Today marks Rome’s 2761st birthday! From our point of view, she’s a birthday girl who looks infinitely younger than her estimable age. Happy Birthday Roma!
Here at the eCool Compound, we began our celebration two days ago, when we attended a re-enactment of the Parilia rites celebrated by the ancient Romans every year on 21 April. The fun continued yesterday when a thousand historic reenacters dressed as gladiators, emperors, Vestal Virgins, and senators marched from the Circus Maximus to the Colosseum and down the Via dei Fori Imperiali. We posted some photos of that fabulous parade yesterday and are here to bring you more today.
Crowds of centurions patiently waited as those less-organized participants in the parade made their way down the street.
Everyone was decked out in their finest ancient gear. Admittedly we never thought of topping off our helmet with a wolf skin, but the effect is fantastic – and, let’s face it, not everyone feels comfortable in chain mail so we admire these guys who are willing to weld it on for this very special occasion.
While the outfits were impressive, its the accessories that really make the Roman, and those on display in this parade were nothing to scoff at! From standards to swords and from lion skins to silver face masks, this crowd clearly understood the importance of accouterments.
Even the kids got into the act, donning laurel wreaths and “giallo-rosso” tunics as they joined in the celebration.
