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

After Action Report: MithraCon 2018

Friday, April 6th, 2018
Participants:
Sibylla Ambrosia Fulvia (Hostess)
Marcus Quintius Clavus
Marcus Cassius Julianus
Ed
Wenna
Aulus Iulius Paterculus
Quintius & I arrived by car. During the ride, we had a fair amount of discussion. Among other things, Quintius had mentioned recent and upcoming Roman (and Bronze Age) reenactments he was involved in including a “Heroes & Villains” day and CT State Latin Day. He had also recommended a novel, Trampling in the Land of Woe, featuring Alexander the Great & Hephaestion as major characters.
Sibylla had already checked in and set up the room, while Cassius had been delayed by snowstorm along the way down from Maine. We spoke for a little in the room before heading to dinner, and Cassius shared some amazing T-shirts & book bags produced at his copy shop. They depicted the leontecephalus, the lion-headed deity with a role in Mithraism.
Dinner was expected to be at an Indian restaurant, but, to our surprise, it had been replaced by an Afghani establishment. As we had a reservation, we decided to stay and Sibylla called in the two other attendees, Ed & Wenna, who were likewise confused when they arrived.
Much discussion took place during dinner, including of fiction in which large groups of people are sent through time. The restaurant itself had great food, and occasioned some conversation on the interaction between Afghanistan and the Classical world.
After dinner, four of us returned to the hotel, where discussion continued back in the room until around 11 p.m. Sibylla gave a talk about the seven grades of Mithraic initiation and we also touched on other subjects.
Saturday, April 7th, 2018
Additional Participants:
Elizabeth
Mockingbird
The following day we had breakfast at Patricia’s, a restaurant next to the hotel which had become a tradition. Sibylla showed some pictures of a recent trip to northern Italy, including some of historic buildings.
Next, there followed several hours of research at the Sterling library (and at the linked Bass library for part of the group). Sibylla did research for an upcoming work on runes. Cassius found texts on a number of in ancient history and religion. Quintius was researching Alexander, including biography and one analysis of a popular movie. I found a few (basic) works on the Roman military, and book on ancient influences on A Song of Ice & Fire/Game of Thrones.
After the library, Quintus & Cassius went to Yale bookstore, while Sibylla & I returned to the hotel. Shortly thereafter, the group reunited for dinner, joined by Mockingbird & Elizabeth. The was plenty of food, including dates, figs, almonds, grapes, carrots, Caesar salad, olives, feta cheese, and roast chicken. Elizabeth had even
brought homemade spelt bread. After the appetizers and entrée were complete, Cassius also produced some apple turnovers.
Discussion that evening began with more details from Sibylla on Mithraic grades. Everyone discussed their research at the library.
Mockingbird analyzed possible relation of Stonehenge to the phases of the moon. Quintius pointed out different strands in the Bible, and Cassius mentioned upcoming projects related to Etruscans & Hittites.
There were many other subjects which came up as well. Mockingbird and Elizabeth went home soon after dinner was complete, but the discussion again carried on until around 11.
Sunday, April 8th, 2018
Additional Participant: Tera Perry
Since Patricia’s was closed on Sunday for Orthodox Easter, we had breakfast downstairs in the Marriott’s own bistro. After that we packed up the room and conversed in the lobby until shortly before the Yale Art Gallery was set to open.
Tera met us at the gallery, and we toured the Classical wing of the gallery as a group. There had been a few changes since our last visit, and there were some insights into the art, such as Tera’s observation on the development of perspective over time.
In the Dura Europa exhibit, we studied the different artistic styles and modes of dress. Quintius and Tera each commented on the cultural influences visible. Sibylla talked with several groups touring the gallery about Mithraism. We took a picture of the Mithraeum & part of the group to put on the internet before heading home.

Subsidium Quiritium: Martius MMDCCLXXI

The new poll for the Subsidium Quiritium has been put up. It is available here, and will remain open until the last day of April.

This time three excellent causes have been recommended, including two devoted to veterans:

• World's Veteran's Federation
• Team Rubicon
• National Association of Urban Debate Leagues

For more options of causes to support, there is always the inspiration for this project, Pandora's Kharis.

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.

Photos of Bread Making from Saturnalia 2017 Meeting

The pictures below were taken by Marcus Quintius Clavus during the early part of the meeting for Saturnalia 2017. They depict the process of making Roman bread according to the recipe later presented by Marcus Audens. Sibylla Ambrosia Fulvia is pictured kneading the dough.

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)

CT Activities by Other Groups

   A new group devoted to Hellenic Polytheism (https://www.meetup.com/New-Haven-Hellenic-Polytheism-Meetup/) started in New Haven last month. According to their page on Meetup, they will be having their first meeting on October 22nd and welcome syncretists.

   Additionally, the Classical Association of CT (http://classconn.org/) will be having their annual meeting on October 14th from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich. I was there last year and can recommend it, although the registration fee is fairly high ($25 for non-members, plus an additional $10 for lunch). They have a variety of academic speakers and the potential for conversation with others interested in Classical topics.

   Finally, the Connecticut Wiccan and Pagan Network (http://www.cwpn.org/) will be having a gathering on Saturday, October 21st from 5-10 p.m. at St. Peter's Masonic Lodge in Norwich. They also have a costly registration ($25 at the door; $20 for those that pre-register). However, dinner is included, along with dancing.