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Minnesota Moore and the Emperors' Treasure
- Thread starter Praefectus Praetorio
- Start date
whether we want to be shipped and handled or not
windar
Teller of Tales
Stan Goldman carried them through the streets of London all by himself
If you insist, Dr. Moore...Shhhhhh ... Dean Windaus already is planning my next office desktop disciplining. Let’s not encourage him to move the session to the University’s admin building’s cellar dungeon.
According to the University Code of Conduct, Section 15, Paragraph 3, it doesn't matter who initiates...
I have to say that the ratio of time spent eating and fucking compared to time spent solving the mystery makes Stan Goldman look very good...
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
In preparation for the team exploring the palace tomorrow, the last substantial factual aside about a fascinating place, Diocletian's Palace:
Diocletian’s Palace – thanks to tourist guides
Considered to be one of the most imposing Roman ruins, Diocletian’s palace is certainly the main attraction of the city of Split, Croatia.
These ruins are some of the most historically valuable surviving buildings of the Roman era on the Adriatic coast.
Emperor Diocletian, who voluntarily gave up the throne of the Roman Empire, in the turn of the 4th century CE built the palace and after his retirement on May 1, 305 settled here, on the beach, in the Illyrian province of Rome.
Today the Illyrian province is part of Croatia.
The so-called palace was a massive structure and contains not only the palace itself but also buildings, intended for housing military garrison.
The whole complex occupied around 30,000 square meters. Today these ruins lie in the heart of the city of Split in Croatia.
The ancient fortress has become the old town of Split, with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants and also apartments, located in the old buildings on narrow streets of the palace/fortress.
Around 3000 people live on the territory of Diocletian’s palace today.
Emperor Diocletian had a wish to enter his palace on a ship, without leaving the deck. Today, it is hard to imagine that the lower tier of Diocletian’s palace once was covered with water, and the ship of the Emperor was usually slowly passing between the columns and stopping among the vaulted rooms of the lower tier.
The windows in the lower rooms of the palace are located near the ceiling - in case the water would rise - and even during the day the illumination here is weak, uneven. Over time, the sea receded, and a city emerged around the palace.
Not much is left in Split from the era of Diocletian - only the palace, the remains of walls and gates.
The rest of the old city is covered with white stone buildings of different periods and styles. The palace was built from local limestone and white marble.
The palace has a form of an irregular rectangle with 16 towers on the western, northern, and eastern facades. The southern façade has no towers, because it was rising directly from the waters of the sea. The design of the palace is a mix of villa and castrum architecture. The Emperor’s apartments were located on the southern part of the complex - along the seaside.
Only the foundation and lower floors of these apartments have survived to our days. Diocletian’s octagonal mausoleum (later was reconstructed into a Christian church - one of the oldest in the world) and 3 temples were also located in the southern part of the palace. One of the temples was later turned into a baptistery, the other two were destroyed.
On the crossroad of the two main roads of the palace, the so called Peristyle is located. The Peristyle is a rectangular open court decorated with colonnade and intended to become the heart of the palace, where the most powerful Roman citizens were gathering.
The palace had four gates. From the Golden gate on the northern side of the fortress the road to the town of Solin was starting.
The Silver gate was located on the eastern part, the Iron one - on the west, and the Bronze gate was on the south - the sea shore.
The gates themselves, of course, did not survive, but carved stone pillars and arches residues can still be seen on their place.
Here and there in the palace one can find antiques, including three 3500 years old sphinxes, brought to Split from Egypt for the Emperor.
Nowadays, during the day you can often hear music in the palace. But in the evenings the palace is particularly attractive.
When the night falls, the marble and granite columns, topped by Corinthian capitals, are usually illuminated by colorful garlands, and the interiors of the palace are becoming a beautiful scene, where actors in Roman togas are performing with their solemn voices, echoing under the arches of this ancient palace.
Rendering of Original look
Arial view today
The central Peristyle
The Silver Gate
One of the three sphinxes
Diocletian’s Palace – thanks to tourist guides
Considered to be one of the most imposing Roman ruins, Diocletian’s palace is certainly the main attraction of the city of Split, Croatia.
These ruins are some of the most historically valuable surviving buildings of the Roman era on the Adriatic coast.
Emperor Diocletian, who voluntarily gave up the throne of the Roman Empire, in the turn of the 4th century CE built the palace and after his retirement on May 1, 305 settled here, on the beach, in the Illyrian province of Rome.
Today the Illyrian province is part of Croatia.
The so-called palace was a massive structure and contains not only the palace itself but also buildings, intended for housing military garrison.
The whole complex occupied around 30,000 square meters. Today these ruins lie in the heart of the city of Split in Croatia.
The ancient fortress has become the old town of Split, with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants and also apartments, located in the old buildings on narrow streets of the palace/fortress.
Around 3000 people live on the territory of Diocletian’s palace today.
Emperor Diocletian had a wish to enter his palace on a ship, without leaving the deck. Today, it is hard to imagine that the lower tier of Diocletian’s palace once was covered with water, and the ship of the Emperor was usually slowly passing between the columns and stopping among the vaulted rooms of the lower tier.
The windows in the lower rooms of the palace are located near the ceiling - in case the water would rise - and even during the day the illumination here is weak, uneven. Over time, the sea receded, and a city emerged around the palace.
Not much is left in Split from the era of Diocletian - only the palace, the remains of walls and gates.
The rest of the old city is covered with white stone buildings of different periods and styles. The palace was built from local limestone and white marble.
The palace has a form of an irregular rectangle with 16 towers on the western, northern, and eastern facades. The southern façade has no towers, because it was rising directly from the waters of the sea. The design of the palace is a mix of villa and castrum architecture. The Emperor’s apartments were located on the southern part of the complex - along the seaside.
Only the foundation and lower floors of these apartments have survived to our days. Diocletian’s octagonal mausoleum (later was reconstructed into a Christian church - one of the oldest in the world) and 3 temples were also located in the southern part of the palace. One of the temples was later turned into a baptistery, the other two were destroyed.
On the crossroad of the two main roads of the palace, the so called Peristyle is located. The Peristyle is a rectangular open court decorated with colonnade and intended to become the heart of the palace, where the most powerful Roman citizens were gathering.
The palace had four gates. From the Golden gate on the northern side of the fortress the road to the town of Solin was starting.
The Silver gate was located on the eastern part, the Iron one - on the west, and the Bronze gate was on the south - the sea shore.
The gates themselves, of course, did not survive, but carved stone pillars and arches residues can still be seen on their place.
Here and there in the palace one can find antiques, including three 3500 years old sphinxes, brought to Split from Egypt for the Emperor.
Nowadays, during the day you can often hear music in the palace. But in the evenings the palace is particularly attractive.
When the night falls, the marble and granite columns, topped by Corinthian capitals, are usually illuminated by colorful garlands, and the interiors of the palace are becoming a beautiful scene, where actors in Roman togas are performing with their solemn voices, echoing under the arches of this ancient palace.
Rendering of Original lookArial view todayThe central PeristyleThe Silver GateOne of the three sphinxes
Definitely outclasses the Treehouse!
And the White House and Buckingham Palace too.
Outclasses today's dress...
Do you need a very bad story about you???Definitely outclasses the Treehouse!
And the White House and Buckingham Palace too.
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Touring Split
Love the Roman soldiers!
Last edited:
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Chapter 31 April 22, 2018 First Full Split Day
At 8 AM the team assembled for breakfast. A table for five had been set and a hearty American/Croatian breakfast served due to Messa’s efforts. Promptly after the meal, Susan and Henry met their driver and set off for Sinj. Professor Moore, David and Messaline grabbed their equipment and walked to the palace visitor center. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and they hoped for much success.
The ancient fortress that Diocletian built has become the old town of Split, with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants and also apartments and hotels, located in the old buildings on narrow streets of the palace/fortress.
Today, it is hard to imagine that the lower tier of Diocletian’s palace once was covered with water. Over time, the sea receded, and a city emerged around the palace. Some of the vaulted basement galleries have recently been used as sets for “The Game of Thrones” series. The Palace doubles as the former slave city of Meereen and it was the setting for numerous scenes with Daenerys.
Needless to say, to three Historians, one a Classicist and the other two Medievalists, the Palace was a magical place to wander. Almost overwhelmed by the richness of the history, it took them a long time to get their bearings and move to the sections they wanted to explore. They did find the Peristyle, a rectangular open court decorated with colonnades and the heart of the palace. Here the most powerful Roman citizens gathered to call on the Emperor. Reenactors were everywhere. Just south, the entered the atrium with its doomed roof where Diocletian would great a favored guest. The mere atmosphere was electric in their minds.
Finally, they made their way to their main goal, Diocletian’s banquet/dining room, the triclinium. There they would find the mosaics and murals that brother Nickolas had described in such loving detail.
But when they walked out into the space, they were stunned.
The roof was gone, the walls were only five feet high and only bare brick and mortar. The floor had been paved over in concrete! There was nothing left!
It would be unfair to dwell in the reactions of these three dedicated young academics when they saw their dream evaporate before their eyes. No mosaic, no mural, no treasure map! More than one teared up and all were speechless for several minutes.
Messa was the first to recover. She had impressive strength of will. She grabbed her camera and proceeded to carefully document the current state of the room. David surveyed the surrounding area and recorded the few ancient inscriptions remaining. Barbara, with little more to do as her students skillfully worked, called Geoffrey on her cell phone. Her friend provided a good ear and a figurative shoulder to cry on. As Barbara said good-bye, Geoffrey encouraged her, “Don’t give up. I might have an idea.” Barb was torn between laughing and crying as she hung up.
Later,, they had done all they could and began to walk, very dejectedly, back to the hotel. They were almost there, when Barb’s phone rang. It was Geoffrey. He asked her to go see a “friend” of his before she went back to the hotel. Barb tried to say no, she and the others were so disappointed they just wanted to get back to their rooms. But Geoffrey insisted, as he rarely did, and, when he did, Barb couldn’t say no to him. He gave them the address which was just a few doors away and they turned back.
An unprepossessing doorway in a very old looking building had a sign saying “Hrvatsko Arheološko Društvo” over it. Messa translated it as “Croatian Archeological Society.” They entered into a small reception area with an older lady at a desk. Messa asked in Croatian for Geoffrey’s friend, Andrija Novak. The lady smiled and replied, Redatelj? Prijatelja od Dr. Chaucer? On vas očekuje.” She got up to show them in. Meanwhile Messa translated, “She said, the Director is expecting the friends of Dr. Chaucer.”
They were shown into a pleasant, but modest office with floor to ceiling bookshelves lining the entire wall space. A short, handsome gentleman of about 40 in an expensive suit, rose from behind a desk piled high with more books, to greet Barbara enthusiastically.
“Professor Moore? I have followed your career and am so glad to meet you,” said the gentleman, speaking perfect English. “I am Dr. Andrija Novak. Please call me Andrew. Would you introduce your friends?”
After she did, the Dr. requested them to be seated and just then the lady from reception brought in cups of rich Croatian coffee for everyone.
“When I heard from my friend, Dr. Chaucer, that you had honored us with your presence, I begged that he ask you to stop and see me. The Archaeological Society is in charge of the heritage site of Diocletian’s Palace and we are honored to have such a renowned historian as a visitor! Thank you so much for stopping by!”
Barbara modestly thanked him. She was only beginning to fully appreciate how well-known and respected in the historical community she had become. She made some small talk, but she and the others really wanted to get back to their hotel.
“How do you like our site? I know there has been a lot of development in the last 1,700 years, but much of the palace remains to be seen, does it not?”
Barbara responded with admiration for the site, but mentioned their disappointment at the condition of the triclinium.
“Yes, indeed,” Andrew agreed, “The condition is poor. Almost all of the upper level apartments have suffered great neglect and damage over the years. That is very sad. Dr. Chaucer told me of your feelings. However, that might not be what you were looking for.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Did you not know that there were two triclinia in Diocletian’s day?”
“What!” all three said at once.
“Oh yes. The triclinium you saw was the larger dining room the Emperor had for special guests and ceremonies. It could hold as many as 25, huge by Roman standards.”
“I wondered at that,” said David. I had thought Roman dinners were never for more than 9, save for massive banquet halls. They considered it unlucky to recline to eat with more than eight others. Therefore, they had three couches for three people each. The name itself comes from Greek for three couches, κλίνη, which the word recline comes from.”
“Very true. You know your Romans,” said Andrew. Therefore, Diocletian kept a smaller private one for his personal meals and closest friends, sized for eight or nine as was the more common custom.”
“But that is not mentioned on the maps and guides,” objected David.
“That is so because it was only discovered three years ago and is not yet open to the public.”
“Oh my God!” exclaimed Barb in a rather uncharacteristic outburst herself. “Please tell us about it.”
“It is on a lower level, almost directly underneath the one you visited. It was walled off in the early 1300’s as part of some project within the ruins at that time. It was only, as I said, about three years ago, that ground-penetrating radar revealed its existence. We carefully broke through the wall, and revealed the room, astoundingly well preserved after 700 years of being sealed off.”
“But, you haven’t announced the find?” asked Barb.
“We plan to in the next few months. We are on a very limited budget and we wanted to compete the careful examination and cataloging of the find. It is really very exciting!”
“I can imagine,” said Barb with a wink to the others. “Tell me, may we see it?”
“But of course, we would be honored for you to see our ‘little gem’, as long as you embargo the news until we are ready to release.”
“Absolutely. But right now, could you tell me, are there murals?” Barb barely dared speak the words with hope and dread of the possible answers.
“Oh yes! Such beautiful murals, very well preserved and also a wonderful tile mosaic on the floor.”
At 8 AM the team assembled for breakfast. A table for five had been set and a hearty American/Croatian breakfast served due to Messa’s efforts. Promptly after the meal, Susan and Henry met their driver and set off for Sinj. Professor Moore, David and Messaline grabbed their equipment and walked to the palace visitor center. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and they hoped for much success.
The ancient fortress that Diocletian built has become the old town of Split, with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants and also apartments and hotels, located in the old buildings on narrow streets of the palace/fortress.
Today, it is hard to imagine that the lower tier of Diocletian’s palace once was covered with water. Over time, the sea receded, and a city emerged around the palace. Some of the vaulted basement galleries have recently been used as sets for “The Game of Thrones” series. The Palace doubles as the former slave city of Meereen and it was the setting for numerous scenes with Daenerys.
Needless to say, to three Historians, one a Classicist and the other two Medievalists, the Palace was a magical place to wander. Almost overwhelmed by the richness of the history, it took them a long time to get their bearings and move to the sections they wanted to explore. They did find the Peristyle, a rectangular open court decorated with colonnades and the heart of the palace. Here the most powerful Roman citizens gathered to call on the Emperor. Reenactors were everywhere. Just south, the entered the atrium with its doomed roof where Diocletian would great a favored guest. The mere atmosphere was electric in their minds.
Finally, they made their way to their main goal, Diocletian’s banquet/dining room, the triclinium. There they would find the mosaics and murals that brother Nickolas had described in such loving detail.
But when they walked out into the space, they were stunned.
The roof was gone, the walls were only five feet high and only bare brick and mortar. The floor had been paved over in concrete! There was nothing left!
It would be unfair to dwell in the reactions of these three dedicated young academics when they saw their dream evaporate before their eyes. No mosaic, no mural, no treasure map! More than one teared up and all were speechless for several minutes.
Messa was the first to recover. She had impressive strength of will. She grabbed her camera and proceeded to carefully document the current state of the room. David surveyed the surrounding area and recorded the few ancient inscriptions remaining. Barbara, with little more to do as her students skillfully worked, called Geoffrey on her cell phone. Her friend provided a good ear and a figurative shoulder to cry on. As Barbara said good-bye, Geoffrey encouraged her, “Don’t give up. I might have an idea.” Barb was torn between laughing and crying as she hung up.
Later,, they had done all they could and began to walk, very dejectedly, back to the hotel. They were almost there, when Barb’s phone rang. It was Geoffrey. He asked her to go see a “friend” of his before she went back to the hotel. Barb tried to say no, she and the others were so disappointed they just wanted to get back to their rooms. But Geoffrey insisted, as he rarely did, and, when he did, Barb couldn’t say no to him. He gave them the address which was just a few doors away and they turned back.
An unprepossessing doorway in a very old looking building had a sign saying “Hrvatsko Arheološko Društvo” over it. Messa translated it as “Croatian Archeological Society.” They entered into a small reception area with an older lady at a desk. Messa asked in Croatian for Geoffrey’s friend, Andrija Novak. The lady smiled and replied, Redatelj? Prijatelja od Dr. Chaucer? On vas očekuje.” She got up to show them in. Meanwhile Messa translated, “She said, the Director is expecting the friends of Dr. Chaucer.”
They were shown into a pleasant, but modest office with floor to ceiling bookshelves lining the entire wall space. A short, handsome gentleman of about 40 in an expensive suit, rose from behind a desk piled high with more books, to greet Barbara enthusiastically.
“Professor Moore? I have followed your career and am so glad to meet you,” said the gentleman, speaking perfect English. “I am Dr. Andrija Novak. Please call me Andrew. Would you introduce your friends?”
After she did, the Dr. requested them to be seated and just then the lady from reception brought in cups of rich Croatian coffee for everyone.
“When I heard from my friend, Dr. Chaucer, that you had honored us with your presence, I begged that he ask you to stop and see me. The Archaeological Society is in charge of the heritage site of Diocletian’s Palace and we are honored to have such a renowned historian as a visitor! Thank you so much for stopping by!”
Barbara modestly thanked him. She was only beginning to fully appreciate how well-known and respected in the historical community she had become. She made some small talk, but she and the others really wanted to get back to their hotel.
“How do you like our site? I know there has been a lot of development in the last 1,700 years, but much of the palace remains to be seen, does it not?”
Barbara responded with admiration for the site, but mentioned their disappointment at the condition of the triclinium.
“Yes, indeed,” Andrew agreed, “The condition is poor. Almost all of the upper level apartments have suffered great neglect and damage over the years. That is very sad. Dr. Chaucer told me of your feelings. However, that might not be what you were looking for.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Did you not know that there were two triclinia in Diocletian’s day?”
“What!” all three said at once.
“Oh yes. The triclinium you saw was the larger dining room the Emperor had for special guests and ceremonies. It could hold as many as 25, huge by Roman standards.”
“I wondered at that,” said David. I had thought Roman dinners were never for more than 9, save for massive banquet halls. They considered it unlucky to recline to eat with more than eight others. Therefore, they had three couches for three people each. The name itself comes from Greek for three couches, κλίνη, which the word recline comes from.”
“Very true. You know your Romans,” said Andrew. Therefore, Diocletian kept a smaller private one for his personal meals and closest friends, sized for eight or nine as was the more common custom.”
“But that is not mentioned on the maps and guides,” objected David.
“That is so because it was only discovered three years ago and is not yet open to the public.”
“Oh my God!” exclaimed Barb in a rather uncharacteristic outburst herself. “Please tell us about it.”
“It is on a lower level, almost directly underneath the one you visited. It was walled off in the early 1300’s as part of some project within the ruins at that time. It was only, as I said, about three years ago, that ground-penetrating radar revealed its existence. We carefully broke through the wall, and revealed the room, astoundingly well preserved after 700 years of being sealed off.”
“But, you haven’t announced the find?” asked Barb.
“We plan to in the next few months. We are on a very limited budget and we wanted to compete the careful examination and cataloging of the find. It is really very exciting!”
“I can imagine,” said Barb with a wink to the others. “Tell me, may we see it?”
“But of course, we would be honored for you to see our ‘little gem’, as long as you embargo the news until we are ready to release.”
“Absolutely. But right now, could you tell me, are there murals?” Barb barely dared speak the words with hope and dread of the possible answers.
“Oh yes! Such beautiful murals, very well preserved and also a wonderful tile mosaic on the floor.”
Last edited:
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Entering
Approaching the Peristyle
The atrium
A typical triclinium from Pompeii
Approaching the Peristyle
The atrium
A typical triclinium from Pompeii
Well, I am in fact prone to outbursts when I’m aroused ... I mean ... excited. Ask Messa!
Very nice chapter ... and lovely twist.
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
And often when you are prone and excited, it is due to Messa!
messaline
Crucified Amazon
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Chapter 32 April 22, 2018 First Day in Split 2
The group found it hard to contain themselves at this news. Politely, Moore asked, since it was getting later, if they could go now to see the chamber.
“Of course,” said Andrew, who got up and ushered them out the door of the office. They walked a few paces down the street to a nondescript door, which he unlocked and opened, revealing a flight of stairs going down. He turned on good lighting and led them down and through a labyrinth of passages until coming to a hole in a side wall. It was clearly recent and just as clearly carefully made with reinforcing timbers in place. The room within was not lit, but light from the hall made the dimensions visible.
“Please remove your shoes and enter. I will turn on the light in a moment.”
They entered, ducking slightly at the low lintel. When they were in the center of the room, Andrew turned on the lights. The head of the Archeological Society was also a showman; the dramatic effect was breathtaking. Portable lights brightly illuminated a sumptuous interior. The walls covered with gayly-colored frescoes and the floor resplendent with glass mosaic tiles that almost seemed to glow like ocean water in bright sunlight! Although it was what the group had hoped to find, they were unprepared for the sudden reveal of the beautiful works of art.
For several moments they were silent, slowly turning around and taking in the full panorama. Then Dr. Moore, as always, was the first to take charge. She set David about taking precise measurements and Messaline to documenting everything in detail with her high-resolution digital camera. Moore, meanwhile, pulled out the copy of Nickolas’ description of the room from the manuscript.
As Barb read the manuscript, it was as if the monk was standing beside her as they both gazed at the walls and floor. This room had been sealed since only a hundred years after he wrote these words. No one knew of the room or its decoration in the last seven centuries! The manuscript had to be authentic!
The floor showed the same richness of seafood described. Was that the route to the treasure – under the sea!
The fresco to her right, of fishermen and boats and the catch and boxes of fish being hauled away in carts, was certainly reflective of treasure from the sea.
The next fresco was rich fields of grain, being harvested and the abundant bounty shipped off in wagons up over a distant hill.
Next was the hunting scene described by Nickolas. Beautiful details of the hunt and the game were accompanied by the carcasses being cleaned and butchered and loaded on more of the omnipresent carts to be carried to the Emperor’s banquets. Lord, Barb thought, Diocletian ate well! A treasure of meat, even for an Emperor!
Finally, the pastoral scene so lovingly described by the monk. His words and her vision merged into a hillside covered with flocks of every domestic herd animal and their herders. The usual slaughter and preparation before loading on carts which wound their way across the hilltop capped with an old stone ruin.
It was with great difficulty that the group was able to tear themselves away from the room that had been so long in their thoughts, now that they saw its fabulous decorations. But eventually they had to show respect for their host’s time. Andrew turned off the lights as they left and asked Dr, Moore on the short walk back what her impression was.
“Dr. Novak. Words cannot express my awe at that sight! You have unearthed a treasure which will be valued throughout the world. My most heartfelt congratulations”
“That means so much coming from you, Dr. Moore. I hesitate to ask, but, given your outstanding reputation in both Ancient and Medieval studies, would you consider writing a brief comment to accompany our paper?”
“I would be honored and delighted,” she replied and they took shook hands heartily upon separating.
Back at the hotel, Barbara asked Messa to email her photos to both Barb and to Dr. Chaucer as a backup. Then the professor excused herself and went to her room alone to try to decipher the mystery. An hour later, with no progress, Susan rang her up and said they had results. Therefore, the whole team met in the first floor conference room.
Susan and Henry were bursting with enthusiasm for what they had discovered!
They reported that Father Željko, the head of the Seminary, had greeted them like royalty. He said “Friends of draga Dr Profesor Causar are most welcome!” reported Henry. After about six hours of pouring laboriously through musty old records, they had uncovered the original monastery records with full authentication. And after only a little more effort had found the records of the time of Brother Nickolas.
“And, said Susan, breathlessly, “we found Nickolas!”
“I could just kiss you two,” exclaimed Barbara. “Tell us what you got.”
“Well, to summarize, we found several references, that together clearly refer to our man. Here they are:”
In 1176, Nicolas quod cum inventum ipse XII et appositus est ad Christum abbatial. Venit familia pecoris – Nicolas was 12 when he found Christ and joined the abbey. He came from a local family of goatherds.
“In 1186, there was a brother Nicolas, a scriptor, a copier, in the library.
In 1190, in itinere ab abbate ire permissus est, a Nicolas was given permission to travel, that is to leave the monastery, which was highly unusual for this group of Franciscans.
In 1192 a Nicolas is referred to dum scriptor, ipse et auctor erat – while he was a scribe, he was also a writer of his own.
And in 1194, there was this, Frater Nicolas de rebus antiquis auctor erat - Brother Nickolas was a writer of history. In the contemporary terms this would be a chronicler of recent events not ancient history.”
Dr. Moore then laid out for the whole group the completeness of their success. Between the information on Frederick’s route that they had found in Bosnia, the contemporary references to Nickolas, and the confirmation of his story in the hard evidence of the triclinium, the authenticity of the manuscript was proven beyond a doubt!
There was much celebration and mutual congratulations. But then David spoke what many were thinking, “What about the Treasure?”
The room quieted and all looked to Professor Moore. She spoke softly but firmly. “We have accomplished a remarkable feat. However, I feel, as I’m sure you all do, that it is incomplete without the treasure location (whether it’s still there or not). But, as of now, I cannot, for the life of me, understand how Nicolas found it. The only thing he tells us is that it was in the ‘hills’ and there are many, many hills!”
“However, I’m not giving up. You all know me. I simply will not be satisfied until we solve this last mystery.”
“Meanwhile, let’s have dinner and sleep on it and see what we see in the light of morning!”
They all agreed, had a convivial dinner and adjourned to their rooms. Barb, of course did not go to bed but was on her laptop going through the new photos along with the manuscript and everything else they’d unearthed on the project since she’d left Britain.
Just before midnight it came to her! Trembling with excitement, she forced her methodical, unemotional academic character to the surface and reviewed everything to confirm her discovery. It did! She knew the location of the treasure!
The group found it hard to contain themselves at this news. Politely, Moore asked, since it was getting later, if they could go now to see the chamber.
“Of course,” said Andrew, who got up and ushered them out the door of the office. They walked a few paces down the street to a nondescript door, which he unlocked and opened, revealing a flight of stairs going down. He turned on good lighting and led them down and through a labyrinth of passages until coming to a hole in a side wall. It was clearly recent and just as clearly carefully made with reinforcing timbers in place. The room within was not lit, but light from the hall made the dimensions visible.
“Please remove your shoes and enter. I will turn on the light in a moment.”
They entered, ducking slightly at the low lintel. When they were in the center of the room, Andrew turned on the lights. The head of the Archeological Society was also a showman; the dramatic effect was breathtaking. Portable lights brightly illuminated a sumptuous interior. The walls covered with gayly-colored frescoes and the floor resplendent with glass mosaic tiles that almost seemed to glow like ocean water in bright sunlight! Although it was what the group had hoped to find, they were unprepared for the sudden reveal of the beautiful works of art.
For several moments they were silent, slowly turning around and taking in the full panorama. Then Dr. Moore, as always, was the first to take charge. She set David about taking precise measurements and Messaline to documenting everything in detail with her high-resolution digital camera. Moore, meanwhile, pulled out the copy of Nickolas’ description of the room from the manuscript.
As Barb read the manuscript, it was as if the monk was standing beside her as they both gazed at the walls and floor. This room had been sealed since only a hundred years after he wrote these words. No one knew of the room or its decoration in the last seven centuries! The manuscript had to be authentic!
The floor showed the same richness of seafood described. Was that the route to the treasure – under the sea!
The fresco to her right, of fishermen and boats and the catch and boxes of fish being hauled away in carts, was certainly reflective of treasure from the sea.
The next fresco was rich fields of grain, being harvested and the abundant bounty shipped off in wagons up over a distant hill.
Next was the hunting scene described by Nickolas. Beautiful details of the hunt and the game were accompanied by the carcasses being cleaned and butchered and loaded on more of the omnipresent carts to be carried to the Emperor’s banquets. Lord, Barb thought, Diocletian ate well! A treasure of meat, even for an Emperor!
Finally, the pastoral scene so lovingly described by the monk. His words and her vision merged into a hillside covered with flocks of every domestic herd animal and their herders. The usual slaughter and preparation before loading on carts which wound their way across the hilltop capped with an old stone ruin.
It was with great difficulty that the group was able to tear themselves away from the room that had been so long in their thoughts, now that they saw its fabulous decorations. But eventually they had to show respect for their host’s time. Andrew turned off the lights as they left and asked Dr, Moore on the short walk back what her impression was.
“Dr. Novak. Words cannot express my awe at that sight! You have unearthed a treasure which will be valued throughout the world. My most heartfelt congratulations”
“That means so much coming from you, Dr. Moore. I hesitate to ask, but, given your outstanding reputation in both Ancient and Medieval studies, would you consider writing a brief comment to accompany our paper?”
“I would be honored and delighted,” she replied and they took shook hands heartily upon separating.
Back at the hotel, Barbara asked Messa to email her photos to both Barb and to Dr. Chaucer as a backup. Then the professor excused herself and went to her room alone to try to decipher the mystery. An hour later, with no progress, Susan rang her up and said they had results. Therefore, the whole team met in the first floor conference room.
Susan and Henry were bursting with enthusiasm for what they had discovered!
They reported that Father Željko, the head of the Seminary, had greeted them like royalty. He said “Friends of draga Dr Profesor Causar are most welcome!” reported Henry. After about six hours of pouring laboriously through musty old records, they had uncovered the original monastery records with full authentication. And after only a little more effort had found the records of the time of Brother Nickolas.
“And, said Susan, breathlessly, “we found Nickolas!”
“I could just kiss you two,” exclaimed Barbara. “Tell us what you got.”
“Well, to summarize, we found several references, that together clearly refer to our man. Here they are:”
In 1176, Nicolas quod cum inventum ipse XII et appositus est ad Christum abbatial. Venit familia pecoris – Nicolas was 12 when he found Christ and joined the abbey. He came from a local family of goatherds.
“In 1186, there was a brother Nicolas, a scriptor, a copier, in the library.
In 1190, in itinere ab abbate ire permissus est, a Nicolas was given permission to travel, that is to leave the monastery, which was highly unusual for this group of Franciscans.
In 1192 a Nicolas is referred to dum scriptor, ipse et auctor erat – while he was a scribe, he was also a writer of his own.
And in 1194, there was this, Frater Nicolas de rebus antiquis auctor erat - Brother Nickolas was a writer of history. In the contemporary terms this would be a chronicler of recent events not ancient history.”
Dr. Moore then laid out for the whole group the completeness of their success. Between the information on Frederick’s route that they had found in Bosnia, the contemporary references to Nickolas, and the confirmation of his story in the hard evidence of the triclinium, the authenticity of the manuscript was proven beyond a doubt!
There was much celebration and mutual congratulations. But then David spoke what many were thinking, “What about the Treasure?”
The room quieted and all looked to Professor Moore. She spoke softly but firmly. “We have accomplished a remarkable feat. However, I feel, as I’m sure you all do, that it is incomplete without the treasure location (whether it’s still there or not). But, as of now, I cannot, for the life of me, understand how Nicolas found it. The only thing he tells us is that it was in the ‘hills’ and there are many, many hills!”
“However, I’m not giving up. You all know me. I simply will not be satisfied until we solve this last mystery.”
“Meanwhile, let’s have dinner and sleep on it and see what we see in the light of morning!”
They all agreed, had a convivial dinner and adjourned to their rooms. Barb, of course did not go to bed but was on her laptop going through the new photos along with the manuscript and everything else they’d unearthed on the project since she’d left Britain.
Just before midnight it came to her! Trembling with excitement, she forced her methodical, unemotional academic character to the surface and reviewed everything to confirm her discovery. It did! She knew the location of the treasure!
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Dr. Andrija Novak takes them to the lower levels:
Barb loves her laptop:
Barb loves her laptop:
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Unfortunately, images of the murals and mosaics of Diocletian’s private triclinium are © Hrvatsko Arheološko Društvo. Cruxforums publishing was not able to negotiate a fee to present them here (they wanted in excess of €6,000 and we were not able to offer over €6.
Therefore, we present the best we have, the best we could afford on our budget (free!), an artist's representation of the triclinium of Diocletian:
Admittedly not the most accurate rendering.
Therefore, we present the best we have, the best we could afford on our budget (free!), an artist's representation of the triclinium of Diocletian:
Admittedly not the most accurate rendering.
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windar
Teller of Tales
Damn that squirrel, he was able to shoot through the window of the 15th floor of the Administration Bldg!Dean Windar:
windar
Teller of Tales
He gets to retire? Did the 305 AD version of Moore keep dragging him back into emperoring or whatever it was that he did? "Oh, Dio, just this one last case. Those bad Goths are up to no good, I just know it. Take care of them and then, I promise, no more..."
So how come these brilliant scholars didn't look on the internet before spending the University's money on this trip?
Moore, I want you in my office yesterday!!!
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So how come these brilliant scholars didn't look on the internet before spending the University's money on this trip?
Oh Shit!
messaline
Crucified Amazon
Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Very perceptive, Windar. He was asked, begged to come out of retirement several times (though there is no record of such a persuasive
At Split Diocletian enjoyed himself gardening and when Maximian returned to the political arena and wrote to suggest that Diocletian should do the same, he replied to the effect that "if you could see my cabbages you would understand the impossibility of the suggestion."
How can something in that cool clear water, be so hot?
