The Latin Corner

[cacian]

Please post and discuss any of your favourite latin quote/story/personality/art anything Latin.


My first one is:

Qui Semita Veritas - Truth Has No Path

I have to admit this caught my attention.
Truth is part of believing and without it there is not belief.

But then

Veritas Onmnia Vincit- Truth Shall Conquer All

[Charles Darnay]

Gaius Valerius Catullus is my favourite Roman poet - and not just because of "Carmen 16" - but here is said Carmen. To abide with the principles of this site I will not translate it here, but Google is a thing.



Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo,
Aureli pathice et cinaede Furi,
qui me ex versiculis meis putastis,
quod sunt molliculi, parum pudicum.
Nam castum esse decet pium poetam
ipsum, versiculos nihil necesse est;
qui tum denique habent salem ac leporem,
si sunt molliculi ac parum pudici,
et quod pruriat incitare possunt,
non dico pueris, sed his pilosis
qui duros nequeunt movere lumbos.
Vos, quod milia multa basiorum
legistis, male me marem putatis?
Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo.

[Charles Darnay]

On a more serious note, this is my favourite Latin phrase.




Conloqui et conridere et vicissim benevole obsequi, simul leger libros duciloquos, simul nugari et simul honestan.

Conversations and jokes together, mutual rendering of good services, the reading together of sweetly phrased books, the sharing of nonsense, and mutual attentions.
-St Augustine’s Confessions

[RicMisc]

One of the most impressives pieces I've ever read was actually in Latin. It was Livius' Praefatio for his 'Ab Urbe Condita'. It's linguistically a masterpiece in my opinion. It's probably one of the most difficult things I've ever read but it's awesome.

I like 'Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico' as well, especially the fact that he refers to himself in the third person is funny. Furthermore his Roman views on the Gauls are cool.

[cacian]

Gaius Valerius Catullus is my favourite Roman poet - and not just because of "Carmen 16" - but here is said Carmen. To abide with the principles of this site I will not translate it here, but Google is a thing.

I remember this

'Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo'

I looked up sometime ago and did not expect it thus it kind of stayed with me.
Now I see it and now I know it.
It is one those funny things with a language you do not speak. If the words are unexpected you kind remember the look of the phrase and not what it said.
That way I learn to avoid it.

I shall google the rest and hope for the best might be sometime..
oh and I have a very close friend called Carmen I wonder what she would make of it having name in association with this.

[Charles Darnay]

Carmen is just Latin for "song": it's not a popular name, but it gained some traction after the eponymous opera.

[cacian]

On a more serious note, this is my favourite Latin phrase.


Conloqui et conridere et vicissim benevole obsequi, simul leger libros duciloquos, simul nugari et simul honestan.

Conversations and jokes together, mutual rendering of good services, the reading together of sweetly phrased books, the sharing of nonsense, and mutual attentions.
-St Augustine’s Confessions


These are confessions from a saint called Agustine
I am thinking along the line of saint confessing which gives it a more religious twist right. I reminds me of catholicism and confessions. Interesting.

I am not clear on these two:
'good services'
'sweetly phrased books' might be refering to.

'nonsense' and 'mutual attentions' could be refering to everyday life women friends?
Again being a confession then I am thinking they are slightly on the naughty side but...


Oh I found this word in Latin:
Lugdunum I thought it was Londinium as in London.

[cacian]

Gaius Valerius Catullus is my favourite Roman poet - and not just because of "Carmen 16" - but here is said Carmen. To abide with the principles of this site I will not translate it here, but Google is a thing.

May I ask why you like this piece?

[cacian]

One of the most impressives pieces I've ever read was actually in Latin. It was Livius' Praefatio for his 'Ab Urbe Condita'. It's linguistically a masterpiece in my opinion. It's probably one of the most difficult things I've ever read but it's awesome.

I like 'Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico' as well, especially the fact that he refers to himself in the third person is funny. Furthermore his Roman views on the Gauls are cool.

Hi RicMisc do you have some quotes to share?

[kev67]

In vino veritas.

Romanii ite domum.

[Charles Darnay]

In vino veritas.



Nunc est bibendum!

[Alexander III]

Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo,
Aureli pathice et cinaede Furi,
qui me ex versiculis meis putastis,
quod sunt molliculi, parum pudicum.
Nam castum esse decet pium poetam
ipsum, versiculos nihil necesse est;
qui tum denique habent salem ac leporem,
si sunt molliculi ac parum pudici,
et quod pruriat incitare possunt,
non dico pueris, sed his pilosis
qui duros nequeunt movere lumbos.
Vos, quod milia multa basiorum
legistis, male me marem putatis?
Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo.

-Catullus original poem


I will sodomize you and skull-fvck you,
Delicate Aurelious and dick-sucking Furius,
You who think, because my poems
Are feminine, that I lack the erectness of a Roman.
It is seemly for a duty-bound poet to be disciplined
In life, In his poetic arts no such thing is necessary;
Furthermore, such arts fondle wit and grace
When they are a little bit feminine and wanton,
They also simulate a certain rubbing and rising,
And not in boys, but in those aged barbarians
Who can't grow hard between their desperate loins.
You, who of my many thousands of kisses
Have read, assume me a failure in manliness?
I will sodomize you and skull-fvck you.


-Translation brought to you by the painful efforts of Alexander III...

[cacian]

An interesting read all around I wish I knew what the real issue is about here.

[Charles Darnay]

Furius was having an affair with Catullus' lover at the time, and Aurelius was in on it (helping him)

[cacian]

Furius was having an affair with Catullus' lover at the time, and Aurelius was in on it (helping him)

Who is Catullus' lover?
So what you are saying is that Catullus found out and he is now justifying himself to both of them by saying he is more manly then them when they have been having an affair with his lover?

So if it is so it seems a rather weak defense mechanism in that he who was trampled by two men is to justify himself rather then give then both kicking right?

[stlukesguild]

Well... going about as far from Alex as possible... I would suggest that the following is probably my favorite work of Latin music... or rather music in Latin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia8ceqIDSJw&feature=related

although this might be my first choice on another day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ZErrGKb9c

If we are speaking of Roman art... I am quite impressed with the reaming fragments of the famous colossal portrait of Constantine:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_constantine2.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=constantine2.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_lessing_23020118Marble-Hand-from-Colossal-Figure-of-Emperor-Constantine-the-Great-306-337-CE-Overall-Height-12-M-Posters.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=lessing_23020118Marble-Hand-from-Colossal-Figure-of-Emperor-Constantine-the-Great-306-337-CE-Overall-Height-12-M-Posters.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_lessing_23020119Marble-Foot-from-Colossal-Figure-of-Emperor-Constantine-the-Great-306-337-CE-Overall-Height-12-M-Posters.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=lessing_23020119Marble-Foot-from-Colossal-Figure-of-Emperor-Constantine-the-Great-306-337-CE-Overall-Height-12-M-Posters.jpg)

Of course the great Equestrian Portrait of Marcus Aurelius is also impressive:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Marcusaureliushorsestatueromearp.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Marcusaureliushorsestatueromearp.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_tumblr_l580zlAs8s1qa399ro1_400.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=tumblr_l580zlAs8s1qa399ro1_400.jpg)

But I think that I would go with the later Roman Empire... the Byzantine Empire after the fall of Rome... and I would choose either the 4 great bronze horses that now stand before San Marco, Venice...

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Veneza38.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Veneza38.jpg)

Or quite likely the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_cid_aj3032_b.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=cid_aj3032_b.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_ceiling8.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=ceiling8.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_san-apollinare-in-classe-apse-mosaic-cc-yakanama.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=san-apollinare-in-classe-apse-mosaic-cc-yakanama.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Giustiniano.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Giustiniano.jpg)

[cacian]

Wow Stluke you are indeed a master of knowledge.
May I ask again what are the portraits in your signature?
Are they in that order for a reason?

The last two paintings are incredible.
What is the significane of the last painting?
Is that Jesus holding something and his disciples?

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Wow Stluke you are indeed a master of knowledge....


You shouldn't have said that, his head will get as big as Constantine's


A few Latin related items to share:

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio and his book de Architectura

A couple excerpts from de Architectura aka The Ten Books on Architecture

Source: http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Vitruvius/home.html


From Book I

“…itaque eum etiam ingenium oportet esse et ad disciplinam docilem. neque enim ingenium sine disciplina aut disciplina sine ingenio perfectum artificem potest efficere. et ut litteratus sit, peritus graphidos, eruditus geometria, historias complures noverit, philosophos diligenter audierit, musicam scierit, medicinae non sit ignarus, responsa iurisconsultorum noverit, astrologiam caelique rationes cognitas habeat.”

“…An architect should be ingenious, and apt in the acquisition of knowledge. Deficient in either of these qualities, he cannot be a perfect master. He should be a good writer, a skilful draftsman, versed in geometry and optics, expert at figures, acquainted with history, informed on the principles of natural and moral philosophy, somewhat of a musician, not ignorant of the sciences both of law and physic, nor of the motions, laws, and relations to each other, of the heavenly bodies.”


From Book VI

“…namque temperatissimae ad utramque partem et corporum membris animorumque vigoribus pro fortitudine stin Italia gentes. quemadmodum enim Iovis stella inter Martis ferventissimam et Saturni frigidissimam media currens temperatur, eadem ratione Italia inter septentrionalem meridianamque ab utraque parte mixtionibus temperatas et invictas habet laudes. itaque consiliis refringit barbarorum virtutes, forti manu meridianorum cogitationes. ita divina mens civitatem populi Romani egregia temperataque regione conlocavit, uti orbis terrarum imperii potiretur.”


“on this account the people of Italy excel in both qualities, strength of body and vigor of mind. For as the planet Jupiter moves through a temperate region between the fiery Mars and icy Saturn, so Italy enjoys a temperate and unequalled climate between the north on one side, and the south on the other. Hence it is, that by stratagem she is enabled to repress the attacks of the barbarians, and by her strength to overcome the subtlety of southern nations. Divine providence has so ordered it that the metropolis of the Roman people is placed in an excellent and temperate climate, whereby they have become the masters of the world.”

Caesar’s Gallic War; a Latin text book from my Grandfathers library. Copyright 1907
A few images from the book:

(click on thumbnails)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2720.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2720.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2722.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2722.jpg)
http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2724.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2724.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2726.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2726.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2727.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2727.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2728.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2728.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2729.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2729.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2730.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2730.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2731.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2731.jpg)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/th_IMGP2732.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/?action=view&current=IMGP2732.jpg)


Chants in Latin, Latin when used in the Mass

Benedictine Monks of Santo Doming de Silos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFKxh8YftOA

Salve Regina
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTiM-khUePY&feature=related

Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiae,
vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
ad te clamamus
exsules filii Evae,
ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos
misericordes oculos ad nos converte;
et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

[stlukesguild]

May I ask again what are the portraits in your signature?

The portraits in my signature are (all enlargeable thumbnails):

Sandro Botticelli: Portrait of a Lady:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_pai_ph014_1.gif (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=pai_ph014_1.gif)

Giovanni Bellini: Portrait of the Doge, Leonardo Loredan (Ruler of Venice):

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Bellinidoge600pix.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Bellinidoge600pix.jpg)

Petrus Christus: Portrait of a Young Lady:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_woman.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=woman.jpg)

and Raphael (Sanzio d'Urbino): La donna velata (Woman with a Veil):

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_03velata.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=03velata.jpg)

Are they in that order for a reason?

The reason that these images are in my signature is simply that I am a great fan of Art History... and as an artist I am especially fascinated with the paintings of the Renaissance (among other eras). The only thought given to the order of the figures was visual: the two outside figures facing toward the middle to balance the composition.

The last two paintings are incredible.

All four are masterpieces by some of the biggest artists of the Renaissance.

What is the significane of the last painting?

It is simply a portrait of a young... and seemingly well-to-do young Lady. There are some suggestions that she may have been the same woman who appears in Raphael's painting, "la Fornarina"...

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_06forna.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=06forna.jpg)

who was Raphael's lover, as well as the model for the Virgin in the famous Sistine Madonna:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_03sisti.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=03sisti.jpg)

Regardless, the painting is once of Raphael's finest.

A recent favorite musical work setting a Latin text is the marvelous Stabat Mater by Boccherini that employs a small chamber ensemble. The resulting work is intimate and quite touching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1zoUSXyg3M

[cacian]

Stluke thank you so much for indepth explanations.
I really enjoyed reading your posts.
One more question if you do not mind me asking I think you did not answer the last question in the previous post.;)
In this painting is that Jesus and his disciples?

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Giustiniano.jpg

I see he his holding something in his hand.

Also which the very last painting Jesus and his disciples took before his death?
The reason I ask is I wondered whether a registered order a kind of blog if you like to demonstrate when and why the portraits have been made.
Because Jesus life is such an important one was there an order of dates by which the paintings has be made to show the different stages of Jesus life leading them to his death?

[prendrelemick]

At last, an excuse to post some Stevie Smith.


Magna Est Veritas

With my looks I am bound to look simple or fast I would rather look simple
So I wear a tall hat on the back of my head that is rather a temple
And I walk rather queerly and comb my long hair
And people say, Don't bother about her.
So in my time I have picked up a good many facts,
Rather more than the people do who wear smart hats
And I do not deceive because I am rather simple too
And although I collect facts I do not always know what they amount to.
I regard them as a contribution to almighty Truth, magna est veritas et praevalebit,
Agreeing with that Latin writer, Great is Truth and will prevail in a bit.

[cacian]

At last, an excuse to post some Stevie Smith.


Magna Est Veritas

With my looks I am bound to look simple or fast I would rather look simple
So I wear a tall hat on the back of my head that is rather a temple
And I walk rather queerly and comb my long hair
And people say, Don't bother about her.
So in my time I have picked up a good many facts,
Rather more than the people do who wear smart hats
And I do not deceive because I am rather simple too
And although I collect facts I do not always know what they amount to.
I regard them as a contribution to almighty Truth, magna est veritas et praevalebit,
Agreeing with that Latin writer, Great is Truth and will prevail in a bit.
Is that the Magna Carta?

[mortalterror]

Stluke thank you so much for indepth explanations.
I really enjoyed reading your posts.
One more question if you do not mind me asking I think you did not answer the last question in the previous post.;)
In this painting is that Jesus and his disciples?

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Giustiniano.jpg

I see he his holding something in his hand.

Also which the very last painting Jesus and his disciples took before his death?
The reason I ask is I wondered whether a registered order a kind of blog if you like to demonstrate when and why the portraits have been made.
Because Jesus life is such an important one was there an order of dates by which the paintings has be made to show the different stages of Jesus life leading them to his death?

That's not Jesus and the Apostles. It's Emperor Justinian and his attendants, a mosaic in the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy c.547. He's holding a bowl for the Eucharist.

[cacian]

That's not Jesus and the Apostles. It's Emperor Justinian and his attendants, a mosaic in the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy c.547. He's holding a bowl for the Eucharist.

Hi mortalterror thank you for the post.
Is there a reason why he is portrayed as Jesus?
I read he is considered a saint amongst the orthodox chrisitians.
He must have been the only one of his kind to have been given a position of a saint considering he had an empress and courtesan Theodora.

[prendrelemick]

Is that the Magna Carta?


I think it is from The Bible. Great is truth and it will prevail.

[stlukesguild]

Hi mortalterror thank you for the post.
Is there a reason why he is portrayed as Jesus?
I read he is considered a saint amongst the orthodox chrisitians.
He must have been the only one of his kind to have been given a position of a saint considering he had an empress and courtesan Theodora.

Justinian I was the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire. He undertook the effort of renovatio imperii, or the "restoration of the Empire" which led to a great expansion of the Byzantine Empire including a partial recovery of the territories of the defunct Western Roman Empire.

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Justinian555AD.png (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Justinian555AD.png)

Justinian was also known for his achievements in the uniform rewriting of Roman law, the Corpus Juris Civilis, which is still the basis of civil law in many modern states... as well as his ambitious building program which led to such masterpieces as the church of Hagia Sophia, which was to be the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for many centuries.

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_hagiasophia.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=hagiasophia.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_istanbul_hagia_sophia_nave_entrance_1.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=istanbul_hagia_sophia_nave_entrance_1.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_800px-IstanbulHagia_Sophia075.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=800px-IstanbulHagia_Sophia075.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_505px-Johnchrysostom.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=505px-Johnchrysostom.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_523px-Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=523px-Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg)

Justinian is portrayed in the famed mosaics at Ravenna not as Jesus but as the Roman Emperor. The halo denotes his stature as the leader not only of the Empire but also of the Holy Church. He is portrayed with Maximianus of Ravenna, the Bishop of Ravenna (2nd figure to his right).

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Justinian.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Justinian.jpg)

A second great mosaic at San Vitale portrays Justinian's wife, the Empress Theodora and her attendants.

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Theo01Ret497.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Theo01Ret497.jpg)

Theodora had a "colorful"... some might say outrageous background for someone who eventually became the Empress and champion of the Holy Church. Theodora from an early age followed her sister Komito's example and worked in a Constantinople brothel serving low-status customers and performing on stage. Employment as an actress at the time would include both "indecent exhibitions on stage" and providing sexual services off stage. In the "sleazy entertainment business of the capital", Constantinople, Theodora earned her living by a combination of her theatrical and sexual skills. In Procopius' account, Theodora made a name for herself with her portrayal of Leda and the Swan, where she stripped off her clothes as far as the law allowed, lying on her back while some attendants scattered barley on her groin and then some geese picked up the barley with their bills. She reportedly would chose up to a dozen centurions a night, and after sexually exhausting every last one of them, she would have her way with the page boys and other servants. She was even reported to have entertained forty lovers in one night and "made full use of all three orifices". It would seem that Justinian's attraction to Theodora was perhaps based on something more than spiritual concerns... or her spotless reputation.

In spite of this, Justinian is indeed considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the poet Dante placed him within the realm of Heaven in his Divine Comedy.

[cacian]

Hi mortalterror thank you for the post.
Is there a reason why he is portrayed as Jesus?
I read he is considered a saint amongst the orthodox chrisitians.
He must have been the only one of his kind to have been given a position of a saint considering he had an empress and courtesan Theodora.

Justinian I was the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire. He undertook the effort of renovatio imperii, or the "restoration of the Empire" which led to a great expansion of the Byzantine Empire including a partial recovery of the territories of the defunct Western Roman Empire.

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Justinian555AD.png (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Justinian555AD.png)

Justinian was also known for his achievements in the uniform rewriting of Roman law, the Corpus Juris Civilis, which is still the basis of civil law in many modern states... as well as his ambitious building program which led to such masterpieces as the church of Hagia Sophia, which was to be the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for many centuries.

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_hagiasophia.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=hagiasophia.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_istanbul_hagia_sophia_nave_entrance_1.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=istanbul_hagia_sophia_nave_entrance_1.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_800px-IstanbulHagia_Sophia075.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=800px-IstanbulHagia_Sophia075.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_505px-Johnchrysostom.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=505px-Johnchrysostom.jpg)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_523px-Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=523px-Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg)

Justinian is portrayed in the famed mosaics at Ravenna not as Jesus but as the Roman Emperor. The halo denotes his stature as the leader not only of the Empire but also of the Holy Church. He is portrayed with Maximianus of Ravenna, the Bishop of Ravenna (2nd figure to his right).

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Justinian.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Justinian.jpg)

A second great mosaic at San Vitale portrays Justinian's wife, the Empress Theodora and her attendants.

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/th_Theo01Ret497.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/StlukesguildOhio/?action=view&current=Theo01Ret497.jpg)

Theodora had a "colorful"... some might say outrageous background for someone who eventually became the Empress and champion of the Holy Church. Theodora from an early age followed her sister Komito's example and worked in a Constantinople brothel serving low-status customers and performing on stage. Employment as an actress at the time would include both "indecent exhibitions on stage" and providing sexual services off stage. In the "sleazy entertainment business of the capital", Constantinople, Theodora earned her living by a combination of her theatrical and sexual skills. In Procopius' account, Theodora made a name for herself with her portrayal of Leda and the Swan, where she stripped off her clothes as far as the law allowed, lying on her back while some attendants scattered barley on her groin and then some geese picked up the barley with their bills. She reportedly would chose up to a dozen centurions a night, and after sexually exhausting every last one of them, she would have her way with the page boys and other servants. She was even reported to have entertained forty lovers in one night and "made full use of all three orifices". It would seem that Justinian's attraction to Theodora was perhaps based on something more than spiritual concerns... or her spotless reputation.

In spite of this, Justinian is indeed considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the poet Dante placed him within the realm of Heaven in his Divine Comedy.

Justinian's story is slightely similar to that of Jesus in terms the women they befriended.
Mary Magdelene and Theodora are both said to be prostitutes.
Whether that is the truth or not remained to be proven.
It seems that prostitution was rife during the Roman times so much of it that it seemed the norms.

[kev67]

Post hoc ergo propter hoc. - After this therefore because of this (logical falacy).

Dolce et decorum est pro patria mori. - It is sweet and beautiful(?) to die for your country (famous line from a WW1 poem).

Non sidi sed omnibus. - Not for oneself but for everyone (school motto)

Nisi sed optimum. - Nothing but the best (Everton FC motto)

Per ardua ad astra. - Through difficulty to the stars (RAF motto)

Cogito ergo sum. - I think therefore I am.

Veni, vidi, vinci. - I came, I saw, I conquered (Julius Ceasar)

Quod erat demonstrandum. - That which was to be demonstrated(?)

Tempus fugit. - Time flies.

Caveat emptor. - Buyer beware.

Carpe diem. - Seize the day.

Reductio ad absurdum. - Reduce to absurdity (mathematical or logical technique, I think)

Cave canem! - Beware of the dog.


I am just repeating any Latin phrase I can remember basically.

[bIGwIRE]

I can't remember where I read this, or even who wrote it. For some reason an old benidictine comes to mind? 12-13 century prehaps? Maybe you can help? At any rate, its one of my favorites.

In magnos de præcedentibus annis
quondam claris urbes,
pulcherissima reginae;
omnia abit in vacuo.


A loose translation;

The greats of yesteryear
the once famous cities,
the lovely Princesses;
everything disappears into the void.

[bIGwIRE]

Here another quote I liked, from The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco;

Domus sine libris,
est sicut civitas sine opibus,
castrum sine numeris,
coquina sine suppellectili,
mensa sine cibis,
hortus sine herbis,
pratum sine floribus,
arbor sine foliis...

Another loose translation;

A home without a library,
is a citezen without work,
an army without rank,
a kitchen without tools,
a table without food,
a garden without herbs,
a tree without leaves...