Acta Diurna: Vol. 1, #1

Acta Diurna: Vol. 1, #1

Acta Diurna
Volume 1 Number 1
840 ab urbe condita (87 anno domini)

The Will of Vesta Wavers
by The Republic of Novo Senatus et Populusque Romanus
Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus has announced this very evening that no other than Virgo Maxima Cornelia has committed crimen incesti. Since this crime is committed ever so rarely I would like to remind our readers that this crime is the worst amongst roman society, having sexual incursion with a Vestal Virgin, this being the highest act of treason because the body of a Vestal Virgin is sacred to the point where even touching it is forbidden.
The College of Pontiffs is currently holding judgment over this most heinous crime, standing accused Valerius Licianus has pleaded guilty of committing crimen incesti along with the Virgo Maxima. While the most severe punishment he will receive will be exile from Rome, the treasonous Virgo Maxima will most likely be buried alive soon.
This is an enormous disappointment for the People of Rome as the Virgo Maxima is supposed to protect the Flame of Vesta, the protecting light of Rome. If Cornelia is not executed the gods are sure to punish the entirety of Rome for her crimes, I say Imperator Domitianus is right to have brought the charge forward! Let Plinly say what he will, but the word of our Imperator is divine, surely our Caesar would never dare to present false charges agains the College of the Vestals?
Field of Mars to be Opened for the Public
by The Republic of Novo Senatus et Populusque Romanus
After the Campus Martius was filled with buildings because of the constant expansion of our beloved city, our glorious Imperator has decided to devote the lands of exiled Senator Lucius Macius Estefanus for the new Field. The project to remove all buildings from the Field will commence tomorrow during the Hora Prima of the Vigilia Prima. The cost of the project is an estimate of 100,000 denarius, a cost well worth the result.
All young romans should rejoice with the project as our city has long lacked a place for the young citizens to hone their military skills in front of their fellow romans. It was in such a place that the legendary Publius Cornelius Scipion Africanus first showed himself to the People of Rome when he bested his uncle with the expertise of an adult, who knows, our next great general may have the beginnings of his training on this very Field.
Dies Saturni ante diem VI Kalendas Aprilis MMDCCLXIX ab Urbe Condita (Saturday April the ninth 2016 anno domini)

The Parilia Festivity Arrives!
by The Republic of Novo Senatus et Populusque Romanus
The Emperor has announced it, the time is here! Rome's day of birth! Wether you fall in line with the story of legendary Romulus and Remus or heroic Aeneas, this is a day indiscriminately celebrated by all! What is more, the festivities will include glorious gladiator fights in the Flavian Amphitheatre. We must all remember we are indebted to Glorious Gaius Julius Caesar, who was the first roman to add games to the festivity.
Additionally, we must also remember this day is dedicated to Pales as well. While most shepherds carry out the ceremony of cleansing in the privacy of their homes, the priest of Pales will be carrying out a public sacrifice to honour this deity. While attendance to the ceremony still holds some sway among the people of Rome, most citizens are more interested in the games that will follow the sacrifice this very day.

Latin Student Problem of the Week Image