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==What does "SPQR" mean?==
  
==What does S.P.Q.R. mean?==
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'''''Senatus Populusque Romanus''''' - the [[Senate]] and [[Roman]] People; also usually quoted as "the Senate and People of Rome". The "''que''" suffix is "and"; "''Romanus''" is an adjective. [[Interview_with_Professor_Silvia_Giorcelli_Bersani#Is_it_possible_to_give_a_final_answer_to_the_meaning_of_the_abbreviation_SPQR?  | Professor Silvia Giorcelli Bersani explains more]].
  
'''Senatus Populusque Romanus''' - the Senate and Roman People; also usually quoted as "the Senate and People of Rome". The "que" suffix is "and"; "Romanus" is an adjective.
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==How can I participate in one of the reenactment legions and groups of Nova Roma?==
  
==Do I have to be Pagan to join?==
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Joining a [[Roman Reenactment Army of Nova Roma|reenactment group of Nova Roma]] is the best way for being involved in our [[Civic life (Nova Roma)|Roman civic life]]. In order to get in touch with such a group, '''you should contact the [[Provincia (Nova Roma)|responsible officer]]''' who administers the local community of Nova Roma in the area where you live. If you cannot find any contact information to that individual, ask about their contact details in one of our [[Forum (Nova Roma)|official forums]], or contact the central administration of Nova Roma [mailto:novaromacontact@gmail.com via email].
  
'''Absolutely not!''' Although most of our Citizens are currently pagans of one ilk or another, and the public "State" religion of Nova Roma is the Religio Romana, we in no shape, matter, or form require Citizens to practice Roman Paganism. The one exception to this is our magistrates; because they are not only civil servants but also have functions within the Religio Romana, we ask that they at least be willing to fulfill those religious functions. We have absolutely no interest in the private religious lives of any of our Citizens. All that's required is a love of all things Roman; you may wish to read A non-Pagan's perspective on the role of the Religio Romana
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==Where can I learn about the next public events of Nova Roma?==
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Nova Roma frequently holds community events all over the world, most often in Europe. These events are usually announced '''on the [https://www.facebook.com/novaroma.org Facebook page]  of Nova Roma''', or somewhere in our [[Forum (Nova Roma)|official forums]], or on the websites of our various [[Roman Reenactment Army of Nova Roma|member groups]].  Some of the events are not equally open to anyone, and you might be required to be a members of the group that organizes it if you want not only to attend as a spectator but o actively participate as a fellow citizen.
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==Where can I buy authentic Roman clothes and accessories?==
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If you want to receive advice that personally fits your situation, '''[mailto:novaromacontact@gmail.com contact our aediles] to learn about the various possibilities'''. We have a number of [[Macellum (Nova Roma)|officially registered Nova Roman vendors]] whom you can try out.
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==Do I have to practice Roman religion?==
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'''Absolutely not.''' Nova Roma is not a "church," and we have absolutely no interest in the religious lives of any of our citizens. All that's required from a citizen of Nova Roma is a love of all things Roman. Since Nova Roma is a complete reconstruction of the culture and society of ancient Rome, the "state religion" of Nova Roma is the [[Roman religion|ancient Roman religion]], but we do not require any citizen to practice it in person. [[:Category:Magistrates (Nova Roma)|Magistrates]], because they are not only civil servants but also have functions within the ''[[sacra publica]]'', are responsible for ensuring that religious functions are performed either by themselves or an appropriate delegate. While personal adherence to the ancient ways and traditions, especially as expressed through magisterial participation in religious ritual, is an ideal that is encouraged and valued, it's not a requirement within Nova Roma.
  
 
==Do I have to be of Roman or Italian heritage to join?==
 
==Do I have to be of Roman or Italian heritage to join?==
  
As before, '''absolutely not!''' Just as persons of any race or nationality could become Roman Citizens, so too is the right of Nova Roman Citizenship open to all.
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As before, '''absolutely not!''' Just as persons of any race or nationality could become Roman citizens, so too is the right of Nova Roman citizenship open to all.
  
==Ancient Roman society was rather patriarchical. How does Nova Roma deal with women?==
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==How do the rights of woman in Nova Roma compare to that of ancient Rome?==
  
While we are endeavoring to recreate most aspects of classical [[Roman culture (Nova Roma)|Roman culture]], we are updating some of the more backwards views of our illustrious ancestors (slavery being the other big one — we wouldn't allow it even if it were legal). Women in Nova Roma are completely free to vote, hold office, become members of the [[Senate (Nova Roma)|Senate]], and so forth. As far as the [[:Category:Religio Romana (Nova Roma)|Religio Romana]] goes, there are some offices that are women-only, some that are men-only, and some that are open to both. While we recognize the differences between women and men, neither is held to be superior to the other.
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Ancient Roman society was rather patriarchal. While we are endeavoring to recreate most aspects of classical Roman culture, we are updating some of the more backwards views of our illustrious ancestors (slavery being the other big one — we wouldn't allow it even if it were legal). Women in Nova Roma are completely free to vote, hold office, become members of the [[Senate (Nova Roma)|Senate]], and so forth. As far as the ''[[:Category:Religio Romana (Nova Roma)|Religio Romana]]'' goes, there are some offices that are women-only, some that are men-only, and some that are open to both. While we recognize the differences between women and men, neither is held to be superior to the other.
  
 
==Do I have to know Latin or Greek to join?==
 
==Do I have to know Latin or Greek to join?==
  
'''Not at all.''' While a cursory knowledge of [[Latin]] might be helpful in understanding some of the terms and phrases you'll see both on our web site and in some of our publications, it is in no way required. Several Latin courses are now taught online at [http://www.insulaumbra.com/academiathules/ Academia Thules].
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'''Not at all.''' While a cursory knowledge of [[Latin]] might be helpful in understanding some of the terms and phrases you'll see both on our web site and in some of our publications, it is in no way required. Several Latin courses are now taught online at [[Academia Thules]].
  
 
==Are you serious about the sovereignty thing?==
 
==Are you serious about the sovereignty thing?==
  
'''Yes''', we are completely serious about our declaration of sovereignty. However, we are also very realistic and do not expect to function as an actual sovereign nation with our own territory in the foreseeable future. We look at it in three ways; as a long-term goal towards which we can reach, as a very convenient way to organize the administration of Nova Roma (especially given our Roman orientation), and as necessary for the full and complete restoration of the Religio Romana (since many religious duties were inherently tied to the State).
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'''Yes''', we are completely serious about our declaration of symbolical sovereignty. However, we are also very realistic and do not expect to function as an actual sovereign nation with our own territory in the foreseeable future. We look at it in three ways; as a long-term goal towards which we can reach, as a very convenient way to organize the administration of Nova Roma (especially given our Roman orientation), and as necessary for the full and complete restoration of the ''religio Romana'' (since many religious duties were inherently tied to the state).
  
 
==Is this just some kind of role-playing game?==
 
==Is this just some kind of role-playing game?==
  
'''No.''' Although we've rather become a sort of Virtual Community in these early stages thanks to computer technology, we're far more than some "role- playing" game! The culture and knowledge left by Classical Rome still has a great amount of positive direction to contribute to the modern world. Nova Roma is a quite serious attempt to provide a place where those interested in the various aspects of the Classical world can begin to focus that culture as a living system once again.
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'''No.''' We're far more than some "role-playing" game! The culture and knowledge left by classical Rome can still make a positive contribution to the modern world. Nova Roma is a serious attempt to provide a place where those interested in the various aspects of the classical world can begin to turn that cultural legacy into a living system once again.
  
With Fortune, Nova Roma will grow into something very "real" indeed. We are gaining Citizens at a steady (and increasing) rate, and more and more "local real world" meetings and events are becoming possible. Within a few years there may well be a few thousand Nova Romans... running real-world Classical-oriented businesses through the [[Ordo Equester (Nova Roma)|Ordo Equester]], hosting public gatherings such as [[Roman Days]], organizing [[Sodalitates (Nova Roma)|Sodalitates]] (clubs) around Classical subjects concerning everything from Brewing to Philosophy, holding legal religious services, helping to fund serious archaeological digs, and even participating in real-world politics as an international "Culture and People."
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With good fortune, Nova Roma is growing into something very "real" indeed. We are gaining citizens at a steady (and increasing) rate, and more and more "local real world" meetings and events are becoming possible. There are now over a thousand Nova Romans... running real-world classical-oriented businesses through the ''[[Ordo Equester (Nova Roma)|ordo equester]]'', hosting annual public gatherings such as the [[Nova Roman Legionary Summer Camp|Nova Roma Summer Camp]], [[Roman Days of Nova Roma|Roman Days]], [[Roman Market Day of Nova Roma|Roman Market Day]] or the International Grand Convention of Nova Roma, the ''[[Conventus Novae Romae]]'', organizing ''[[Sodalitas|sodalitates]]'' (clubs) around classical subjects concerning everything from brewing to philosophy, holding legal religious services, helping to fund serious [[Magna Mater Project|archaeological digs]], and even participating in real-world politics as an international "culture and people".
 
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Decades from now nobody is going to care that we as individuals were really superior store clerks, computer programmers, salespeople or whatever. But possibly, just possibly - we might have made a real difference by helping to preserve and rebuild the Classical foundations of Western culture.
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Besides, at the VERY least, we'll have lead more interesting lives than most people ever bother to!
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==Can I be a patrician?==
 
==Can I be a patrician?==
  
According to our [[Constitution (Nova Roma)|Constitution]], only the first thirty families to join Nova Roma are counted among the ranks of the patrician class. Vacancies have been filled by elevating plebeian families to the partician class. The family name is irrelevant to this; even if your family was historically patrician, it may be counted as plebeian in Nova Roma. Only if a patrician family becomes extinct can the Censors elevate a plebeian family to patrician status.  
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With very few exceptions, new citizens will join the [[plebeian (Nova Roma)|plebeian]] class. Access to the [[patrician (Nova Roma)|patrician]] class is by birth or adoption into a patrician family.
  
 
==So what's the difference between patrician and plebeian?==
 
==So what's the difference between patrician and plebeian?==
  
'''Functionally, almost nothing at all.''' In fact, there are a few magistracies (such as the [[Tribuni Plebis (Nova Roma)|Tribuni Plebis]]) that can only be occupied by Citizens of the plebeian class. Patrician status was really included as a way to honor those families which came on-board at a very early stage of Nova Roma and were therefore instrumental in our early history.
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'''Functionally, almost nothing at all.''' In fact, there are a few magistracies (such as the [[Tribunus Plebis (Nova Roma)|''tribunus plebis'']]) that can only be occupied by citizens of the plebeian class. Patrician status was really included as a way to honor those families which came on-board at a very early stage of Nova Roma and were therefore instrumental in our early history.
  
==What's a spelt cake (or far cake)?==
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==What's a spelt cake (or ''far'' cake)?==
  
A [[spelt cake]] is a traditional offering given agricultural deities such as Ceres or Tellus. [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1996/V3-156.html#SPELT Spelt] (or far) is a species of grain in the same family as wheat.
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One sometimes encounters the term "[[spelt cake]]" in texts about Roman religious rituals.  It is a cake made from the grain ''far'', traditionally used as an offering given agricultural deities such as Ceres or Tellus. Note that the word "spelt" is a mistranslation of the Latin word "''far''", which in fact is the grain which in English is called [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1996/V3-156.html#EMMER emmer].
  
==I want to form a Collegium of (Wicca/Asatru/Islam/etc.). How do I go about this?==
 
  
'''The simple answer is, you can't.''' Strictly speaking, the official Collegia are based on historical Roman models and are specifically involved in the practice of the revival of the historical Religio Romana. While the Senate can officially recognize religious institutions outside of the [[:Category:Religio Romana (Nova Roma)|Religio Romana]], they will only do so for historical reconstructionist groups that were actually present during the classical Roman era (such as the Mithraic Mysteries, the cult of Isis, the cult of Dionysus, etc.). Since Wicca, Asatru, Islam, Amerindian religion, etc. weren't known to the classical Romans, they really have no place in the public religious life of Nova Roma. This in no way says that Citizens cannot practice these faiths in their private religious life; this restriction is strictly applied to "official" public religious expression.
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[[Category:Nova Roma]]

Latest revision as of 14:07, 31 October 2023

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Contents

What does "SPQR" mean?

Senatus Populusque Romanus - the Senate and Roman People; also usually quoted as "the Senate and People of Rome". The "que" suffix is "and"; "Romanus" is an adjective. Professor Silvia Giorcelli Bersani explains more.

How can I participate in one of the reenactment legions and groups of Nova Roma?

Joining a reenactment group of Nova Roma is the best way for being involved in our Roman civic life. In order to get in touch with such a group, you should contact the responsible officer who administers the local community of Nova Roma in the area where you live. If you cannot find any contact information to that individual, ask about their contact details in one of our official forums, or contact the central administration of Nova Roma via email.

Where can I learn about the next public events of Nova Roma?

Nova Roma frequently holds community events all over the world, most often in Europe. These events are usually announced on the Facebook page of Nova Roma, or somewhere in our official forums, or on the websites of our various member groups. Some of the events are not equally open to anyone, and you might be required to be a members of the group that organizes it if you want not only to attend as a spectator but o actively participate as a fellow citizen.

Where can I buy authentic Roman clothes and accessories?

If you want to receive advice that personally fits your situation, contact our aediles to learn about the various possibilities. We have a number of officially registered Nova Roman vendors whom you can try out.

Do I have to practice Roman religion?

Absolutely not. Nova Roma is not a "church," and we have absolutely no interest in the religious lives of any of our citizens. All that's required from a citizen of Nova Roma is a love of all things Roman. Since Nova Roma is a complete reconstruction of the culture and society of ancient Rome, the "state religion" of Nova Roma is the ancient Roman religion, but we do not require any citizen to practice it in person. Magistrates, because they are not only civil servants but also have functions within the sacra publica, are responsible for ensuring that religious functions are performed either by themselves or an appropriate delegate. While personal adherence to the ancient ways and traditions, especially as expressed through magisterial participation in religious ritual, is an ideal that is encouraged and valued, it's not a requirement within Nova Roma.

Do I have to be of Roman or Italian heritage to join?

As before, absolutely not! Just as persons of any race or nationality could become Roman citizens, so too is the right of Nova Roman citizenship open to all.

How do the rights of woman in Nova Roma compare to that of ancient Rome?

Ancient Roman society was rather patriarchal. While we are endeavoring to recreate most aspects of classical Roman culture, we are updating some of the more backwards views of our illustrious ancestors (slavery being the other big one — we wouldn't allow it even if it were legal). Women in Nova Roma are completely free to vote, hold office, become members of the Senate, and so forth. As far as the Religio Romana goes, there are some offices that are women-only, some that are men-only, and some that are open to both. While we recognize the differences between women and men, neither is held to be superior to the other.

Do I have to know Latin or Greek to join?

Not at all. While a cursory knowledge of Latin might be helpful in understanding some of the terms and phrases you'll see both on our web site and in some of our publications, it is in no way required. Several Latin courses are now taught online at Academia Thules.

Are you serious about the sovereignty thing?

Yes, we are completely serious about our declaration of symbolical sovereignty. However, we are also very realistic and do not expect to function as an actual sovereign nation with our own territory in the foreseeable future. We look at it in three ways; as a long-term goal towards which we can reach, as a very convenient way to organize the administration of Nova Roma (especially given our Roman orientation), and as necessary for the full and complete restoration of the religio Romana (since many religious duties were inherently tied to the state).

Is this just some kind of role-playing game?

No. We're far more than some "role-playing" game! The culture and knowledge left by classical Rome can still make a positive contribution to the modern world. Nova Roma is a serious attempt to provide a place where those interested in the various aspects of the classical world can begin to turn that cultural legacy into a living system once again.

With good fortune, Nova Roma is growing into something very "real" indeed. We are gaining citizens at a steady (and increasing) rate, and more and more "local real world" meetings and events are becoming possible. There are now over a thousand Nova Romans... running real-world classical-oriented businesses through the ordo equester, hosting annual public gatherings such as the Nova Roma Summer Camp, Roman Days, Roman Market Day or the International Grand Convention of Nova Roma, the Conventus Novae Romae, organizing sodalitates (clubs) around classical subjects concerning everything from brewing to philosophy, holding legal religious services, helping to fund serious archaeological digs, and even participating in real-world politics as an international "culture and people".

Can I be a patrician?

With very few exceptions, new citizens will join the plebeian class. Access to the patrician class is by birth or adoption into a patrician family.

So what's the difference between patrician and plebeian?

Functionally, almost nothing at all. In fact, there are a few magistracies (such as the tribunus plebis) that can only be occupied by citizens of the plebeian class. Patrician status was really included as a way to honor those families which came on-board at a very early stage of Nova Roma and were therefore instrumental in our early history.

What's a spelt cake (or far cake)?

One sometimes encounters the term "spelt cake" in texts about Roman religious rituals. It is a cake made from the grain far, traditionally used as an offering given agricultural deities such as Ceres or Tellus. Note that the word "spelt" is a mistranslation of the Latin word "far", which in fact is the grain which in English is called emmer.

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