We Lack Discipline talks one of their absolute heroes of Rome, the friend of Augustus and hard-working General, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. We discuss his life and his works, his role in shaping the Pantheon and why he was fundamental to the founding of the Principate and Imperial Rome.
Tag Archives: rome
The Mother of Rome? Livia Drusilla
How better to celebrate International Women’s Day than with a profile and analysis of one of the most important figures in Roman Imperial History – Livia Drusilla – The Diva Augusta and wife of Augustus.
The Fan-Tas-Tic Virtues of Rome
Content Warning: This article features discussion on suicide. Should you be experiencing suicidal thoughts please contact a local mental health service or suicide prevention service as soon as possible. Virtue – meaning a sort of essence of goodness, a moral righteousness. Generally it is considered a positive thing but one could be accused of ‘virtueContinue reading “The Fan-Tas-Tic Virtues of Rome”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #1: Social Media (especially Instagram and Twitter)
It is quite funny that actors in Roman society were considered only a step above prostitutes. Indeed many actors ran a side business as prostitutes, so bereft of opportunities, and funds, they were in acting. I say it is funny because to an extent all Roman life was an act, an elaborate performance. If youContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #1: Social Media (especially Instagram and Twitter)”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #2: Pro-Wrestling
The roaring crowd, their eyes fixated on the centre of a theatre, a ring (so-called even though it is quite square), a cage, a pit, all waiting with bated breath to see their favourite fighters, their favourite personalities, come out and put their bodies on the line for glory, victory and entertainment. I am, ofContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #2: Pro-Wrestling”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #5: AirBnB
How coincidental these two entries follow each other. You see, it is difficult to travel without having people to take you places or places to stay when you get there. Roman hospitium, hospitality, is truly the stuff of legend. You might not think it given how often they showed themselves to be an elitist showerContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #5: AirBnB”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #6: Travel and Tourist Tat
Archaeological evidence from across the Roman world has dug up trinkets from various other parts of the world; Jewellery, figurines, carvings, etc. Basically they found everything but fridge magnets, keyrings and postcards. Not only did Romans have a penchant for travelling the world – sometimes for leisure, sometimes for education and sometimes because they had to because they were soldiers – but they also liked to bring back trinkets for their families. Roman-era tourist tat actually existed.
Modern Things Romans Would Love #7: Gender and Sexuality Liberation
This is one that’s going to piss off so many pseudo-classicists, the ones that come from that lens of neo-classicism. Neo-classicism was an idea that sprung up, predominantly, in Victorian-era Britain, where conservatism and austerity were things to be admired. Meanwhile, behind the scenes and down back alleys you’d be getting wankered on bathtub ginContinue reading “Modern Things Romans Would Love #7: Gender and Sexuality Liberation”
Modern Things Roman Would Love #8: Energy Drinks
What’s a day in the life of a Roman like and why did they really, really need energy drinks?
Roman Top Ten, Modern Edition!
What’s the best way to get people, nowadays, to relate to the Romans? How about ten articles detailing the top ten aspects of modern bullshit that the Romans would have loved?
