After Action Report: MithraCon 2019

Friday, April 12th, 2019
Participants:
Sibylla Ambrosia Fulvia (Hostess)
Marcus Quintius Clavus
Marcus Cassius Julianus
Mercuria Cassia
Ed
Wenna
Aulus Iulius Paterculus
   Quintius & I arrived to find Sibylla, Cassius, and Mercuria already in the room and deep in discussion.
   We left for dinner almost immediately. The Afghani restaurant where we had eaten the previous year had closed, so we ate the "Basil" restaurant (a Thai/Chinese/Japanese fusion establishment) next door instead. Cassius passed out laminated fact sheets on the interactions between Rome and China in antiquity, which we read in appreciative silence. Soon after our orders arrived, Ed and Wenna joined the group.
  There was some disscussion on general topics, MithraCons past, and what restaurant we might visit next year, but much of our attention was occupied by the food in front of us, which were in generous portions accompanied by pots of tea for the table. Reactions on the food itself varied.
  After dinner, Ed and Wenna said their farewells and the rest of us returned to the room to engage in further conversation. Sibylla shared insights gained from another year's reasearch into Mithraism. Cassius contributed more insights from his Masonic experience; Mercuria fact-checked information online, discovering some additional details, of which even Cassius had not been aware.
  Sibylla mentioned the recent reintroduction of the priesthood training by Cn. Lentulus and the possibility that Sibylla might organize an official Mithraic cult to be recognized by Nova Roma.
  Cassius caught us up with some of the progress made by Byzantium Novum over the previous year.
  Cassius also presented us with T-shirts which had been made at his copy shop, which showed a beautiful image of the Rockbirth of Mithras.

Saturday, April 13th, 2019
Additional Participants:
Alex
Adam
   The following day we enjoyed the now traditional breakfast at Patricia’s, the diner less than a block from the hotel. Mercuria was sadly not able to join us at breakfast due to headache, but later arrived at the Sterling library for a day of intense research. When the library finally closed, we exited to find a group of students practicing improv of the steps ahead of the library entrance.
   Afterwards, we split into two groups, head to the Yale Barnes & Nobles and the hotel. We re-united in an hour or two in the hotel room over a feast including stuffed grape leaves, fruit, bread, chicken, lettuce, and large quantities of cheese, followed by raspberry and apple tarts brought down from Maine. Our discussion touched on a number of topics including the modern U.S. navy, before turning to the research we had done in the library during the day. Sibylla had a long list on Mithraism which she had ordered to Sterling in advance. Cassius told us about two particular books he had recently purchased, Pictish Mithraism, which postulated a link between Pictish carved
standing stones and Mithraism and The Trail of Mithras  which examined a supposed line of Mithraea running
across the Roman Empire and the churches later built above some of them. I had read selections from books on various topics, including the infinity problem in quantum physics, the lives of Laura Ingalls
and Rose Wilder, the novels of Steven King, and Greek tragedy.
  Alex & Adam arrived partway through our discussion of library research. Conversation turned to how Alex had
come to join us: as it turned out, he had been entranced by the Mithraeum when he began working as at the Yale Art Gallery and been told by a fellow employee about the conference which visited each year. We discussed Mithraism for some time after that; in particular details of initiation which it appeared could be deduced from the
mosaic and frescos at the Felicissima Mithraeum and the "Mithraic liturgy".

Sunday, April 14th, 2018
  We returned for Patricia's for a second excellent breakfast, this time with Mercuria as part of the group. Quintius was not with us, as he had returned home the previous night. Discussion turned mainly upon life in New England and personal interests, including research into runes by both Mercuria and Sibylla.
  On our way to the art gallery, we passed an interesting used bookstore, but although the sign said "Open", it was actually closed. Someone joked that on the way back the sign would say "Closed", but the store would be open.
  We arrived at the gallery somewhat early, and hence had time to tour not only the Classical wing of the gallery but a section devoted to coins of assorted eras and another devoted to Byzantine art. Alex soon joined us at looking over the items in the Classical wing, and particularly the Dura Europe exhibit. This exhibit had been somewhat
diminished, as certain items were on loan elsewhere, but the Mithraeum was still intact. Sibylla spoke about the items before us both with Alex and with some other patrons of the gallery. After a little while, Cassius and Mercuria left, followed soon after by Alex. Quintius joined Sibylla and me shortly afterwards. We had coffee & tea together, followed by a visit to the bookstore we had passed earlier, which was indeed open and had an adequate collection of Classics-related books.

Origin of the Nova Britannia Flag

Apparently, one of the official flags of New England is a red flag with a pine tree on a white field in one corner.

This flag, called the "Bunker Hill Flag" is clearly the inspiration behind our own Nova Britannia flag.

Marcus Audens must have used his extensive knowledge of  the American Revolution when designing our local emblem - an interesting and appropriate connection.

Roman Day 2018

  Marcus Audens has written up the following minutes for a meeting taking place in Nova Britannia. A few minor modifications have been made by me based on comments made by Sibylla A. Fulvia and myself on the draft sent by M. Audens:
Pictures and Minutes - The Roman Day's Event was held at the Home of  Sibylla A. Fulvia in Haddam, CT.
Purpose of the Meeting was Roman Presentations , and a discussion on Nova Britannia Business.
Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia was the hostess. 
Attendees were:
  - Lady  Sibylla A. Fulvia;
  - Lady Valentina
  - Lady Mathews (visitor);
  - Senator Marcus Cassius Julianus;
  - Master Paterculus;
  - Consul Gaius Claudius Quadratus;
  - Optio, Quintius Johanson, Legio III (Cyrenaica);
  - Home Owner,Nelson Struck (visitor);
  - Senator Marcus Minucius Audens.

   The Meeting was brought to order at about 10:00 A.M. and the first Presentation given by Master Paterculus, its subject being the Greek Philosophy of Plato's "Republic".  His presentation was to present to the members the factors of the Greek Philosopher Plato in regard to the philosophy of complete control of all phases and activities of normal like by an all-powerful ruler, and gain from those present their views and ideas about such a government.

  The second presentation was provided by Senator /NR Co-Founder Marcus Cassius Julianus.  His presentation was entitled "The Kingdom of Soissons."  Handouts of the  historical information regarding the subject were distributed to all present (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Soissons).

  The third Presentation was concerning a large variety of spices.  Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia had a large container of each spice , and she passed each spice around the group for anyone to smell and taste as desired while the lady gave the details about how the spice was used, the origin, and other useful information about each spice.

   The fourth Presentation was given by Senator Marcus Audens entitled "Ancient/Medieval Maritime Merchant Routes and Ships."  The presentation was accompanied by  fifteen of the presenter's ship drawings , and five maps showing maritime merchant routes.  The presentation encompassed ship styles, ship sail rigs, hull construction, and primary use of various style of ships in different marine settings and places.

   The fifth presentation was by Consul Quadratus about his coin collection from two distinct Roman periods; 1.  The Second Triumvirate; 2. The Year of the Twelve Caesars.

   The sixth Presentation was by Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia and was entitled, "Leonotcephalus, and how Mithras was sent in a meteorite to a lower plane,"  The presentation was in regard to the God Mithras, and the showing of a statuette of his messenger from Heaven to Earth, by using a key to unlock the celestial globe, and allow Mithras to pass through encased in a meteor in order to reach earth.  The presentation included details and other lesser Gods and goddesses and their participation in the religous story of Mithras.

   There was also a display, of Roman Coins and artifacts provided for viewing by Senator Marcus Cassius.

   Following  the first  few Presentations the group was called to a very nice Roman Dinner, which featured Roast Chicken, Olives, Figs, Apricots, Loaf Bread, Garbanzo Bean/Pomegranate Salad, Deviled Eggs, Ancient Roman Cheese Cake, Lemonade, and Red Wine.

  Following the last presentation the group came to the discussion period.  The first item brought by Consul Quadratus, was the desire to conduct some kind of quiz on the NR Communication network.  The problem was that any simple quiz questions regarding the Roman Republic and Early Empire would be easily answered using one of the Computer answering services (Wiki, Google, etc.)  The question regarding the quiz, recieved one answer from Marcus Audens.  The contest would be to write the ending to one of several one page stories.  The best ending would be the winner!  Other suggestions included writing an essay or short story as a team.

   This discussion evolved into the question about what is needed if anyone in Nova Britannia wished to create a Roman Event.  After some discussion a simple set of suggested requirements for putting together an event,   These requirements were studied, questioned, adjusted, and finally voted upon and accepted unanimously.   It was strongly suggested that the subject of any quiz or contest be limited to a High school level of information, and that the set of suggested requirements should be sent to the NR Communication network on a cycle of somewhere in the vicinity of a three-to six month period. This list of requirements will be furnished for the Event minutes review By Senator Marcus Cassius.

The pictures of the event are as follow:

1. Consul Quadratus and Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia;

2. Paterculus, Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia, Nelson Struck (Home Owner/Guest), Optio, Quintius Johanson, Legio III (Cyrenaica);

3. Paterculus, Optio, Quintius Johanson, Legio III (Cyrenaica);

4. Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia,  Consul Quadratus, Senator Marcus Cassius, Paterculus;

5. Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia, Lady Valentina, Paterculus, Marcus Audens;

6. Lady Sibylla A. Fulvia, Consul Quadratus;

7. Statuette - Leontocephalus;

8. Senator Marcus Cassius.

Respectfully Submitted.
  Marcus Audens

MMDCCLXXI (2018) Annual Schedule

  A 2018 schedule for the local Nova Roma group in southern New England has been finalized:
- MithraCon 2018: This well known meeting in New Haven includes research at one of Yale's libraries, a Roman potluck dinner, and a visit to the Dura Europa Mithraeum.
 The registration fee $50 if received by March 20th, and $60 afterwards.
 Friday, April 6, 2018, 7:00 PM to Sunday, April 8, 2018, 12:00 PM at the Courtyard Marriott, 30 Whalley Ave · New Haven, CT
 More information at www.mithracon.org
 - A Roman Day, to be held in Haddam, CT during the summer months
  We will set the agenda for this based on what participants choose to present. A potluck meal of Roman foods has always been part of the  agenda in the past, and we have a tentative volunteer for a
presentation on Roman coins. The date will depend on the availability  of potential attendees. Please let us know your preferences as soon as your schedule for this period is clear.
 - A Saturnalia Celebration in Haddam, CT in December
 This is similar in setup to the Roman Days event; the primary difference is that the weather prevents activities outdoors. Again, time and date will depend on potential attendees.

This list is not necessarily all-inclusive. Several other events have been discussed which may still be added if there is sufficient  interest. In particular, in-person Latin meetings are very likely to happen. If you would like to organize another event in our area, please let me know, or post an announcement to Nova Britannia's local list.

Both citizens and non-citizens are welcome. However RSVPs will be necessary for the finalized events, particularly for those in Haddam, which will take place in a private home thanks to the hospitality of Sibylla Ambrosia Fulvia. We owe it to her to be model guests, including by providing ample forewarning of who will be coming over. Sibylla is also the organizer of MithraCon, and direct contact information for her may be found on that event's website.

The annual plan above has already been forwarded to  Legio III Cyrenaica (https://www.facebook.com/LegionIIICyr), the local Roman army reenactment organization. In return, they have told us about the following events they have planned for the year:
- Their first arms & armor demo at the Worcester Art Museum on April 7, 11:30 and 2.
- Marching in the Kennebunk ME May Day parade with Cassius on May 5.
- A tentative Encampment weekend at Fort at #4 in Charlestown NH, looking at June 9 or 16.

After Action Report: Saturnalia 2017

>>>> Roman Days-Saturnalia/Presentation Event <<<<

>>> Provincia, Nova Britannia, Nova Roma (NR)

During a weekend this past month (Dec. 16-17, 2017) the Arthur Waite/Paterculus scheduled a Saturnalia/Presentation Event at the home of Lady Sibylla, a member of Nova Roma. On Saturday the attendees were: Lady Sibylla, Marcus Audens, Margaret Mathews, Paterculus, Quintius, and in the Evening, Andrew and Lisa Bell, and David Blasco with his grandson, and his guitar. On Sunday the attendees were Lady Sibylla, Marcus Audens, Margaret Mathews, and Paterculus.

On Saturday, we enjoyed a delicious Roman Dinner and this was followed by a presentation on "Roman Bread" by Marcus Audens, This presentation was accompanied at the meal with a loaf of Roman Bread made from the recipe provided on the Internet by Lady Sibylla. Both Paterculus and Lady Sibylla have copies if you desire the information, Following that, there was a very nice period of Music furnished by Mr. Blasco and his guitar, During this period, Paterculus and Marcus Audens attempted to create a poem that could be put to music. The result of that follows as taken down by the hands of Lady Sibylla:

The second Punic war was a rough war indeed.

It went on many years, though they fought at great speed.

Romans and Carthage had a big gripe,

they fought and they fought till their anger was ripe.

 

Hamilcar knew that his fighting was done.

Still thirsting for vengeance, he turned to his son.

Took him to an alter and forced him to swear

to lay Rome to ruin and make Romans despair.

 

So Hannibal gathered some fierce pachyderms

to gain Carthage conquest on favorable terms.

However, he failed on his biggest effort

and the Romans won, while Hannie went to a port.

 

Our evening friends, Andrew and Lisa, had to leave early for previous commitments, but the concert lasted until very nearly midnight.

On Saturday, We enjoyed a nice luncheon, and Paterculus entertained us with a discussion on Stoicism and the way to Meditate. Paterculus has the volume pertaining to this presentation and the exercise. Everyone tried it out, and then gave their impressions of what they would have done in a Stoic position. Very interesting application! Lady Sibylla followed that with a review of her earlier shipboard presentation on the very detailed elements of the birth of Mithras. Lady Sibylla has this information recorded on her computer and her research, into this area, is continuing. This was a very enlightening and informative message indeed! The final presentation was on the Roman Merchant and Military Shipping by Marcus Audens. The presentation was a short one, due to the need to depart for home. His references are in his Roman Library. However, later discussions, more in detail, on that subject, have been promised,

The table foods for the meals included Roman Bread which was very good, a barley/veggies/chicken/ beef soup, sliced baked ham and turkey (which we enjoyed in place of peacock), boiled eggs, a variety of olives, pickled stuffed grape leaves, fresh cheese, cheddar cheese, beer, wine, and for dessert, Eggnog and double chocolate cake.

There was a wooden target set up in the back yard for target throwing of knives, axes, spears, and arrows, however with the cold temperatures and snow, it was decided to leave that out of the event.

We wish to thank Lady Sibylla for the use of her home and lovely dining table from which we all ate our meals in comfort. A very nice fire in her fireplace went very well on such cold nights! Lady Sibylla had also prepared sleeping facilities for any guests wishing to sleep over, which was an extraordinary generous gesture. 

Paterculus and his colleagues in Nova Britannia are currently in the process of working up a list of events for next year to be considered. Already scheduled is MithraCon (www.mithracon.org) which will be held on the weekend of April 6-8 in New Haven, CT. Sibylla, who founded and continues to organize this fine event writes:

Our Saturday programming is spending the day at Yale University's Sterling Memorial Library doing research on whatever your heart desires, followed by a Roman potluck dinner in the hotel (which is within walking distance of the library). Sunday we visit the Dura Europos mithraeum cult niche at Yale's art gallery, as well as look at other period antiquities there.

>> Respectfully;

Marcus Minucius Audens/ Mr. James Matthews;

with feedback & approval from Sibylla Ambrosia Fulvia (Dr. Jane Sibley) & Aulus Iulius Paterculus (Arthur Waite)

Provincia, Nova Britannia;

Nova Roma (NR)

Ides of March Meeting Highlights (Nova Britannia Ulterior)

1: 00 p.m. I found Marcus Audens and Gnaeus Floccus by the door. They were meeting for the first time. We discussed past experience within Nova Roma. Marcus Audens offered a suggestion to send certificates of citizenship to those residents of Nova Britannia who would like them. A similar program was well received in Sodalitas Militarum. M. Audens gave me a stack of prototype certificates, mentioning they could be further elaborated as desired. Computer issues were also discussed: M. Audens described the issues of the Nova Britannia web list and the possible solutions he has considered; Cn. Floccus mentions similar difficulty with modifying the wiki page, which requires updating.

            Once we got the agenda, we began with a short presentation by M. Audens. This consisted of a description of several model siege engines he is constructing, including one that can fire a dart several yards!

            The next point on our agenda was a discussion of the Etruscans, which quickly wandered to Rome’s ability to apply ideas in innovative ways, with the development of the arch being a key example. M. Audens pointed at the evolution from fairly uneven early arches to what we know today. Cn. Floccus mentioned the dome as another derivative of the arch, and the senator described the astonishing amount of weight a small model of the Pantheon was able to bear.

            Next we began a round of trivia. Each of us took coming up with obscure (or not so obscure) facts to question the others about. The final score (by my informal count) was Audens – 3 ½, Floccus – 1 ½, Paterculus – 1. This took us to about 2:30 p.m., over which time we also ordered appetizers & drinks.

            Following this, we offered a toast to Gaius Iulius Caesar. Cn. Floccus joking added, “May he live long.”

            We attempted to play tali using modern d4s and some rules I had printed off the internet. The substitution seemed to go well, but we were hampered by uncertainty of how to handle scoring or the number of rounds we were to play. M. Audens mentioned that the neck of a turkey could be boiled to create something resembling knucklebones.

            Cn. Floccus mentioned that he is a Latin teacher and currently studying Catullus. M. Audens mentioned some reading of Vegitus, Frontinus, Vitruvius, and Julius Caesar. We had already spoken about architecture, but we did talk somewhat about neoclassical architecture, both in Coventry and Ledyard, as well as around the world.

            We discussed the potential for a Make-&-Mend meeting such as M. Audens had suggested in the past, as well as the problem of distance. Cn. Floccus accepted the challenge of organizing activity in Massachusetts and expressed some interest in Legio II Cyrenaica.

            I left in some haste at 3 p.m., leaving behind all the money I’d brought for my share of the bill, which was not entirely covered.