LEGIO XIII SL

LEGIO XIII GEMINA @ PAGANALIA MMXII

2012-01-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

During the Paganalia festival of ROMA SPQR, the legio performed a Praetorian guarding duty instead of its usual training session, due to the time of the Curiate Assembly.

Many thanks to:Immunis Tarvos "The Bull"Decanus Iulius SabinusDecanus Jale AlbatrosDecurio Revus CorneliusTribunus Publius Tiberius (Brodbiz)for joining this event.Praefectus Praetorio Achilles Claudius

Happy Hollidays

2011-12-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
I want to wish you happy hollidays!
Enjoy them, and have fun!

Roma SPQR and Legio XIII presentation in RL event

2011-12-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Salve all,
I am happy to inform you all that tomorrow, in Roma (Real life one) will be a presentation of our Legio group and of the ROMA SPQR world, during a fund rasing by Telethon; will be shown our pics and 2 introductive videos.
This is also, hopefully, the begining of a collaboration with a historical re-enactment group called Civiltà Romana (www.civiltaromana.it).
We have to say thanks for this opportunity expecially to:

the President Mr. Massimo Prioli,
the chief of Press and Public Reletions Office Mr. Nicola Marcelli
the chief of Events Organization Office Mr. Antonio Paoletti

Vale,
Tribunus Brodbiz Bagration

Main festivals in honor of Mars

2011-11-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

In ancient Rome the worship of Mars had a particular place. In the age of kings it was set up a council of priests, called Salii, that had to controll the twelve sacred shields: the Ancilia.
His festivals that were celebrated in March were:

feriae Martis
Equirria
Agonium martialae
Quinquatrus
Tubilustrum

The feriae Martis were held from 1 March to 24 March. During it the twelve Salii Palatini rounded the town in procession, each carrying a Ancil, one of the twelve sacred shields, and stopping every night to a different station (mansio).

During the Equirria the priests held ceremonies of purification of the army. Were also held horse races in Campo Martio.

During the Quinquatrus were cleaned the sacred shields.

During the Tubilustrum were cleaned the trumpets used by the Salii in their ceremonies and the weapons were prepeared after the winter.

In October there was also a festival, called Armilustrum, during the weapons were purified and prepeared for the pause of winter.

Legions dislocations

2011-10-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

See the map of the Legions dislocations in the 80 AD at http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umhSvWEgx2c/TSRaS_aDj3I/AAAAAAAAHQ4/83Sr7lqm8QE/s1600/legioni_dislocazione.gif

All rights reserved by http://www.romanoimpero.com

Triumph event

2011-10-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hello,

here you are some photos made during the Triumph event. We have to be very happy and proud of us because, as our Emperor said, we are doing very well!

A big loss for our Legio

2011-10-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I want to express my sorrow for the leaving of Second Life by Jo Soler.
She did a lot for our group, expecially she helped the Amazons group to grow; however she was very helpful in the organization of all the activities of our group.
We have always to remember that everyone has duties, that could make impossible to remain in Second Life.
I wish her all the best.

IL CIBO DEI ROMANI

2011-08-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

PASTO LEGIONARI

Il pasto dei legionari durante le marce non doveva essere molto abbondante, se ci atteniamo alle fonti (Historia augusta), che attestano la presenza nel rancio di lardo, formaggio ,gallette e la posca , una bevanda costituita da acqua e mista ad aceto (Posca).
il soldato di guarnigione poteva permettersi qualche lusso alimentare : in particolare egli preferiva alimenti sotto sale, condimenti e salumi.Da scavi archeologici effettuati nelle discariche degli accampamenti sappiamo anche che i legionari consumavano grandi quantità di carne.

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Durante l’intera giornata, gli antichi romani facevano tre pasti principali: jentaculum, prandium e coena. Il primo pasto corrispondeva, più o meno, alla nostra prima colazione; era a base di pane, formaggio, latte, miele, vino e frutta secca e si consumava molto velocemente. In tarda mattinata si faceva un’altro spuntino veloce e freddo a base di pesce, pane, frutta, legumi e vino.
Corrispondeva, all’incirca, al nostro pranzo ma era talmente "spartano" che non era necessario apparecchiare la tavola e nemmeno lavarsi le mani a fine pasto.
Il pasto importante avveniva, invece, nel pomeriggio dopo il solito bagno alle terme e, a volte, si protraeva fino all’alba del giorno successivo.
Quello che sappiamo oggi ci arriva principalmente dal ricettario di Apicio, un noto gastronomo di età Imperiale, che scrisse: "De re coquinaria" da dove possiamo trarre la maggiore conoscenza sulla cucina romana antica.
L’ingrediente principale della cucina Romana era il "garum" Il garum è una salsa liquida di interiora di pesce e pesce salato che gli antichi Romani aggiungevano come condimento a molti primi piatti e secondi piatti.
Il pepe, il cumino e il ligustico erano le spezie più usate e i "piatti forti" erano a base di carne, principalmente il maiale.
Una caratteristica della cucina dell’antica Roma era l’accostamento di sapori contrastanti tipo il dolce con il piccante o il dolce con lo speziato.

La carne più utilizzata nella cucina dagli antichi romani era quella di suino.
Le parti più apprezzate del maiale erano le mammelle e la vulva della scrofa perché considerati utili contro il malocchio. La carne migliore era, però, considerata quella di capretto e d’agnello, mentre la carne meno pregiata era quella di montone e capra.

Molto apprezzata era la carne dei volatili, sia quelli allevati nei cortili e nelle voliere sia la selvaggina cacciata.
Oltre a tordi e piccioni, i romani amavano cucinare animali importati da diverse regioni dell’impero, come fenicotteri, cicogne e grù; i più ricercati erano i piatti a base di fagiano e pavone. I più ricchi amavano gustare piatti a base di ghiro, e fenicottero di cui era molto ricercata la lingua.
All’allevamento di ghiri (gliraria) erano dedicate delle cure molto scrupolose.
Per quanto riguarda la carne di pollo, non era molto apprezzata e veniva consumata principalmente dai poveri.
Nell’antica Roma si mangiava anche l’asino selvatico (onager) e la selvaggina come il cinghiale, la lepre, l’oca, l’anatra, il cervo, il capriolo e il daino.

Altro alimento fondamentale nella dieta degli antichi romani era il pesce. Inizialmente veniva consumato soltanto nei periodi di carestia ma presto venne considerato un piatto prelibato e un alimento essenziale.
Tra le specie più conosciute c’erano l’orata, il luccio, la sogliola e la triglia.
Di solito il pesce veniva accompagnato da verdure bollite e anche da fegato e da carni varie.
Nella cucina dell’antica Roma, erano molto apprezzati anche i pesci allevati nelle piscine: scampi, seppie, polpi, astici, aragoste e molluschi vari che venivano insaporiti con ogni sorta di salse e accompagnati con uova di anitra, pernice e piccione.ra i molluschi il più richiesto era l’ostrica e molti personaggi benestanti possedevano addirittura degli allevamenti per coltivare personalmente le ostriche.

*** ESEMPI RICETTE ***

JENTACULUM
era la colazione per gli antichi Romani e poteva essere costituito o da pane , miele,formaggio,uova,latte e acqua o da biscotti intinti nel vino o ancora dagli avanzi della sera precedente, se avevano avuto ospiti, o se erano stati invitati e avevano portato con sé qualcosa del menù del giorno prima.

PRANSUS
consisteva in un leggero pasto freddo a base di verdure, uova, pesce e funghi , carni fredde e in genere veniva consumato fuori casa nelle taverne.

Uova sode
Con salsa di liquamen,olio,puro o derivato da liquamen,pepe e silfio

Si preparavano infatti piadine o focacce, cotte nella cenere e si univano a formaggio, olive, uova o funghi proprio similmente a certi tipi di pizze che specialmente a Roma si trovano tutt’oggi.

Carne fredda e pesce

CAENA

Gustatio
antipasto stuzzicante per risvegliare l’appetito con uova, verdure e ostriche

Ova Elixa/ Uovo sodo
Uova, garum, olio, pepe, laser (assafetida)
Caseus
formaggio di capra, pinoli, mentuccia, timo, santoreggia, origano, aceto, pepe, olio
Lenticula
Lenticchie, porro, coriandolo, puleggio, laser (assafetida), menta, ruta, aceto, miele, garum, vino cotto, olio, pepe,
amido di frumento

Primae mensae
piatti di pesce , carne,verdura ,arrosti preparati in modo elaborato

Porcellum oenococtum /Maiale in salsa di vino
Prepara e lascia insaporire il maiale. Aggiungi in una pentola olio, garum, vino, acqua, aggiungi un manciata di porri, di coriandolo; colora a metà cottura con vino. Metti in un mortaio pepe, ligustro, cumino, origano, seme di sedano, radice di silfio. Trita e versa il garum, il grasso colato dal maiale stesso, aggiungi il vino e il passito; amalgama con farina, metti il porcello ben preparato in una padella, cospargi il pepe.

Thynnus uvae/Tonno all'uva

Mettete le fette di tonno e le cipolle tagliate a fette sottili in una padella dove avrete fatto riscaldare l’olio.
Quando il tonno sarà leggermente dorato levatelo dalla padella lasciando le cipolle ed aggiungete la farina mescolando per ottenere una salsa.
Aggiungete quindi pepe, cumino, coriandolo, garum, uva, aceto, miele sempre mescolando e, quando saranno ben amalgamati, rimettete a cuocere il tonno.
Fate cuocere per circa 15 minuti.
Servite ben caldo.

Pullus Vardanus/Pollo di Vardo

pollo, garum, olio, vino, porro, coriandolo, santoreggia, pepe, pinoli, latte,uova

Secundae mensae
Dolci ,frutta secca e fresca

Palmulae farti/Datteri farciti

      Snocciolate i datteri (al naturale, ovviamente) e riempiteli di pinoli e noci preventivamente triturati, aggiungendo un pò di pepe. Saltate leggermente i datteri e fateli friggere nel miele.

Torta cartaginensis (ricetta di Catone)

      Mescolate la farina al latte, facendo in modo che non si formino grumi. Incorporate a poco a poco tutto il formaggio, quindi aggiungete il miele (che dev'essere un pò fluido) e le uova. Fate cuocere il tutto in una marmitta di terra, finchè non sarà diventato consistente e un pò untuoso.

Dulcis ex nucibus pinea/Dolce ai pinoli

      Prendete un impasto abbastanza liquido mescolando al latte il pepe verde, i pinoli sgusciati, il miele, il succo di limone e il vino; mettetelo a fuoco molto basso, e quando comincia a rapprendersi unite le uova sbattute. Servite versandoci sopre il miele e spolverando di pepe.

Tutto il pasto era accompagnato da abbondante vino in genere non bevuto schietto , ma miscelato con acqua , calda o fredda. Le portate di una cena , comunque , non dovevano essere meno di sette in totale.

*** VINI ***

Il Vino era raramente limpido e veniva di solito filtrato con un passino (colum), si beveva quasi sempre allungato con acqua calda o fredda (in inverno a volte anche con neve) in modo da ridurne la gradazione alcolica di solito da 15/16 a 5/6 gradi. I tipi più pregiati erano il Massico e il Falerno (dalla Campania), il Cecubo, il Volturno, l' Albano e il Sabino (dal Lazio) e il Setino. Sulle anfore utilizzate per il trasporto era impressa in una targhetta (pittacium) l'origine e la data di produzione per tutelare l'acquirente, anche se già in quell'epoca esistevano casi di adulterazione.

Il Gustaticium era un aperitivo che si beveva a digiuno prima del pasto, mescolato con miele(mulsum).

Il Passum era un vino fatto con uve secche usato, in genere, come medicinale.

Il consumo medio di vino in un anno è stato calcolato in 140 - 180 litri a persona, questo grande consumo si pensa che sia dovuto anche al grande apporto calorico che dava alla dieta romana costituita in gran parte da cereali e vegetali.

Feeding a legio

2011-08-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

*** POST BY SPACIVA IVANOVA ***

The Roman army had the best arrangements for feeding in the ancient world. Its demands caused native populations to increase food production from subsistence farming to an agriculture that produced surpluses. On the march, it was supplied with rations of wheat and other foods, and when established in the forts it could expect regular supplies. The army created a network of contacts and an efficient transport system and it constructed roads, which allowed goods to be moved quickly throughout the empire as well as locally from fort to fort and country to town .
Standard food would consist of bread, bacon, cheese, vegetables, and the lowest quality of wine. For this a fixed amount was deducted from a soldier's pay.
Special rations would be issued at festivals and other occasions.
Bread was a basic commodity, fresh loaves being provided daily in camps or forts.
Meat--beef, pork, goat, and mutton-- was purchased and game was provided by hunting wild boar, deer, hare, and fowl. Chickens were ordered in large quantities for the officers.
Soldiers encamped near the seacoast included fish and oysters in their daily diet.
The variety of army diet is revealed by the Vindolanda tablets. A list covering payments and supplies includes fish sauce , pork fat, roe deer, ham, venison, olive oil, plums, eggs, semolina, honey, twisted loaves, beans, lentils, salt and spices including garlic paste. Drinks include sour and good wines and a native beer.
Regular and adequate meals for soldiers were important
so that they would not be weak from hunger.

*** POST BY SPACIVA IVANOVA ***

REAL PRAYERS

2011-08-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

MALEDITION (FOR OUR ENEMYS)

Qui te di advenientem peregre perdant. Male vive et vale. (May all the gods visit you with perdition. Live and prosper ill)

THANKSGIVING TO IUPPITER FOR VICTORY

Bello exstincto, re bene gesta,Iuppiter, dique alii omnes caelipotentes, eas vobis habeo grates, quia probe sum ultus meum inimicum

The battle was brought to a triunphant conclusion, I thank you, Iuppiter, for your kindly aid, and all the other divine powers of heaven, that I am avenged on my enemy

The numbers of a classical Legio

2011-07-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

A classical Legio was made by:

1)Contuberni (companions of 8 men)
2)Centuriae (1 centuria = 10 contuberni)
3)Cohortes (1 cohors = 6 Centuriae)

There were 9 Cohortes (480 men); 1 special cohors made by 5 double centuriae (800 men);120 equites.

Total men: 5240

Jokes of the ancient Romans

2011-07-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here it is a short collections of jokes of the ancient Romans from Philogelos (The Laughter Lover), a collection of some 265 jokes, likely made in the fourth or fifth century CE. Hope you will enjoy them.

1)A misogynist paid his last respects at the tomb of his dead wife. When someone asked him, "Who has gone to rest?," he replied: "Me, now that I'm alone.

2)There was another man, just like the last one - a big talker, but in fact impoverished. By chance he got sick, and his girlfriend, coming into his place without warning, found him lying on a humble mat made of reeds. Turning over, he claimed that the doctors were responsible: "The best and most famous doctors in the city ordered me to sleep on a mat like this.

3)An incompetent schoolteacher was asked who the mother of Priam was. Not knowing the answer, he said: "It's polite to call her Ma'am.

4)A young man said to his libido-driven wife: "What should we do, darling? Eat or have sex?" And she replied: "You can choose. But there's not a crumb in the house.

5)A misogynist had a wife who never stopped talking or arguing. When she died, he had her body carried on a shield to the cemetery. When someone noticed this and asked him why, he replied: "She was a fighter.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Baldwin, Barry, trans. with commentary, The Philogelos or Laughter-Lover (Amsterdam, 1983)
- Jennings, Victoria, review of R.D. Dawe's text, BMCR 01.04.05
- Rapp, Albert, "A Greek Joe Miller" Classical Journal 46 (1951), pp.286-290 & 318
- Thierfelder, Andreas, German trans. with commentary, Philogelos, Der Lachfreund (Munich, 1968)

Legio event of 17th of July

2011-07-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
this Sunday we have had an archery tournament and a trivia about the ancient army.
These are the scores:

Archery
2 wins for Tonina Rodenberger
2 wins for Peter Woody
2 wins for Achille Back

Trivia
The winner of the trivia is Achille Back, with only one more point of Tonina Rodenberger

The winner of the event is Achille Back who won the medal of the event.

Congratulations to him and thanks to who have taken part to this event

LEGIONARY OF THE MONTH - IULIUS MMXI

2011-07-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

Salvete Milites,

The candidate for the Legionary of the Month award of the past month from the Centuriones has been approved by the Tribuni.

The LOTM Phalera goes to:

Praefectus Praetorio Achilles Claudius Baculum (achille.back).

I'm very honored of having been chosen for this award, that goes to all the Tribuni also. Our only target is to serve the XIII and ROMA SPQR at best. I'm sure that the troops are working hard with us for supporting our great group. Keep on like that!

Praefectus Praetorio Achilles Claudius in behalf of the Tribuni and the Praefectus Castrorum

NEW ROMA SPQR TRAILER ON YOUTUBE!

2011-06-07T11:03:00.001-07:00

A new video of our great Patria ROMA SPQR is now online.
Check it out at the following link:

http://youtu.be/zqNskfyKeYo

Many thanks to the ''actors'' who made this video possible.

Praefectus Praetorio Achilles Claudius

LEGIONARY OF THE MONTH - IUNIUS MMXI

2011-06-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's with much pleasure that the Tribuni are accepting the following candidate to the Legionary of the month suggested by the Centuriones:

Miles Senenmut Flanagan

Well done! The behavior of that soldier must be an example to everybody. Who's going to deserve the next month's phalera?

Tribunus Achilles Claudius in behalf of the Tribuni and the Praefectus Castrorum

INFANTRY VS CAVALRY DEMO AT MERCURALIA

2011-05-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today, May the 22nd the Legio XIII Gemina hosted an infantry vs cavalry tactics demonstration at the Mercuralia ROMA SPQR festival.

Here are a few pictures of the event.

The aim of the event was to perform correct roman tactics on both sides cavalry and infantry. Both units did very well, the demo pleased the public.

Praefectus Praetorio Achilles Claudius

LEGIONARY OF THE MONTH - APRILIS MMXI

2011-05-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's with great pleasure that the Tribuni accept the decision of the Centuriones to nominate

TARVOS RESIDENT

as Legionary of the Month of April 2011.

Well done!

Praefectus Praetorio Achilles Claudius in behalf of the Tribuni and the Praefectus Castrorum

TECHNICAL EXPERIMENT

2011-04-26T02:14:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT! LEGION REFORM

2011-04-21T01:39:00.000-07:00

LEGION REFORM, APRILIS MMXI

According to the many on demand roles, the legion has been reformed the following way:

COHORS I (full time)
COHORS AMAZONA (full time)
EQUITES LEGIONIS (on demand)
COHORS PRAETORIA (on demand)
CLASSIS (on demand)

After the usual recruitment, the same for everybody, male members will join COH I while females will join COH AMAZ.
Everybody both female and male soldiers are free to request to join an on demand cohort, their rank will be the same for all cohorts.

Every cohort is leaded by a full time Tribunus, supported by full time Centuriones.
Every cohort has a specializing training, the general legio's training remains every Sunday. The specializing training doesn't replaces the general training (presences are counted on Sundays).

If you wish to know more or have any question, ask Tribunus Achilles Claudius (Achille Back).

Short biography of Julius Cesar

2011-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Julius Caesar was born in Rome on July 12 or 13, in the year 100 B.C.. His father Gaius Caesar, died when Caesar was 16 years old, and it was his mother Aurelia, who proved to be quite influential in his life. Caesar's family was part of Rome's original aristocracy, called patricians, although they were not rich or particularly influential. At the time of Caesar's birth, the number of patricians was small, and their status no longer provided political advantage.

To obtain distinction for himself and his family, a Roman nobleman sought election to public office. In 86 B.C., Caesar was appointed flamen dialis with the help of his uncle by marriage, Gaius Marius. The position was one of an archaic priesthood and held no power. Nevertheless, it identified Caesar with extremist politics. Ceasar committed himself further to the radical side when he married Cornelia, daughter of Lucius Cornelius Cinna in 84 B.C.

In 82 B.C., Caesar was ordered to divorce his wife by Lucius Cornelius Sulla, an enemy of the radicals. Caesar refused and prudently left Rome for military service in Asia and Cilicia. He returned in 78 B.C. when Sulla died and began his political career as a prosecuting advocate. Caesar then traveled to Rhodes to study rhetoric and did not return to Rome until 73 B.C. During his journey to Rhodes, Caesar was captured by pirates. While in captivity, Caesar convinced his captors to raise his ransom, which increased his prestige. He then raised a naval force, overcame his captors, and had them crucified.

In 69 or 68 B.C., Caesar was elected quaestor. His wife died shortly thereafter. In a purely political maneuver, Caesar seized the opportunity to praise his uncle, Cinna and father-in-law, Marius during the funeral orations for his deceased wife. He then married Pompeia, a relative of Pompey. Caesar was elected curule aedile in 65 B.C., pontifex maximus in 63 B.C., and a praetor in 62 B.C. By this time, Caesar was making a name for himself as a political figure. He divorced Pompeia after a scandal.

Caesar was made governor of Farther Spain in 61 B.C. When he returned to Rome the next year, he joined forces with Crassus and Pompey and formed the first triumvirate. The alliance between Pompey and Ceasar was solidified further when Pompey married Julia, Caesar's only child.

Caesar's next step up the political ladder was to be elected consul in 59 B.C. During that year he also married Calpurnia. The following year, Caesar was appointed governor of Roman Gaul. During the next 8 years, Caesar successfully conquered Gallic Gaul to the north. In 49 B.C., Caesar was instructed by the Senate to lay down his command. Roman politics had changed following the death of Crassus in 53 B.C., and Pompey was appointed sole consul in 52 B.C.. In addition, Pompey's wife Julia died in 54 B.C., breaking the family ties between Pompey and Caesar.

On January 10-11, 49 B.C., Caesar crossed the Rubicon, a small river separating Gaul from Italy, signifying the start of the Roman Civil War. Pompey fled and within three months, Caesar ruled of all Italy. He then took Spain and continued to pursue Pompey all the way to Egypt. In 48 B.C., Pompey was murdered by an officer of King Ptolemy. Caesar remained in Egypt throughout the winter and dallied with Queen Cleopatra. In 48 B.C., Caesar assumed the title of dictator. He returned to Rome for a short time in 47 B.C. but then left for Africa to crush his opponents. Caesar departed for Farther Spain in 46 B.C. to put down resistance there. In 45 B.C., Caesar returned to Rome to put his empire in order.

On March 15, 44 B.C., a day known as the Ides of March, Caesar entered the Senate House. An assassination plot had been hatched by a group of 60 senators, including Gaius Cassius and Marcus Junius Brutus. As Caesar entered the Senate, he was stabbed 23 times. After Ceasar was assassinated, Rome experienced another 13 years of civil war.

Caius Iulius Caesar's day in ROMA

2011-03-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Salvete omnes.

Today, Ides of Martius MMXI we are going to tribute our great father in ROMA with a cerimony, on the 2055th anniversary of his murder.

Events will begin at 1pm SLT (watch out, time changed in Americas). We wait for you.

Princeps Achilles Claudius

What else would you like to know the Roman army?

2011-03-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

What else would you like to know the Roman army?
Answear writing a comment, please.

Counter updates

2011-03-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the new blogger gadget I was able to recover the number of the visits made before the first counter reset.

ROMA EQUIRRIA'S NAUMACHIA

2011-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, the 20th of February, ROMA Maritima hosted the Legion's classis Naumachia (a sea battle).

The battle has been fought by the Green Team, 2 ships captained by Centurio Hastatus Petrus Cornelius and Optio Ragark TIberius Iulius, and the Blue Team, 2 ships captained by Centurio Princeps Achilles Claudius and Centurio Amazona Nina Tiberia.

After many issued and risks such as loosing a ship, the Blue Team sinked all of the two Green ships and won the sea battle.

The following members of the Blue Team have been awarded with the Phalera Miles Extraordinarius (Winner of a ROMA event):

Centurio Princeps Achilles Claudius
Centurio Amazona Nina Tiberia
Optio Amazona Melanippe
Miles Ferox Jale Albatros
Miles Ferox Darkus (dragonofnight)

For his special efforts in re-organizing the new Classis of the ROMA SPQR LEGIO XIII GEMINA, getting the new ships, building the new harbor, teaching the classiarii and his dedication to the whole Legio, the Centuriones in behalf of the Praefectus Castrorum Vectus Margulis are proud to award Optio Ferox Ragark Tiberius Iulius with the CORONA NAVALIS (the maximal award for sea actions).

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Legionaire of the month of December

2011-01-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

The legionaire of the month of December is Jale Albatros!
Congratulations!

LEGIO XIII GLADIUS DEATHMATCH

2011-01-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

I am proud to be the winner of that contest. I am not used to bragging about myself so I will speak about the event as a whole and it sure was exciting! I will, however, speak from my personal and emotional point of view.

First of all I must congratulate decanus Ragark Tiberius Julius, who organized the event, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the greatest tournaments, worthy of the presence of our Emperor Julian Augustus. The duels took place in a suspended cage, so that duelists could not evade the blows and the public could easily follow the matches. The final duels were in a ring of evil spikes, so that the contenders had to avoid retreating too much or risk being wounded by them.

There was an outsider in the previsions of the bookmakers: the new recruit Tavros, from Hispaniensis. I had few matches with him before the event so I was a bit concerned meeting him. Another surprise was the former optio Alexius Sejanus Minotaur, possibly the best blade of Roma when he was in the legio. The gods were not with me on this one. But the real thrill for me was represented by Senator Enamabala who, in the two duels I had with him, came very near to killing me! The duel between our optiones, my cousin Revus and Megara, an equuis against an amazon, was really epic and sent the public in delirium! I am almost sure that duel actually helped me. When the time came for Megara to challenge me, she was already extremely tired from the previous fights (one of which was with the aforementioned Tavros) and so the gods favored my humble person.

All the duels were very remarkable in terms of style and courage and our glorious Legio well earned the praise of the Emperor and of the applause of the public.

LEGION TOURNAMENT @ SATURNALIA

2010-12-20T02:13:00.000-08:00

at the legion gladius deathmatch we have been honored to award the following soldiers:

Decurio Petrus Cornelius (peter woody), 1st place: phalera, RAS badge, 2000 sestertii
Immunis Amazona Megara, 2nd place: 1000 sestertii

Ex Tiro Dragonofnight finished his recruitment and reached the status of Miles.

A special thank to the civilians (but not so civilians) Alexius Sejianus (Alekso Minotaur) and Senator Enamabala for partecipating the contest.

In behalf of the Centuriones I wish to tell to Decanus Ferox Ragark well done in directing the event.

Princeps Achilles Claudius (Achille Back)

CONGRATULATIONS

2010-12-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

During the last training (11.12.2010) we had the honor to announce 3 happy news:

Decurio Petrus Cornelius Silvanus (peter Woody) earned a phalera (medal)

Miles Hywther earned a phalera (medal)

Ex-Tiro Jale got promoted to full Miles rank.

In behalf of the Centuriones I want to congratulate with you and wish you good luck for your future.

Princeps Achilles Claudius

Infos about counter

2010-11-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hello to all visitors,
unfortunally the previous web counter that I had broke up; so I had to put a new one, but count restarts from 0.
We were at more than 3000 visits, last time that I checked.
Thanks for the attention

Pharsalus battle

2010-11-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Battle of Pharsalus was a decisive battle of Caesar's Civil War, between Caesar and Pompeo, that were rapresenting the Populares and Optimates factions. The war was born to estabilish who will have to take the power in Roma. Infact, at the First Triumvirate’s end, the Roman Senate supported Pompey as sole consul; meanwhile, Caesar had become a military hero and champion of the people. Knowing he hoped to become consul when his governorship expired, the Senate, politically fearful of him, ordered he resign command of his army. Caesar wrote to the Senate agreeing to resign his military command if Pompey followed suit. Offended, the Senate demanded he immediately disband his army, or be declared an enemy of Roma. On 10 January 49 BC, leading one legion, the Legio XIII Gemina, General Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, a legally-proscribed action forbidden to any army-leading general and challenged the Senate. Caesar’s March on Rome was a triumphal progress and so Pompey retreated to Brundisium from where he escaped to Epirus, in the Republic’s eastern Greek provinces. Before reaching Pompeo in Greece, Caesar went to defeat Pompey's army in Hispania.
Some days before the battle, some signs of good omen were noticed in favour of Caesar; for exemple a sound of drums was heard at Pergamus, in the private and retired parts of the temple, and at Tralles, in the temple of Victory, in which there stood a statue consecrated to Caesar, a palm-tree was shown that had sprouted up from the pavement and shot up above the roof.
On 9 August 48 BC at Pharsalus in central Greece, Gaius Julius Caesar and his allies was oppoused to the army of the republic under the command of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus ("Pompey the Great"). Pompey had the backing of a majority of senators, of whom many were optimates, and his army significantly outnumbered the veteran Caesarian legions. Mostly the army of Caesar was formed by veterans from the Gallic Wars and by Legions levied for the civil war. However, all of these legions were 'short', and did not have the requisite numbers of troops due partly to losses at previous battles and partly to Caesar's wish to rapidly advance.
When, finnally, the 2 oppent armies were one in front of the other, Pompey ordered his men not to charge, but to wait until Caesar's legions came into close quarters.
Pompey's advisor believed Caesar's infantry would be fatigued and fall into disorder if they were forced to cover twice the expected distance. But seeing that Pompey's army was not advancing, Caesar's men, without orders, stopped to rest and regroup before continuing the charge.
When the lines joined, Labienus ordered the cavalry to attack; at first they successfully repelled Caesar's horse and began to flank his legions. Then Caesar ordered his cavalry to withdraw, and partially-hidden light troops fiercely attacked Pompey's cavalry. The first line of the Pompeiian horse were panicked by the cohort's javelins and caused the entire cavalry to fall into disorder.
Caesar's men attacked Pompey's left flank and, rejoined by their cavalry, were able to get behind and attack Pompey's army from the rear. The battle was over.
Pompey fled from Pharsalus to Egypt, where he was assassinated on the order of Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII. Interestingly enough, Ptolemy XIII sent Pompey's head to Caesar in an effort to win his favor, but Caesar was not pleased about receiving the head of his son in law in a box.

Legionaire of the month October

2010-11-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
as it was comunicated yesterday evening, the Legionaire of the month prize goes to Hywther Horngold! He was at about all the trainings, he did a good work on leading one and he shows good fighting abilities.
Congratulations and keep it up!

Pharsalus Event

2010-11-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
and so the Pharsalo event was a success!
I want first of all say thank you to all the members that took part at the event. We did lot of trainings about it, probably also a bit boaring, but the result was great!
All followed the orders and did what they had to do. I am also happy to have noticed no displeasure from those who have been chosen to take part in the army of Pompey.
It was a difficoult task to prepare this event, be we did it.
I am proud of you all.
I am sorry for the members that came and were not able to join it, but it was necessary to have done at last two trainings about it and to have joined the event on the board. I really hope to have you all for the next one!

PHARSALUS TRAINING

2010-09-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the Pharsalus battle reenactment, last training (19 sept 2010) was mainly based on the practice for that event.

Here are a few pictures of the training:

The two teams are positionating (G.Iulius Caesar's team on the top, Pompeus Magnus' team on the bottom of the picture)

Infantries are meeting on the battlefield while cavalries fight on the background (Caesar's cavalry supported by a reserve of infantry)

HARPASTUM Game

2010-09-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 18 September (1 PM SLT) our Legio will reenact the play of Harpastum, one of the main ancestors of modern football/rugby.

The rules of the game were probably very simple and it was surely very rude. Legionairs loved it, but also civilians did, as watchers, but also as players. The ball was quite hard, in leather stuffed with wool or oakum. The number of players was variable, depending on their availability and on the dimensions of the field, that was often extemporary, the best being in sand. They were divided in 2 teams and the teams had maybe to carry or launch the ball beyond the farest side of the opposite field. Another interpretation is that the players had to keep the ball in their own half-field avoiding the opponents to take it, a sort of inverted football.

The version we are adopting is quite similar to an intermediate ancestor, the so called Soccer in costume, that is still played in Florence, Italy, assuming that it is the closest game to harpastum, from a chronological and topographical point of view: its first documentation in fact is in the 2nd half of the XV century.

All the citizens are invited to watch the game, or to take part in it. In this case they have to sign themselves on the apposite board in the fort of the XIII, in Ostia.

Legionaire of the month of May

2010-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Legionaire of the month for May is Conny!
(The post will be rewritten better as soon as possible)

LEGIONAIRE OF THE MONTH OF APRIL

2010-05-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hello all, finally we have the winner of the Legionaire of the month prize!
This time is Jo Soler! She did a great work as always to the Legio but this time did a very nice work also with room renting at the fort!
Congratulation1

Skilled archer badge assigned

2010-04-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I am happy to announce that Foxtrot Fyanucci earned the skilled archer badge for have showed great ability during last archery constest.
Congratulations!

Legionaire of the month March

2010-03-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Salve all,
it is again time to choose the Legionaire of the month.
I am very happy and I was also a bit touched by my proclamation as Legionaire of the month.
I always do the most for the Legio and Roma SPQR just as an hobby, a pleasure; however this prize make me happy because shows that people like the work that I am doing.
Thanks to all!

Legio Badges

2010-03-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

1) Skilled archer
Assigned to the soldiers that won an Archery tournament

2) Skilled gladium fighter
Assigned to the soldiers that won a Legio tournament

3) Skilled pilum thrower
Assigned to the soldiers that won a pilum tournament

4) Very disciplined soldier
Assigned to the soldiers that show a very hight respect of rules

5) Active soldier
Assigned to the soldiers that are judged most active in the group

Matronalia festival

2010-03-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

Matronalia (or Matronales Feriae) was a festival celebrating the goddess of childbirth ("Juno who brings children into the light"). A celebration of motherhood (mater) and of women in general. Prior to the reform of the Roman calendar by Julius Caesar, this was the first day of the new year. It was also shared with the first day of the Feriae Marti.

The date of the festival was associated with the dedication of a temple to Juno Lucina on the Esquiline Hill circa 268 BCE, and possibly also a commemoration of the peace between the Romans and the Sabines. On the day, women would participate in rituals at the temple, although the details have not been preserved other than the observation that they wore their hair loose (when Roman decorum otherwise required them to wear it up), and were not allowed to wear belts or to knot their clothing in any place.

At home, women received gifts from their husbands and daughters, and Roman husbands were expected to offer prayers for their wives. Women were also expected to prepare a meal for the household slaves (who were given the day off work), as Roman men did at the Saturnalia.

Murmillo Gladiator

2010-03-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

The MURMILLO (left) was a type of gladiator during the Roman Imperial age. The myrmillio-class gladiator was adopted in the early Imperial period to replace the earlier Gallus, named after the warriors of Gaul. As the Gauls inhabiting Italy had become well-integrated with the Romans by the time of the reign of Augustus, it became politically incorrect to portray them as enemy outsiders; the Gallus-class gladiator thus had to be retired.
The distinguishing feature of the murmillo was the high crest of his helmet which, together with its broad rim, was shaped somewhat like a fish. The murmillo took his name from this fish-shaped helmet; the word comes from the Greek word for a type of saltwater fish.
Otherwise, he wore a loincloth (subligaculum), belt (balteus), very thick wrappings on the lower part of his left leg (designed to protect the top of his feet from attack and from his own shield), a gaiter on his right leg, a linen arm guard (manica) to protect his right arm, and the curved rectangular shield (scutum) of the Roman legionary. He also carried the legionary's short, straight-blade sword, or gladius, from which gladiators derived their name.
The murmillo usually fought the thraex or hoplomachus, with whom he shared some of the equipment (notably arm guards and all-enclosing helmet, and the dangerous short sword). A number of ancient authors, including Valerius Maximus and Quintillian, assert that he also regularly fought the retiarius. It would certainly have been an unusual pairing, contrasting a slow but heavily armoured gladiator with a fast but lightly equipped one. However, this pairing is disputed; visual depictions of murmillones show them fighting the thraex or hoplomachus rather than the retiarius.

Examples of the pairing between murmillones and other gladiator types can be seen in frescos and graffiti in Pompeii. In one well-preserved example, a murmillo named Marcus Atillus, who is credited with one match and one victory, is depicted standing over the defeated figure of Lucius Raecius Felix, a gladiator with 12 matches and 12 victories. His opponent is shown kneeling, disarmed and unhelmeted. The graffito records that Felix survived the fight and was granted his freedom (manumission).

Retiario Gladiator

2010-03-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Developed in the early Augustan era, the retiarius carried a trident, a dagger, and a net . Except for a loincloth held in place by a wide belt (balteus) and a larger arm guard (manica) extending to the shoulder and left side of the chest the Retiarius fought naked and without the protection of a helmet. Occasionally a metal shoulder shield (galerus) was added to protect the neck and lower face. A tombstone found in Romania shows a Retiarius holding a dagger with four spikes (each at the corner of a square guard) instead of the usual bladed dagger. This was previously thought to be an artistic invention or perhaps a ceremonial weapon but a recent discovery of a Gladiator graveyard found that several of the remains had four odd-looking marks that form the outline of a square on their bones which is consistent with the use of such a weapon. A variation to the normal combat was a retiarius facing two secutores at the same time. He stood on a bridge or raised platform with stairs and had a pile of fist-sized stones to throw at his adversaries and keep them at bay while the secutores tried to scale the structure to get at him. The platform (called a pons, "bridge") may have been constructed over water.
There appears to have been an effeminate class of Retiarius (retiarius tunicatus) that wore tunics to distinguish them from the usual Retiarius. Retiarii usually always fought Secutores but sometimes Murmillones.

Traex Gladiator

2010-03-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Thraex, or Thracian, was a type of Roman gladiator, armed in the Thracian style with small rectangular shield called a parmula (about 60 x 65 cm) and a very short sword with a slightly curved blade called a sica (like a small version of the Dacian falx), intended to maim an opponent's unarmoured back. His other armour included armoured greaves (necessitated by the smallness of the shield), a protector for his sword arm and shoulder, a protective belt above a loin cloth, and a helmet with a side plume, visor and high crest.
He and the hoplomachus, with his Greek equipment, were usually pitted against the murmillo, armed like a legionary, mimicking the opposition between Roman soldiers and their various non-Italian enemies.

Scissor Gladiator

2010-03-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

The Scissor (or Scizore) was a type of Roman gladiator who fought with a distinctive bladed weapon called the Roman Scissor. It consisted of a hardened steel tube that encased the gladiator's entire forearm, with the hand end capped off and a semicircular blade attached to it. A handle inside the tube allowed the gladiator to maintain control in the heat of battle. This weapon was well-regarded because of its deadliness and versatility; the gladiator could use his protected arm to block his opponent's blows and quickly counterattack, the shape of the blade being such that even slight contact could cause a serious wound.

Quinquatria Festival

2010-03-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

Celebrated for five days, and was for this reason called by this name: that on the first day no blood was shed, but that on the last four there were contests of gladiators. It would appear however that the first day was only the festival properly so called, and that the last four were merely an addition made perhaps in the time of Caesar to gratify the people, who became so passionately fond of gladiatorial combats. The ancient Calendars also assign only one day to the festival.
As this festival was sacred to Minerva, it seems that women were accustomed to consult fortune-tellers and diviners upon this day. Domitian caused it to be celebrated every year in his Alban villa, situated at the foot of the Alban hills, and instituted a collegium to superintend the celebration, which consisted of shows of wild beasts, of the exhibition of plays, and of contests of orators and poets

Quinquatria Legion Event

2010-03-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

I Quinquatria duravano cinque giorni, da cui il nome. È però possibile che solo il primo giorno fosse il Quinquatria vero e proprio, e che i successivi quattro fossero stati aggiunti successivamente, probabilmente all'epoca di Gaio Giulio Cesare, allo scopo di divertire il popolo: infatti, mentre il primo giorno era proibito versare sangue, nei successivi quattro venivano organizzati giochi gladiatorii. Questa interpretazione è avvalorata dal fatto che nei calendari più antichi solo un giorno è dedicato a questa festività. Ovidio a riferisce che la festività era dedicata al dies natalis ("compleanno") di Minerva, mentre Festo afferma che veniva commemorata la consacrazione alla divinità del tempio sull'Aventino. In questo giorno dedicato a Minerva, era uso che le donne consultassero gli indovini.

Legionaire of the month of February

2010-03-12T14:23:00.001-08:00

Ok, it is past some times, we had some problems in Gennuary, but here we are finnaly again with the LOTM prize! Where the best members are mentioned!
For February the winner is Tonina Rodenberger, for the big help that she gives everytime for the Legio. Congratulation Nina and thanks for all your work!
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

Merry Christmas and happy new year

2009-12-20T05:09:00.000-08:00

ROMA SPQR members (Legio XIII included) wish a Merry Christmas and happy new year to all visitors.

Saturnalia ceremony

2009-12-20T03:28:00.000-08:00

We are in December and beetween the "ante diem sextum decimum Kalendas Ianuarias" (17 of December) and the "ante diem decimum Kalendas Ianuarias" (23 of December) there is the Saturnalia festival. During this period there is also the festival of Sol invictus (or Mitra God). The birthday of this God is celebrated on the "ante diem octavum Kalendas Ianuarias" (25 of December).

Here there are some pics of the Saturnalia ceremony of yesterday!

Christmas card by Donauroemer group

2009-12-20T03:20:00.000-08:00

Here there is the card that Donauroemer group sent to us for make us the best wishes for a happy Christmas and happy ney year.

Legionaire of the month of November

2009-12-14T12:22:00.001-08:00

Hello all,
let's do our congratulations to Montgomery Shelman that won the Legionaire of the month prize!
Congratulation! Keep on acting like this!
Vale!

Addestramento di base delle reclute

2009-12-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

L'addestramento iniziale di una recluta si basava sulla forma fisica e la disciplina; imparavano a mantenere le posizioni ed il passo durante le lunghe marce effettuate per aumentare la resistenza fisica. Sembra che dovessero compiere 20 miglia romane (circa 29 Km e mezzo) in cinque ore a passo normale e 24 miglia (35 Km e mezzo) a passo veloce. Le truppe poi si esercitavano anche a cavalcare, nuotare e saltare.
L'addestrameno con le armi consistea nel colpire un palo alto circa 2 metri con una spada in legno e con uno scudo più pesante del normale. Lo stesso palo serviva anche da bersaglio per il lancio dei pila.
Quando le reclute erano più esperte le si faceva combattere con armi d'addestramento in battaglie simulate, prima a coppie poi agruppi ed infine insieme a tutta l'unità.
L'addestramento durava parecchi mesi.

Conference about roman army - 9th December 1 PM SL time

2009-12-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

Salve all,
the 9th December at 1 PM SL time in ROMA SPQR will be a conference about roman army, both in English and Italian.
Will be a nice occasion to learn more about how was in RL.
Hope to see you there, vale,
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

Salary of Legionaires

2009-12-03T02:27:00.000-08:00

From the years of Julio Caesar to the end of the I Century AD we have an idea of how much a legionaire was paid. A simple soldier was paid 225 silver Denarii every month, about 1200 €. It is not clear how much an officer was paid but it seems that the salary was double: 450 silver Denarii, about 2400 €.
The equites should earn one time and half the pay of a legionaire: 337,5 silver Denarii (about 1800 €). We are quite sure about the salary only for the Equites principales. For the other equites ranks we have no reliable evidences.

Paga dei legionari

2009-11-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

Prendendo in considerazione il periodo di Giulio Cesare possiamo fare qualche considerazione sui compensi che i soldati romani percepivano. Queste cifre vennere mantenute fino alla fine del I secolo DC.
Un legionario riceveva 225 denarii d'argento all'anno, paragonabili, approssimativamente ai 1200 Euro attuali mensili. L'ammontare della paga degli ufficiali non è nota con sicurezza, forse era doppia, quindi 2400 euro attuali.
I cavalieri sembravano essere pagati una volta e mezzo i legionari, in particolare gli principales, quindi 1800 degli attuali euro, anche se non ci sono fonti certe.

ARCHERY CONTEST, A SUCCESS!

2009-11-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

Sunday the 22nd, at Ludi Plebeii of ROMA SPQR, our legion organized a demo/contest of archery for the citizens of ROMA.

Even when just a few civilians came to watch or to try, many milites and auxilia took the chance to show up their archery skills.

I wish to say that the whole milites did very well but, obviously, the winner of a contest can only be one, and this time the medal (and the Miles Extraordinarius RAS badge) went to:

Decurio Petrus Cornelius Silvanus (Peter Woody)

CONGRATULATIONS!

LEGIONARY OF THE MONTH, OCTOBER MMIX

2009-11-07T05:04:00.000-08:00

Salvete legionaries and Auxiliary units, here comes the result of the votations for the legionary of the month of the just gone october.

The centuriones are proud to give the medal to:

Miles Gianni Lupindo

Congratulations!

Archery training, Miles Gianni Lupindo stands in the middle.

Optium Novum in Equitata cohorte habemus

2009-11-02T03:22:00.001-08:00

Propter valorem demonstratum in Zamae victoria, auxiliaris Revus Cornelius Patavius optionis ordinem obtenuit. Gratulemur et leterum omnes!

For the valor showed in the victory of Zama auxiliaris Revo Morales gained the rank of Optio. Congrats and be happy!

Per il valore dimostrato nella vittoria di Zama, l'ausiliario Revo Morales ha ottenuto il grado di Optio. Ci congratuliamo e ci rallegriamo!

Tournament in Roma centro sim

2009-10-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
yesterday we had a nice tournament in ROMA Centro sim.
Thanks to all the people who take part at this event.
Ok let's write down the results then I will have to do some congratulations.

1° place: Brodbiz Bagration
2° place: Sargeant Chenaux
3° place: Ragark Fiertze
4° place: Achille Back

Congratulation to all you 4!
The winner won a medal!
I want to congratulate expecially with recruit Ragark that did a great job, and this was just his first event!
Congratulation also to Jo Soler that even though her lag problem came and won her first battle.

Gneo Musius, a real Centurio of the Legio XIII

2009-10-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Gneo Musius was really a centurio of the Legio XIII, here it is his epigraph.
The inscription should say: "Gneo Musius, velites (light infantry) of the Legio XIII; the brother puts the mite on the XXXII AD".

Reminder for sub-officers

2009-10-23T03:16:00.000-07:00

Salve dear sub-officers,
I want to remind you that October is going to finish and we will have to nominate the Legionaire of the month. I will waiting for your suggestions.
Vale,
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

Events of 28 October

2009-10-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

Salve all,
wednesday 28 October will be 3 important events:
1) At 12.00 SL time Triumph celebration in ROMA SPQR (has to be confirmed, but should be no problems)

2) At 1 PM parade in "Roma centro" sim

3) At the end of the parade little conference in "Roma centro"

Corona civica assigned

2009-10-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I am very happy to inform you all that soldiers with the other officers decided to gave Achille Back the "Corona civica" as an acknowledgement for his efforts in making better and better our Legio group; in particular the crown was given to him for his ability in organizing events in our ROMA SPQR.
Congratulations, we all are very proud of him!
(picture will come soon)

Corona muralis assigned

2009-10-20T03:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I am very happy to inform you all that soldiers with the other officers decided to gave me the "Corona muralis" as an acknowledgement for my efforts in making better and better our Legio group; in particular this crown was given to me for being able to organize events around other sims.
Thank you all very much! I really appreciated it!
See you all soon inworld! Bye!

Legionaire of the month - September

2009-10-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
the Legionaire of the month is back and we have the winner of September!
And the winner is: Megara Shieldmaiden!
Congratulation to Megara from all the officers for this result!
Keep on acting in this way, we are proud of you.

I remember to all that from the Legionaire of October the suggestions for the Legionaire of the month will be given by the subofficers, that was already informed about this task.

"Legionary of the month" is back

2009-09-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Salve all,
the Legionary of the month is back! Every month will be reported who was acting best in the Legio, and Centuriones will decide who will win the Legionary of the month medal!
Vale,
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

25 semptember Training Pictures

2009-09-26T17:44:00.001-07:00

You can find the pictures of the last training session on this link:
http://romacitizens.ning.com/photo/2592009002-2?context=album&albumId=2157634%3AAlbum%3A2063

LUDUS NARCISI

2009-09-14T02:38:00.001-07:00

On 16th september in the Basilica Cornelia (Subura plot n.12) we will take a contest based upon the beauty of yours amazing togas!The winner will be ''the best Roman in Toga'' one for the women one for the men. The prize is 1500 lindens for the firsts arrived and several rich prizes for the others! You will have to walk on a board for 2 minutes in order to let the others vote for you.
Don't be worried about what you have to wear, the important is being roman,so armors,and any kind of tunicas,are allowed,though decent.So be convincing grab your toga and come! After the contest we will drink, eat and dance in Martina Cornelia Domus' to celebrate the winners!

IM LIFE JULIESSE TO JOIN CONTEST (FREE)

Remember it is a roleplay event so we expect you to be polite and kind as a real roman knows how.

EQUES NOVUS NUNTIO: GAUDETE!

2009-09-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to include Revus Cornelius Patavius ((Revo Morales)) in the Cohors Equitata. He is the first new effective in this unit since the reorganization and we hope many recruits will follow his example. Welcome Revus!

War machines

2009-08-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

31 IVLIVS TRAINING PICTURES

2009-08-02T02:37:00.000-07:00

Salvete Legionaries, here i'm posting some pictures of the last training session.

Happy holiday!

2009-07-17T02:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I want to wish you happy holliday; I hope that you will have fun wherever you go, and also if you will stay home. I will be away from tomorrow to the 29 of July.
Bye bye, see you soon!
Brodbiz

Artists in the Legio: closing ceremony on Wed. 15th 1PM

2009-07-14T02:25:00.000-07:00

Whoever hasn't yet attended to the exhibit of sculptures and jewels of our tesserarius Aurelius Sejanus Glaucus ((Paol Franizzi)) can do it now or take the opportunity of the official closing ceremony, Wednesday 15th at 1 PM, Basilica Cornelia, Suburra, Plot n°12

Artists in the Legio: Sculpture exhibit on Wed. 8th 1PM

2009-07-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

Our Tesserarius Paol Franizzi (Aurelius Sejanus Glaucus) will show his artworks on Wednesday 8th at 1.00 PM in the new Basilica Cornelia, Suburra, plot n°12. All the legio is invited to the opening party. Decurio peter Woody (Petrus Cornelius Silvanus) will host the exhibit in the basilica for the entire week and offers that space for similar events, in the future.

LEGIO XIII AGAINST GLADIATORS

2009-06-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

Senatus has sent Legio XIII to stop a rebellion of the gladiators that claim some rights. The battle will take place on June 24th, 1.00 PM at Campus Martius, in front of the doors of Ostia.Ppl can watch the event from the hill, the walls of Ostia or any high place in the surroundings.((Fighters are invited to sign to the board placed near the arena -gladiators- , or in the fort -legionairs-))

Cavalry in the ancient Rome

2009-06-19T03:15:00.000-07:00

The following is a short resume of a very complex matter: for better knowledge I suggest http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrian_order
We plan to insert in this blog more detailed infos under the tag "Cavalry"

Cavalry starts in the regal period as the personal escort of the king. In the beginning only patricians can be knights, because they can afford an horse; in fact they constituted a social high-rank group, the equites.
Few later, equites were divided in the ones provided of an horse from the public resources (equus publicus) and the ones with an equus privatus (but refunded with public money in case of killing in action) .
In the republican period, at a certain point, also a part of the not patrician class had to be provided with a public horse to rise the number of equites. To be in this group was considered a sort of status symbol and the legend of an ethical supremacy of the knights, starts probably at this point.
On the other side we must admit that the role of the cavalry in the ancient battles was limited in comparison with infantry, at least until the late empire period. So the amount of equites in the army has always been relatively small.
In the late republican period and in the imperial one Romans started to recruit equites from the allied populations, but equipping them with roman horses, because they were better selected.
As far as the limits of the empire were enlarging, cavalry groups (vexillationes) became more important to grant mobility, presence and visibility.
After the matches with populations that largely employed the horses in battle (Parts, Sarmats) the roman cavalry began to rise in number of knights and to change equipment in a more heavy one, going toward the so called catafracts of the middle-age armies.

2009-05-29T03:48:00.000-07:00

Salve all,
I have the possibility of making caps with "LEGIO XIII" embroidered. The price has not been fixed yet; first we have to see how many people are interested.
In the attachment there is the photo of the cap; the colours can be different.
Thanks for the attention,
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

LEGIONARY OF THE MONTH

2009-05-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

April 2009

The medal of legionary of the month goes to:

Optio Toe Fermi

Congratulations!

IL GRUPPO LEGIO XIII

2009-05-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

LEGION XIII è un gruppo creato per coloro interessati all'Antica Roma e le sue Legioni. La Legione è nata con lo scopo di ricreare con la massima accuratezza possibile lo stile di vita vita ed i costumi dell'antica legione romana.
Il gruppo rispetta, nel limite delle potenzialità offerte da Second Life, il sistema dei ranghi e l'equipaggiamento utilizzato nei primi secoli della Roma imperiale.
La legione del nostro gruppo è formato da un corpo di fanteria e due corpi ausiliari: la cavalleria e le Amazzoni (queste ultime sono state inserite per non precludere la possibilità di entrare a far parte del gruppo anche alle donne).
La legione può usufruire di un forte attrezzato e di qualche "cubucula" per i legionari.
Le attività svolte consistono in combattimenti settimanali, parate e anche conferenze sull'esercito romane sempre all'interno di Second Life.
Durante lo svolgimento dei combattimenti e delle parate i centurioni e gli "Optiones" impartiscono gli ordini in latino.

Si ricorda che il gruppo Legio XIII è un gruppo no profit di persone, non strettamente legato alla ROMA SPQR sim e alle sue attività economiche, e sopravvive grazie alle donazioni dei propri membri.

NEW RANKS

2009-05-12T03:16:00.000-07:00

The basic structure of the army is as follows:

Contubernium: (tent group) consisted of 8 men.
Centuria: (century) was made up of 10 contubernium with a total of 80 men commanded by a centurion
Cohorts: (cohort) included 6 centuriae.
Legio: (Legion) consisted of 10 cohorts.

EACH CENTURY HAS:
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MILITIA (TROOP)

RECRUITS:
Must learn what behavior is expected from them as members of the Legio, and get familiar with the equipment and weapons. They must learn and train in combat techniques.

MILITES (sing. MILES):
Legionaries serve not only as the heart of the legion's fighting force, they are also used for many building and construction projects. Roman roads-many of which are still in existance today-are an example of legionary engineering.
Must keep on training and improve their skills. Have the duty to attend at the events and serve ROMA until the death.

IMMUNES (sing. IMMUNIS) (5 of each):
Have the duty to teach the recruits how to behave in the Legio, how to fit their armor, and how to fight using the combat system. They are directly in charge of the new recruits and must be obeyed by by them at all times. They must correct the behavior of members who are ignoring or disobeying the conduct rules. They must report all incidents (good or bad) to the upper ranks. They monitor the progress of the recruits and their attendance at training sessions.

DECANUS (8):
Directly in command of the lower ranks (Much like a modern-day Sergeant). They issue orders on behalf of the Ceturio and Optio, and assist or lead training sessions and parade events. They must correct the behavior of members who are ignoring or disobeying the conduct rules, and apply discipline decided by higher ranking officers. They must make weekly reports to an Optio, or to an officer of superior rank. They monitor the leadership of the immunes to be sure they don't abuse their powers against the recruits.
On campaign he is in charge of getting the section's tent erected, along with the fortifications of the camp.
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PRINCIPALES (NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS)

TESSERARIUS (1):
The first of the Principales ranks (non commissioned officers), the Tesserarius' primarily oversees the fatigue and guard duties for the Century.
They are assistants to the Optio. They have the responsibility of organizing guard duties for the lower ranks.

SIGNIFER (1):
Leads the parade with the standard of the Legio and is responsible for morale - he/she leads the war chants before battles. The Signifer must be present at every parade or event where the Legio is taking part.
On campaign he carried the Century's standard (signum) into battle. This was used not only as a rallying point, but also as a visual means of communication.
Because of his high level of responsibility, the Signifier is third-in-command of the Century.

OPTIONES (sing. OPTIO) (1):
(Like the modern-day 1st Sergeant)
He is personally chosen by the Centurion to serve as his deputy.
Issue orders on behalf of the Centurio and are obeyed by all the lower ranks. They report directly to a Centurio, assist the Centurio in his work, and share command of the Century. They are partly responsible for organizing and leading group events and training sessions. They carry out administrative duties under the order of the Praefectus. They are responsible for the distribution of uniforms, equipment and weapons.
In battle the Optio would either stand behind the formation and keep troops on line and in formation, or else he would stand on the extreme left, able to coordinate with adjacent units.
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CENTURIONES (OFFICERS)

CENTURIONES (sing. CENTURIO) (1):
They have direct command of a Century of the Legio. They are responsible for organizing and leading group events, meetings and training sessions. They teach the troops how to fight as a coordinated group and lead parade drills (Latin commands must be learnt by all during training). They are responsible for the overseeing the conduct of lower ranks and promoting or demoting members. They must monitor the reports from lower ranks and decide punishments if necessary. They have to report their intentions or plans to the Primus Pilus or Praefecto. They issue orders on behalf of the Primus Pilus or Praefecto.

The Centurions are divided as follows:

Century I - Primus Pilus
Century II - Princeps
Century III - Hastatus
Century IV - Princeps Posterior
Century V - Hastatus Posterior

THE COHORT:

PRIMUS PILUM (1):
Commanding centurion of the first cohort and the senior centurion of the entire Legion. Responsible for organizing and leading group events or meetings. Helps the Praefecto with running the Legio and administrative duties. Monitors the reports from lower ranks and decides punishments if necessary. Reports intentions or plans to the Praefecto. Issues orders on behalf of the Praefecto.

PRAEFECTUS (1):
The camp Prefect. Overall Legionary commander - responsible for the administration of the Legio and auxiliary units. Coordinates production and distribution of uniforms, equipment, weapons and gadgets. Coordinates and organizes events and inter-sim activities. Responsible for the financial administration of the Legio.

We will not have a Legatus Legionis or a Tribunus Laticlavius.

2009-05-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

It is with great honor that the centuriones announce the winner of the Legion Indoor Tournament.

1st place went to Optio Alekso Minotaur.

Congratulations also to the recruit Octavian Dernzen who reached the final.

The first place won the Corona Castrorum, high honorable prize for a soldier wich defeated the enemy.

TOURNAMENT OF THE 8TH MAY

2009-05-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the members that took part at this event! All made a great job and we were able to have fun.
The final was beetween Alekso and Octavian and after a close fight Alekso won.
It is to appreciate very much that Octavian, that is a recruit, he was able to reach the final match.
Many congratulations to Alekso, that confirmed to be one of the most valuble fighters of the Legio.
(Photo of Alekso will load soon).
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

TOURNAMENT NEXT WEEK (PROBABLY FRIDAY)

2009-04-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
here I am back after being graduation.
Next week, probably on Friday will be a tournament for the Legio, who want to join it can subscript here or send me a card in SL.
I will wait for your subscription.
The winner will obtain the "corona castrorum".

2009-04-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

This coin was ordered by the emperor Gallienus to celebrate a victory of some Vexillationes of the XIII Legio Gemina in northern Italy. A Vexillatio is usually part of the legio, but under Gallienus it was a cavalry one. On the coin you can see the head of the emperor on the "recto" and Victory that crowns the lion, symbol of the legio on the "verso".

Questa moneta fu coniata sotto l'imperatore Gallieno per celebrare una vittoria di alcune Vexillationes della XIII Legio Gemina nell'Italia settentrionale. La Vexillatio era in genere un distaccamento della legione ma, sotto Gallieno, era un reparto di cavalleria. Potete vedere sul recto della moneta la testa dell'imperatore mentre sul verso c'è la Vittoria che incorona il leone, simbolo della XIII.

Ode alla Tredicesima

2009-04-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Una traduzione in Volgare della tavoletta recentemente rinvenuta e gentilmente pubblicata dal nostro Optio Veteranus Ocean Lynag.

Venere ascolta la prece d'una madre:
La Tredicesima a casa riconduci.
Questa fiaccola accendila per loro,
e che guidi il ritorno la sua luce.
Stanno tornando in bande travagliate
sim percorrendo di terre straniere
Tendi le braccia, stringigli le mani
Che non siano soli!

Vinta è la pugna, più non v'è periglio.
La legion, spinta dal dovere stesso,
traversava financo il Rubicone
ed indietro voltarsi non poteva.
Tutto quel ch'ei potevano l'han dato
Venere, lascia ch'essi vivan tutti!
Col vocativo qui mia dea t'imploro
Guida i superstiti!

Con la salvezza dell'Urbe nella sacca,
se son depressi, tu li risolleva!
Proteggili dal lag sempiterno
quando stremati qui faran ritorno
Attacca i caldi elmetti al loro mento,
Aiutali a trovare skin nuove...
Calmali, se non possono loggare
Rezzagli i cavalli!

Trova per loro un posto per sedere:
vengono a casa per riequipaggiarsi.
Non fuggirono, assolto è il lor dovere,
vinto è il nemico! la Tredicesima,
tre centurie, amazzoni ed equestri,
i fidi celti e gli uomini di mare
saranno sempre a noi restituiti,
potente Venere!

Ode to the Thirteenth.

2009-03-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Archaeologists digging at an old temple recently discovered an ancient tablet at the bottom of a sacrificial well. The tablet has now been cleaned up and translated - I thought you might like to read the contents:

O Venus, hear a mother's plea,
And bring the Thirteenth home to me,
Please keep this flame for them to see,
A light to guide them home.
They're coming now in straggling bands,
Across the sims of foreign lands,
Reach out your arms and hold their hands,
So they are not alone.

The battle's won, the danger's gone,
Their duty drove the Legion on,
They even crossed the Rubicon,
They could not turn again.
They've given all that they could give,
O Venus, let them all still live,
I'm pleading in the vocative,
Guard all those that remain.

Now Roma's safety's in the bag,
Please lift them if they start to sag,
Protect them from the chronic lag,
As they return exhausted.
Attach warm helmets to their chin,
Help them to find replacement skin,
And calm them when they can't log in,
Or rez their lovely horses.

Make sure they have some room to sit,
They're coming home to be re-fit,
Their work is done, they didn't quit,
The enemy surrendered.
The Thirteenth now, its centuries three,
Its Amazons and its Cavalry,
Its Celts, and its Marines at sea,
Will always be re-rendered.

OFFICIAL LEGIO POST

2009-03-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Salve all,
we had an high officers meeting and we decided that the only LEGIO XIII blog it will be the blogger one at this address http://legioxiiisl.blogspot.com/
The other groups as in the Theatrum Romanum will be deleted soon.
Vale,
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

Legio XIII Equipment Vendor

2009-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ave Legio XIII Gemina!
If you have lost a piece of equipment or a weapon, or missed an update, you can (after you have been flogged) re-equip yourself using the Legio XIII Equipment Vendor (see attached landmark). Note that you must be wearing the correct group title to access the vendor.

Praefectus Vectus Margulis

PROMOTIONS

2009-03-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
here there are the new round of promotions.

Melanippe Karas is now Optio of Amazzons
Toe Fermi is now Optio
Toth Auebauch is now Optio
Peter Woody is now Optio
Alekso Minotaur is now Optio
Paol Franizzi is now Tesserarius

Congratulation all!

RECRUIT PROMOTION

2009-03-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

Salvete Amazons and Legionaries!

Helena Eiren and Iain Carbenell have successfully finished their recruitment period.
CONGRATULATIONS!

Scriba Nina on behalf of Praefectus Vectus Margulis and the Centuriones

VETERANI GROUP

2009-02-27T01:28:00.000-08:00

Salvete legionaries,

Due to their other duties in ROMA (or in RL), some people cannot serve as best as they would, that's why they asked to be moved to the rank of Veteranus of the XIII legion:

Optio JT Vale
Optio Ocean Lynagh
Centurio Franck gazov

Don't forget to change your group title.
May the enemy fear you, veteranii!

Princeps Achilles Claudius in behalf of Praefectus Vectus Margulis and the centuriones

LEGIONAIRE OF THE MONTH 3

2009-02-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

Hello all, after a while here it is the legionaire of the month of Jannuary:
the winner is: Peter Woody. He did a nice job at the parade in Roma Centro expecially, he was very often at the meetings also, so he deserves the medal!
CONGRATULATION!

CONFERENCE AND PARADE IN ROMA CENTRO SIM

2009-02-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
I know I waited a bit to post this, but I was busy in RL.
I want to say thanks to all the ones that came at the conference and the parade in ROMA CENTRO SIM. We did a great impression and you did a very good job! The movement of the parade was good, we were able to keep the positions!
I am very happy to have recived from you all the CORONA MURALIS, because it means that I am doing a good job and that I am able to make you all have fun.
Here there are some pictures of the event, please if you have some send them to me at brodbiz@hotmail.it I will be happy to post them here.
Thanks you all again,
Brodbiz

MEDICINE IN THE ROMAN ARMY

2009-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

MEDICINE IN THE ROMAN ARMY

We have very few notices about the medical art in the roman army in the republican age. Titus Livius et al. tell us that the soldiers wounded in action were carried in the villages, in the surroundings of the battlefield, to be assisted.
The emperor Augustus, in his reform of the army, introduced the military doctors, specifically trained, not as the civilian ones. They were enrolled as the other soldiers, remaining on duty about 16 years long.
In the army, Romans had one doctor for each cohors and two for the first-line one. They were under the command of the praefectus castrensis and of a chief-doctor, which was often the personal doctor of the emperor.
Cavalry had its own doctors (medici alarum) and so had the navy (medici triremis). In the army the ranks in descending order were medicus legionaris, medicus coorti and medicus ordinarii. This one had a rank corresponding to the centurio, but without an effective power on the soldiers, being that rank not really recognized, as the doctor doesn’t take active part in the battle.
The medical care of the wounded men was made directly on the field. In the worse cases the soldier was carried in the valetudinarium in castris, a sort of field-hospital capable of 200 beds: we have discovered evidences in some city that have its origin in a roman military camp.
A good video with a reconstruction of this hospital is at the following address http://www.la7.it/approfondimento/dettaglio.asp?prop=atlantide&video=18409
The commander of the valetudinarium was the medicus castrensis, exempted from any other duty and assisted by capsarii (wardrobe attendant), frictores (masseurs), unguentarii (for applying oils), curators operis (physicians), optiones valetudinarii (with feeding or administrative duties).
Roman doctors were particularly skilled in traumatology and hygienic matters. Their presence in the castra (chester), widespread all over Europe, highly contributed to the developing of the modern medicine.

POSTED BY PETER WOODY

LA MEDICINA NELL'ESERCITO ROMANO

2009-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

LA MEDICINA NELL'ESERCITO ROMANO

Sappiamo molto poco riguardo alla medicina militare nell'età repubblicana. Autori come Tito Livio, raccontano che i feriti nelle battaglie venivano portati nei villaggi nei pressi della zone di conflitto per essere curati.
Con la riforma dell'esercito di Augusto vennero introdotti i medici militari che avevano ricevuto, al contrario di quelli civili, una specifica formazione. I medici militari venivano arruolati come gli altri soldati e rimanevano in servizio per circa 16 anni.
Nell'esercito romano c'era un medico per ogni coorte e due per quella in prima linea. Dipendevano dal praefectus castrensis e da un medico capo che spesso era anche il medico personale dell'imperatore.
La cavalleria possedeva propri medici (medici alarum) così come nella marina vi erano i medici triremis.
Vi era anche una gradazione dei medici militari in medicus legionaris, medicus coorti, ed infine il medicus ordinarii che aveva il grado corispondente a quello di centurione, ma senza un comando effettivo su i soldati. I medici infatti non venivano considerati uffuciali "effettivi", in quanto non partecipavano direttamente alle battaglie.
L'assistenza ai feriti veniva prestata direttamente sul campo, all'aperto; per i casi più gravi c'era il valetudinarium in castris, una sorta di ospedale da campo che poteva contenere fino a 200 pazienti. Ne sono stati trovati i resti in diverse città-accampamento.
Un bel filmato si può vedere in http://www.la7.it/approfondimento/dettaglio.asp?prop=atlantide&video=18409
A capo del valetudinarium era il "medicus castrensis", esentato da ogni altro servizio, assistito da capsarii (infermieri guardarobieri), frictores (massaggiatori), unguentarii , curatores operis (addetti al servizio farmaceutico), optiones valetudinarii (addetti al vitto e all'amministrazione).
I piunti di forza della medicina militare romana erano la traumatologia e l'igiene. La presenza di castra sparsi per tutta europa contribuì grandemente allo sviluppo della medicina moderna.

POSTATO DA PETER WOODY

PROMOTION

2009-02-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Lizzz Gothly has successfully finished her recruitmen period and is now a miles in Amazons. CONGRATULATIONS!
The following recruits get a last chance to show activity by prolongation of recruitment-period:
Domitian Republic, Djamena Azalee, Hermes Falconer.
Not being at least a bit active may result in being ejected from the Legion!

Scriba Nina on behalf of Praefectus Vectus Margulis and the Centuriones

PARADE THE 30 th OF THIS MONTH

2009-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

Ave all,
the 30 th of this month will be a conference in ROMA CENTRO SIM where will be taken from me and Achille (maybe) in Italian, as the sim requested, about the roman army. After it will be a parade.
All are invited to join it! We will have some training for the parade, first will be this Friday.
Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration

LEGIONAIERE OF THE MOTNH

2009-01-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
the Legionaire of the month of December is Toth Auebauch for his great work for the Saturnalia and for the Legio in general!
CONGRATULATION!
Picture will be loaded soon.

2009-01-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Salvete soldiers!

As you probably already heard, the upcoming friday, 16th february, we will be visited the whole time from visitors from REAL LIFE!!
Read the attached card to know more!!!

I look forward to meet you there. Valete.

Primus Pilus Brodbiz Bagration; Princeps Achilles Claudius;Tonina Rodenberger; Jo Soler; Zillatron Glume