Greetings all,
On this day, we reflect on the Emperor Constantine announcing free food distribution to the Citizens of Constantinople on May 18th in 332 AD:
This was a continuation of the Roman "Cura Annone" or public
distribution of grain in honor of the Goddess Annona. This began
sporadically in Republican times and became standard by 122 AD. The
practice continued in Rome until the 6th century AD, but lasted longer
in Constantinople. After the loss of Egypt it was replaced in
Constantinople with a distribution of bread rather than grain, much of
the wheat being produced in fields outside of the city.
Let's all enjoy a meal today in memory of this Roman civic tradition... extra credit if someone else treats you for free! :)
-Marcus Cassius Julianus
No comments:
Post a Comment