Natale di Roma - Sun 23 April 2017
Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, Rome's 2770 birthday was celebrated by Gruppo Storico Romano parading the Roman legions around the ancient forum. Imperium-Romana and Leg VI Ferrata represented New Zealand as officially invited guests, and were treated by our very generous hosts to their world-famous Italian hospitality. The opening ceremony of lighting the sacred flame was overseen by the Vestal Virgins, where Brutus joined the dignitaries to each fire a burning torch. The standards of the Roman legions formed the backdrop, including Jason's black and gold Leg VI Ferrata with eagle, held by Signifer Byron.
The Roman legions formed in ranked series on the Circus Maximus. Brutus shook hands with the mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, who was delighted to learn we had come all the way from New Zealand to help them celebrate.
The Romans paraded past the Temple of Portuna (that our club temple in Grafton is modeled after) along the Capitoline toward Trajan's Column, down Caesar's Forum to the Coliseum and back along the Palatine Hill. The Emperor Trajan warmly embraced Brutus and thanked the NZ legions for their service to Rome. Brutus tossed a handful of incense on the emperor's burning altar to honour the greatest of Rome's generals who expanded the empire to its greatest extent.
To commemorate Trajan's great victories there were gladiator games held on the Circus Maximus, and a reenactment of the great battle between the Romans and Dacians, as depicted on Trajan's column.
We visited the Gladiator School of Rome on Via Antica as guests of the doctore Paolo Zilli. We had a great time training, fighting and learning how to die properly.
Wining and dining with our Italian hosts Paolo and Vincenzo, and famous Roman historian Steve Cockings. Meeting the Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi.
