As promised, some info about the sitewide celebration of the XXXth Anniversary of I, Claudius sponsored by the I, Claudius; Adventures in Julio-Claudian Rome group.

Friends, Romans, countrypersons, lend me your eyes...

It was XXX years ago this year that BBC aired the first episode and subsequent twelve of I, Claudius as part of its well-known Masterpiece Theater. With this in mind, Rome's own Titus Pullo has offered to take on challengers for the upcoming I, Claudius XXXth Anniversary Celebration tentatively scheduled for June 23, 24, 25.

Titus Pullo Reporting for Duty.

All warriors/heroes should take notice: Now is the time to let us know if you are interested in participating in the Gladiator Games. All members of AW are welcome, especially you Gauls and Germans.

Of interest, while recruiting challengers this past week, the question came up about female gladiators.

The ancient sources are clear; female gladiators did exist. Tacitus, for instance, wrote that Nero staged "a number of gladiatorial shows, equal in magnificence to their predecessors, though more women of rank and senators disgraced themselves in the arena". Petronius, in The Satyricon, wrote of female charioteers. Dio Cassius explained how some women performed as venatores, that is gladiators who fought wild beasts. The Emperor Domitian staged games in which women battled pygmies.

Besides, this is virtual Rome. We can do anything we want (within reason), right? FYI: Women were forbidden from gladiatorial performances shortly after the time of Commodus, by the emperor Alexander Severus, in 200 CE, but we don't really have to worry about that.

So, come one, come all, from any world of AW ~ male, female, The infamous Horse Chicks of the Apocalypse, The Horse Chaps ~ whoever! ~ this is your opportunity to show your courage, strength and ingenuity against Rome's Legionary Titus Pullo!

Leave a scroll at my villa to sign up.

Location and rules for the challenge will be posted shortly. We are still trying to figure out how to do this.