Blog | Alison Morton's Thrillers

An alternate 'Christmas' - or not

Welcome to an unusual stop on the indieBRAG Christmas bloghop!

Throughout December, the B.R.A.G.Medallion authors are presenting readers with a seasonal blog tour.

In the UK and most of the Western world, we celebrate Christmas on 25 December. But ancient Romans started their festival on 17 December – today!

Saturnalia was THE most important Roman festival. Heavy on feasting, fun and gifts, it was originally celebrated in ancient Rome for only a day around 17 December but it was so popular it expanded into a week or even longer, despite Augustus’ efforts to reduce it to three days, and Caligula’s, to five.

Temple of Saturn, Rome

Like today’s Christmas, this holy day (feria publica) had a serious origin: to honour the god of sowing, Saturn. But also like modern Christmas, it was a festival day (dies festus). After sacrifice at the temple, there was a public banquet, which Livy says was introduced in 217 BC. Afterwards, according to the poet Macrobius, the celebrants shouted ‘Io, Saturnalia‘ at a riotous public feast in the temple.

Modern mid-winter habits today echo Roman conspicuous eating and drinking, and visiting friends and giving gifts, particularly of wax candles (cerei), and earthenware figurines (sigillaria). But there were also some particularly Roman customs.

Terracotta figure, possible sigillarium? (Author photo, British Museum)

Terracotta figure, possible sigillarium? (Author photo, British Museum)

Masters served meals to their slaves who were permitted the unaccustomed luxuries of leisure and gambling. A member of the familia (family plus slaves) was appointed Saturnalicius princeps, roughly equivalent to the medieval Lord of Misrule. Standard clothing was replaced by bright, if not positively gaudy ones, the more eye-wateringly bright the better.

The Roman poet Catullus describes Saturnalia as ‘the best of days’ while Seneca complains that the ‘whole mob has let itself go in pleasures’. Pliny the Younger writes that he retired to his room while the rest of the household celebrated. Sound familiar?

In my Roma Nova books (all B.R.A.G. Medallion honorees) set in an imaginary country which has kept Roman customs and values, Saturnalia is, like Christmas, a holiday that everybody frets the whole of December preparing for but enjoys when it finally arrives. And the Roma Novans in the 21st century have kept up most of the traditions.

But one Saturnalia, the Mitela family was scattered and bad weather threatened both public and private celebrations. One small boy was stranded… If you enjoy a short story, c lick here to read ‘Saturnalia surprise’ and find out what happened.

The next stop on the indieBRAG Christmas Blog Hop is tomorrow, 18 December, with Amber Foxx. Do hop over!

Join the indieBRAG Holiday festivities and follow our Christmas Blog Hop! Authors are sharing posts about their holiday traditions, favorite carols, offering you “Historical Christmas” themed posts and much more.

Alison Morton is the author of Roma Nova thrillers, INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS and SUCCESSIO. The fourth book, AURELIA, and the Roma Nova box set are now out.

Find out Roma Nova news and book progress before everybody else, and take part in giveaways by signing up for her free monthly email newsletter.

Roman women in late antiquity - a slippery fish to catch

Helena, mother of Constantine the Great (author photo, Naples Museum)

I set out to write a piece about women in the late Roman period – ambitious for a blog post I know, but I thought I could pull some threads out of a big subject and produce a digest. Not that easy, as I discovered…

‘Late Antiquity’ is a vague name for the period bridging classical antiquity and the early middle ages, approximately 3rd to 6th century, but I was looking at the first half of that period, hoping to focus on the time that Roma Nova was founded AD 395. The snag? Sources for this period are patchy and often only legal codes, medical texts or written by early Christian fathers with their own agenda.

Women belonged in the private sphere during most of classical antiquity, and the Romans drew a clear line between the public and the private. Formal politics took place outside the private dwelling house; even when senators conducted political and government business in their domus, or family home, it was in the ‘public’ rooms separated from the personal familia areas.

Everybody living in the domus was subject to, and the responsibility of, the paterfamilias, the ‘father of the family’. In law, this authority did not extend to wives who were subject to their fathers, but in practice husbands ruled. Women retained the right to manage and dispose of the property they brought into their marriages and enjoyed full inheritance rights on a par with their brothers.

Roman family group (author photo, Roman National Museum)

Husbands were expected be the public face for their wives in legal cases, but women had the right to act on their own if they chose. It was only by the late fourth century that widows (not divorcees) could be the legal guardians of their children. Christian emperors were obliged to revise the law in order to reflect Christian ideals of the time (heavily influenced by Constantine, I suspect!).

However, that must have been tricky with the traditionally open Roman divorce law; even at its most restrictive, it probably failed to match the orthodoxy of the new, strict Christian teaching.

Traditional Roman morality saw adultery in terms of property rights; marriage was often an economic arrangement for the pragmatic Romans with the participants often having little say in parents’ decisions. The double standard of sexual behaviour remained as it always had throughout Roman times but despite Christanisation, divorce and remarriage were still relatively easy. It would change, of course. But that and differences between slave and free and between concubines and wives must have raised considerable conflict with Christian universalism.

Christianity also challenged aristocratic marriage practice by forbidding marriages between relatives and by making celibacy (and so leaving inheritances outside the family) an acceptable option. The latter, of course, gave women an opportunity for the single life which apart from becoming a Vestal hadn’t been available in traditional Roman society.

Fayum mummy portrait, Roman Egypt

Women were expected to dress modestly, but were not veiled nor secluded. Chris Wickham in The Inheritance of Rome says there is plenty of evidence for female literacy and literary engagement not only among the aristocracy. In Egypt, women have been recorded as buying and selling property, renting out property, money-lending, operating as independent artisans and shop-owners as well as practising medicine as midwives and more broadly.

Women still could not hold public political office in this later period, but Wickham cites one female city governor (pagarch), Patrikia, in Antaiopolis in Egypt in 553 AD.

“Patrikia the Pagarch: A pagarch in the 550s, and thus one of the region’s most influential women. She is a colleague of Ioulianos and Menas. Dioskoros writes a poem celebrating her marriage in which he compares her to the Graces and credits her with descent from the sun god Apollo.” (Life in an Egyptian Village in Late Antiquity Giovanni R. Ruffini, Cambridge UP)

In Alexandria, Hypatia, as the city’s leading intellectual (mathematician, astronomer and head of the Neo-Platonic School), “appeared in public in the presence of the magistrates. Neither did she feel abashed in going to an assembly of men. For all men on account of her extraordinary dignity and virtue admired her the more” (Socrates Scholasticus).

Sadly, Hypatia was killed by a mob in Alexandria in 415 AD, caught in city-wide anger stemming from a feud between Orestes, the prefect (governor) of Alexandria and Cyril, the Christian bishop of Alexandria.

Galla Placidia

And as the Western Empire shrank, powerful empresses such as Galla Placidia were common in the fifth and sixth centuries. Daughter of Theodosius I, Regent for Emperor Valentinian III from 423 AD until his majority in 437 AD, consort to Ataulf, King of the Goths from 414 AD until his death in 415 AD, and briefly Empress Consort to Constantius III in 421 AD, she was a major force in Roman politics for most of her life.

———————

Thanks to two invaluable sources:
The Inheritance of Rome: A history of Europe from 400 to 1000 , Chris Wickham, Pengiuin 2010
Women in Late Antiquity: Pagan and Christian Lifestyles, Gillian Clark, OUP 1993

Updated 2024: Alison Morton is the author of Roma Nova thrillers – INCEPTIO, CARINA (novella), PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, NEXUS (novella), INSURRECTIO and RETALIO, and ROMA NOVA EXTRA, a collection of short stories. Audiobooks are available for four of the series. Double Identity, a contemporary conspiracy, starts a new series of thrillers. JULIA PRIMA, Roma Nova story set in the late 4th century, starts the Foundation stories. The sequel, EXSILIUM, is now out.

Download ‘Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’, a FREE eBook, as a thank you gift when you sign up to Alison’s monthly email update. You’ll also be among the first to know about news and book progress before everybody else, and take part in giveaways.

Holiday Historicals!

What better than a good read over the Saturnalia/Christmas/Hanukkah period? And being slightly biased, I’d suggest a historical novel, so I’m banding together with some fellow writers to showcase a selection for you – all available at 99 cents/pence. Of course, I couldn’t resist putting INCEPTIO forward as my contribution!

Alternate history is the child of a mixed marriage – history and speculative fiction; my Roma Nova books have more history genes, though, with a strong thriller streak and some recessive romance genes thrown in for good measure. INCEPTIO, as the Latin name suggests, is the start of the series.

We set off from modern day New York, but this isn’t time travel or fantasy.

Sixteen hundred years ago, the historical timeline shifted very slightly in a mountainous area north of Italy when in AD 395, a group of pagan Romans exiles facing persecution from the over zealous Christian emperor Theodosius founded a new ‘colonia’ – Roma Nova.

Photo courtesy of Britannia www.durolitum.co.uk

In the early centuries, daughters and sisters put on armour and hefted swords along with their fathers and brothers.

Grim times.

But fighting alongside their brothers and fathers to defend their homeland and way of life gave women status and equality. Roma Nova survived and prospered. But history had changed forever and Britain, Europe and even the US are not as they are in our timeline…

The original colonists’ tough descendants defend their small state today as fiercely as their ancestors did. Into this steps a lost heir who thinks she’s just another New York office worker but is threatened by a government enforcer with a grievance. Add to this a hot special forces Praetorian Guard on a mission. As the story unfurls, we see Roman virtus and technological genius as it could be in the modern era, a thrilling hunt, and a young woman coming into her own…

Read an excerpt: https://www.alison-morton.com/2013/02/24/inceptio-excerpt-i/

INCEPTIO is available from Amazon (universal link), Kobo, iBooks, B&N Nook (Paperback also available via Amazon or your local bookshop)

For more about the world of Roma Nova, why not read Claudia Dixit’s travel guide to Roma Nova?
If you prefer some history (and who doesn’t?), try the Roma Nova story.

Now, here are some further suggestions…

Kingdom of Rebels – by Derek Birks
Fifteenth Century – the Wars of the Roses

When all hope is gone, only death lies in wait…

England in 1468 is a nervous kingdom. King Edward IV has fallen out with his chief ally during the Wars of the Roses, the powerful Earl of Warwick.  Ned Elder, a young lord whose sword helped to put Edward on the throne, has been forced out of England by Warwick.

Far away on the Scottish border, a beleaguered fort, Crag Tower, desperately awaits Ned’s return. Led by his fiery sister, Eleanor, the dwindling garrison is all that remains of his brave army of retainers. Unknown to all except the loyal knight, Ragwulf, Eleanor has Ned’s young son in her charge – a son who has never seen his father. But, as border clansmen batter the gates with fire, the castle seems certain to fall.   One by one Ned’s family and friends are caught up in Warwick’s web of treason. The fate of the Elders and those who serve them lies once more in the balance as all are drawn back to Yorkshire where they face old enemies once more. Eleanor can only hope that Ned will soon return. She must fight to keep that hope alive… and when Lady Eleanor fights, she takes no prisoners…

A Similar Taste in Books – by Linda Banche (Book 1 of ‘Love and the Library’)
Regency

Pride and Prejudice has always brought lovers together, even in the Regency. Justin has a deep, dark secret – he likes that most despised form of literature, the novel. His favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice, and, especially, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Intelligent, lively, fiercely loyal Miss Elizabeth. How he would love to meet a lady like her.

Clara’s favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Intelligent, steadfast and willing to admit when he is wrong. Can such a splendid man exist? And can she find him?

One day in the library, they both check out copies of their favorite book. When Justin bumps into Clara, the magic of their similar taste in books just might make their wishes come true.

A sweet, traditional Regency romantic comedy novella, but not a retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

Read more here: http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/2015/11/holiday-historical-fiction-blowout-day.html
Website: http://lindabanche.blogspot.com
Buy from Smashwords only with coupon code FF67C (not case sensitive)

Search for the Golden Serpent – by Luciana Cavallaro (Servant of the Gods Book 1) 600 BCE Ancient Greece

Evan, an architect, has been having strange dreams. Then he received an unexpected phone call from an entrepreneur from Greece who wants Evan to restore his family’s home. He dismissed the caller and regarded the person as a crank. During a dream, he met the mysterious entrepreneur, Zeus, who catapulted him back in time, five hundred years before the birth of Christ. Evan, an unwilling participant finds himself entangled in an epic struggle between the gods and his life.

Read more: http://luccav.com/2015/12/01/hhfb/#more-2071
Website: http://www.luccav.com
Available from Amazon US Smashwords Kobo

Children of Apollo – by Adam Alexander Haviaras (Eagles and Dragons – Book I) Roman Empire, AD 202

At the peak of Rome’s might a dragon is born among eagles, an heir to a line both blessed and cursed by the Gods for ages.

Lucius Metellus Anguis is a young warrior who is inspired by the deeds of his glorious ancestors and burdened by the knowledge that he must raise his family name from the ashes of the past. Having achieved a measure of success in the emperor’s legions in North Africa, Lucius is recalled to Rome where he finds himself surrounded by enemies, cast into the deadly arena of Roman politics.

Amid growing fears of treachery, Lucius meets a young Athenian woman who fills his darkening world with new-found hope. Their love grows, as does their belief that the Gods have planned their meeting, but when an ancient oracle of Apollo utters a terrifying prophecy regarding his future, Lucius’ world is once more thrown into chaos. Ultimately, he must choose sides in a war that threatens to destroy his family, his faith and all that he has worked for.

Read Adam’s post: http://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com/blog-writing-the-past-2/
Links here to Amazon, iBooks, and Kobo

Sea Witch – by Helen Hollick (Voyage One) The Golden Age of Piracy – 1716

Escaping the bullying of his elder half brother, from the age of fifteen Jesamiah Acorne has been a pirate with only two loves – his ship and his freedom. But his life is to change when he and his crewmates unsuccessfully attack a merchant ship off the coast of South Africa.

He is to meet Tiola Oldstagh an insignificant girl, or so he assumes – until she rescues him from a vicious attack, and almost certain death, by pirate hunters. And then he discovers what she really is; a healer, a midwife – and a white witch. Her name, an anagram of “all that is good.” Tiola and Jesamiah become lovers, but the wealthy Stefan van Overstratten, a Cape Town Dutchman, also wants Tiola as his wife and Jesamiah’s jealous brother, Phillipe Mereno, is determined to seek revenge for resentments of the past, a stolen ship and the insult of being cuckolded in his own home.

When the call of the sea and an opportunity to commandeer a beautiful ship – the Sea Witch – is put in Jesamiah’s path he must make a choice between his life as a pirate or his love for Tiola. He wants both, but Mereno and van Overstratten want him dead.

In trouble, imprisoned in the darkness and stench that is the lowest part of his brother’s ship, can Tiola with her gift of Craft, and the aid of his loyal crew, save him? Using all her skills Tiola must conjure up a wind to rescue her lover, but first she must brave the darkness of the ocean depths and confront the supernatural being, Tethys, the Spirit of the Sea, an elemental who will stop at nothing to claim Jesamiah Acorne’s soul and bones as a trophy.

Read Helen’s post: http://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/holiday-histories.html
Website: www.ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com
Buy from Amazon (universal link)
Helen’s Amazon Author link

Men of the Cross – by Charlene Newcomb (Battle Scars I) Medieval – 12th century

War, political intrigue and passion… heroes… friends and lovers… and the seeds for a new Robin Hood legend await you… 

Two young knights’ journey to war at Richard the Lionheart’s side sweeps them from England to the Holy Land in this historical adventure set against the backdrop of the Third Crusade.

Henry de Grey leaves Southampton in high spirits, strong in his faith and passionate about the mission to take Jerusalem back from Saladin’s army. Stephan l’Aigle’s prowess on the battlefield is well known, as are his exploits in the arms of other men. He prizes duty, honour and loyalty to his king above all else. But God and the Church? Stephan has little use for either.

Henry’s convictions are challenged by loss and the harsh realities of bloody battles, unforgiving marches, and the politics of the day. Man against man. Man against the elements. Man against his own heart. Survival will depend on more than a strong sword arm.

Find out more: http://charlenenewcomb.com/2015/11/30/holiday-historical-fiction-blowout
Buy from Amazon (universal link)
Website: http://charlenenewcomb.com

Flavia’s Secret – by Lindsay Townsend Roman Britain, 206 AD

Spirited young scribe Flavia hopes for freedom. She and her fellow slaves in Aquae Sulis (modern Bath) have served the Lady Valeria for many years, but their mistress’ death brings a threat to Flavia’s dream: her new master Marcus Brucetus, a charismatic, widowed officer toughened in the forests of Germania. Flavia finds him overwhelmingly attractive but she is aware of the danger. To save her life and those of her ‘family’ she has forged a note from her mistress. If her deception is discovered, all the slaves may die.

For his part torn between attraction and respect, Marcus will not force himself on Flavia. Flavia by now knows of his grief over the deaths of his wife Drusilla and child. But how can she match up to the serene, flame-haired Drusilla?

As the wild mid-winter festival of Saturnalia approaches, many lives will be changed forever.

Website: www.lindsaytownsend.co.uk
On sale at Bookstrand

Alison Morton is the author of Roma Nova thrillers, INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS and SUCCESSIO. The fourth book, AURELIA, and the Roma Nova box set are now out.

Find out Roma Nova news and book progress before everybody else, and take part in giveaways by signing up for her free monthly email newsletter.

An alternate 'Christmas' - or not

Welcome to an unusual stop on the indieBRAG Christmas bloghop!

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Roman women in late antiquity - a slippery fish to catch

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An alternate 'Christmas' - or not

Welcome to an unusual stop on the indieBRAG Christmas bloghop!

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Like this:

Roman women in late antiquity - a slippery fish to catch

If you enjoyed this post, do share it with your friends!

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Holiday Historicals!

If you enjoyed this post, do share it with your friends!

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