Greetings all, 

In the news, a Roman/Byzantine era complex dating  from the 3rd to 5th centuries is being excavated and restored for display in Athens: 

 

https://www.ekathimerini.com/culture/1312283/roman-era-complex-uncovered-in-athens-to-be-restored-and-showcased/

 

The site is near the Temple of Olympian Zeus. After restoration and the archaeological site will be showcased as part of the modern city. 

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all, 

Today we reflect on the Gaulish usurper Claudius Silvanus being declared Emperor of the West by his troops on August 11th in 355 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvanus_(magister_peditum) 

Silvanus had sided with Emperor Constantius II against Licinius, and Constantius II had appointed him Magister Peditum in Gaul.  Sadly Silvanus seems to have had enemies, and an official named Dymanus (probably on the orders of someone else) forged documents about Sylvanus intending to claim the throne, and send them to Constantius II. 

Constantius was extremely paranoid about usurpers (he'd murdered most of his relatives as a result). Even though there were many who stood up for Sylvanus, Constantius II would not allow him to prove loyalty or clear his name. 

In order to avoid summary execution Sylvanus ended up having to declare himself emperor in any case.  His attempt was unsuccessful and his reluctant revolt lasted only 28 days. He never got as far as the coin mint at Trier, so he minted no coins before his revolution failed. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

Greetings all, 

I am pleased to announce a new race in the Hippodrome - the Games of Sol and Luna on August 28th! 

These were ancient races, set in the Circus Maximus of Rome. These public games did last into the Byzantine Era, at least until the 390's AD, and they symbolized the balance of Cosmic order as we head toward the Fall Equinox.  They of course honored the Sun, Sol, and the Goddess of the Moon, Luna. 

The Games of Sol and Luna will run in the same format as the Chariots of Fire race this last month.  Citizens can vote for their favorite team The Blues or the Greens. Your official vote will increase the percentage chance of your team winning while still leaving an element of chance!

Vote for your favorite race faction here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEIYLFN26    

Will the Blues hold on to their traditional lead here in Byzantium Novum, or will the Greens have their first upset?  Help decide! Voting will end on August 28th and the winning faction will be announced. 

We're doing our best to increase Citizen participation with these games -  and we encourage you to post in support of your racing faction. As with the last race, anyone who posts their support to the Hippodrome list: https://groups.io/g/ByzantiumNovumHippodrome or to the Byzantium Novum Forum:  https://groups.io/g/ByzantiumNovum

will receive a virtual race token as a thank you, and will receive honorable public mention in an upcoming issue of the Basilica.  

This race is sponsored by the Classical Church of Byzantium Novum  official forum:   https://groups.io/g/ByzantiumNovumClassicalReligion. 

Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

Today we reflect with sadness on the Byzantine defeat at the disastrous battle of Adrianople, fought between Byzantine forces and the Goths on August 9th in 378 AD: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Adrianople

The Eastern Roman Emperor Valens and half his army were killed. This battle is thought to have been a major cause of the later downfall of the Western half of the Empire. 

I've only just seen a page from Gordon Doherty about all this, from 2019. I find it fascinating:  

https://www.gordondoherty.co.uk/writeblog/thebattleofadrianople

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news - low water levels on the Danube in Bulgaria have exposed parts of the famous bridge of Emperor Constantine I : 

 

https://www.ekathimerini.com/culture/1311793/low-danube-water-levels-in-bulgaria-expose-roman-era-bridge/

 

It was inaugurated on July 5th in 328 AD, and was the longest bridge in antiquity, spanning a little over 2 km (1.2 miles.)  It is fascinating that part of it still remains!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day, August 6th 626 AD during a part of overall hostilities with the Sassanid empire, a land attack was made on the walls of Constantinople by the Avars:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Constantinople_(626)

The attack was successfully repulsed. The Byzantines won a ship engagement on the seaward side of the city the next day.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

Greetings all,

 Today we commemorate Maurice being chosen as Emperor on  August 5th in 528 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_(emperor)

 

He was crowned on August 9th. Although Maurice  gained the throne with no military experience, he was a successful general as Emperor. He was the author of the Strategikon, a manual of warfare which gives us the only full list of  ancient Latin military commands used by the Legions, including Roman Drill instruction. 

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus