Firstly, my deepest apologies for not posting as often as I would normally. Things are a little hectic here as we organise everything. I have, however, finally managed to finish this post. It is only a couple of points I've found of interest. And I'm sure, time willing, I will add more.
~~
The amount of similarities, and
conclusions, anyone can jump to about the Gorean novels and their Earthly
counterparts are seemingly endless. It doesn’t even end at the books, JN’s own
nom de plume brings the idea that ‘Romanesque’ links to ‘Norman’ and that the
non de plume is no coincidence.
My interest in the history of the Roman Empire
itself, and the similarities to my lifestyle and the Gorean novels, however farfetched
they seem at first, has been piqued recently. Aided, possibly, by the fact my
master has found some of the most interesting books I’ve seen in a while
(although the book of passages from Plato is a little time consuming!) –
something for long haul flights!!
Given our books are currently sailing
across the oceans in a shipping container bound for the Land of the Long White
Cloud, I cannot, at this point, provide quotes. So the following is more from
memory than from anything else. I may be completely mistaken in some of my
points. I’ll be sure to check when everything arrives and I unpack.
Some of my favourite Gorean-to-Roman
links:
The Gorean gladius – I have very little
(to none!) knowledge of historical weapons. But the gladius is one that can be
linked easily, mainly because John Norman didn’t change the name! The word
gladius simply means ‘sword’, it is the most common (primary) weapon of Roman
foot soldiers.
Argentus means ‘silver coin’ in Latin.
It stands to reason that Argentum (One of the silver cities of Gor – with
hundreds of rich mines) is mirrored from this.
Alcohol – Both the Greeks and the Romans
had stronger wine than we have in the ‘modern day’, and like the Gorean novels,
both civilisations often watered their wine. Romans (I’m not sure about
Greeks?) also enjoyed heated alcohol, and it’s mentioned many times in the
books that Goreans can (but don’t always!) have theirs warmed too.
Torture was used by the Romans on
slaves, to ensure they told the truth, while ‘citizens’ were exempt from
torture. The Goreans used torture when slaves gave evidence, to certify the
truth of their words.
Kajiuralia is a Gorean holiday that is
similar to the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. The slaves duties are relaxed for
one day a year, and roles were often reversed (slaves were ‘served’ by free
persons).
~
I’m currently looking for more
information (books, not internet ‘wiki-google’ sites!) about Gaius Octavius, as
I’ve read that there are many similarities between the first Emperor of Rome
and Marlenus of Ar. Including, but not limited to, their cities becoming
‘empires’ and the formation of imperial guards (Taurentians // Praetorians).
I’m also interested in the abstract
quote in which a Gorean is tied in a bag with animals. I cannot, at this point
in time, remember the animals, the quote or the circumstances on which this
punishment occurs – but I will, when time allows, want to look into whether it
is comparable to the punishment for parricide - If anyone knows, please let me
know!
But with a new library, and a score of
‘new’ bookstores – I think I’ll manage – as long as I am granted the time!
I wish you
well,
Kamira.