09-22-2003, 02:53 PM
Jackie,<br>
<br>
I've been trying to get on this page and RomCivTalk all day and have only just been able to access it. When you say "site" (1-6 dgrees warmer in ancient times) do you mean an actual website or the thread on Roman Britain economics/Ireland on RomArmyTalk? If the former, there is a comment in that other thread I wanted to point out. Maybe we can query that post about a source and any newer studies since the mid-eighties.<br>
<br>
Those old newreel flix of channel swimmers and the like were just what I had in mind. Our modern concepts of hygeine are so different and our dependence on artificial atmosphere control (beyond fire that is) may color our perception of comfort. I was also thinking that just as today, the concept of personal space may have varied from culture to culture; On an early February day in the Forum, for instance, standing in a brisk breeze may have been easier in a large crowd of people, both for wind breaks and for warmth. In August or September, I would guess that the relative distance between people would be more relaxed and spacious (depending, of course on the event and crowd numbers). The only mention I recall about civilians and cold is Suetonius' description of aging Augustus putting on extra tunics. I'll have to do some research, but I really don't think it was much of an issue usually. But then the ordinary doesn't make headlines, does it. We do know that they wore hooded cloaks and Augustus chided citizens for wearing them in the Forum, so maybe they did just what we do when they could get away with it.<br>
<br>
Let's see if we can get some more data on this.<br>
<br>
Thanks again<br>
<br>
Wade <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I've been trying to get on this page and RomCivTalk all day and have only just been able to access it. When you say "site" (1-6 dgrees warmer in ancient times) do you mean an actual website or the thread on Roman Britain economics/Ireland on RomArmyTalk? If the former, there is a comment in that other thread I wanted to point out. Maybe we can query that post about a source and any newer studies since the mid-eighties.<br>
<br>
Those old newreel flix of channel swimmers and the like were just what I had in mind. Our modern concepts of hygeine are so different and our dependence on artificial atmosphere control (beyond fire that is) may color our perception of comfort. I was also thinking that just as today, the concept of personal space may have varied from culture to culture; On an early February day in the Forum, for instance, standing in a brisk breeze may have been easier in a large crowd of people, both for wind breaks and for warmth. In August or September, I would guess that the relative distance between people would be more relaxed and spacious (depending, of course on the event and crowd numbers). The only mention I recall about civilians and cold is Suetonius' description of aging Augustus putting on extra tunics. I'll have to do some research, but I really don't think it was much of an issue usually. But then the ordinary doesn't make headlines, does it. We do know that they wore hooded cloaks and Augustus chided citizens for wearing them in the Forum, so maybe they did just what we do when they could get away with it.<br>
<br>
Let's see if we can get some more data on this.<br>
<br>
Thanks again<br>
<br>
Wade <p></p><i></i>
