A while ago I wrote at length about Roman Footwear — which, I assure you, goes much beyond the traditional “sandal” ubiquitous in modern writing. While the post addressed how you’d wear street shoes on your way to a dinner party only to change into slippers once you got there, there were still a lot […]
Ancient Rome
“Waste Management” in Ancient Rome
If you’ve read any of my stories, you know the main tenets they’re based on: Ancient Rome, an Occult Mystery — and a trip down the sewers… It’s not a Felix’s Mystery unless he’s literally dumped in it at least once! In the current WIP of In Victrix, one of the main villains is in […]
Book Review: Dominus, by Steven Saylor
I loved Saylor’s previous Roma and Empire novels (as well as his Gordianus series), so was naturally keen to read this latest installment. What to Expect A continuation of the Pinarii’s observation of Roman history, covering the period from Marcus Aurelius to Constantine the Great. Saylor has chosen an old patrician family, and has placed […]
Fleeting Footwear Fashions in Ancient Rome
Romans were notorious for their sandals (and for anyone who ever visited Italy, still are). Felix has been known to talk about how private investigators wear out their shoes only slightly less legionaries, pounding pavement day in and day out. The whole series, in a homage to swords-and-sorcery, have been called ‘swords and sandals.’ When […]
Eclectic Musings (and Murderous Muses)
Salvete! Gratam hac nocte scriptor collectio… Err, nope. My Latin is still horrible. Welcome to tonight’s collection of random musings — mostly murderous muses 🙂
Book Review: A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Murder in Ancient Rome, by Emma Southon
A book about murders in Ancient Rome? Gimme! This is a non-fiction work, covering not just the notable murders — but the Roman people’s attitudes towards killing. A great piece to understanding both the ancient world and ourselves, as we take our modern viewpoints to evaluate historical accounts. What to expect Southon does a credible […]
Book Review: The King’s Gambit (SPQR #1), by John Maddox Roberts
I’ve long had Maddox Roberts’ SPQR series on my TBR list (ever since I started reading Roman whodunits — Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, et al), but it took some time to get to this series. What to Expect A political mystery set in 70 BCE, as a young official is looking into the murders of […]
Book Review: Dead Men’s Sandals, by David Wishart
I love the Corvinus mysteries, so was excited to see a new one out. What to Expect Straight off the boat on his return from the last case in Carthage, Corvinus’ is summoned by a gangster boss (a favourite recurring character) and a favour he owes is called. Now he finds himself going to Brundisium, […]
Wolves, Coins, and Wine — Buried Treasures
A few interesting finds today, from prehistory through Roman and Byzantine times, up to modern recreations which are always fun — especially when alcohol is involved!
Cemented Curses: Roman Remains
Back to our usual programming, here’s a selection of a few notable finds I came across pertaining to ancient Roman life. From the futuristic relevance of microscopic analysis of ancient cement, to virtual tours in the places where it was put to use, to — of course — the obligatory hilarious ending. If you want […]
