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ATHENS’ KHALKEIA FESTIVAL ’03
Athens, Louisa Agis  The Khalkeia Festival, Athens’ part of the celebration of Goldfest ’03, took place October 20-22. Participation from citizens of all the cities of Ancient Worlds was wonderful! We in Athens were so glad to welcome all of you!
The scribes in Athens would like to give special thanks to all the members who assisted in the planning and carrying out of different aspects of the festival. Thank you to those who contributed information for the Dig, especially Desdemona Eurimedon, Nikolaos Cleomenes, and Nikolaos Aristocratos. We would also like to thank Nikolaos Cleomenes for his assistance with the Khalkeia Festival ceremonies and the Trivia Quiz. I, myself, would like to give thanks for the hard work and assistance of my fellow administrators. Special thanks go to Aphrodite Theocritos for her wonderful idea and work on the Archaeology Dig, to Athenia Glaucon for her assistance, contributions, and participation, and to our wonderful demigoddess, Heraklia Aelius for her marvelous work on the Socrates Tour. We could not have done it without the help of ALL these individuals!
Remember, we are always looking for volunteers to help us on the various projects and events that take place in Ancient Worlds. If you wish to help out, please contact the scribes of your city. It is the citizens that make this the great site that it is!
CRUISES ON THE NILE
PALACE PLOT PLEASES PARTICIPANTS
Egypt, Sankhkare Thutmose 
Dateline: Egypt. Sankh-ka-Re Thutmose here, standing in for your Ace Reporters Hapshetsut Nebet and Onions Hatshepsut, who will shortly be delivering eyewitness reports from on the scene at NOLA II. When the Golden Phoenix docked in Alexandria on the first day of Koiak, the Festival of Sekhmet (October 17th), the passengers and crew were greeted by the stunning vision of a fleet of shuttle barges provided by Egypt's new Pharaoh Ramses, may he enjoy life, health, and prosperity forever. Similar barges awaited in every city for the duration of the Festival, ready to take His Divine Majesty's visitors anywhere in Egypt they wished to go. After celebrating the rites of dawn, most of the party-goers took ship for Waset (Thebes) and bought tickets to the Great Temples Tour of Karnak. To counterbalance the unfortunate fact that many areas of the Temple were under renovation, special arrangements had been made to allow them access to the Holy of Holies in the Goddess Sekhmet's Temple. This (added to the sheer wonder of the Great Temple itself) made the tour a rousing success. Egypt and your reporter on the scene are proud to report that her greatest Temple was honored by the Demis with a Best of Fest award. Later that evening, guests of the Palace were stunned to learn that a plot to assassinate Ramses had been uncovered. Many of those guests were more than happy to join in the hunt for the would-be-assassins and The Ramesses Run to save the king was on. It is my sad duty to report that there were more than a few criminals lurking among the Phoenix's passengers. But, with the assistance of Voluptua Amytas, Reylari Socrates, the Ka and her manservant ... oh, and a very drunken Isityuyet Isetnofret ... the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh were able to stop DinoMartinius Maximus and Tony Roca from doing any injury to Pharaoh's Divine person. Gathering later at the grand opening of Studio LIV BCE, the participants in the Run were amazed to learn that the so-called plot had been staged for the enjoyment of Pharaoh's visitors — with Pharaoh himself joining the festivities. Speaking of Studio LIV BCE, the grand opening proved a grand success with visitors from all over the Ancient Worlds composing their own songs or rewriting lyrics to existing songs. In fact, so popular was this chic new nightspot that the party continued in the bottom levels of the Phoenix for the rest of voyage. Proprietors Oset and AzureEyes Ramesses partied with their guests into the night every night and are currently recovering from the experience in parts unknown. Sadly, a number of computer explosions — most notably at the per of Toman Thutmose — caused security concerns among the Palace Medjay and the new Pharaoh's coronation had to be closed to the visiting public. The change caused a scheduled visit to the Valley of the Golden Mummies to be cancelled, as well. Disappointment didn't reign long, however, as the visitors were too busy stacking up the bricks they were being awarded in the Build a Pyramid contest. Among the winners were Heraklia Aelius and Voluptua Amytas, with Egypt's own AzureEyes Ramesses being named Disciple of the Great Imhotep. With the Inundation beginning to recede, the Phoenix sailed for Athens on the evening of Koiak 3rd, leaving exhausted, yet satisfied Egyptian work crews all down the Nile. Asked about the success of the project, His Divine Majesty was quoted as saying, "Amun continues to smile upon us. It was an experience I shall not soon forget. In fact, I intend to begin organizing committees for next year's Festival just as soon as my government is firmly in place."
SAMHAIN IN CELTIA
Celtia, Vortigern Aedui  Celtia celebrated our Samhain festival to conclude the anniversary of the Gold Launch. We were the final destination of the Golden Phoenix, and although it was the last celebration, it certainly wasn't the least.
The festival was kicked off by The Lighting of Tara, in which participants were able to give gifts to their ancestors and remember those who have passed from the material world. Along with the lighting of Tara, the guests were able to sit and relax during the Fleadh nan Mairbh, or the feast of the dead.
Folks also had a great time getting their tarot cards read by Kate MacRoth at Kate MacRoth's Booth. While Kate was busy with her fortune telling gig, she had to have someone take over for her at The Kissing Booth, and that lucky person was none other than yours truly, Vort Aedui. Needless to say it was the slowest place during the festival.
People were also able to show off their artistic ability and compete against each other for the Samhain/Halloween Homesite Decoration Contest in which people were able to decorate their homesite with either a Halloween of a Samhain theme. People were also able to dress up their avatar up in a temporary Halloween costume. The fun didn't stop there, as people could carve a virtual turnip at The Turnip Carving contest. There were some great entries and also some incredibly funny ones as well.
Bards from all over Celtia also participated in the Samhain Bardic Competition. There were some great poems submitted to the thread, and one person came out of it a winner. Life Torn in Two by Myrddin_emrys Belgae. It was a well-deserved award for him for it was an excellent poem.
There was also alot of humor flowing around the festival with the Team Tug-of-war where it was a grueling match in which the men were tugging against the women. No punches were pulled and no duckies were spared for this match. Caileadair Morna put on a great wordgame at Bowl-A-Score Boo-gie. It was a game of skill where 9 letters had to be deciphered to find the word.
Finally, Celtia was able to bring home an honorable mention in the Gold Launch festival awards for the Barrow Tour. A very special thanks goes to Liafwin Lebuinis Folcwalding for all of his hard work on creating the great map of the barrow and some excellent graphics for it as well.
Most of all, the Scribes of Celtia would like to thank everyone who participated in the festival. It was another great festival just like they always are in Celtia.
THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
NOVEMBER ISSUE
Rome, LuciusFlaccus Valerius  The Roman Republic is as busy as ever, with new intrigues and developments abounding in Rome and her provinces! We just finished up the first elections of the restored RR here at AW – here are the results:
CONSUL:
Catulus Aemilius Albinus et Paullus Fabius Maximus PRAETOR:
Caius Valerius Flaccus, Quintus Aelius Sejanus, Mamercus Valerius Corvinus Aemilianus, Marcus Valerius Messala Niger, and Gnaeus Cato Domitius Ahenobarbus TRIBUNE OF THE PLEBS:
Titus Servilius Caepio and Marcus Porcius Cato As you can see, there weren’t that many slots filled, but the race for Consul was a close one between Paullus Fabius and Aikaterine Callias, with Paullus beating out Aikaterine by just one vote. In other news, I finally got around to setting up a religious system at RR – now there are positions open for pontiffs, flamines, and augurs. On the political side of the house, there are still many spots open for Tribunes of the Plebs and Quaestors. So, if you are new to Rome and AW, and are interested in a historical Roleplaying Game, please check out the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic gives out an award at the end of every game year, to the person who contributed the most to the group – not just in the form of posts, but recruiting, quality of writing, etc. This year’s winner is Arminius Terentius, for his outstanding work in Gallia Narbonensis and in keeping the group active. Thanks Arminius! And finally, your social update…
Mamercus Valerius Corvinus Aemilianus is rumored to have married Clodia, daughter of Appius Claudius Pulcher and cousin of Paullus Fabius Maximus, in a small private ceremony, which only close family members (from the Claudii side of the family) and the Pontifex Maximus attended. There are rumors surfacing that Paullus Fabius Maximus fled Italy earlier in the month for Spain, after Quintus Aelius Sejanus pressed charges of treason and sedition against the former Praetor of Hispania Tarraconensis. Some say that he had even prepared to march on Rome should the charges go through against him… That’s it for this month – stay tuned to the Acta Diurna for further updates in the months to come. LVF
NEW GROUP IN ATHENS: THE GREAT STOA
A CENTER OF SCIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, CULTURE AND ART
Tanaquil Sergius Just created today, November 12th, A.D. 2003: Hč Megalč Stoá aka The Great Stoa, a fresh born new group in Athens, dealing with all there was and is to know in the hellenic world and outside of that! We are dealing with all knowledgeable and insight matters taught, learned and discussed in the stoai of ancient Greece and ancient Athens in particular; these places (on the Agora of Athens alone there were several of them) provided a cool and easy atmosphere to wander around, sit and talk, discuss the questions of life and all things there was to know and think about, to explore the boundaries of the human mind.
Socrates had numerous public and private discussions with his discussion partners and pupils there, people sat, talked, ate and drunk in the stoai. Schools were founded there, not only for kids, but also the great Greek philosophical schools. It seemed to be about time that Ancient Worlds Athens got its very own Great Stoa to provide a place for AW members to ponder all there was and is to know!
ARS AMATORIA - THE ART OF LOVING
NEW GROUP AT BABYLON
Babylon, Valeria Sergius  Sex and art, poetry and seduction, lust and prose. These dichotomies are just a few that will be explored at Ars Amatoria, a new group featured at Babylon. The group’s name (literal translation: Art of Love) comes from the famed work of the Roman poet, Ovid, whose poetical treatise about the art of seduction is now a classic among other works of ancient erotica, including Vatsayana's renown Kama Sutra. Prurient curiosity aside, here is a place to explore and discuss every aspect of human desire among the ancients, to see how early societal mores have vacillated and evolved among different societies, and how this evolution affects modern society today.
Although in its nascent stages, the board currently features sections for not only Ovid’s work, but other erotica throughout history. It will also explore sex featured in mythologies. As the board grows, the topics are sure to expand. There is room for analytical discussion, but not to be too dry, we welcome bawdy observations, as well (just think of the 1,001 positions from the Kama Sutra to be analyzed and pondered). Feel free to post original works, both prose and poetry. And there is a place for informal exchange in our Taberna Sine Nomine (Tavern Without Name). Hopefully, the tavern will be rechristened soon; current suggestions include “The Lovers Lounge”, “Valentino’s”, “The Lover’s Den”, “Between the Sheets” and Tauq al-hamama (a metaphoric expression combining the arabic terms for both male and female genitalia.). Already posted are articles about sex in ancient cultures; erotica from the Naples Archeological Museum; the various lovers of the Greek god, Zeus; as well as information about an exploratory video entitled “Valentine’s Day” which features the history and interpretations of love and sex in different ancient civilizations. Shagshag Gilgamesh, illustrious citizen of Babylon, is the board leader and should be contacted for full membership after signing on. Authors include myself and Delia Lupus, who will try our best to keep the topics flowing, providing information both informative and provocative. As for the member’s list, it is growing steadily, and hopefully, within a few months, we will be well populated with members from all societies, making Ars Amatoria a thriving and stimulating (yes, pun intended) board. So, enter our doors, shed your inhibitions and open your mind to the wonders and mysteries of sex, lust, and love among the ancients. Just possibly, you’ll find we have more in common with our ancestors than previously thought.
ALIYAH: JOURNEYS TO THE PROMISED LAND
ANOTHER NEW GROUP IN BABYLON DISCUSSES JEWISH HISTORY
Babylon, Hephzibah Ben Judah Shalom! There is a new group in the city of Babylon called ALIYAH: Journeys to the Promised Land. Here you can discuss all aspects of Judean culture, religion, art, music, festivals, from the beginning of time to the present. Come join us and explore this people and their culture.
This group is just getting started so there are positions available for editors, authors etc. Chanuka is just around the corner so come join in the planning of this festival and the celebrations.
MARUADIAT ES GAUL
HIGH ASPIRATIONS FROM GAUL
Celtia, Vortigern Aedui The once established Gaul section of the Cilipied Celtia has been changed to a new name and a new look on the group main page. Although the name of the group and the group image has been changed, the content of the group still remains the same.
Our Lives Before Romans has an emphasis concerning the lifestyles of early Celts in Gaul during the Urnfield, Halstatt, and La Tene periods. The Warfare section includes such threads as Revolting History, whichtakes a look at Celtic revolts against Rome. Also under the same umbrella are discussions on the two Brennuses with Vae Victis, about the first Brennus and his attack on Rome while The March on Delphi accounts the second Brennus and his exploits. Interested in first hand accounts of the Celts of Gaul? Then Reference Section should be right up your alley with quotes from Classical Authors as well as another section which discusses more Contemperary Historians. There are quite a few more areas to discuss the history of ancient Gaul, including archaeology and geography. Also, a thread that takes a look at the Gaulish look at Caesar's De Bellum Gallum is the board The Bellum Gallum. One new addition to the board is a board dedicated to the study of Continental Celtic Deities which has good input on deities such as Lugos and Taranis. More are to be added soon.
Come on over and check out Maruadiat Es Gaul!
MERRY MAYHEM!
THE UNSEEMLY COURT IN ALL ITS GLORY!
Celtia, Caileadair Morna You may ask what exactly is the Unseemly Court? And why merry mayhem? Well, come visit us over in Celtia and you can get the scoop! You'll never know just exactly what will happen next in the Court. You may play a word game one day. Then stop into our new Puca Pub for a cold drink of ale and some pizza.  Or take a quiz. Or even bump into Neima Nebet as she's sneaking around poking, prodding and bringing smiles to the Court members. You can even visit the Funny Farm for a chuckle or two. The Court also has some new Court Jesters ~ Miw-Sheri Mutemwiya, Ixchel Acamapichtli, and DESTINY Morna - and they are wonderful ladies... even if they are a bit... er... on the unusual side. But we don't mind that at all! The unusual is the norm over at the Court. So, take a break from being too serious. Give the studies a rest. Come on over and be silly and have some fun. Laughter is the universal cure and at the Unseemly Court that's what we strive for - a smile upon your face and healing in your heart and soul!
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ATHENS' KHALKEIA FESTIVAL
Louisa Agis Athens
CRUISING ON THE NILE
Sankhkare Thutmose Egypt
SAMHAIN IN CELTIA
Vortigern Aedui Celtia
THE ROMAN REPUBLIC TIDINGS
LuciusFlaccus Valerius Rome
NEW GROUP IN ATHENS: THE GREAT STOA
Tanaquil Sergius Athens
ARS AMATORIA - THE ART OF LOVING
Valeria Sergius Babylon
ALIYAH: JOURNEYS TO THE PROMISED LAND
Hephzibah Ben Judah Babylon
MARUADIAT ES GAUL
Vortigern Aedui Celtia
MERRY MAYHEM!
Caileadair Morna Celtia
NAMING EGYPT NOVEL
Ankhesenamon Ptolemy HELP!!! Ankhesenamon Ptolemy needs your help.
Soon all AW will be recieving the historical narrative account of 18th dynasty ancient Egypt. Soft date will be about Dec. 15.
This novel is the twilight of the 18th dynasty covering the reigns of Akhenaton, Smenkhare and TUtankhamon and Aye.
Any suggestions for title names would be more than needed.
Should anyone come up with possible names, please bring them to the per of Ankhesenamon Ptolemy or gram her if she is on.
CHANCHAN IN DENIAL?
ChanChan Tupac ChanChan Tupac has been tested postive on the AW 's Anonymous: How addicted are you Test.
But she hereby declares that she isn't addicted at all.
She fears she will be as soon as the long expected chatroom will be installed.
Also want to do this test? Go to: AW's Annonymous
NEW SPEED AT ENCYCLOPAEDIA BABYLONICA
Caileadair Etana
The Encyclopedia Babylonia will soon be changing to a new area of discussion. The new name will be Celestia. And the following is what the group is about:
"An exploration of the Hermetic concept “As above, so below.” We will explore how mankind has ever been fascinated with the skies above and how he has reflected that fascination on the earth. A celestial mirror that has been with us for thousands of years, and one that continues to bring us new truths and deep insights into the universe and man’s place in it."
The posts in EB will be moved to public boards so that all AW residents can participate in discussions regarding Babylonian history.
You are most welcome to remain as a member of Celestia. However, we will understand if you choose not to.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to leave Caileadair Etana or Voluptua Amytas a message. We'll answer as promptly as we can.
MACHU PICCHUAN GET TOGETHER
ChanChan Tupac 
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