bold new steps in the world of Roman fashion. With fabrics of the highest quality and the most vivid dyes, and a dizzying array of options for customization, Mōs Deārum strives to create the finest custom chitons, peploses, and tunics for you. Contact at mosdearum@longliveroma.com
The tunica was a standard
with a mallet and smoothed.
item in every woman’s
Finally, the materials were
wardrobe, but the color, weight,
woven. Other fabrics that were
fabric, and texture varied
available included silk and
according to social class. The
cotton. Silk was imported from
manufacture of clothing was
China, and was a rarity that
labor intensive, which made
could only be afforded by the
clothing very expensive.
wealthiest Romans.
The most commonly used
The Romans loved color and
fabric was wool, and Romans
used it whenever possible, but
tried to optimize the quality of
colored garments were
wool through cross-breeding.
expensive. One of the cheapest
The production of linen and
dyes available came from
hemp was similar to that of
madder, which produced a
wool, and was described by
shade of red. Yellow, from
Pliny the Elder. The material
saffron, was expensive and
would be immersed in water,
reserved for the clothing of
skinned, then aired. Once dry,
married women or the Vestal
the fibers would be pressed
Virgins.
“
Go, therefore, to meet the foe with two objects before you, either victory or death. For men animated by such a spirit must always overcome their adversaries, since they go into battle ready to throw away their lives.
”
— scipi o af ricanus
Today, we are joined by Roman
and patrol the conquered
legionnaire Servius Clodius
territories. We also help out with
Macrinus, who will share a bit
the construction of roads, forts,
about his life as a Roman soldier!
and aqueducts. It is a great honor for me to serve Rome.
Q: What’s it like being a legionnaire?
Q: What weapons can you use?
It is not easy. A legionnaire
Some soldiers have special skills. I
commits to at least 25 years of
am quite strong in hand-to-hand
service, and we must be very
combat, even unarmed. I also
strong. Recruits who are too weak
enjoy using my pilum, which is a
or too short are turned away. It is
spear with an iron spike at the
for the best - we sometimes must
end. The spike is designed to
march 20 miles a day. When there
lodge into the enemy’s shield so
are no battles to fight, we train
that they cannot use it.
Q: What do Roman soldiers eat?
well. We are organized into
A Roman soldier’s diet is not too
legions of 4000 - 6000 soldiers,
different from that of other
and the legions are divided into
Romans. The Roman Codex
groups of 80. These smaller
Theodosianus states that we must
groups are called centuries, and
be supplied with “buccellatum ac
the centurion is in charge of a
panem, vinum quoque atque
century.
acetum, sed et laridum, carnem verbecinam.” This is bread, wine,
Q: Do all of the soldiers get
vinegar, bacon, mutton, and also a
along? What is the dynamic
hard biscuit called buccellatum.
between soldiers?
The biscuit does not taste good,
Many think the culture of our
but it is practical — because there
military is nasty, but it really is not
is no moisture left inside, it does
so bad. We do have harsh training,
not spoil easily.
but we develop discipline and learn to fight together effectively.
Q: How is the Roman army
We focus on working together
organized?
instead of showing off. Although
I am always amazed by our army’s
we all fight for Rome, I think every
organization. We have had up to
soldier has more pride for their
half a million soldiers at some
own unit. My unit is particularly
points, but we all work together
valued as most of us are literate.
Novus volume one