| Author |
 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,436 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
I've just finished reading Alberto Angela's book 'A day in the life of ancient Rome'...Just wanted to say how I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!....It's a light read but IMO it's unique style allows you to picture the lives of the plebs, as his invisible presence wanders around Rome from just before dawn until midnight, describing different scenarios that gives you a real feel of what it was like to live in Rome in 115AD under emperor Trajan at the pinnacle of the Roman empire. Although he sometimes uses artistic licence to bring to life certain aspects its essence is taken from factual data accrued from archaeological sites such as Pompey etc...I learnt a great deal about everyday Roman life from the rich to the poor and some details I found quite shocking!.... Has anyone else read this book and if so what's your opinion?  |
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
That does sound like an interesting read, Paul. A literary equivalent to the digital renderings Joe referred us to yesterday. Both efforts seem geared toward making ancient Rome more immediate. Quote:
some details I found quite shocking! Willing to share? |
|
Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Quote:
Willing to share? Yep here's one.....Although some areas I'll omit as I don't feel they would sit well on a family forum!  A particular aspect of the book that also appealed to me was how he continually compares the differences between the rich and poor sometimes in quite minute detail from housing, food, dress, taxes etc..So you get a nice overview from both sides of the coin so to speak. 1..Eating habits..(Remember pasta, potatoes and tomatoes didn't exist!) I've been a vegetarian for 30+ years so I don't think I would've survived well considering the culinary delights of the Romans!..The banquets of the well to do were renowned for there unique presentations, the host always trying to surprise and impress his guests....Herons tongue in honey sauce, female boar stuffed with LIVE thrushes, sow vulva, doormice, nightingales, and pig teats stuffed with sea urchins!...Then with the expansion of the empire into Asia and Africa roast flamingo became quite commonplace along with elephant trunks and camels feet! Belching and flatulance was encouraged 'the louder the better'! and self induced vomitting was a common procedure to allow you to empty your stomach so you could try a few more of those 'delicious'courses! |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Ugh. Now I'm almost wishing I didn't ask you to share.  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10038 Posts |
Reminds me of a college text I have read a number of times: "As the Romans Did" by Roger Shelton. But this book is basically a large collection of actual documents of the day that were chosen b/c they describe Roman life in detail. In it are personal letters, personal accounts etc. Fascinating read. I have the first version and see its been updated now.
How much squash could a Sasquatch squash if a Sasquatch would squash squash? Download and read: Grading the graders Costly TPG ineptitude and No FG Kennedy halveshttps://ln5.sync.com/dl/7ca91bdd0/w...i3b-rbj9fir2 |
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Quote:
Ugh. Now I'm almost wishing I didn't ask you to share Sorry Bob!.......One thing that did stand out in the book was the general acceptance of 'certain things',and not just to do with food, that today would be frowned upon to say the least! @Earle42...Thanks!...I've just ordered a secondhand copy with free delivery for 11.50 euros...Looks really interesting. |
|
Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
From your description sound like an interesting book, will look into getting a copy. Some years back there was and HBO series Rome which had scenes of banquets and everyday life in Rome.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Hi Ron I would really recommend the book...I paid 16$ with free shipping ( Amazon)... I remember watching the series Rome and really enjoyed it! The book has no protagonists so I found it really easy to follow as it changed from one scene to another... I'm a real visual person and find data books quite difficult to digest.....I read the book in a couple of days and then I read it again with my laptop next to me following the story using visual images and plans from the net, found it good fun and very interesting!....Learnt a great deal!......Paul |
|
Valued Member
Germany
141 Posts |
Quote:
Herons tongue in honey sauce, female boar stuffed with LIVE thrushes, sow vulva, doormice, nightingales, and pig teats stuffed with sea urchins! I think I'll take the pasta menu, thanks  Does the book contain any curious or interesting anecdotes about the contemporary use of money, prices or values? |
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
5240 Posts |
I am sure that the peasants were not eating roasted flamingos...
|
|
Valued Member
Germany
141 Posts |
Quote:
I am sure that the peasants were not eating roasted flamingos LOTS of porridge sounds more probable...  |
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Quote:
Does the book contain any curious or interesting anecdotes about the contemporary use of money, prices or values? ...Yes it does mention the price of certain commodites.... Quote:
I am sure that the peasants were not eating roasted flamingos.. ....Well of course!......Maybe just read the book and then give me your breakdown? I don't want to be a spoiler.....The read for me was lovely........Everyone to their own.....Read it and see what you think?! |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5029 Posts |
Might look into that book palouche. Sounds interesting my friend.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
@scopru.....Enjoy |
| |
Replies: 13 / Views: 1,436 |
|
Posted 08/23/2020 10:46 am
