Imperator Cat @CatImperator Twitter profile | Pikagi

Pikagi

Imperator Cat

@CatImperator

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322

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Historian, Writer, Geek, Felinophile. Questioning everything.

Joined November 2021

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 years

“𝑀𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒, 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡, 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡ℎ, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟.” ~ Thucydides

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 months

This is how hieroglyphs and figures in ancient Egyptian temples looked before their colors faded Like the other ancient civilizations, Egyptians loved their colors After thorough research, recreated using a polychromatic light display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

As a huge #Tolkien fan, I am amazed at how many artists brought his Middle Earth to life. Alan Lee, Ted Nasmith, Marc Simonetti, and even the Queen of Denmark! But my favourite is Denis Gordeev, a Russian who made Tolkien's characters and world truly medieval (and real).

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@CatImperator

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3 months

So you want to be a Roman legionary? A highly disciplined, trained, and organized member of the famed Roman legion. One of the most renowned ancient militaries. It is an arduous path, carrying many dangers, but also great benefits. So let's enroll, shall we? A thread🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

7 months

“Thalatta! Thalatta!” — “The sea. The sea!” A surreal moment when The Ten Thousand - Greek mercenaries - reached the Black Sea coast after their long voyage to the heart of the Persian Empire and back The extraordinary Odyssey is recorded in Xenophon's "Anabasis" The thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

11 months

“We did not know where we were, on heaven or on earth.” Russian Ambassadors (987), in a report to Prince Vladimir of Kiev. One of the most fascinating tales of the early Middle Ages, which changed the course of #history - a thread🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

He was the Roman emperor who killed his brother. He spent more time in a military camp than in the capital. And he died en route to Persia, where he planned to gain glory for Rome and himself. He was Caracalla. But not one from #Gladiator2 . He was a soldier-emperor. A thread🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

5 months

If you visit the Venetian Arsenal, you can see an imposing statue of a lion. The lion, made of white marble, stands some 3 m high. But this statue has a fascinating history and an even more fascinating secret To start with, The Lion of Piraeus comes from Greece... A thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

5 months

Did you know the ATM in the Vatican has a Latin language option? Now you know :)

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 months

@PopulismUpdates The Roman Empire (known also as Byzantium) fell only forty years before Columbus reached the Americas. People who called themselves Romans and who lived in the Empire before it's fall, heard news of the discovery of a new continent.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

9 months

The Roman Empire did not fall in 476. It lasted a thousand years more, until Fall of Constantinople in 1453.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

8 months

Byzantine incense burner in the shape of a church, probably the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. Looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 Now accompanying many other stolen Byzantine relics, in the Treasury of Basilica di San Marco, Venice.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 years

The so-called "decline" of the #RomanEmpire - a thread 🧵 Many imagine the decline of the Roman Empire as this image of the ruined Roman Forum, the grandiose structures in ruin or disrepair, and cows and chickens walking around the site...but it is more complex... /1

@Varangian_Tagma

Varangian Chronicler

@Varangian_Tagma

2 years

Forum of Nerva, Rome. (96 AD & 900 AD)

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

11 months

The medieval Roman Empire, better known as the Byzantine Empire, is well known for its many civil wars, led during its long #history . But few conflicts were as damaging as the Byzantine civil war of 1341–47. The war that broke the Empire. A thread. 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

9 months

#OTD , in 537, emperor Justinian consecrated Hagia Sophia in Constantinople Upon entering his newly restored church, he shouted, “Solomon, I have outdone thee!” Hagia Sophia would become the greatest church in the world. It is still there, standing the test of time! A thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

9 months

@53gaDr3amca5t That's not Franz Ferdinand, nor is that his wife. This is Franz Ferdinand

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Or look at the chaos of the Fall of Gondolin (Gordeev illustrated all Tolkien's books), with wrym employed as a sort of siege weapon while Turgon is wearing full battle regalia. Majestic, isn't it? /2

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

A whole story in one illustration. Eowyn, the maid of Rohan, confronts the Witch King, with Merry helplessly watching and King Theoden stuck under his horse! While the battle rages on... /5

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 years

The Colossus of Constantine has been reconstructed to its full 13-metre height! The surviving fragments of the Colossus were laser scanned and reproduced for incorporation in the new statue of the #Roman emperor. Currently on display in Milan's Fondazione Prada. #history

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Just look at the vibrant world and colourful costumes of the Gordeev medieval #LOTR characters. We should remember the Middle Ages were a far cry from Holywood's drab and grey world. Filled with colours, like in this scene of Aragorn's coronation. A crown for the king! /1

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

9 months

This is truly stunning! A rare insight into one of the most famous cities in all of history, #Constantinople , but depicted by an unknown Japanese artist from the early Edo Period (!) Early 17th century, Kobe City Museum #history

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Gordeev is also a master of human emotion. Check this tragic scene of Faramir brought to his father, Denethor! With the silent royal marble statues observing the unfolding drama. /3

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

10 months

Visiting Hagia Eirene today, the only #Roman church in Istanbul unchanged by the Ottomans As it was used as a military depot following the fall of #Constantinople . Unfortunately, even if the building is now a museum it is neglected, and a massive net is preventing a good photo

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

The Romans also preferred to draft soldiers from certain provinces, famous for having brave and good fighters. One of the most important regions (especially from the 3rd century onwards) was Illyricum, and many soldiers born there became emperors. /4

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

#OTD In 1204, Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire, fell to the Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade. The Empire never recovered from such a blow. But how did it come to this? What led to this unspeakable betrayal. A thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

11 months

#OTD , 565 AD, emperor Justinian I died. He was 82 During his long reign, Justinian presided over an ambitious building programme and revised #Roman Law with the Justinian Code. His most famous and most controversial achievement, however, was Justinianic Reconquest - a thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

10 months

The atrium of Hagia Eirene is hiding a remarkable artifact. A sarcophagus that could belong to no one else than emperor Constantine the Great! Yet, this is how the Turks are treating this valuable piece of history... And why Constantine, you ask? Well...more 👇 :)

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

8 months

Icon of the Archangel Michael, late 10th–first half of 11th century, silver-gilt, gold cloisonné enamel, stones, pearls (now missing), and glass. Looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Now, in the Treasury of the Basilica di San Marco.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

1 year

#History of a city in one building A building in Fatih, #Istanbul , covers 3 periods of history in its architecture - Roman Empire (bottom), Ottoman Empire (in the middle), and Republic (3-floor building).

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Or probably the best scene I have ever seen depicting the collapse (literally) of the fortress of Barad Dur You can almost imagine this scene in motion. /6

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

7 months

@lijukic Highway mafia ruined the US cityscapes for good

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Veterans would often settle in the same colonies, and new cities would pop up all over the Empire. Making the Roman army one of the principal vehicles of expansion, urbanization, and Roman identity. With veterans highlighting their military service on the lavish tombs. Fin /22

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Guys, if you want to lose your entire afternoon, you can travel yourself around the #RomanEmpire , in all seasons and by all means available It is just an amazing tool. Warmly recommended

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

10 months

Visiting #Topkapi today. The best part? I was honored to get an audience with the true ruler of Istanbul. The #Cat Sultan! What a #Caturday :)

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

11 months

#OTD in 960 AD, a brilliant Roman general turned a successful Muslim raid into a shattering defeat, bringing an end to a powerful emirate and paving the way for the imperial reconquest in the East A battle that turned the tide of war - the Battle of Andrassos, a thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

They now control the school and the gym. And the nearby toy store pays them tribute.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

1 year

Heh, if anyone would dare to say it to the emperor in Constantinople, it would not end well. Once again, there was no Byzantium, and there was no Byzantine Empire. It is an invention made by a German historian almost a century after the #Roman Empire's fall in 1453. A thread🧵

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@The_Hellenist

The Hellenist ☀️

1 year

The Byzantines were not Roman. Christian Roman is an oxymoron.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

And ofcourse romance. Faramir and Eowyn enjoyed their sweet victory. Such an innocent but also passionate kiss. /7

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Before joining the legion, the recruit underwent a rigorous, hard-core training. While the Roman legion was a massive unit - comprising around 5,000 men, the legion was as strong as its smallest part - a legionary. /1

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

11 days

@MaceAhWindu Well, WW 1 lasted for four years. So CW could last three, and be filled with iconic battles and events

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Or light (and shadow). Like in this case where Legolas and Gimli are riding to fight the forces of Darkness. Just look at that contrast between forces of good and evil /4

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

The Roman army preferred recruits from the countryside, as those men were considered more physically fit and more used to harsh environments than the urban dwellers. The men with manual labor professions, such as butchers, blacksmiths, or hunters, were the most desired. /3

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Those are just a few of the many beautiful illustrations by which this talented artist brought Tolkien's world to life. He also did some of the best art for #TheWitcher , so when you have time, do a bit of Google search. You'll be rewarded. :) /9

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

5 months

How did the #Roman generals prevent spies from posing as soldiers and slipping into the rank and file? According to 10th-century Byzantine military manuals, there were three steps: First, do your best to put men from the same village or family in the same battalions (Tagma).

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

10 months

Before leaving to see @NapoleonMovie , and while I am still in good spirits, I want to use this opportunity to tell you about one of Napoleon's lesser-known creations. And probably one of the most positive ones. The Illyrian Provinces - a thread 🧵

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

10 months

Another imperial sarcophagus found in the courtyard of #Istanbul Archeological Museum. Possibly the tomb of emperor Justin II, made in white Proconnesian marble. After the mid fifth century, and closure of the quarry in Egypt, no #Roman emperor was buried in porphyri. #history

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

9 months

Merry Christmas! 🎄 Did you know that emperor Justinian made #Christmas a civic holiday rather than a church festival? Now you know :)

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

5 months

@Rise11151 @Mangalawyer this is embarassing

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@CatImperator

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3 months

Key recruitment roles belonged to military physicians who evaluated the candidates' health and the weapons instructors who taught the recruits to fight. The physicians and the instructors were part of the "immunes," exempt (or immune) from regular duties, and also better paid. /2

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@CatImperator

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7 months

One of the rare depictions of Constantinople, a century after the City fell to the Ottoman Turks. Pay attention to the Hagia Sophia with only two minarets. The two larger minarets would be erected by Selim II, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. Melchior Lorck, 1559

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Ok, will break with my custom and share few more fascinating art Shadowfax - the lord of all horses, looking fabulous and not impressed Frodo on Glorfindel horse Sam telling Faramir to go to... And, ofcourse...They are taking the hobbits to Isengard :)

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

The recruits had to complete 29 kilometers (18 miles) in six hours while carrying 20 kilograms (45 pounds). Later in the trial process, they had to complete 35 kilometers (22 miles). This was essential, as while on the campaign, the legion was expected to march 32 km per day /12

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@CatImperator

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2 years

@culturaltutor Solid choices, but you are missing an important map. The world in 100 CE. One of the rare moments when the entire Eurasia was united, with four powerful empires of Han China, Kushan India, Parthia and Rome exchanging goods, and people from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

7 months

@sagehyden And what if it is shot on location, for a change.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

But back to recruitment...any soldier-hopeful had to be checked first by military physicians. The candidates had to be healthy, physically fit, and at least 168 centimeters (5.5 feet) high. (This would change in the later Empire). /5

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 years

For this #SarcophagusSaturday , the final resting place of #cat Ta-Miu, the beloved feline of #Egyptian Prince Thutmose. The inscription proudly proclaims: “I myself am placed among the imperishable ones that are in the Sky / For I am Ta-Miu, the Triumphant.” ca. 1391-1353 BCE

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 years

An outpost at the end of the Roman world, Castellum Tisavar in southern #Tunisia . Built between 180‑192 AD, Tisavar was a small border post on the western part of the "limes tripolitanus," the southern border of the #RomanEmpire at the edge of the Sahara desert. #History

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

The Roman legionaries were also taught how to swim. The Romans believed swimming was an excellent exercise to keep soldiers healthy and fit. It also came in handy when serving on the limes, often delineated by large rivers, such as the Rhine or Danube. /13

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

A recommendation letter from a high-ranking officer or a veteran increased the chances of getting into the army. All the candidates had to be single. If married, their marriages got annulled by entering the military service Upon completion of service, the soldier could marry. /7

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Despite those measures, unofficial marriage was permitted, especially in the legions stationed on long-term garrison duty. Family ties with the locals helped maintain good relations and integrate natives into Roman society and culture... /8

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Every recruit had to be a Roman citizen and at least seventeen years old. Those without Roman citizenship joined auxiliary forces. This requirement changed with the Caracalla edict, which bestowed citizenship to all free men in the #RomanEmpire . /6

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

6 months

Not all illustrations are in colour. But B&W does not change the power of Geordeev's art. Arwen looked as elegant as ever, and Aragorn dressed simply, but every detail pointed to his royalty. /8

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Another essential part of the training was building the camp. The camp, comprising a moat, rampart, and palisade, had to be raised in five hours. And dismantled in, the similar amount of time. After all, time was of the essence for the army on the march. /14

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

All those rewards, however, had to wait. Once accepted, the recruit had to undergo a strenuous four-month trial period - including forced marches with full equipment, weapons training, and formation drills. The recruits were pushed to their physical and psychological limits. /11

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Interestingly, the wooden swords and wicker shields were twice as heavy as the real equipment. This was to increase the recruit's strength. The javelins, too, were much heavier than the real ones. Some recruits learned archery and how to mount a horse with full equipment. /16

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@CatImperator

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3 months

More importantly, the sons of legionaries would often become soldiers, thus helping the legion maintain its numbers and combat power. This became essential in the late Empire, as military service became hereditary. Turning the Roman army into primary vehicle of Romanization. /9

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

2 years

What a horrendous day... The horrible #Syria and #TurkeyEarthquake killed many, but it also destroyed priceless cultural heritage, such as the famed #Gaziantep Castle, built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, when the place was known as Antiochia ad Taurum...

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Marriage restrictions, however, seem not to be an issue. Since being a soldier meant a good salary, a better diet and medical services, a pension, and a piece of land. Or, if lucky, a fast-track to the top - including the throne. /10

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@CatImperator

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3 months

Lastly, soldiers had to learn discipline. The Roman army often won battles, beating superior opponents, by mantaining discipline, and fighting as one. Thus, it was essential to keep a close relationship with one's own comrades, follow orders, and be always vigilant. /17

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

10 months

I am in need of this We all need it.

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

8 months

Tucker: Why did you invade Ukraine. Putin: Let me explain. It will take one and a half minute. Tucker: You mean, the Maidan? Putin:

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

Roman soldier was...a soldier, so it is only natural that a recruit had to learn how to fight. The recruits had to train twice a day. The training was held outside. The weapons instructors taught recruits man-to-man combat, javelin throwing, maneuvers, and battle formations. /15

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3 months

The soldier also bonded with his comrades, especially those living in the same tent, forming "esprit de corps," unparalleled in the ancient world. The “band of brothers” created an unbreakable bond, remaining close friends after leaving the army and becoming veterans. /21

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

3 months

If the recruit survived the four-month-long trial, he would swear an oath of loyalty and receive a tattoo for easier identification. He was now a Roman soldier. This would only be the beginning of 25 years of arduous military life. /19

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@CatImperator

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7 months

Watched #Shogun , and it is just amazing. Finally, we got a historical epic, respectful to history and the topic it deals with. Spectacle with the substance. Bold, beautiful, and also cerebral. But I cannot help but think, what if this would be a show about Byzantium...

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2 years

Oh, Rome, the eternal city, the magnificent place, the capital of the mighty #RomanEmpire . Right? Wrong. Ok, right, but only partially. The capital (s) of the Roman Empire (as there was more than one) and the shift to the East. A thread 🧵

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Imperator Cat

6 months

For all historical gamers, good news! An incoming @PdxInteractive game, most probably Europe Universalis V, starts in 1337, and it will have the option to change the name of the Byzantine Empire, into the Eastern Roman Empire I would prefer #RomanEmpire , but hey, it is a start

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@CatImperator

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4 months

Ha, this is fascinating. Ancient vandalism. On the walls of the Ramses VI tomb, you can see 2000-year-old graffiti in Greek, saying, among other things: "I liked nothing except the sarcophagus" or "I can't read the hieroglyphs!" Some things never change.

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However, military service brought many benefits, as civilians respected (and feared) the soldiers. They also were close to the emperor, often receiving numerous benefits, from promotions to lavish monetary rewards. Not to mention war booty and the promise of citizenship. /20

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3 months

Falling asleep during a night watch or not wearing a sword while building a camp would result in severe punishment, in some cases, death. The harshest form of punishment, albeit uncommon, was decimation, where every tenth man in a group was executed by members of his cohort /18

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@CatImperator

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10 months

One of four porphyry sarcophagi, located in the courtyard of the Istanbul Archaeological museum It is not possible to attribute them to a specific #Byzantine emperor. However, considering that the Egyptian quarry closed in the mid fifth century, latest occupant could be Marcian

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@CatImperator

Imperator Cat

8 months

Roses are red Violets are blue Byzantines were Romans But they spoke Greek too.

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20 days

This is not #history art, unfortunately, but it is still mesmerizing. I cannot but think, what those two figures are talking about? By @Haematinon , clearly inspired by the history and myths of the ancient Mediterranean and who apparently made an RPG "Fragments of the Past."

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Imperator Cat

10 months

The witnesses of the bygone era... The porphyry sarcophagi of the #Byzantine emperors in front of Istanbul Archeological Museum It saddens me that the majestic monuments are exposed to the natural elements, instead of having a dedicated place within the building...

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10 months

This #MosaicMonday , I am delighted to share what is probably my favorite mosaic. Set in the vestibule of Hagia Sophia, the 10th-century mosaic tells us the story, of the foundation of the City and the Great Church and of the #Roman Empire timeless glory Of #history .

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10 months

While the Theodosian Walls of #Constantinople , in general, are also neglected, and slowly crumbling, some parts are restored and pleasant to the eye. Still standing the test of time!

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7 months

Oh, and if you are like me, a visual type, The area the "Ten Thousand" had to travel. From Cunaxa to Trapezus, a 1500 km long march! In full military gear, surrounded by hostile forces, and even more hostile terrain and climate And they did it! Why no one is making a movie!?

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8 months

A poignant reminder of an Empire long gone. The Byzantine icon known as the Nikopeia or Bringer of Victory had for centuries been carried by the Byzantine emperors into battle. After the Fourth Crusade, the icon was brought to Venice and placed in Basilica di San Marco.

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3 months

This #MosaicMonday , admire the earliest surviving depiction of Christ Militant, commander of the heavenly host. Christ is dressed like a late Roman emperor, holding a cross and standing on a lion and snake, representing Satan. From the Archiepiscopal Chapel in Ravenna, ca. 490s.

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9 months

During my last trip to #Istanbul , it became painfully obvious. The current Turkish government uses the Byzantine heritage as a trophy, investing little or nothing in its preservation... It is refreshing to see the Guardian tackling the subject.

‘People come to touch the walls’: fears for Istanbul’s crumbling Byzantine past

Turkish city’s pre-Ottoman heritage is falling away through lack of care or being obscured for political purposes

www.theguardian.com

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4 months

The Gateway to Eternity The Portara (or the Great Door) is a massive marble doorway of the Temple of Apollo, the jewel of the island of Naxos, #Greece 📷 Athan Andreas.

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10 months

Istanbul Archeological Museum is a welcome surprise. The renovation took several years, but the results are clearly visible. Just look at the part dedicated to Alexander the Great and the #Hellenistic world! #history

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1 year

#OTD in 363 AD, emperor Julian died during his grand campaign against the Sassanid Empire. It was a tragic end to the emperor's plan to take Persian capital Ctesiphon, and bring Persia to its knees. Instead, Julian found only death, while #Rome was humiliated. A thread 🧵

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8 months

The Emperor Returns! Remember that statue of Constantine the Great. Well, it is being moved to the Musei Capitolini. A full-scale 12-meter-high statue will be located near where the original fragments of the original statue are displayed. The reason more to (re) visit #Rome

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9 months

#OTD , the last day of the year 406 (or 405), a large group of Vandals, Alans, and Suebians crossed the Rhine, beginning an invasion of #Roman Gaul The event that led to the collapse of the Roman West. Or did it? As often in history, the reality is more complex. A thread🧵

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1 year

@CaudilloXIV Vogue model is...Zendaya What s wrong with you?

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10 months

While Hagia Sophia is diminished by its reconversion to mosque, there has been one positive development in #Istanbul . Christ Pantokrator, aka Zeyrek mosque is again opened for public after decade-long reconstruction. And it is spectacular. The pride of the Komnenoi! #history

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5 months

The perfect shot! Ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire meeting at what once was the Hippodrome of Constantinople - the centre of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Now #Istanbul

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9 months

Did you know there is an ongoing project to build a medieval castle with tools and materials that would be available in the Middle Ages? The construction of the Guédelon Castle, near Treigny in France, started back in 1997 and now, 27 years later, is nearing completion.

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3 years

@Reuters Why? Because EU countries (Germany especially) will not be able to buy gas from Russia. It s simple as that. And EU badly needs Russian gas

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