4 chapters across the catalog
Hadrian's Wall Graffiti, Roman Insults, NPR Tittering
Archaeologists at Hadrian's Wall in Northern England discovered 1,700-year-old graffiti featuring an insult directed at a man named Secundinus, accompanied by a phallic carving. The discovery led to a discussion on the similarities between ancient Roman humor and modern middle schoolers, as well as a critique of NPR's "tittering" reporting style.
A listener letter clarifies the origins of the word "fascism," tracing it back to the Roman "fasces"—a bundle of rods symbolizing strength through unity. The hosts debate whether the term was used in its modern political context prior to the 20th-century movement led by Mussolini.
Evangelist Jimmy DeYoung links Tony Blair's role in Middle East peace negotiations to Bible prophecies in the Book of Daniel regarding a revived Roman Empire. Some interpretations suggest the permanent EU presidency could be the seat of the Antichrist. The hosts discuss the cadence of evangelical preaching and the various modern translations of the Bible.
A discussion on the Iraq War surge reveals that while 30,000 U.S. troops were deployed, approximately 70,000 local militias were also hired. Dvorak compares the use of high-paid mercenaries to the tactics of the Roman Empire, noting the lack of military code oversight for these contractors.
