Did you know that the Farasan island located in the southern Red Sea was the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire?

[AlexanderAnttila]

As a historian and a bit of a fanboy of the Roman Empire, I always find it awesome to discover these kinds of trivia. Up until 2004 this location was unknown to have had history with the Romans, but in 2004 when discovering a Roman fort on the island and a tablet in Latin describing the presence of: Legio II Traina Fortis and auxiliary troops on the main island in 144 CE during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. The island was called "Portus Ferranus", and is the origin of the present day name.

The Farasan Island.

It stuck out to me due to the distance between this outpost and the nearest Roman city of Berenice, 600 miles on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea.

[nightdrot]

Huh, you learn something new every day. That's interesting.

For my part, I am a history buff, but my emphasis is the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries - mainly Europe. So I was not aware of this specifically.

To be sure, I am interested in Roman history - but mostly as intellectual history. The ideas that were dominant in different phases of the republic and then the empire. You really cannot be interested in Western history generally and NOT follow Roman history to some extent.

Still, I did not follow a lot of the specifics and military campaigns. I only add that it is fascinating the places where you will find Roman ruins. They did get around, so to speak.

Good imperialists. Though that would be considered naughty now, we are nevertheless lucky that they were back then.

Anyhow, thanks for passing this little tidbit along. Very interesting.

[nightdrot]

P. S. By the way, just had to add. You were right not to put this in the "Trending News" category - yes, that was a joke. However, I am not sure it fits in "Society and Politics."

For what it is worth, I think I would have put this one under the "Other" category. Not a perfect fit at any means, but probably a better one - at least until such time as they create that "History" category that you one time suggested.

[AlexanderAnttila]

The majority of respondents on my history question suggest that the Society and Politics section was enough, hence my placement. But I agree it isn't all too easy to pin without a history one.

The affluent philosophy, technology and general knowledge of the Roman Empire was indeed a cornerstone for Europe, but my own main interest lies in military history and the Roman Legions were one of the greatest forces to ever walk the earth. Most certainly unparalleled in the world during its time, in structure, strategy and organization.

It was indeed good for the Romans to expand as they did. I often remark on all that they contributed to the world and as a Christian I have no doubts God used the empire for his purposes. It was Roman roads and the common tongue they established that allowed for apostles like Paul to spread the Gospel in the first place.

[nightdrot]

No arguments from me on any of that.

Although in this case - on the decidedly secondary question of categories - as this posting had a decided retrospective and specifically military focus, "Society & Politics" works less well than otherwise the category normally would.

As to the rest, as I say, no argument from me on the significance of the Roman Empire and its military forces. It changed the world - including helping to facilitate the spread of Christianity - like few political entities ever has.

It being ironic that as the empire fell, its' loyalists blamed Christianity. Thus inspiring Augustine to put pen to paper - or parchment as it was at the time and write - "Augustinus De civitate Dei." Certainly one of the greatest and most influential works of Christian apologetics ever written.

[tartaarsaus]

I thought for a couple years under Trajan they also got in the south-west of modern Iran, which is also pretty far.


But no, I did not know that

[taveuni]

Very interesting.
.
.
.
In the loving memory of alexander the great 😂

[cjgsu]

I didn't know that. And i also love ancient roman history

[AlexanderAnttila]

Seriously? You do? :D I didn't expect to find a historical soulmate.

[cjgsu]

Yesss!!! Itz fascinating. I watched a tv show called rome and it got me interested in it. And i began researching it.

I luv it and can't get enough of it.

I really think gaius marius is the most underrated person. He in my opinion really paved the way for rome 2 go from a republic 2 an empire. Without his actions Caesar would have probably had a ordinary life.
Marius actions forced sulla 2 exil Caesar which started his path 2 be ruler

[AlexanderAnttila]

This is incredible. I rarely find people as interested in history, much rarer for girls to be at that.

And I agree, the Marian-reforms were pivotal for the success of the legions.

Caesar of course was a tremendous conqueror in his own right, but Augustus surpassed him in cementing imperial control around the Mediterranean.

A favorite story of mine is Julius Caesar being imprisoned by Gauls in France, and warning them that his legions would come for him, obviously not believing that soldiers would risk their necks for a commander when they didn't need to the Gauls did nothing, but awoke a week later surrounded by Roman spears, as Julius' men had traversed thousands of miles to find him. They loved him because he reduced their taxes and increased their pay.

My personal favorite among the Roman Emperors is Aurelian, the Serbian born commoner who rose in ranks to eventually be the one to defeat Rome's encroaching enemies at every turn; subduing the Germanic tribes in the north, beating down queen Zenobia's Palmyrene rebellion in Syria, and making short work of political intrigues in the capital.

[cjgsu]

Yes. I got a lot 2 say bout that but got something 2 do rn.
So hmu later

[AlexanderAnttila]

No problem!

[SuccessfulHornDog]

I also find things like this interesting. I was not aware of this until I read you rpost