10 Tips for Surviving in the Roman Empire

By: Lucius Metellus Anguis

Lucius Metellus Anguis is the main character in the new historical fantasy novel, Children of Apollo, Book I of the Eagles and Dragons series by Adam Alexander Haviaras.

Ancient Rome. It's noisy, crowded…and dangerous. You wake up in a corner of the Forum, unfriendly eyes follow your every move.

Ave, stranger.

Hush now. Don't look surprised. I can tell you're not from around here.

Where are you from? Gaul? Iberia? Maybe Alexandria?

No matter. What matters now are the Suburan thugs behind me and to my left. No. Don't look and don't worry.

I'm prepared.

They've been eyeing you for a while now.

I'm Lucius Metellus Anguis, Tribune in the III Augustan Legion, Numidia. I'm here, like most others, for the Emperor's triumph and games.

Now's our chance. Follow me! Hurry and stay close.

Good. We've lost them. Now, listen to me.

I've travelled much with the Legions, seen many things. From Rome to the burning pyre that was Ctesiphon, from the brothels of Alexandria to the sand seas of Africa Province.

There are things that you must know in order to survive in the Empire.

1. You need money. Before betting your hard-earned sesterces on a gladiator, befriend the lanista. He may be inclined to give you a friendly tip.

2. Never leave home without your dagger. I know I never do. You never know when you might be set upon.

3. Deal with traitors and those prone to insubordination swiftly and without mercy.

4. Never trust politicians. They will use anyone to get ahead, trampling them on their way to popularity.

5. Never lie to the imperial family. They know everything.

6. The battlefield is safer than the imperial court.

7. Never show weakness. Someone is always waiting to take advantage and dance on your corpse.

8. When the streets of Rome grow quiet, something is definitely wrong.

9. Remember, family does not always mean loyalty.

10. Honour the Gods – especially those who watch over you.

There it is. Heed my advice and you'll have a better chance of living. I must go now. I am meeting someone at the temple of Venus and Rome.

Good luck and May the Gods watch over you.

About Adam Alexander Haviaras

Adam Alexander Haviaras is a writer and historian who has studied ancient and medieval history and archaeology in Canada and the United Kingdom. He currently resides in Toronto with his wife and children

Children of Apollo, is now available at Create Space and on Amazon.com. Watch the Children of Apollo book trailer on YouTube.

Check out Adam’s blog on ancient and medieval history and historical fiction at www.writingthepastblog.blogspot.com or, connect with Adam on Google+. Be sure to visit the Eagles and Dragons Facebook page where readers and lovers of ancient history can get the latest news on the series and check out loads of photos, maps and historical information about the world of Children of Apollo.

Frank Nash: the Most Inspirational English Teacher I Ever Did Know! By Vincent Zandri author of The Remains

I never set out to be a writer. Back in 1979, when I entered the Second Form in a 200 year old, all boys, military school called, The Albany Academy, I simply wanted to become a rock n’ roll star. Like Ringo or Keith Moon, I wanted to play drums in a huge rock band, make a ton of money doing it, get lots of girls, and see the world. While most of the uniformed boys sat attentively in math class, taking copious notes, I drew illustrations of huge drums sets and stared out the window. All that changed when for the first time, I was introduced to Frank Nash in my second term English lit and writing course. First thing that caught my attention was the classroom itself. The Academy was an old building even back then, having been built in the 1920s. Made of stone and strong woods, with real blackboards instead of chalk boards, the place seemed like a kind of time warp. A school caught perpetually in the 19th century instead of one that would see the 21st century in only two more decades. But

Thirteen Things About The Bedtime of the Sky and Other Sleepy-Bye Stories

The Bedtime of The Sky and Other Sleepy Bye Stories is an illustrated Children's book of five of my original bedtime stories in verse. This book was actually written long ago for my nieces and nephew, John, Catherine and Elizabeth, when they were very young children. Although they are now in college, actually two have graduated, I do have a new little reader to write for, my four year old niece Jillian! I love writing poetry and fantasy stories and to mix magic with ordinary experiences. These bedtime stories in verse reflect my idea that there is magic in everyday events. For instance, I just know that there is a Dragon in the sock drawer that eats socks so we cannot find them, or that Dolls have a secret longing to help us clean up our room late at night! A little about myself, I was born in England and although my parents moved us all back to America about a year after I was born, I truly believe that the stories and British classics that I grew up with, have had a huge impact i

Seven Things About Dangerous Impulses

Today, I we have author F.M. Meredith visiting with us. I have had the pleasure of meeting Marilyn at the Los Angeles Times Book Festival a number of years ago. Join me as she shares seven things about her book. 1. Dangerous Impulses is # 9 in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. Though every mystery is complete, every crime solved and the book written as a stand-alone, things happen to the continuing characters: the police officers and their families. Rocky Bluff is a small Southern California Beach community, located between Ventura and Santa Barbara, and mostly overlooked by tourists. 2. In every RBPD mystery/crime novel there are ongoing characters. One of the most popular with readers is Officer Gordon Butler. Nothing ever seems to go easy for him. Though he is not the “star” in Dangerous Impulses like he was in No Bells , I think his fans will be happy with what he ends up doing near the end of the book. Other characters are: Detective Milligan and his wi

First Draft to Published

Search This Blog