October 17, 2008

Gratias ago vos, meus amicus

Thanks so much to Archie G for Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome! This came right as I was reading about how they found the tomb of the gladiator that inspired the Russell Crowe movie.

Daniela Rossi, a Rome archaeologist, said that the discovery of the marble tomb of Marcus Nonius Macrinus, which has an inscription bearing his name, was “the most important Ancient Roman monument to come to light for 20 or 30 years”.

The tomb was found when archaeologists were asked to investigate ruins uncovered during building work on the banks of the Tiber at Saxa Rubra, on the Via Flaminia, north of Rome.

Marcus Nonius Macrinus, born in Brescia, northern Italy, was a general and consul who led military campaigns for Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor in 161-180AD. He became part of the emperor’s inner circle and one of his favourites, serving as proconsul in Asia.

Pretty damn cool! And thanks again, Archie!!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you like Roma you may also enjoy Pompei. Check the link and add it to your wish list if you like. http://www.amazon.com/Pompeii-Novel-Robert-Harris/dp/0812974611/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224339115&sr=1-1

maru said...

Neat, thanks!