flavian

A Little-known Fact

A little-known fact about the emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus is that he shares his name with a common word for public latrines in Italian. Not only were the antique communal latrines, such as those at Ostia Antica – see photo – referred to as 'vespasiani', but modern-day urinals in Italy, including the portable plastic versions often seen outside stadiums, also go by that name.

About The Author

Bija Knowles
Bija Knowles is a freelance journalist based outside Rome, Italy. She graduated in Italian and English Literature from the University of Birmingham, UK, and her main areas of interest are art, travel and history in Italy.

Last three pieces by this author: Brittania Superior 'v' Brittania Inferior: the Roman Roots of Britain's North-South Divide, The Ara Pacis As You've Never Seen it Before, Caravaggio: Gay Icon Born Too Late?

Battle re-enactments: To some they’re a chance to live and breathe the bloody fortunes of romanticised forebears; to others they’re one of the only two times you can get away with drinking beer in a toga (the other being university freshers' week). Still, the reliving of battles has been one of the lynchpins of society for millennia – and not only as a chance to have some fun in a field with friends.

Romans

The earliest re-enactment fans are said to have been the Etruscans, the successful 9th – 6th century BC civilization which begat the Roman Empire. Yet it would be their illustrious progenies who would take to the sport with a bloodthirsty zeal still infamous today.

About The Author

Sean Williams

Sean is an English Literature graduate, who currently works as a writer and journalist in London. He enjoys ancient history, theatre and sport. He does not enjoy Big Brother.

Last three pieces by this author: Salve! Colchester's Roman Circus Reaches Funding Target, AWiL Video Series - Colchester, Britain's First Roman City, AWiL Video Series: A Trip round Roman Londinium, Part 2