Salvete omnes,
One of the most intriguing aspect of the "roman way" is their attitude towards the passage of time.
I was puzzled to learn some time ago that they did not conceive this dimension in a linear way. For the romans past was imprecise and the future irrelevant; Only the present counted. Indeed their way of counting years until the Empire is significant : Each (irregular) year was called by the name of the two consuls and one could only understand the notion of passing time if one had access to the record of magistrates (fasti).
In this light how can we reconcile this "day to day" life with the fashionable notion of Imperialism that requires planning and thus a clear idea of time keeping and recording ? Were the romans willing conquerors or genial opportunists ?
Optime Valete
Laureatus