#baths of trajan

[gothiclit]

i miss rome so much it's unreal

[siriplaymastery]

Villa Romana del Casale built around the first quarter of the fourth century CE, is an extraordinary example of Roman bath, allowing for physical exercise, as well as focusing on wellness of the human body.

Now, the presence of baths in antiquity goes as far back as Etruscan times, for they, too, understood the correlation between health and physical exercise. The thermal waters of the Etruria among many others in the region, between Tuscany and Rome, are believed to be the origin of the Roman of baths. These eventually grew out into larger projects throughout the empire, the most notable examples are those of Nero’s and Trajan’s. The Baths of Caracalla, however, are the most impressive. Built on 27 acres of land, the Baths of Caracalla were described as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Baths had a huge underground system that allowed for the transportation of cold and hot water.

The original project was initiated by emperor Septimius Severus in 206 CE and was completed by his son, Emperor Caracalla who wanted to create the most memorable site, in order to astonish the viewer, surpassing the accomplishment of many of his predecessors. Caracalla was a rootless man who had no regard for the rule of law. Like many dictators, he was interested in extolling his own virtues of grandeur. To this end, he employed fifteen thousand slaves and brought the project to a completion within five years. This was the most extraordinary public venue created by the Romans in an effort to promote wellbeing.

[somewhereincairparavel]

hiii congrats on 400 i love ur blog!!

i have a headcannon that jason takes architecture in new rome university to pursue his vision of rebuilding temple hill. can i request an architecture student!jason fic? maybe some engineering student!leo tossed in as well idk haha tysmmm! ~~♡

ೃ⁀➷ Screws and Ceramicsೃ⁀➷

author's note: I'm sorry this took so long!! I'm back on my writing spree finally!!

“The exterior facade of the Colosseum consists of four levels, with the bottom three levels composed of 80 arches each. Structurally speaking, the arches make possible the immense size of the structure-”

Jason adjusted his glasses as he was trying his hardest to copy his notes down, as quickly as possible, the professor was going kinda fast but Jason didn't blame him.

They have so much coursework for this semester. New Rome coursework for architecture students included the basics of Colosseum construction, Parthenon preservation and the surprising malleability of marble.

Currently Jason was learning the basics of Colosseum construction. It wasn't easy, but Jason was willing to give it his all, he even asked Annabeth for advice. His dream was to redesign temple hill, after he was done finishing the minor gods project. The only way he could get the permission to professionally redesign the structure of a long existing camp, was to get a degree to prove that he was worthy enough.

Romans do not play when it comes to buildings. Moreover, he didn't want anyone to call him a “nepo baby” and that he only got to design temple hill because he was Jupiter's son. Annabeth had already moved up levels of the architecture courses, and graduated with Percy. Jason was two years younger, by the time Annabeth had graduated, he was only then finishing highschool in California, so he still had a long way to go. Thankfully, Leo took engineering in NRU, so Jason had great company.

“Man, all these Romans do is yap yap and yap in cursive. They know nothing about how engineering works.” Leo babbled, complaining about his professor, who was a legacy of vulcan.

Jason scowled. “What are you implying, Leo? That we Romans know nothing about building stuff? That's the biggest stretch I've ever heard. They've built the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Domus Aurea, the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, Trajan's Market, the Catacombs, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Mausoleum of Augustus-”

“Woah woah calm down. I see you've clearly learnt all the names of those Roman buildings for your upcoming exam, thank me later for discreetly testing you. Looks like you really know your stuff dude. Romans are still mid engineers though” Leo winked. Jason stared at him bewildered. He hadn't even realized that he spit out all those Roman building names, he'd been up all night studying them.

“Iuppiter te perdat, valdez” (may Jupiter come at you, valdez) Jason muttered.

“Aww come on, don't go all Latin on me now, did you curse me out?” Leo questioned.

“maybe.”

“Well, whether you realize it or not, I seem to be the only one who somehow get you to apply whatever you've learnt in class dude. I mean, I've said like two sentences, and that's enough to get you to yap about Roman buildings and Latin curses” Leo laughed.

Well, he wasn't wrong.

“also you are only proving my point that Romans yap in cursive, I mean, have you seen yourself speak?” Jason gave him a pointed look.

“don't worry, it's cute.” Leo said, patting Jason's hair.

“Well, maybe i yap in cursive because I'm actually knowledgeable.” Jason replied, tersely smiling.

“a little too much of a big head but fair point.” Leo admitted.

“Anyways I'm starving. In honor of you insulting us Romans, Let's go eat some nice Roman food," Jason said, dragging Leo to the cafeteria.

“Leo, what's wrong?” Jason asked as he slipped inside Leo's dorm room. He hadn't heard from leo in a few hours now and he was getting worried.

Leo was scrambling anxiously, his hands seemed to be having minds of their own as his eyes darted around the room.

“I have like, 2 projects due tomorrow, and I swore to myself that I'd start on them early but I was having so much fun it totally slipped my mind-”

“Okay. Alright. First off, calm down. You still have like, 10 hours till your next class. You can still get it done by then, stressing out only prolongs your progress-”

“Give it a rest Dr. Phill” Jason rolled his eyes.

“I'm just trying to help”

“Well it isn't working, just letting you know, man”

“What's your project about? I'm no engineer, but maybe i could help with building the outer structure or solving machine equations to help make it work better-”

“Oh please yes. I need all the help I can get right now”

Jason smiled.

And so. The architect and engineer started their nerdy fiasco.

[camisoledadparis]

THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY

based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more … November 8

30 A.D. – Nerva, Roman Emperor born (d.98); Although much of his life remains obscure, Nerva was considered a wise and moderate emperor by ancient histories, a view which was later popularized by the 18th century scholar Edward Gibbon, who termed the rule of Nerva and his four successors as that of the Five Good Emperors. By adopting Trajan as his heir, Nerva is said to have established a tradition of succession through adoption among the emperors which followed.

Like many others of his times he enjoyed both women and his boys. Contemporary gossip records that his most celebrated liaison was with this imperial predecessor, Domitian. It appears that Domitian, while a student, had the same problem most modern students have – a shortage of funds. So he did what some enterprising young scholars continue to do today: he turned a few tricks, one of whom was the Roman senator, and later Emperor, Nerva.

1883 – Charles Demuth was born on this date (d. 1935). He was an American Precisionist painter. Demuth was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and studied at Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. While he was a student there he met William Carlos Williams at his boarding house. The two were fast friends and remained close for the rest of their lives.

He later studied at Académie Colarossi and Académie Julian in Paris, where he became a part of the avant garde art scene. The Parisian artistic community was accepting of Demuth's homosexuality.

While he was in Paris he met Marsden Hartley by walking up to a table of American artists and asking if he could join them. He had a great sense of humour, rich in double entendres and they asked him to be a regular member of their group. Through Hartley he met Alfred Stieglitz and became a member of the Stieglitz group. In 1926, he had a one-man show at the Anderson Galleries and Intimate Gallery, the New York gallery run by Stieglitz.

Charles Demuth used the Lafayette Baths as his favourite haunt. His 1918 homoerotic self-portrait set in a Turkish Bathhouse is likely to be set there.

Turkish Bath with Self-portrait

His most famous painting, The Figure 5 in Gold (1928) (also sometimes called I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold), was inspired by his friend William Carlos Williams's poem The Great Figure. This is one of nine poster portraits Demuth created to honour his creative friends. He painted poster portraits for artists Georgia O'Keeffe, Arthur Dove, Charles Duncan, Marsden Hartley, John Marin and for the writers Gertrude Stein, Eugene O'Neill, Wallace Stevens and Williams.

Three Sailors

Demuth's will left many of his paintings to his friend Georgia O'Keeffe. Her strategic decisions regarding which museums received these works cemented his reputation as a major painter of the Precisionist school.

Demuth suffered either an injury when he was four years old or may have had polio or tuberculosis of the hip that left him with a marked limp and required him to use a cane. He later developed diabetes and was one of the first people in the United States to receive insulin. He spent most of his life in frail health, and he died in Lancaster at the age 51 of complications from diabetes.

1935 – Alain Delon (d.2024) was a French actor and businessman, with French-Swiss dual citizenship since 1999.

Delon acquired Swiss citizenship on September 23, 1999, and the company managing products sold under his name is based in Geneva. He is a citizen of the community of Chêne-Bougeries in the canton of Geneva.

At 14, Delon left school, and worked for a brief time at his stepfather's butcher shop. He enlisted in the French Navy three years later, and in 1953-54 he served as a fusilier marin in the First Indochina War. Delon has said that out of his four years of military service he spent 11 months in prison for being "undisciplined". In 1956, after being dishonorably discharged from the military, he returned to France. He had little money, and got by on whatever employment he could find. He spent time working as a waiter, a porter, a secretary and a sales clerk. During this time he became friends with the actress Brigitte Auber, and joined her on a trip to the Cannes Film Festival, where his film career would begin.

At Cannes, Delon was seen by a talent scout for David O. Selznick. After a screen test Selznick offered him a contract, provided he learn English. Delon returned to Paris to study the language, but when he met French director Yves Allégret, he was convinced that he should stay in France to begin his career. Selznick allowed Delon to cancel his contract, and Allégret gave him his debut in the film Quand la Femme s'en Mêle (When the Woman Butts In). Delon then appeared in the film Faibles Femmes (Weak Women/Three Murderesses). This was also the very first of his films to be seen in America, where it became a huge success.

In 1960, Delon appeared in René Clément's Purple Noon, which was based on the Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. He played protagonist Tom Ripley to critical acclaim; Highsmith herself was also a fan of his portrayal. He then appeared in Luchino Visconti's Rocco and His Brothers. Critic Bosley Crowther of the New York Times said Delon's work was "touchingly pliant and expressive."

He rose quickly to stardom, and by the age of 23 was already being compared with French actors such as Gérard Philipe and Jean Marais, as well as American actor James Dean. He was even called the male Brigitte Bardot. Over the course of his career, Delon has worked with many well-known directors, including Luchino Visconti, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville, Michelangelo Antonioni and Louis Malle.

He continued to make successful films through the 60s and 70s. Then followed a string of box office failures in the late 1980s and 1990s. One notable film during this time was Jean-Luc Godard's Nouvelle Vague in 1990, in which Delon played twins. Delon's last major role was in Patrice Leconte's Une chance sur deux in 1998, another box office disappointment.

On 20 March 1959, Delon was engaged to actress Romy Schneider, whom he met when they co-starred in the film Christine (1958). During their relationship, he had an affair with German actress, singer and model Nico. On 11 August 1962, Nico gave birth to a son, Christian Aaron "Ari", fathered by Delon. The child was raised mostly by Delon's parents.

In December 1963, Schneider and Delon decided to break the engagement. On 13 August 1964, Delon married Nathalie Barthélemy. Their son, Anthony Delon, was born in September. The couple divorced on 14 February 1969.

In 1969, Delon and his wife found themselves at the center of a massive scandal when their bodyguard was found shot to death, his body left in a garbage dump. The subsequent investigation into his killing threatened to implicate many of France's most prominent celebrities and politicians in a sordid web of murder, drugs, and sex. Many predicted the demise of Delon's career, but he spun the tabloid headlines to his favor. In the eyes of many filmgoers, his myriad portrayals of gangsters, killers, and sexual deviants suddenly took on new reality in light of the similar exploits he experienced in his offscreen life.

A notorious television interview in which he admitted to past homosexual liaisons – as well as many other seamy adventures – tantalized audiences even more.

Delon announced his decision to give up acting in 1997, although he still occasionally accepted roles. After the formation of a perfume label in his name, Delon has had a variety of products sold under his name including wristwatches, clothing, eyewear, stationery and cigarettes.

He had been in poor health in the 2020s and had become a virtual recluse. He died in 2024, and was eulogised by such luminaries as Brigitte Bardot and French president Emmanuael Macron

1949 – Gerald Chapman (d.1987) was an English theatre director and educator who was best known for his work with the Royal Court Theatre, London, Gay Sweatshop, the New York City Young Playwrights Festival, the American Repertory Theatre, the Circle Repertory Company, and the Double Image Theatre.

Chapman was born in Torquay, England, the younger son of hotelier Peter Chapman, whose father had been manager of the Savoy Hotel, London in the early 1900s. He spent his early years at the Castle Hotel, Taunton, Somerset, where his father was manager, and which is now owned by his elder brother, Christopher (Kit) Chapman. His mother was of Greek origin, and his summers were spent with his mother's family in Thessalonica.

In 1974, at a time when Gay Liberation was just beginning in the UK, Chapman joined other gay activists and playwrights to set up one of the first Gay Theatre seasons in the UK. The intention of the group was to counteract the prevailing conception in mainstream theatre of what homosexuals were like, therefore providing a more realistic image for the public. They realised that a great deal of hard work was required and came up with the name The Gay Sweatshop. This later became one of the best known gay theatre companies in the UK, with former members including Antony Sher, Simon Callow, Tom Robinson and Miriam Margolyes.

In the mid 1970s Chapman was appointed to the Royal Court Theatre, London in charge of the Young People's Theatre Scheme. This had originally been set up in 1966 to develop and produce the best new writing by young people under 25, encouraging writers from all sections of society to find their voice. In 1976, as part of a drive to invigorate the group,

Chapman developed the YPTS idea and held a competition to give the group a shorter and snappier name. The winning name chosen was 'The Activists'; the logo of which was the letter 'A' formed of nails, to signifying the driving edge and hard grittiness that typified the group's work.

This group had two main branches of activity - the first was a mainstream group that worked with influential writers and directors such as Edward Bond, John Schlesinger, Max Stafford Clark and many others. The second group was formed as part of an off shoot of the radical theatre company Gay Sweatshop, with which Chapman had worked previously.

Together with South African writer David Lan, workshop sessions were held with a group of gay teenagers to develop a play that would eventually became a touring production called 'Not In Norwich' This highly controversial show (for the time) aroused deep press hostility, which resulted in a front page story in the London Evening Standard "London Children in Sex Play". In contrast to the sensationalist press stories (the play actually contained no sexual scenes whatsoever, and the so called 'children' were all, at the time, actors in their late teens), the play itself was constructed from the real life personal experiences of young British gay teenagers, containing as it did, examples of the difficulties, prejudice and considerable humour of those that took part.

The Royal Court, through Chapman and then director Ann Jenkins, fought against a largely hostile press to maintain the integrity of the production, which successfully played at the Royal Court as well as on tours to regional theatres and schools. It was pioneering work of this kind that became a hallmark of Chapman's career, before it was cut so tragically short in 1987. He also taught school, ran workshops, and organized the highly successful Young Playwrights' annual festival.

In 1980 Stephen Sondheim invited Chapman to New York to start a similar project in the United States. Chapman founded and directed the acclaimed New York Young Playwrights Festival, which won a Drama Critics Circle Award in 1983.

Gerald Chapman died of AIDS on 25 September 1987 at the Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, USA. His life partner, Ivan Chatman, was by his side.

1956 – Roy Simmons (d.2014) was a former American football player who played for the National Football League. He played offensive lineman for the New York Giants and then with the Washington Redskins during Super Bowl XVIII in 1984.

In 1992, he came out of the closet as gay on the Phil Donahue Show, then promptly disappeared. No more stories would appear about Simmons for the next 12 years. Simmons, by now 47, broke his silence in an interview in the New York Times (strangely, the story ran in the Style section, not Sports) and his story is a compelling tale of a star athlete who hit rock bottom and is trying to get back up.The Times story, revealed this about Simmons:

He is HIV positive

He was raped by a neighbor when he was 11

He was in drug rehab twice, and at the time of the article was sober two years

He came close to jumping off the Golden Gate bridge

He had been homeless for a short time

The article details the shame and isolation Simmons felt about being attracted to men and the central role the rape had. "Years later as an adult, he tortured himself wondering—often while drunk or high on drugs—if he would have been straight if he had not been assaulted," reporter Maureen Orth writes. "He blamed himself and suffered from a diminished sense of self-worth and confusion over his sexual identity. 'I think all my life it affected me,' he said. 'The acting out—the sex with the boys, the girls — the drinking.' "

The article also weaves in the difficulty of being black and gay—the "Down Low" concept where black men live a deeply closeted gay or bisexual life. It also delves into the familiar territory of how hard it is to be a gay professional athlete. "The N.F.L. has a reputation," Simmons said, "and it's not even a verbal thing—it's just known. You are gladiators; you are male; you kick butt."

An interesting aside comes from Butch Woolfolk, a former teammate of Simmons: "I played with four gay guys. Roy is the only one I didn't know about."

Simmons, who works as a supervisor in a Long Island drug halfway house, joins David Kopay, Wade Davis, and Esera Tuaolo as the only NFL players who have publicly declared they are gay.

In his autobiography, Out of Bounds (written with Damon DiMarco), he speaks of his drug addiction, prostitution, and promiscuity. Around 1997, he learned that he was HIV-positive.

Later in life, he became more open about his sexuality, and did drag while in San Francisco. But in 2005, he made an about face when he appeared on TV evangelist Pat Robertson's program and said homosexuality was "against God's will."

He died 20114. Friend James Hester told the Daily he found Simmons' body in a chair in his rented room in the Bronx. He also said the athlete had been fighting pneumonia.

1959 – Born: Chi Chi LaRue (né Larry David Paciotti) is an American film director of gay, bisexual and straight pornography. He is best known in his drag persona as Chi Chi LaRue and has also directed under the names Lawrence David and Taylor Hudson.

Director, DJ and drag diva, Chi Chi LaRue is one of the most recognizable names and faces in the history of adult film, his fame far surpassing that of most superstars he created over the past decades. LaRue's drag persona began upon moving to the Twin Cities area where Chi Chi began performing in drag as one-half of "The Weather Gals", a "hag drag" revue. He later moved to California with a friend and was hired by Catalina Video because of his knowledge of porn and the workings of the porn industry. LaRue worked at Catalina in the late 1980s, when many of the producers and directors in the gay porn industry were falling ill or dying. Beginning in the press department for Catalina Video, a label he now owns under his company Channel 1 Releasing, it wasn't long before Chi Chi LaRue's creative spark set afire. He was soon directing some of the highest selling releases of all time. LaRue has directed hundreds of gay porn films since 1986.

In 2001 LaRue made a Cameo appearance in the U.S. independent film The Fluffer, a triangular story of obsessive love set against the backdrop of the adult film industry.

Multi-award winning and an GayVN Award Hall of Fame inductee, Chi Chi has branded his name and image creating everything from sex toys to candles to Chi Chi LaRue water, all sold at his adult boutique, Chi Chi LaRue's, on Santa Monica Blvd. in the heart of West Hollywood.

In 2005, Chi Chi LaRue became a DJ and now tours with porn stars from his movies, selling out nights in clubs all over the world. In 2007 LaRue was chosen as one of Out (magazine)'s Top 50 most influential people in the GLBT community.

1965 – Craig Chester, born in West Covina, California, is an American actor and screenwriter.

He is best known for his performances in independent films in the 1990s, starting with his debut in Swoon (1992), which earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination. After appearing in several more independent films, he took a break from acting and wrote the autobiographical Why the Long Face?: The Adventures of a Truly Independent Actor (2003). The title refers to the congenital disorder long face syndrome, which Craig was diagnosed with when he was eleven years old and required years of surgery to correct.

Chester's most recent projects are the 2007 film Save Me, for which he co-wrote the screenplay, and the 2005 film Adam & Steve, which he directed, wrote, and co-starred in. Adam & Steve has since developed a cult following. Craig is openly gay.

1969 – Jonathan Slavin is an American actor. Slavin may be best known for his portrayal of illustrator Byron Togler on the Fox network's sitcom Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Ogo from the CGI animated show Robot and Monster, and as scientist Phil Myman on ABC's sitcom Better Off Ted.

He has also had guest starring roles on such shows as Castle, Grey's Anatomy, My Name Is Earl, Summerland, Friends, Weeds, Wings, ER, Chicago Hope, Ugly Betty, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones, Better With You, Legit, Raising Hope, The Finder and Friends with Better Lives.

He has performed in a few films as well, including Free Enterprise, Race To Witch Mountain, Backwoods, A Cinderella Story, Hard Pill and Dirty Girl.

Slavin was raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.He is Jewish, openly gay and has lived with his partner Michael for 20 years as of April 2014. Slavin is also a vegan and animal rights activist, with a large menagerie of pets.

1973 – David Muir is an American journalist and the anchor of ABC World News Tonight and co-anchor of the ABC News magazine 20/20, part of the news department of the ABC broadcast-television network, based in New York City. Muir previously served as the weekend anchor and primary substitute anchor on ABC's World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, subsequently succeeding her on September 1, 2014. At ABC News, Muir has won multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards for his national and international journalism.

When the bits of gossip claiming David Muir to be involved with ABC  field reporter Gio Benitez began, David was co-facilitating 20/20, and Gio was a standard journalist for the show. They were seen together on different evenings out, and individuals rushed to conjecture.

By 2016, Gio got hitched to Tommy DiDario which closed down the gossip for a while. David is most often seen roaming around with a man who press sources identify as his "boyfriend Sean." It is speculated that he has already married to his partner Sean and is living happy life with him. 

1982 – Samuel Falson, better known by his stage name Sam Sparro, is an Australian singer, songwriter and record producer. He was signed to the British record label Island Records. Sparro is best known for his 2008 single "Black and Gold".

Sam Sparro was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Sparro's father, Chris Falson is a gospel minister and recording artist of Maltese descent who has written music for Star Trek and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Sparro's mother, Karyn Falson (née Frankland) is from Australia. His brother plays guitar professionally while his mother plays organ at a Baptist church.

The family relocated to Los Angeles when Sparro was ten years old. His father had signed a deal there and was recording a soul album, he took Sparro to a church in Tujunga to hear some of the genre's singers. Fellow church goers, were the McCrary family. Chaka Khan became one of his early admirers after hearing Sparro's singing through knowing the McCrarys.

His first role as a child actor was in a McDonald's commercial. His stage name was derived from a family nickname, which in turn was inspired by the Sydney radio announcer Gary O'Callaghan's on-air character "Sammy Sparrow".

Sparro left Los Angeles and returned to Sydney, where he lived with his grandparents and worked for a public relations company, before travelling to the UK, immersing himself in the music scene in London. He returned to Los Angeles in 2002, where he took a job in a coffee shop. It was during this time that he wrote his single, "Black and Gold" with his producer, Jesse Rogg.

When growing up, Sparro regularly performed backing vocals at his father's concerts and on his music releases. He states "I'm a spiritual person, but … not into any religion. I was always kind of a non-denominational Christian" and "a bit of a gypsy".

Sparro is openly gay. He did an interview for Attitude magazine and was featured on the front cover. Sparro married his boyfriend DJ Zion Lennox in a private ceremony in California on 21 September 2018.

============================================

1990 – Liam Davis is an English semi-professional footballer who played for Cleethorpes City.

Liam began his career in the youngsters' teams of his home town club, Grimsby City, wherein he failed to achieve the first crew. After leaving Grimsby, Liam went onto play for Selby City, Brigg metropolis, Gainsborough Trinity, and most recently, Cleethorpe, which he represented in the 2017 FA Cup at Wembley.

In January 2014, Davis grew to be the U.K.'s highest-profile overtly gay footballer.

In December 2017, Davis publicly criticized feedback made by FA chairman Greg Clarke, who said "players who out themselves as gay would be taking a chance." Davis advised other homosexual football players to come out publicly and not worry about a backlash.

The 27-year-old has spoken out, encouraging male gay footballers not to fear coming out, sharing their very own stories as a part of Uefa’s same game marketing campaign, to foster extra inclusion and variety in the sport.

The midfielder admitted receiving abuse from some quarters, but insists football’s attitudes towards homosexuality are increasingly improving.

============================================

1995 – Representatives of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays approached television stations in four US cities to buy advertising time for two ads, one on the prevention of suicide among gay and lesbian youth and one about gay bashing. All stations refused to air the suicide ad, and only two cable stations and one network affiliate station would air the gay-bashing ad. They were told the ads offended community standards.

=================================================

2003 – The first gay character comes out on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Marco, played by Adamo Ruggiero, comes out in the two-part episode titled "Pride."

[gatheringfiki]

The following ficlet was written by @miaulady​ based on this photoset.

Fili/Kili, Rating TBC

You might also be able to read this story on AO3.

If you’ve enjoyed this story, please leave a comment either in replies or on AO3. :)

Kisses like Rosé Wine

—

Fili was laying on the hotel bed, his legs stretched out comfortably, his arms under his head and just in general looking like a whole snack.

Kili on the other hand was already nervous. His boyfriend had agreed to go on a trip with him to Italy, thinking it would just be a tourist tour and enjoyment of the city of Rome. Kili, who had planned the trip, knew it would be a different trip as soon as the evening had passed. Because he was going to ask Fili to marry him.

Of course they had talked about marriage already. Kili wasn’t stupid enough to ask Fili without knowing if Fili even considered that thought. And he had been positive, saying that he did think about marriage and definitely how a marriage would be like with Kili. The way he then had licked his lips and sauntered out of the kitchen was haunting Kili’s dreams.

But still, he was nervous. Fili could still say no, that he wasn’t there yet and the trip wouldn’t be ruined as such, but it definitely would be awkward from then on.

Or worse, something in Kili’s plan could go wrong. The dinner reservation could drop or the bike he rented could be awful, or they could have an accident.

“I can hear your thoughts running in a panicked circle from here,” Fili mumbled into his arms. “Just lay down with me again and enjoy the morning, would you? It isn’t even nine yet.”

“I just got dressed,” Kili crossed his arms. “And why aren’t you up? I tought we wanted to take a look at the Baths of Trajan.”

“We are on vacation and there are no tickets we have to stick with,” Fili stretched slightly and Kili watched the muscles move, forgetting for a moment what his plan had been for the day.

He shook his head to get back on task. 

A day in Rome where they would walk the Baths of Trajan and the park around it, then grab lunch with a view on the Colosseum. After the siesta that Fili was very fond off in the hotel, they would go to bar where he could sneak out and get the bike without Fili getting suspicious. Then he would surprise Fili with a drive out of the city to a restaurant on one of the many vineyards, where Fii’s favourite wine was grown and produced.

“You can lay around after lunch, come on.”“God,” Fili stretched like a cat, presenting his ass shamelessly, and then rolled out of the bed. “What is with today, mh?” He walked to Kili and gave him a bed warm kiss. “But alright, give me a few minutes.”

Kili watched the bathroom door close, sank down on the bed and wondered how the hell he would get through the day if Fili was in this flirty mood.

——–

Fili had enjoyed himself immensely.

Sure, the morning had been odd. Kili normally never passed up a moment to cuddle with him in bed and maybe more. But it made Fili curious to what was so important to Kili to drop the chance and stick to a very lose plan of the day. And it was fun to flirt with Kili, pushing him to do more with him and seeing how he struggled with the temptation. It was fun and entertaining.

The Baths of Trajan hadn’t been much, ruins in a park but Fili had loved it. Made photos for Ori (who had remained in the cold and snowy England, jealous of them going to rome without him) and their families. It was relaxed and slow, just what Fili liked when he was on vacation. A bit of stimulation for his brain but no stress in when they had leave or be somewhere else. It just showed how well Kili knew him that he had planned the day so relaxed.

But right now, Fili was a bit upset with Kili.

Where was he?

They had gone to a bar and then Fili had lost him in the crowd.

“Hey there, gorgeous,” he man looked him up and down and Fili frowned.

“No, thank you.”

“Aw, but that is a nice shirt you are wearing. Don’t you want to take it off? To make sure nothing spills on it?”

Fili sneered and turned around, walking away. He was going to stay outside and wait for Kili there. No way he would stick around being hit on by someone who wasn’t Kili.

He stepped over the small street and leaned on the brick wall of a house, waiting for Kili to come out as well.

He checked his phone, typed him a message that he was waiting outside and then sighed deeply. Such a nice day ending with such a disappointment, it should be considered a crime.

A bike drove into the street and stopped.

Fili stared at the man who removed the helmet.

“Kili!”

“Fili, what ar you doing outside?”

“What-” Fili stepped forward, looked at the red bike and then at Kili. “Shouldn’t I ask that? Did you leave me in there to get a bike?”

“It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“Well, it certainly is,” Fili crossed his arms. “Not one I am fond of right now. You left me without telling me, I got hit on by a strange guy and then you come on a bike. The audacity you have, to ask me what I am doing outside, really.”

“I am sorry,” Kili walked around the bike and pulled him close at his hips. “I figured I would be fast enough but traffic is insane here. And I really wanted to keep this part of the plan from you.”

“Why?” Fili slid his hand into Kili’s hair. “Wasn’t the bar the last stop for today before dinner at the hotel and then bed?”

“Not really,” the smile he got was cheeky and gods it made Kili look attractive. “I got us dinner reservation at a place outside the city.”

“Outside?” Fili asked. “So that is why you got the bike.”

“And because I know you love it.”“Guilty as charged,” he admitted and then he noticed a small detail. “Did you change into a suit?”

Kili looked away from him, chuckling under his breath.

“Are you taking me to a fancy place wearing a suit yourself,” A very attractive suit, mind you. “And me just wearing a white shirt and pants? Kili!”

“I brought a jacket for you along.”

“Oh, alright then,” and he kissed Kili on the cheek. “Some is forgiven. But not that you left me behind in that bar!”

——–

Kili parked the bike and helped Fili off of it.

He watched as Fili looked at the place.“Kili?”“Yes, darling?”“You know. This wasn’t necessary,” Fili looked at him fondly. “I already love you very much. You didn’t have to get through all this trouble.”

“So all is forgiven?”

“If they have that Rosé I never found again, I will forgive you even more.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Kili grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs to the restaurant.

The sun was starting to set. Golden Hour, Kili thought. Everything was going to plan. Except that the bar had been not so great. But he was going to make it up to Fili.

“Table for two under the name Oaken.”

The restaurant was indeed fancy. And he found it hilarious that Fili fit in right with the colour sheme. Pink Velvet seats and Fili in his pink suit jacket.

“Did you know of this colour theme?” Fili asked when they sat down.

“No, but funny coincidence.”“I would say lucky.”

Kili could feel his nervousness coming back and he held Fili’s hand across the table. His throat was closing up and Fili’s hand was becoming a lifeline.

Fili’s fingers went softly back and forth over the back of his hand and Kili smiled. But the nervousness stayed.

“Hello,” the waitress said. “My name is Tauriel and I will be your waitress this evening. Here are your menu’s.” Two menus bound in old pink were placed on the table. “Can I get you started with something already? An aperitif or something small?”

“No, thank you,” Fili smiled at her. “We will take a look first.”“Of course, take your time. I will be back with you in a few minutes then.”

Kili refused to let go of Fili’s hand but they both managed to open the menu’s and look through them.

Fili hummed appreciatively, “That is a good wine selection.”

“Snob,” Kili answered on pure instinct.

“I have good case. You are exhibit A for that.”

“Gimli would argue against that.”“Your cousin has no ground to stand on, Kili. His boyfriend is a blonde annoyance at best.”

——-

Fili sipped on his favourite Rosé and felt incredible.

This had been the best surprise Kili could have come up with.

The food had been excellent and now they were waiting on the desert.

But something was bugging Kili, he could tell. The occasional foot tapping and playing with his wine glass were screaming nervousness.

Fili had figured that the restaurant had been what Kili was so eager on the whole day. But clearly there was still something.

He pushed his foot forward under the table and placed it on the bouncing one of Kili’s.

“Just get it behind you, Kili,” he sighed. “I am enjoying my wine after a wonderful meal with my boyfriend, who surprised me very successfully. But that bouncing is going to make me nervous if it keeps going.”

“Sorry,” Kili smiled. “It is just- It doesn’t feel like the right moment yet.”

“The right moment?” Fili asked.

“The perfect one,” came the whispered reply.

Two chocolate cakes were placed in front of them by Tauriel (who had been an absolute angel in Fili’s eyes, finding him his wine and the perfect food to go with), who took a look at them both and went away silently, not interrupting the moment they had right now.

“I don’t know for what you need a perfect moment,” he swung his wine glass and watched the soft pink wine move around. “But I think this is as perfect as it can get. Unless we count a morning in bed with kisses.”

Kili sighed and pulled out a little box, placing it on the table and pushing it to Fili.

“Open it, I should ask the question too but- I just can’t get the words out, apparently.”

Fili took the small box, not in pink but dark blue velvet, and opened it. Revealing a silver ring, glinting and glittering up at him.

He closed the box again, drank the bit that was still left of his wine and the scooted around the table to sit right next to Kili. There he looked at him with a serious face and pressed the box into Kili’s hands. He could see the forlorn look on his face. God, but Kili was adorable.

“I would love to marry you, Kili,” he smiled. “And now you will put that gorgeous ring on my hand, so we can tell everyone that you did all the work, not only on the whole day but also at the proposal.”

The ring fit perfectly. The dark sapphire reflecting the light of the lamps around them.

Fili kissed Kili deeply, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Fili then considered his future for a second.

“Oh, dear good lord,” he mumbled. “This means you will introduce me to your family as your fiance at Christmas!”

“That was the plan. My mother will love you.”

[nancyfmccarthy]

The Unexpected Is The Best

Today, after school, we went to the Baths of Diocletian. The huge complex was built around 300AD and was not only large but extremely luxurious.

As we approached the baths, we noticed that the Basilica of The Saints and Martyrs was open. So, we stopped in. That turned out to be the highlight of today’s adventure.

The Basilica was designed by Michelangelo. It was his last project. He was 86 years old when he designed it, which, in the 1550, was really, really old. The basilica was designed to be incorporated into the ruins of the ancient Baths of Diocletian and he did it beautifully.

As baths go, the Baths of Caracalla, which we visited when we first arrived in Rome, are better. They are more “in tact” and it is easier to get the sense of the bath-life from them. But, the Baths of Diocletian were worth a stop.

Attached to the baths is a large museum full of archeological finds. We skipped it. Maybe some rainy day when we are starved for entertainment we will go back!

We needed a break from Italian food. We lunched at Africa, an Ethiopian restaurant. It was spicy and delicious.

Michelangelo built the entrance of the basilica into the walls of the Tepidarium, or Warm Bath Building. It looks almost contemporary. Its plainness hides the ornate interior.

.

The apse is built into the Frigidarium, or Cold Bath Building.

The main hall of the baths

Another building was built on top of the Natorium, or bathing pool, but enough is left to get the idea. It was only 3 feet deep. The Romans were more into soaking than swimming!

This enormous room with a mosaic floor, which is now a part of the museum, was built to store water. It was once painted with some sort of water resistant paint.

Michelangelo also designed this enormous cloister. The animal heads that are now part of the central design, had been found in Trajans forum and moved here in the 1600’s.

[thesynaxarium]

Today we celebrate the Holy Martyr Drosis. Saint Drosis was daughter of the emperor Trajan, a fierce persecutor of Christians. In the year 104 he issued a special law against Christians. Beginning in that year, the persecutions continued until the end of his reign. During this time the bodies of martyred Christians often remained unburied in order to intimidate others. Five Christian virgins: Aglaida, Apolliniaria, Daria, Mamthusa and Thais, took upon themselves the task of burying such Christians. They secretly gathered up the bodies of martyrs, anointed them with spices, wrapped them in shrouds and buried them. When she learned of this, Drosis, a secret Christian but not yet baptized, asked the holy virgins to take her with them when they went to bury Christians. On the advice of the court dignitary Adrian, a guard was set over those who had been killed, to arrest anyone who tried to bury them. On the very first night, Saint Drosis and the five virgins were caught. Learning that one of the captives was his own daughter, Trajan gave orders to hold her separately, in the hope that she would change her mind. The remaining holy virgins were sentenced to burning in a furnace for melting copper. They bravely accepted execution and were granted crowns of martyrdom. The copper, mingled with the ashes of the martyrs, was used to make tripods for a new bath of Trajan. But as long as these tripods stood in the bath-house, no man was able to enter it. Anyone crossing the threshold fell down dead. When the pagan priests realized why this happened, they advised that the tripods be removed. Adrian told the emperor to melt the tripods and to make five statues of naked virgins, in the likeness of the Martyrs. Then he said that these statues should be placed before the entrance to the imperial bath. Trajan agreed. When the statues were set up, the emperor saw in a dream five pure lambs pastured in Paradise, and the Shepherd who said to him, “O most wanton and wicked Caesar! Those whose images you placed there to be mocked have been taken away from you and brought here by the Good and Merciful Pastor. In time your daughter, the pure lamb Drosis, shall also be here.” (Cont.) (at Antioch, Turkey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqEAmX1r86X/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[reyesnatasha]

Modern History: Ancient Roman Aqueducts

The Roman Empire is known for its impressive aqueduct system, which transported water over long distances to support their cities. This early engineering marvel laid the groundwork for modern water supply systems and emphasized the importance of efficient water distribution. Lessons from these aqueducts continue to inform water management practices today.

Roman aqueduct systems were built over a period of about 500 years, from 312 B.C.E. to C.E. 226. Both public and private funds paid for construction. The Roman aqueduct was a channel used to transport fresh water to highly populated areas. Aqueducts were amazing feats of engineering given the time period. Though earlier civilizations in Egypt and India also built aqueducts, the Romans improved on the structure and built an extensive and complex network across their territories.

High-ranking rulers often had them built; the Roman emperors Augustus, Caligula, and Trajan all ordered aqueducts built. Aqueducts required a great deal of planning. They were made from a series of pipes, tunnels, canals, and bridges. Gravity and the natural slope of the land allowed aqueducts to channel water from a freshwater source, such as a lake or spring, to a city. 

As water flowed into the cities, it was used for drinking, irrigation, and to supply hundreds of public fountains and baths. The most recognizable feature of Roman aqueducts may be the bridges constructed using rounded stone arches. Some of these can still be seen today traversing European valleys. The capital in Rome alone had around 11 aqueduct systems supplying freshwater from sources as far as 92 kilometers away (57 miles).

Ancient Roman aqueducts, a marvel of engineering from over two millennia ago, hold significant relevance to contemporary water-related issues. For example, Roman aqueducts have been relevant nowadays demonstrating the feasibility of transporting water over long distances through complex networks of channels and pipes. This engineering legacy has directly influenced modern water supply systems and the design of pipelines and aqueducts used today. 

In short, Roman aqueducts were a system of water supply and distribution constructed by the ancient Romans. These aqueducts were an intricate network of channels, pipes, and tunnels designed to transport fresh water from natural sources, such as springs and rivers, to cities, towns, and industrial facilities throughout the Roman Empire. Roman aqueducts were essential for sustaining the growth and development of Roman cities, as they provided a reliable source of clean water for drinking, sanitation, and various industrial processes.

[rommynnaalmea]

Modern History

Ancient Water Systems: The ​Indus Valley Civilization

In this blog post, we will delve into the historical significance of the aqueducts built by ancient Rome and their lasting impact on water conservation methods. We will also look at how these engineering marvels revolutionised water supply and continue to inspire modern water management practices.

During the Roman Empire, from 27 BCE to 476 CE, the growing population of Rome necessitated a reliable water supply. The construction of aqueducts, complex structures that transported water from distant sources to the city, emerged as a solution to this challenge. These aqueducts allowed Rome to support its population's needs for sanitation, agriculture, and public baths.

Roman engineers, particularly during the reigns of emperors like Augustus and Trajan, spearheaded the construction of aqueducts. Skilled workers and engineers meticulously planned and built these structures, utilizing gravity to transport water over long distances. The aqueducts were constructed with arches, tunnels, and channels, showcasing the engineering brilliance of ancient Rome.

The aqueducts of ancient Rome transformed the city's water supply infrastructure and improved living conditions for its residents. These systems enabled the diversion and distribution of water from nearby rivers, springs, and lakes. The aqueducts not only supplied water but also facilitated the efficient management of water resources and the prevention of wastage.

The aqueducts built by ancient Rome offer important lessons for contemporary water conservation efforts. By investing in efficient water transport systems, implementing diverse water sources, and prioritizing sustainable water management, modern societies can ensure a reliable and equitable water supply. The principles of efficient resource allocation and infrastructure planning from ancient Rome are still relevant today.

In conclusion, the aqueducts of ancient Rome stand as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of the Roman Empire. Their water conservation practices paved the way for modern water management techniques. By studying and incorporating the lessons from ancient Rome, we can build resilient water supply systems for the future!

[charlotte-of-wales]

OMG thank you I’m just so overwhelmed because there’s so much to see and eat and do in Italy.

Like I can’t even make it to Florence cinque tere or Venice on this trip.

I would loveeeee specific recs for Rome😭

ugh I know I feel like I could live a whole year in Italy and still wouldn't be enough

museums in Rome I recommend:

for Roman/ancient stuff: Trajan's Market, Baths of Diocletian/Caracalla, Palazzo Massimo,

for Modern stuff: Museum of Modern Art and the MAXXI, Palazzo Barberini

just beautiful architecture: Villa Farnesina, Tempietto, Chiostro di Bramante

Churches: Basilica of St. Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo

for shopping the area around Piazza del Popolo is really good, but the restaurants there a bit pricier. If you go to St. Peter's and you exit the square along the main road and you keep going straight and cross the piazza there's some really nice restaurants there and this tiramisu place tucked in a corner that is divineeee.

[dasmuggler]

The Abandoned City of Thamugadi: A Roman Mystery

Thamugadi, also known as Timgad, stands as one of the most well-preserved Roman cities in North Africa. Founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD in modern-day Algeria, it was built with the precision typical of Roman town planning, featuring straight streets, arches, public baths, and a theater capable of seating thousands. Today, however, Thamugadi is a ghost town—its ruins largely untouched by the passage of time.

What makes Thamugadi particularly intriguing is its gradual abandonment. Unlike many ancient cities, it did not fall due to war, plague, or a natural disaster. Instead, the city seems to have quietly slipped into decline, eventually buried beneath the desert sands. This slow fading from history raises compelling questions about what led a bustling Roman settlement to disappear so completely.

Adding to the mystery is the fact that ancient sources provide little information on the city’s decline. For a city of its size and importance, the lack of records is unusual. Thamugadi’s nearly perfect state of preservation offers a glimpse into life during the Roman Empire, but its silence on why it was abandoned leaves historians and archaeologists with an enduring puzzle.

[show-me-italy]

Discover the Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy. Visit the Rome’s first luxury shopping centre Trajan’s markets which was nestled into the hillside, or visit one of Rome’s largest public bath houses, the baths of Caracalla. Ostia Antica, a short train ride away gives the most complete view of Roman life.

[mariamilani]

Buildings in Ancient Rome

The Bureaucracy of Buildings in Ancient Rome: Ancient Rome boasted a remarkable array of buildings, each serving a specific purpose and showcasing the ingenuity and grandeur of Roman architecture. Here are some of the most iconic structures:

1. Colosseum: This elliptical amphitheater, inaugurated in 80 AD, remains an awe-inspiring symbol of the Roman Empire. It served as a venue for gladiatorial contests, public executions, animal hunts, and other forms of entertainment.

2. Pantheon: This temple, dedicated to all Roman gods, stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess. Completed in 125 AD, its massive dome, the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world until the 20th century, continues to inspire architects and engineers today.

3. Roman Forum: This rectangular plaza in the heart of Rome served as the center of political and social life for centuries. Here, citizens gathered to debate, vote, and attend religious ceremonies. Temples, basilicas, and other significant buildings lined the forum, forming a monumental complex.

4. Baths of Caracalla: These public baths, constructed in the early 3rd century AD, were not just places for washing; they were also social centers where Romans could exercise, socialize, and enjoy leisure activities. The vast complex featured hot and cold baths, steam rooms, swimming pools, libraries, and gardens.

5. Circus Maximus: This chariot racing stadium, built in the 6th century BC, was the largest in Rome. It could hold an estimated 250,000 spectators and served as a venue for exciting races, parades, and other public events.

6. Trajan's Market: This multi-level commercial complex, built in the early 2nd century AD, offered a variety of shops, offices, and warehouses. Its innovative design, featuring a series of hemicycles and vaulted spaces, showcased Roman architectural skill and served as a model for future marketplaces.

7. Ara Pacis: This altar, built in 13 BC to commemorate the return of peace after a long period of civil war, is renowned for its exquisite marble reliefs depicting scenes from the Augustan family and Roman mythology.

8. Mausoleum of Augustus: This cylindrical tomb, constructed in the 1st century BC as the final resting place for the first Roman emperor and his family, is a testament to the grandeur of Roman funerary architecture.

9. Theater of Marcellus: This massive theater, begun by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus in 11 BC, could seat an estimated 15,000 spectators. It served as a venue for plays, comedies, and other theatrical performances.

10. Pantheon: This rectangular temple, dedicated to all gods, was built in the 2nd century BC and is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman religious architecture. Its impressive façade and spacious interior continue to captivate visitors today.

These are just a few of the many impressive buildings that helped shape the landscape of ancient Rome and continue to inspire architects and historians today.

[geezerwench]

The Ancient Roman aqueduct in modern-day Turkey, dating back thousands of years, is a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the Roman Empire. These aqueducts were designed to transport fresh water to densely populated areas, and they were a significant improvement over the earlier structures built by civilizations in Egypt and India. The Roman aqueducts were constructed over a period of 500 years, from 312 BC to AD 226, and were funded by both public and private sources. Some of the most famous Roman rulers, such as Augustus, Caligula, and Trajan, commissioned the construction of these aqueducts.

The aqueducts were made up of pipes, tunnels, canals, and bridges, which utilized the natural slope of the land and gravity to channel water from sources like lakes and springs to the cities. Once the water reached the cities, it was used for various purposes, including drinking, irrigation, public fountains, and baths. The capital city of Rome had as many as 11 aqueduct systems, some of which were sourced from as far as 92 km (57 miles) away.

Interestingly, some of these ancient Roman aqueducts are still functional and continue to provide modern-day Rome with water. For example, the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct built by Agrippa in 19 BC during the reign of Augustus, supplies water to the iconic Trevi Fountain in the heart of Rome. This remarkable feat of engineering demonstrates the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its impact on the development of modern infrastructure.

[nancyfmccarthy]

Domus Aurea

Today we visited the Domus Aurea, or Golden House. Nero built this palace for himself around 64 AD. He never lived there, but used it for entertaining. The palace and its grounds covered a space twice the size of Vatican City.

Because Nero was very unpopular, everything he built during his reign was destroyed by the subsequent emperors. For example, the man-made lake that was part of the Domus Aurea became the foundation for the Colosseum.

Luckily for us, Trajan decided to use the main part of the Domus Aurea as the foundation for his public baths. After emptying it of all its treasures, the palace was basically filled with rubble, which largely preserved it, and the baths built on top. A 15th century Roman, out for a stroll, fell through a hole in the ground and landed in the Domus Aurea. It was not completely excavated until the 20th century and the excavations continue today.

The site is completely underground. The tour winds through tunnels. In the last room of the tour, we all donned goggles for a virtual reality recreation of the palace. It was very cool.

Descending a ramp into the excavation.

The Domus Aurea is across the street from the Colosseum, a part of town where we usually do not wonder because it is too crowded. This morning we were happy to discover that the streets around the Colosseum are closed to traffic on Sundays. What a difference!

[ramirezcharles]

Roman Aqueducts (MODERN HISTORY)

The Roman aqueduct was a channel used to transport fresh water to highly populated areas. Aqueducts were amazing feats of engineering given the time period. Though earlier civilizations in Egypt and India also built aqueducts, the Romans improved on the structure and built an extensive and complex network across their territories. Evidence of aqueducts remain in parts of modern-day France, Spain, Greece, North Africa, and Turkey.

Aqueducts required a great deal of planning. They were made from a series of pipes, tunnels, canals, and bridges. Gravity and the natural slope of the land allowed aqueducts to channel water from a freshwater source, such as a lake or spring, to a city. As water flowed into the cities, it was used for drinking, irrigation, and to supply hundreds of public fountains and baths.

Roman aqueduct systems were built over a period of about 500 years, from 312 B.C.E. to C.E. 226. Both public and private funds paid for construction. High-ranking rulers often had them built; the Roman emperors Augustus, Caligula, and Trajan all ordered aqueducts built.