Saturnalia, celebrated in mid-December, is an ancient Roman festival dedicated to the agricultural deity Saturn. Due to its timing near the winter solstice, many customs associated with Saturnalia have been integrated into modern Christmas traditions, including feasting, the exchange of gifts, wreaths, and the use of candles. What Saturnalia Entails Saturnalia holds the title of…
Fertilizers: Enhancing Plant Growth and Soil Quality Fertilizers play a crucial role in the agriculture sector, incorporating either natural or synthetic materials that deliver essential chemical elements to enhance plant growth and productivity. Their primary function is to boost the natural fertility of the soil or to replenish any nutrients that previous crops might have…
At the inception of the Annals, Tacitus provides a concise summary of the Roman Republic before delving into the tumultuous events that paved the way for Augustus. He states, “Lucius Brutus established freedom and the consulship” (Tacitus Annals 1.1), highlighting not just a historical figure but emphasizing political structures such as the consulship alongside the…
Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon, embodies nocturnal enchantment, mysteries, and magical elements. She is also linked to fertility and childbirth, underscoring her maternal aspect. Luna parallels the Greek goddess Selene and is depicted as a lovely woman, often adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead. Culturally, the moon’s presence has had great…
Ruins of Mithraic Temples in Turkey Mithraism emerged as a notable cult before the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire, shrouded in mystery due to a lack of written records, secretive practices within subterranean temples, and its eventual disappearance. In Anatolia, a pivotal region under Roman influence, several remnants tied to this enigmatic belief…
In “Lonely Plan-it,” we guide you through the intricate planning of complex travel experiences, making it easier for you to recreate memorable journeys. Here, Icelandic author Egill Bjarnason shares tips on how to successfully plan a trip to witness the mesmerizing northern lights. When I speak of the northern lights to my friends from around…
The Significance of Venus in Mythology Venus, recognized as the most luminous object in the night sky after the Sun and the Moon, has captivated human interest since prehistoric times. In places like Siberia, it stood alone among the planets with its distinct name, Cholbon. This planet was linked with both the Morning Star and…
The Roman Empire was characterized by a rich polytheistic tradition, wherein its citizens acknowledged and worshipped numerous deities. Although monotheistic faiths, such as Judaism and early Christianity, existed within the empire, the reverence for multiple gods remained prevalent. The Romans believed these divine beings were instrumental in establishing their civilization and continued to influence the…
Villa Aurora: A Hidden Gem of Roman Art and History Nestled quietly in the heart of Rome, Villa Aurora is an extraordinary 16th-century estate brimming with artistic grandeur, earning it a title as one of the city’s best-hidden treasures. This remarkable site is a remnant of what once was the magnificent Ludovisi gardens, which were…
The Northern Lights: A Tapestry of Myths and Legends The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, have captivated human imagination across various cultures, shaping art, history, and spirituality. While modernity has equipped us with scientific explanations for this celestial spectacle, envisioning a time when such phenomena were an enigma is intriguing. The vibrant displays of greens,…