On March 1st the Romans celebrated new years day and the month is named after the Roman god of war and agriculture, Mars. Find out more about him here. Read more
Parentalia was the Roman festival to celebrate your ancestors. During the nine days of the festival all temples were closed, no weddings took place, and magistrates wore no insignia indicating that no official business was conducted. Read more
Fornax, the goddess of ovens and furnaces is not one that is talked about much in modern times. But worshiped her to aid in cooking, to prevent burnt offerings and serious house fires. Read more
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we often think of love and we associate Venus and Cupid with this holiday. This blog looks at these mother and son and their relevance to our modern connections to this time of year. Read more
Lupercalia was originally a pagan festival of fertility and prosperity. Find out here more about its links with the modern Valentine's Day. Read more
St Valentine was a Christian martyr sentenced to death by the Romans. But who was the real Valentine? Read more
Rings, preceeding engagement, white dress, ceremony, making of vows, signing a wedding certificate, confetti, throwing a bouquet; all constituents of 21st century weddings. Were Roman weddings different? Read more
Many of us study Boudica in school but what about the other native British queen? Find out more about Cartimandua and her relationship with the Romans. Read more
Carmentalia is a forgotten festival. On January 11th and 15th, the Romans celebrated a festival to the goddess Carmenta (or Carmentis) a goddess of prophecy as well as childbirth. Read more
January 24th is the anniversary of the Emperor Hadrian's Birthday. How did the Romans celebrate birthdays and did they have calendars to keep track of their holidays? Find out more here. Read more
Saturnalia was celebrated from 17th to 23rd December and included feasting, decorating the house with holly and even exchanging small gifts. Find out more here. Read more