Those of you who buy and read Roman military textbooks will probably be familiar with the amazing artwork of Graham Sumner. He’s one of the foremost artists around, and has illustrated and/or written such books as Roman Military Dress and Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier as well as having his artwork used in the place names of villages such as Haltwhistle in Northumberland. The best news is that he sells his artwork as prints and postcards. If you’d like a look at the wonderful images on his website, click here.
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John Salter says
Ben – Graham Sumner is a fantastic artist. I’ve got a couple of his books and books that he has done illustrations in. The website is great, I’m always on the lookout for large pictures of either columns of the legions marching or lined up ready for battle or fighting which are rarer.
Bonovox says
Hey Ben. I remember watching a documentary not too long ago, where this forensic psychologist, and veteran detective believed that Caesar actually orchestrated his own assassination. They said that he was suffering from, the “falling” sickness. Epilepsy? Apparently, this was a big secret at the time. The claim was, that Caesar did it to make sure that he went at the top of his game, and would never be forgotten. Just thought I’d get an opinion on this?
benkane says
@Bonovox: wow, I’d never heard that one! I know that Caesar suffered from epilepsy, but for him to commit suicide when he was planning to go to defeat the Parthians (taking 18 legions) seems far fetched. What evidence did the guy have?
Parmenion says
I don’t see it either, he has spent so much to bring rome together, i’m sure he would have made sure to secure his legacy more than leave the utter turmoil that he did…Plus what Ben said about the impending invasion to further his legend.
sounds like some historian trying to make a name…rather than fact.
Fabitaromunass says
It’s a fantastic story, but why then didn’t he leave in place a more secure government? Octavian was his heir but it took him a bit of effort to become a Caesar!
Bonovox says
O.k. Their main point was that his epilepsy was getting almost impossible to hide, and this would have greatly stripped Caesar of a huge amount of his dignity,while also making him look weak in front of Rome, and his enemies abroad as well. It was said that this was why Caesar basically acted as arrogant as he did, ticking alot of people off, leading up to the Ides. And I think I remember him stating that the the invasion of Parthia was a ruse to get them to act on it when they did! I however, are with you guys. I just don’t see it! It WAS interesting though, and I must admit that it did make me go hmmm.. for a bit, before saying NAAAHH, NOT CAESAR!!
annis says
@Bonovox: wasn’t that one of professional conspiracy theorist Franklin Ruehl’s out-there ideas? there’s a clip somewhere of him talking about it:
“What are some of the Conspiracy Theories Involving Julius Caesar”
http://www.videojug.com/expertanswer/conspiracies-in-history-2/what-are-some-conspiracy-theories-involving-julius-caesar
Bonovox says
Thanks for the link annis. I just watched it, and no, it wasn’t the same guy. Pretty much the same opinion though. This Scotland Yard detective did an actual re-creation of the attack, among other things. It was on the History Channel, very interesting! I’ll try to maybe find some info as to when/if it’s showing again. Sorry to be filling up your blog with all this Ben!
benkane says
@Bonovox: no need to apologise – that’s what it’s all for here! I’ve heard of the modern detective investigating ancient crimes. I’ll have to find the time to watch it somewhere…