Byzantine or Roman?
I recognise that there are lots of reasons for calling them Romans — possibly I’d even say that’s the label that on balance makes a bit more sense. But I still lean toward calling them Byzantines.
Continue reading “byzantine or roman?”Immortals, 300-style vs Persian Wars-style
A vaguely rhyming A to Z of warriors from all over the world, from the Bronze Age to today.
Speed draw of a Mongol lancer, terror of the 13th century.
William Wallace is one of the great names of Scottish history, quite possibly the country’s George Washington (though unlike Washington he didn’t survive his War of Independence to rule the new country — that would fall to Robert the Bruce). Like Washington, Wallace’s ghost has been periodically called up to support this or that cause. This essay will briefly explore how Wallace’s legacy has been handled and manipulated in the centuries after his death. Continue reading “on William Wallace’s ghost”
We’re at a delicate moment right now.
Now that the spectre of human extinction has passed – though there may yet be dark days ahead for many countries – we’re approaching the recovery phase, and most sensationally, the planning-who-to-tar-and-feather-for-this-whole-fiasco phase.
Two things we should think about looking ahead:
Disinformation is here to stay. Given that world leaders and state apparatuses at large have been guilty of this for the past five years or so, it’s not surprising at all that the sword of untruth has been wielded these past few months to silence dissent and rally wavering political foundations.
One thing though is now different. Continue reading “on truth and blame”
The arming process of the 1st century-Roman centurion, of 100-men-commanding, stick-on-back-breaking, faith-in-the-Messiah-having fame.
Behold my first(ish) book! Bug Eyed Roman Soldiers now available on Kindle, a visual odyssey featuring all your favourite magnificently chunky and only slightly dodgy caricatures kitted out in the finest weapons and armour.
Are you greater than our father Jacob?
He was the cleverest man alive. He was father to many. He grasped his fathers’ inheritance when it looked to slip through his fingers. He wrestled with God himself.
Are you greater than our father Jacob?
He was a liar and a miser. He was a coward and a hypocrite. He had assets, not friends and family. He failed his little girl when she needed him most.
Are you greater than our father Jacob?
Yes, says the strange, haggard man by the well.
And because he says yes, somehow I can say that too.
Speed draw of the evolution of Greek warriors from the Bronze Age to Byzantium, in all their bronze clad glory.
Remember, My Lord 