Tim McMullin, a reader of mine in Kansas, USA, has an eagle-eyed son called Liam. Tim had mentioned my books to his family a number of times, and the other day, when Liam was watching TV, an advert came on for the Kansas City library system. Liam grabbed his phone and took this snapshot. Tim was then good enough to email me the photo. So here it is in all its glory – The Road to Rome on Kansas City NBC.
A big thank you to Tim and Liam!
Many of you may well be aware of the discovery (60 odd years ago) at the fortress of Dura Europos in modern day Syria of more than 20 Roman soldiers who’d been buried underground during the siege in AD 256. You might also know that just two years ago, using modern forensic techniques, archaeologists pieced together what had happened to the legionaries. Incredibly, it seems that they were gassed by the men besieging the fortress, the Sassanians. Read a fascinating article about it here, and if you want an excellent dramatisation of it, look no further than Harry Sidebottom’s first book, Fire in the East.
Over the last few weeks, there’s been a radio silence here at the site – having finished Spartacus: The Gladiator, I’ve been waiting for the copy editor to get back to me, and having a bit of downtime with the family. Thanks for everyone who kept the comments coming in, and the conversations going on the boards during that time! This week, however, it’s time to get back to the keyboard. While I was off, I had the opportunity to read more than usual, and boy did I make use of it. In one week abroad, I read 6 books, which is exceptional for me. Some great reads too:
The Burning Blue by James Holland – an incredibly moving novel about the Battle of Britain. [Read more…] about Holiday time nearly over – back to work!
Up on a visit to the in-laws, I am today seizing the opportunity to visit the newly refubished Roman Army Museum at Vindolanda. I’ve been there several times before, but not since the new work has been completed. Most importantly, I haven’t seen the 20-minute 3D film, Edge of Empire, which is meant to be absolutely amazing. Take a look at the museum’s site here.
If I’ve got time, I might nip over to Housesteads as well. [Read more…] about The Roman Army Museum, Vindolanda; Hadrian’s Wall
Some great news – I hope – is that Spartacus is to be filmed again for Hollywood. Apparently, it’s to stick much more with history than Kubrick’s iconic but flawed work starring Kirk “I am Spartacus” Douglas. Fingers crossed bigtime that it’s what we all hope for. And that it helps to pump up sales of my books! :-)Read about it here.
In other Spartacus news, [Read more…] about Spartacus will march again; Blood & Sand season 2 preview
And no, it’s not a film of my book, worse luck. But with the help of the gods, I can hang onto its slipstream with the release of my books next year. Read about it here. Not heard of the director. Here’s hoping he does an incredible job. It’s nice to read that he’s planning on a more factual approach than Kubrick. Although his wa a great film, it played fast and loose with what we know of the man. Nothing to do with the famous ‘I’m Spartacus!’ scene of course!
