The third mystery in Gary Corby's mystery series is out! Sacred Games It is the Olympics of 460 BC. Nico's best friend, Timodemus, is a competitor in the pankration, the deadly martial art of ancient Greece. Timo is hot favorite to win. His only serious rival is Arakos from Sparta. When Arakos is found beaten to death, it is obvious Timodemus must be the killer. Who else could have killed the second-best fighter in all Hellas but the very best? The Judges of the Games sentence Timodemus to be executed in four days' time, as soon as the Sacred Games have finished. Complicating everything is the fact that Athens and Sparta are already at each other's throats, in the opening stages of a power struggle for control of Hellas. If an Athenian is found to have cheated at the Games by murdering a Spartan, it will be everything the hawks in Sparta need to declare open war the moment the Sacred Truce is over. And that's a war Athens cannot hope to win. Nico and his partner in sleuthing, the annoyingly clever priestess Diotima, have four days to save their friend and avert a war that would tear their world... Continue reading

Fire in the East (Warrior of Rome, Book 1) by Harry Sidebottom will be our book for June 5 & 19. It is taking place in CE 255. "Fire in the East: Warrior of Rome serves as a vivid example of the best in historical fiction, where the genre serves to not only accurately inform its readers about the complexities of life and relationships between diverse cultures but imbues them with a passion to learn even more." Review by our friend Mary Harrsch. Continue reading

May 15 Andria (The Girl from Andros) a play by P. Terentius Afer (Terence), online text. Also available here. Terence at Wikipedia Image at left: Alleged portrait of Terence, from Codex Vaticanus Latinus 3868. Possibly copied from 3rd-century original. Suggested companion reading: The Woman of Andros by Thornton Wilder Update, May 14: A bit late for the discussion, but there is Edith Hamilton's The Roman Way which deals with Plautus and Terence in the first three chapters. Continue reading

We will be discussing the second of the two Julius Caesar novels by Rex Warner: Imperial Caesar Both can be had as a joint eBook: Julius Caesar: Containing 'The Young Caesar' and 'Imperial Caesar'. A brief review at Bookish. Mention was made in the last chat that this might be "all military," but so far in my opinion the military parts are more concise and for the non-military mind certainly less annoying than in Colleen McCullough's "Caesar: A Novel." Continue reading

We will be reading two Julius Caesar novels by Rex Warner: April 17 The Young Caesar May 1 Imperial Caesar Both can be had as a joint eBook: Julius Caesar: Containing 'The Young Caesar' and 'Imperial Caesar'. A brief review at Bookish. Continue reading

Please note that on Sunday, March 10, the U.S. is switching to U.S. Daylight Savings Time. For our chats that means: EDT= UTC/GMT -04 Continue reading

Carthage Must be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization by Richard Miles (also as eBook). "The first full-scale history of Hannibal's Carthage in decades and "a convincing and enthralling narrative." (The Economist ) "Drawing on a wealth of new research, archaeologist, historian, and master storyteller Richard Miles resurrects the civilization that ancient Rome struggled so mightily to expunge. This monumental work charts the entirety of Carthage's history, from its origins among the Phoenician settlements of Lebanon to its apotheosis as a Mediterranean empire whose epic land-and-sea clash with Rome made a legend of Hannibal and shaped the course of Western history. Carthage Must Be Destroyed reintroduces readers to the ancient glory of a lost people and their generations-long struggle against an implacable enemy." March 20: Through Chapter 9, Barcid Spain We had a good chat last Wednesday. Continue reading

Our next book in our onlie chat will be Carthage Must be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization by Richard Miles (also as eBook). "The first full-scale history of Hannibal's Carthage in decades and "a convincing and enthralling narrative." (The Economist ) "Drawing on a wealth of new research, archaeologist, historian, and master storyteller Richard Miles resurrects the civilization that ancient Rome struggled so mightily to expunge. This monumental work charts the entirety of Carthage's history, from its origins among the Phoenician settlements of Lebanon to its apotheosis as a Mediterranean empire whose epic land-and-sea clash with Rome made a legend of Hannibal and shaped the course of Western history. Carthage Must Be Destroyed reintroduces readers to the ancient glory of a lost people and their generations-long struggle against an implacable enemy." March 6 & 20, April 3 The breakdown is as follows: March 6: Through Chapter 4 The Economy of War: Carthage and Syracuse March 20: Through Chapter 9 Barcid Spain April 3: Through the end. Enjoy! I think it's one of the best selections for this year. Continue reading

Our current read, "Island of Ghosts," takes place during Marcus Aurelius' reign. Our friend Robert posted a page by Jona Lendering about the Column of Marcus Aurelius, one of the war monuments from ancient Rome. That page also leads to a link on LacusCurtius, Columna M. Aurelii Antonini. The image is via Wikimedia Commons, from this page about the column. Update: How did I miss this video? Continue reading

Get thee ready for the next chat, a novel set in Roman Britain, "Island of Ghosts: A Novel of Roman Britain" by Gillian Bradshaw, availabale as paperback elsewhere. eBook (U.S. only). Library Journal: The title here refers to the Roman Britain of the second century A.D. as seen through the eyes of Ariantes, a warrior prince of the Sarmatians. He and his loyal cavalrymen have been forced to swear allegiance to Rome and are stationed in a Britain still troubled by tribal uprisings. Ariantes begins to learn Roman ways in order to protect his people while struggling to remain true to his heritage. Bradshaw (Beacon at Alexandria, Soho, 1994) explores the demands of loyalty and honor amid political intrigue and rebellion. She deftly melds her expert knowledge of the period with her moving portrayal of a compassionate and honorable man adapting to a foreign culture. Both the setting and the riveting plot should appeal widely. Essential for any collection of historical fiction.Laurel Bliss, New Haven, CT Continue reading

Our final chat on The October Horse by Colleen McCullough in our ongoing reading of the "Masters of Rome" series (also as eBook) will be this Wednesday, February 6, 9:30 EST. Enjoy, and see you all then! Continue reading

The second of our three chats on The October Horse by Colleen McCullough in our ongoing reading of the "Masters of Rome" series (also as eBook) will be next week, Wednesday, January 23. Through Chapter VIII: "Fall of a Titan," which ends with the assasination of Caesar and his forced cremation in the forum. Continue reading

Coming out end of January by our friend Vicki León will be her newest exploration of the lives in the Ancient World, The Joy of Sexus: Lust, Love, and Longing in the Ancient World. In her previous books, Vicki León put readers in the sandals of now obsolete laborers, ranging from funeral clowns to armpit pluckers, and untangled the twisted threads of superstition and science in antiquity. Now, in this book of astonishing true tales of love and sex in long-ago Greece, Rome, and other cultures around the Mediterranean, she opens the doors to shadowy rooms and parts the curtains of decorum. León goes far beyond what we think we know about sex in ancient times, taking readers on a randy tour of aphrodisiacs and anti-aphrodisiacs, contraception, nymphomania, bisexuality, cross-dressing, and gender-bending. She explains citizens' fear of hermaphrodites, investigates the stinging price paid for adultery despite the ease of divorce, introduces readers to a surprising array of saucy pornographers, and even describes the eco-friendly dildos used by libidinous ancients. Love also gets its due, with true tales of the lifelong bonds between military men, history's first cougar and her devoted relationship with Julius Caesar, and the deification of lovers. also... Continue reading

Another adventure starring Gaius Petreius Ruso and his wife Tilla, during a visit to Britannia by the Emporer Hadrian and his Empress. And a new interpretation of why Suetonius had to go home to Rome ... Semper Fidelis byRuth Downie. Back at his post as a doctor in the Twentieth legion in Roman-occupied Britain, Ruso uncovers a new danger even closer to home than the neighboring barbarians. As mysterious injuries, and even deaths, begin to appear in the medical ledgers, it's clear that all is not well amongst the native recruits to Britannia's imperial army. Is the much- decorated Centurion Geminus preying on his weaker soldiers? And could this be related to the appearance of Emperor Hadrian? Also as eBook. Continue reading

I also discovered that David Wishart published a new Marcus Valerius Corvinus mystery early last year: No Cause for Concern ‘I need a favour from you, Corvinus. Do what Occusia asks, and I’ll be very grateful. Very grateful indeed. Turn her down, or fudge things, and – watch my lips here, please – you’ll wish that you’d never been born. Your choice, absolutely no pressure. You understand?’ Four years down the line, and Sempronius Eutacticus is still the charming, good-natured organized-crime boss that he was when they last met. Now his stepson has gone missing, and he wants Corvinus to trace him. Not that it should be difficult, mind: there’s no cause for concern, because young Titus has simply run off to join his uncle’s acting troupe. Or that’s what everyone assumes, anyway. Until, of course, he’s found murdered. Continue reading

This just out: A Whispering of Spies by Rosemary Rowe in the Libertus series. A gruesome discovery leads Libertus on a dangerous quest . . . Wealthy Volus, ex-lictor to the Imperial Governor of Gaul, is retiring to the town of Glevum. Libertus is sent to his new apartment, where he is informed that one of the ex-lictor’s treasure carts has been intercepted, the guards and horses brutally butchered. When his actions are misinterpreted by a network of spies, Libertus is suspected of involvement in the massacre and marched to the garrison to await trial. But after daringly escaping, Libertus embarks on a dangerous quest to discover the truth . . . Continue reading

Reminder: on January 9 & 23, February 6 we will discuss The October Horse by Colleen McCullough in our ongoing reading of the "Masters of Rome" series. (also as eBook). (note January dates a/c New Year's Day) January 9, through Chapter III: Putting Things Right in Asia Minor January 23, through Chapter VIII: Fall of a Titan February 6: through the end Enjoy! Continue reading

On Wednesday, Decemer 19 we will discuss The Temple of the Muses (SPQR IV) a Decius Caecilius Metellus mystery by John Maddox Roberts. (also as eBook) ... and we are in Alexandria again. The year is 60 BC and Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger has been hustled out of Rome to avoid his enemy Clodius - again - and sent on a mission with Metellus Creticus. And of course he gets involved in a murder mystery. A rollicking story! We also meet the 10-year old Cleopatra, briefly. Enjoy! Continue reading

Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie (also as eBook) Robert found the Facebook page of Ruso and Tilla! Update: Ruth Downie plans to join the chat! Continue reading

Here is the complete chat list. (Schedule subject to change depending on Barry Strauss' author chat availability.) January 9 & 23, February 6 (note January dates a/c New Year's Day) The October Horse by Colleen McCullough (in our ongoing reading of the "Masters of Rome" series) (also as eBook) February 20 "Island of Ghosts: A Novel of Roman Britain" by Gillian Bradshaw, availabale as paperback elsewhere. eBook (U.S. only) March 6 & 20, April 3 Carthage Must be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization by Richard Miles (also as eBook) April 17, May 1 "The Young Caesar" and "Imperial Caesar" by Rex Warner, availabale as paperback elsewhere. Jointly Julius Caesar (Young Caesar & Imperial Caesar) as eBook May 15 P. Terentius Afer (Terence) online: Andria (The Girl from Andros). Also here. May be read with The Cabala and The Woman of Andros by Thornton Wilder June 5 & 19 Fire in the East (Warrior of Rome, Book 1) by Harry Sidebottom (also as eBook) July 3 & 17 Cast Not the Day: A Novel of Love and Tyranny by Paul Waters (also as eBook elsewhere) August Recess September 4 & 18, October 2 Rome: An Empire's Story... Continue reading

Earlier today, I posted on the Facebook group page: Gary Corby on Wednesday night gave us a teaser for his next mystery novel which takes place at Olympia, "Sacred Games," and will be published early next year. Nemean 2, For Timodemus of Acharnae Pancratium ?485 B. C. This led to further exploration, and I found this apparently well researched Wikipedia page, Pindar. (Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons) Continue reading

Because of Thanksgiving in the U.S., the second November chat is on the 14th rather than the 21th, so you better start reading Cleopatra's Moon by chat group member Vicky Alvear Shecter now. Also available as eBook. Continue reading

Our next chat is Wednesday, November 7, author chat with Gary Corby, The Ionia Sanction. A rollicking mystery starring Nicolaos, Son of Sophroniscus. Enjoy! Continue reading

On October 3 & 17: The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Ancient Games by Tony Perrottet (also as eBook) For October 3 lets try through Chapter VII: "Let the Games Begin." There is a new book out: The Victor's Crown: A History of Ancient Sports from Homer to Byzantium by David Potter that might be nice reading. (also as eBook) Continue reading

Our next chat in this Olympic Year will be The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Ancient Games by Tony Perrottet (also as eBook) October 3 & 17. Some of you may have read his "Pagan Holiday." Continue reading