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Gashford · 06-11-2003, 01:00 AM

Hello there 
 
About the location, you might also want to consider places such as Southern Spain, after all the climate can't be that bad in the Mediterranean basin as this is where it all started 
 
Not being an American, do you think that the American public could support such a venture (through ticket sales)? Also, another factor might be that in Europe (I assume, but don't know) you have a lot more Roman groups with access to European locations only a drive away, which would keep what would become massive overheads, if you wanted to arrange events and grop visits? 
 
Hope this helps a bit ... Graham Ashford
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07-12-2003, 11:03 AM

Gashford, I am very sorry that I haven't replied very earlier. 
 
I would like to update all who have been taking interest in this subject of recent discussions I have been having with other architects. 
 
First to answer Gashford's question: 
 
As our economic situation declines I do believe that the city would do good to be built in Italy I am not sure of an exact location in Italy but the weather conditions and hopefully the funding will be at arm's reach. 
 
Now for the update. As considering Xanten being critized for being a "Roman Disney" I have decided and concured with other local architects that the city could be built to realistic building without modern items in them. This in theory at least. Now the city would not be without a few building where the staff would have the tools of modern technology of course. 
 
If I can ever get an architect to help draw up a side map I would gladly show it to those interested in helping. Now for the part where I ask for help 
 
Any suggestions on any aspect of Roman life, military, civic, daily, entertainment would be most appreciated. 
 
Also does anyone have a suggestion of a good site in Italy or southern Spain where it would be well to build at? 
 
By the way Rich, I took a look at Xanten, and it will not be like that. 
 
Jason Patterson

**richsc** · 07-12-2003, 01:33 PM

It might be that a collaboration with a local government and museum might be really useful. I was thinking of Tarragona, and how the museum supports the local Roman reenactors there. Sponsorship would help immensely with permits, publicity, and all the logistical stuff. If you don't get it, you may be fighting city hall, certainly a big concern. I think that is why Caius Fabius keeps talking about building a Roman fort in Lafee Arkansas, middle of nowhere, since no one will bother with what they do. They also might get no one to bother looking for them either.

Gashford · 07-13-2003, 04:28 AM

Jason 
 
Hello again. 
 
Just a few more thoughts for you. 
 
I would suggest a lighting tour of Europe and the parks which have been built already such as Archeon, Archeo Parc de Malagne, Puy du Foy etc ... I think that I have completely mispelt the last one. 
 
Go armed with a digital camera, camcorder and recording gear and capture everything, you might see things you like or would do differently. 
 
I would also suggest offering people grades of authenticity in their accomodation otherwise you will limit your clientelle, basically a park like this has to consider 'bums on seats' no matter how much it offends our historic sensibilities (IMHO) or it will struggle generating revenue nd eventually go under, unless you have some mysterious (read Bruce Wayne) type of benefactor. 
 
I don't think that these compromises need effect all areas of the park, but some people would love to walk through a few Roman streets and take in the sites and the sounds, but they will probably want to take pictures, wear a tunic (toga) and live like Disneyland kings when they are back in their accomodation. 
 
Justa few thoughts, hope it helps. Graham Ashford
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Arturius Britannicus · 07-19-2003, 10:24 AM

Jason-- 
 
We are now, in my North California area--undergoing 105+ days of temps. It is miserable. I am thinking how tourists in a authentic Roman city would feel in small stifling bed rooms, with no windows, or at best just small slit windows and no modern air con or fans, other than slaves waving large plumed fans. Sleeping in this would be a real turn off, as well as just functioning during the days. You might want to explore siting this "city" in some area that lacks major temp extremes. Maybe even in some parts of Mexico, where the temp might be fairly level year round. I think people's comfort levels would have a lot to do about growth, and return business. 
 
Arturius

07-19-2003, 11:17 AM

Yes I know what you mean, I live one state below you and it is burning up. That is why I plan to build in in Italy, the breeze of the Med. Sea makes the perfect AC without the wiring. Also remember the AC is only a new invention generations went with out it.

JRSCline · 07-19-2003, 12:25 PM

You're in luck in that case. A/C is rather a rare convenience in many areas of Europe. You can probably do without it, at least in Northern Italy. 
 
Interest in ancient Rome is experiencing a popular revival in Italy and I applaud your decision to site your project there. It is, after all, where such a city best belongs. 
 
Cheers 
Jenny

**richsc** · 07-19-2003, 07:33 PM

We in Legio XX just had a very pleasant visit from Luca Bonacina, Legio V Luca in Milano. He says that since he started reenacting in 2000, there has been an phenomenal expansion of interest among Italians in Rome. He explained that most of the interest among Italians to date has been in the medieval; many Italian cities still have strong medieval city wide festivals and reenactments. 
You might there fore have a lot of interest. Many groups there have government backing too, though of course that means political bickering and influence.

07-20-2003, 06:50 AM

Well Rich, most projects of this magnitude usefully do have political bickering and influence in any country you build it. Hopefully it will stay at a minimal.

Arturius Britannicus · 07-20-2003, 01:32 PM

Jason-- 
 
Have you considered the area between Leon and Guanajuato in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico? Check out the year round temp averages. Super!! Plus, it would be near the city of Leon, which has flights to and from LAX. Also, building and labour costs would be less, as the locals would understand the Roman way of doing things--just look at any small Mexican town, and tell me there is not a lot already built in common with the old Roman plans. Some cities even have copies of the Roman aqueducts that were built there by the Spanish in the 1500's!! Many of the streets with their hole in the wall shops virtually echo the shops of Pompeii!! Building permits would be less hassle, and the cost of labour would be better than in Spain and Italy. You could probably get the repro Roman roof tiles made there more easily. PLUS, it's a lot closer to the potential tourist market. This would also be within a very doable drive from San Miguel de Allende too, for all the Americans who visit that area, and might want to include such a visit in their trips!! 
 
Arturius

07-20-2003, 05:40 PM

I understand the point you are making Arturius but I do not believe that this kind of city would really fit into Mexico. There are some security concerns in that country not to mention some corruption. It would be best not the build it in that country but most likely in a country that was part of the Roman Empire. But I do appreciate your insight about the location.

Arturius Britannicus · 07-20-2003, 09:55 PM

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JRSCline · 07-21-2003, 06:42 AM

And there is no corruption in Italy??? But I have to agree about this not working in the Americas. It belongs in Europe. 
 
Cheers 
Jenny

07-21-2003, 07:07 AM

True there is corruption in all of the world, but corruption in Mexico and most Central American countries are part of life. Especially in the police force. But that is another mater

Lepidina · 08-05-2003, 04:53 PM

Hi all, 
 
I'm new here but I figure I'd jump right in. 
 
As for a "reenactment city", I'd take a look at places like the Historic Jamestown Foundation which has recreated a small woodland Indian village, a few full-scale replica ships and the fort at Jamestown. They have a staff of costumed interpreters that lead people through the villages and I think even have some on-site stay-over type camps. There are many other recreated historic sites around the US, Canada and the UK. (And probably elsewhere in the world as well.) Most of these sites either use existing buildings or have repro buildings on the historic site or a mix of both. 
 
You might be able to do your re-enactment city in conjunction with a historic site and plug it as a way for people to experience history with less wear and tear on the original site. Afterall with the recent popularity in historical "reality" shows like the 1900s House, Frontier House, the Ship and that one that trained two military units as Romans and put them in replica forts (on PBS and I can't remember the name of it), I'm sure you can ride the wave and go one step further by offering such an experience to the general public. Don't know how you could get the fish sauce on the menu tho'. Smile

The other bit of research to do is find out who would want to come to such a thing. It will be a niche group of people who would want to do the whole "emersive" experience so you'd have to augment your offerings with more lucerative options like maybe a Roman Day Spa experience, Roman banquets or Roman entertainment. (Build it in Reno and host Roman orgies. Wink

Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas might be interested in being a partner in it as another option for their guests. 
 
Sounds like fun but a lot of work! Good luck with it! 
 
Deb

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