Writing my series, The Long-Hair Saga, set in late ancient Rome, Gaul, and Jerusalem in the 5th century, has required years of research. My heroine, Lady Arria, is an only child and a Roman senator’s daughter unconventionally educated, beyond the domestic arts and scriptures, because of her … [Read more...]
Ancient Roman Board Games
What would the modern person do if television, the movies, Social Media, sports, and music events didn’t exist? Chances are we might spend our time playing more board games just like the ancient Romans. The ancient Romans loved board games. Some of the more common board games played by ancient … [Read more...]
The Cat In Ancient Rome
A large part of writing a historical novel is the research into the politics, customs and common habits of the time period in which the story is set. One day while watching my twin cats, Romulus and Remus, basking in the sun, I questioned whether the … [Read more...]
Roman Jewelry: Brooches and Fibulas
Men and women all over the world partake in the custom of wearing some kind of adornment or jewelry. In the modern era, men and women may wear watches, rings, necklaces, wristbands and bracelets. In the past, men and women also wore a variety of jewelry as marks of distinction or as adornments. I … [Read more...]
Valentine Magic-Roman Love Potions & The Desire to Possess
The idea of a magic charm, spell, or potion aiding the pining lover in his/her quest to win the love of their desired one reaches far into the past. In a modern context, perhaps charms and spells are not prevalent today, but products abound in the form of sexual enhancement lotions, stimulants, and … [Read more...]