GETORIX: The Eagle and The Bull by Judith Geary, Is a novel for young adults – A Celtic Adventure in ancient Rome. Getorix is a captive, a young man “almost fifteen winters old,” son of a defeated Celtic chieftain. He and his father are marched in a Roman Triumph – a celebration ending in death for the defeated leaders.

Let’s make a visit to the world Getorix knew – as it was then and as it exists today.

The Capitoline Hill & The Via Sacra

Temple of Concord (Reconstruction) Gaius Marius

Map of the Forum, with routes taken by elements of the Triumph Parade. -- from Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull, by Judith Geary

Model of the Temple of Concord with the Tullanium & Carcer in the foreground.

View of The Palatine from the area of The Colosseum

The Roman Domus (from Pompeii)

Plan of the Lutatius Domus -- from Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull, by Judith Geary

A Roman Atrium (A computer-enhanced image taken from ruins discovered in Pompeii )

Atrium of the Domus Lutatius -- from Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull, by Judith Geary

Colonnade with wall paintings in a Roman peristyle garden (from Pompeii)

The Capitoline Today (from the Piazza Venezia)

Getorix is tormented and comforted by memories and dreams -- from Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull, by Judith Geary

Characters: Keltus Lucius Brosch Selia Catulus Getorix

OR: How did the Romans walk around in 60 lbs of wool in the Roman summer? The Toga

Disclaimer: Authorities argue about the exact size and shape of a toga – from a half circle, to an ellipse to five yards of fabric about 60 inches wide. Since we haven’t found one preserved, we have to rely on statues and what other Roman textiles that have been found.

Begin by folding the fabric in half lengthwise, with the side close to your body slightly below the “outside”. Remember that Romans who wore togas likely had a slave or two to help.

Romans wore a simple tunic under the toga. They had the skill to put in sleeves like a t-shirt, but most images show a simple loose garment about knee length or just below, with no sleeves.

I. If you’re the helper: Drape one end over your “master’s” left shoulder so the end comes close to the hem of his tunic. You may slip that end under his belt to help hold it in place.

II. The rest of the fabric goes across his back and, under his right arm.

III. Bring the fabric to the front under his right arm. Gather some fabric into pleats and tuck them into the belt to give enough fullness for walking.

IV. Go around his body one more time.

V. The remainder is thrown over his left shoulder and arm. His right arm has freedom of movement. However, the left hand can be used for very little except to grasp the edge of the toga to hold the whole thing together.

Ruins on the Palatine today (domus Flavia) Ruins in the Farnese Gardens (on the Palatine)

Roman Forum from the Palatine Hill Circus Maximus from the Palatine Hill

The Cloaca Maxima. Pons Fabricas

Temple to Hercules Campus Martius Temple to Portunus Campus Martius

Ruins of the Temple to Fortuna Built by Quintus Lutatius Catulus to celebrate the victory over the Cimbri in 101 BCE.

. Temple of Castor (reconstruction) Ruins of the temple today

Science & Technology

Reconstruction of a Roman crane – from Romerkran

Math

I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI … XLI …LIX … LXXXVIII … XCIX …

Health & Physical Education

Social Studies

Language Arts

Ancient Rome – a strangely familiar world

Rome was the first Republic – a noble experiment of over 500 years that we have yet to duplicate. Romans had running water and knew of the power of mechanical energy and steam. They lived in apartments, used public bathrooms and ate fast food. Details we take for granted – like safety pins and belt buckles were in common use.

For Example: Roman Sandals …

Symbols of Power

Even the Celtic Symbols …

History shows us a window into our past. Historical fiction can take us by the hand and lead us into that long-ago world.