In a new, intermediate format, here is the issue VIII of Acta Diurna at AncientWorlds! As the new article format became available, we decided to compromise between our old layout and the new possibilities, and the results are visible – three pages filled with news and articles, and hopefully easily navigable! The layout will go through some changes before the next issue as well.

Our glorious populace honoured spring in every city this season. The Benedideia is still going on in Athens. The AncientWorlds Update includes reports on the festivities in each city. Now we turn our eyes to summer, and all the wonderful things that will be happening to our beloved AncientWorlds.

Continuing her introductory series on roleplay, Maria Marius gives us an insightful article on character development. Our beloved red-headed deity, Cornellia Cornelius, has given us an amazing look at Roman gardens.A must read for anyone horticulturally, botanically, or historically inclined! Lady Godiva is best known for riding bare (not bear) through her town, but Lucius Aelius has given us the real skinny on this legend in his well-written article on the lady. In addition to her report from Babylon's springfest, Leah Enkidu has prepared an interesting article about Elam.

In our next issue, we will be addressing the questions many have heard on the Forum: will SPQR return and how? what will the game be like? what is SPQR? Thanks to all writers for this issue!

EDITORIAL
by Maximius Flavius