Crazy Roman Gods & Changing Sacred Beliefs

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Hi Darren. How I wish that my long departed history teachers were as engaging as you were in this video. Very interesting and informative. Now I must pray to my own goddess - as otherwise I won’t get my Sunday dinner! 🙇🏼

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much, Andrew! Make sure you throw in some votive offerings, and then I’m sure you’ll be fine!

[@Oscartherescuedog]

Great show! Buy me a coffee good idea.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Oscar! Maybe I should give the coffee thing a go. I do feel a bit weird about it, for some reason.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I don't understand the no filming bit. If I see something on here I like, I'm more likely to go and see it. Free advertisement for them. As for buy me a coffee, I never have, so far, but I don't have that on mine either. But you must do as you see fit. It's your channel after all. The problem is that I watch a small circle of KZbinrs. If we all buy each other a coffee, it cancels itself out. I'll just do the slow trudge towards monetisation and hope I get there before I snuff it. I really enjoyed the video as I do all of them. Thanks for sharing.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Chris. I know, it’s officious nonsense and counterintuitive - things would have been different if it was still The Ministry of Works! Yes, not sure about the coffee thing. It feels a bit weird! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Pete40-b1u]

Another very informative production. Glad you managed to escape the over zealous security guards. Can’t see a problem with your channel having the buy me a coffee option if nothing more than to show the viewers appreciation of you sharing your knowledge time and effort. All the best with the views and subs. Keep up the good work. Pete 👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Pete, glad you enjoyed it. The English Heritage guards are a nightmare and it doesn’t seem to matter that I’m a paid up member! They don’t like people making money by videoing their sites - they’d be furious about the coffees!

[@lablackzed]

👍🇬🇧 Tee shirts and mugs and key rings are a good revenue .

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks! Really like the idea of those. And possibly a calendar!

[@tweedyoutdoors]

I absolutely loved this! Watched it under a tarp in the rain on the heath (with a glass of Gevrey Chambertin in hand obviously). I really had no idea that these hybridised and incredibly specific gods were a uniquely British thing within the Roman empire and I'm oddly proud of that! Really wonderful stuff - it would still have been a very interesting video even without your injection of humour but that was the icing on the cake. May your corn never develop mildew and may Subscriptia smile on you!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. Yes, only in Britain, eh?! Where else would they feel the need to have deities for the different components of a door?! It must have been a daily task identifying the need for new deities! It did make me proud, too! I wonder if there was a deity for tarps? I expect so, they used leather tents a lot. Tarpus? With Tarpiodus covering off the eventuality of getting mildew on one’s tent?

[@hedleythorne]

Hopefully also filming your own adventures (like WC21's brilliant film here) for us hungry KZbin content consumers?

[@andrewlamb8055]

Keep it all coming my friend! Always enjoyable 🤣⚔️😎👁️🐑

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Andrew!

[@andrewbarnett5542]

I went to a Mary Beard lecture today at the Sydney Opera House. You would have loved it.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I need to get her on as a special guest! Thanks for watching!

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Darren, What a fascinating couple of places they are, thanks for taking us along. Sound decision making adopting the gods of the newly conquered. Personally I think it's a far better system, I'm on the side of Dionysus or to give him his more modern name Tweedy😂😂😂 The lion devouring it's victim is a superb sculpture, I wonder what the inspiration for the animal was, looks almost pagan - the body of a cow with the head of a sheep? No surprise to see the remains reused or repurposed. The guide at Italica told us that a lot of the remains there were used in road building. Apparently some of the marble statues were literally burnt in lime kilns for building materials, it appears in a painting of the town from some time ago. I find that hard to believe but it's only in our time that the city has been given official protected status. If I'd have been there I would have got one straight in my back garden .... to save it for posterity, obviously!! As an aside, it was free to enter Italica, free to all EU citizens, I just kept stum, although I probably count as one too. The guide was free too, booked through civitatis, It was a 1 1/2 tour and he was still explaining things after 2 hours, we gave him a very good tip, there is no obligation to do so. Just been looking at the English Heritage site, it's about £10 entrance fee so that's probably why they were over protective, mind you, your video provides excellent publicity for the museum. In fact their site provides you with similar information but of course there was a distinct lack of presenters singing 1980s hits and dressing up in blond wigs. They will follow those who lead!! Maybe you could get more use out of that wig, I think you would do a great Atomic, or Heart of Glass! If I'm right you need to be over a certain threshold of subscribers and viewing hours to be able to monetise. I too never understood "buy me a coffee" either so I've never done that. I have contributed to several go fund me appeals. Copious amount of snow all over Spain yesterday causing chaos everywhere. Storm Monica they call it. We had a 15 minute flurry. It settled just a little bit higher. All the best!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I read that the lion’s victim was oversized to emphasise the power of the lion. Still not entirely sure what it was, though. English Heritage don’t like filming for commercial purposes. It is forbidden! Of course, I don’t make a penny out of this, so they can do one! I guess if I did introduce the coffee thing, I’d be on dodgier grounds! But, as you say, I think I’m promoting their site for them. There was only one other couple there on this occasion. I’d recommend the museum at Corbridge. I went there for 3 specific things for this video, but there are lots of great exhibits - not least that lovely Corbridge Hoard. Sounds like you had a great guide at Italica. When they’re good, it makes such a difference. Thank you for your great comment and support. Still a bit of snow on the tops here, but nothing like last weekend!

[@davidberlanny3308]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd He was great, really brought things to life with his enthusiasm and you could feel his dismay when he told us about how the site had been effectively sacked for building materials, a lot of remains do er ... remain, in archeological museums in nearby Seville and in the US. What fascinated me was the photos he showed us of the aqueduct and associated tunnels which he had searched for and found. Some are on the Roman aqueduct site. You certainly are promoting their museum but also the general area. It's been far too long since I've been in the lakes and I've never been to Hadrian's wall. Time to take Nuria I think. Should I broach the subject of possible phallic remains when we go 🤔🤔🤔. PS Hadrian was born in Italica!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@davidberlanny3308 you definitely should! There are 59 phalli along the wall - imagine the fun you’d have trying to locate them! Is Italica anything to do with the origin of “italics”?

[@davidberlanny3308]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Mmm good question. I have consulted the god of knowledge Wikipedius. I wasn't sure about the name of Italia it seems to originated from the Greek settlement at the tip of today's Italy, this then expanded to occupy the whole peninsular under the name of Italia, so Italica was named after the home nation by Scipio (Escipión in Spanish). Italic script seems to have originated during the Renaissance in Italy Italic type was first used by Aldus Manutius and his press in Venice in 1500

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@davidberlanny3308 praise be to the goddess Wikipedia!

[@standingbadger]

Love the Morrissey reference 👍🏼 'As the flames rose to her Roman nose...'

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I’ll have to use that one in a future video - if my excellent singing proves to be popular!

[@standingbadger]

I feel confident that it will. Also, ‘Buy me a cuppa’ is a good idea.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@standingbadger cheers! This motivates me to sing more often!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd We now all know to blame @standingbadger ....We'll now have Mr WC21 buying a ukulele and narrating his visit to Housesteads through the medium of song 🤣...Actually, he could probably promote that as a pay-per-view event.

[@philcollinson328]

As ever, wonderfully presented and filmed as well as highly informative and full of fun. I imagine that given the Romans were basically the Borg of antiquity, they themselves must have lost track of the amount of local gods and religions they assimilated during their centuries of conquest. I like the idea of 'Buy you a coffee' given the joy your vlog gives to so many. That said... I'd prefer to buy you a cup of tea. 🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Phil - that’s lovely feedback. Yes, how on earth did anyone keep track of all those gods! I suspect they were multiplying all the time as people identified new things that required a god! I stupidly thought that “buy me a coffee” actually meant coffee! I would definitely prefer a tea.

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd If you set up a subscription aspect so fans can contribute to petrol costs ect...I feel many would be glad to do so.

[@liberty_and_justice67]

You did a great service to the Corbridge museum as I had no idea it existed and looked very interesting. They should thank you! Enjoyed your discussion on British Roman religion. Introduced the idea of religion’s role of just simply getting things to work😂. Wonder if there is a god of shower drains.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. Yes, I think they’re being overly officious with these rules about filming. It can help them to promote their sites - there was only one other couple there in all the time I was there. And I’d recommend this one without hesitation - the ruins and the museum exhibits are excellent.

[@hedleythorne]

You really do visit and film at some stunning locations.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Hedley - I really enjoyed both of these. Aesica was wonderfully remote - a great place to stand in the ruins of Roman Britain.

[@cherylwood5202]

Very interesting, as always. Thank you!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Many thanks. That altar standing in the fort footprint is one of my favourite places!

[@chrish5319]

Thank you, interesting sites and informative. I think the image of you in a blond wig will, unfortunately, stay with me for some time. Go with the coffee, I have done that for others and recognise and value the effort you put in.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Chris! Sorry about planting that image in your mind - I do hope you can sleep OK tonight!

[@david6920-r6z]

Good show thanks 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you David! Glad you enjoyed it, despite the dodgy singing!

[@martianleaderrichy1520]

It's a shame the Roman bridge at Corstopitum was washed down, it would of been fascinating. There is part of it rebuilt on the south of the river but we can only guess what it really looked like. My sister was also born in Corbridge Maternity Hospital back in 1968 when it was a hospital, grandma lived on Front street. I love Corbridge even though I was born in Hexham. Great vlog again and thank you for visiting many places up here along the wall area. Subscribed, thank you and keep up the great work, Richy 😀👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Richy! Yes it would have been a great sight. I love that it’s shown on the old OS maps. I need to go and take a look at the site. Have you been to the bridge abutment at Chesters?

[@martianleaderrichy1520]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd You're welcome and, no I've not been to it. The last time I was in Chesters I was just a young child, currently 53 now. Being local, the problem I have is, I know places are there but when you live so close I kind of take them for granted and travel elsewhere northwards. Dunnottar Castle and Rosslyn Chapel (photography not allowed inside) are 2 recent favourite places I've been to.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Totally understand that. I end up driving miles sometimes to make these videos, but that’s part of the fun of it.

[@martianleaderrichy1520]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I thank you for every mile you travel to publish these vlogs and bid you goodnight as I'm up at 04:00 for work, respect 😀👊

[@lairdkilbarchan]

Let's not forget Fastidia*, the goddess of spring-cleaning. Great video, by the way. *joke 😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and I bet they did have one of them!

[@andrewlamb8055]

Hey Darren … thanks for going into Yorkshire 😎👏⭐️🥳 …. On anothers subject … anything interesting on the Roman road to Ilkley? 🧐😎

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

It is an interesting road and one I’ll cover at some stage. Sadly the fort on it is on completely inaccessible land.

[@michaelpeacock6360]

Very happy to buy you a coffee...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Michael, that’s very kind of you. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@philcollinson328]

I loved your tribute to Morrissey 🤣...I'm March 1968 born, the Smiths early 80's were my band of choice as a teenager.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Stay tuned - they’re featuring again this Sunday!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Really? How wonderful! ...Be kind 🤣

[@davidrowley-ic6dx]

Your reference to the number of minor deities associated with the humble door brings to mind one of the works of the late Sir Terry Pratchet … “Small Gods”. I have always loved the idea that anything you can imagine has an associated deity of some level of magnitude … but woe betide those deities that fail to maintain an adequate level of support as their ability to manifest is proportionately diminished 😢 Back to the door … presumably one of the pertinent deities would be associated with splinters ? … then hinges, knobs, knockers and locks ?? It could make life quite complicated trying to keep a house of multiple doors shipshape 😂😂😂

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@davidrowley-ic6dx it must have been very confusing keeping up with them all! As you say, one seems to lead to another and then another. What fascinates me is the idea of who came up with them in the first place and did they chuckle to themselves as they rolled out the idea?!

[@davidrowley-ic6dx]

​@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I suspect they must, indeed, have been positively ROFLing (possibly tricky without getting your toga tangled embarrassingly) ... the one thing that I feel must have filtered through the existence of the human species (apart from the blood thirsty aspects) must have been a good sense of humour ... way back .. imagine: "What? ... THAT cave ... the one with the big bear inside? .. you want ME, with nothing more than a pointy stick, to evict that vicious enormous hungry bear so WE can make that cave 'Home' ??" ... Yup ... we must have a good sense of humour very deeply embedded in our DNA !!

[@davie941]

hello again Darren, another good interesting video, the Coffee thing sounds like a good idea , really well done and thank you 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Davie. Appreciate your support and maybe I need to get over myself re the coffee thing!

[@keithm603]

That was very interesting. Surely it's "buy me a cuppa and a sticky bun". How about Patreon set at a sensible low rate, then you may get those who enjoy tour vids saying 'why not, taint much dosh'.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Keith. I do need to understand Patreon - that’s how Time Team came back, after all!

[@RonSeymour1]

Thank you, Darren, for another enjoyable history lesson. Buy yourself a pair of spyglasses to get by the English Heritage Gestapo. They will pass a casual look but not a close inspection. You would have thought that the more people that got to know of these sites the more visitors they will get.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I know from feedback that people do visit their sites after watching videos on this channel. Plus I’m a paying member. She was so suspicious when she heard me talking down the end of the museum! It was a cold day, so nobody could be bothered to come out and challenge me in the ruins!

[@RonSeymour1]

Perhaps you could try writing to them and explain the pros of your channel.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@RonSeymour1 I have heard of people trying that. Maybe I should give it a go. Fortunately, I probably visit the remoter and unmanned sites more often than the larger ones. And ones they have nothing to do with.

[@francisbarlow9904]

I'm a bit older than you, consequently the only Smiths I liked made crisps and the bags had a small blue packet (twist up) of salt but hey, each to their own.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I recently learnt they still do those!

[@jameswalksinhistory3848]

Very thought provoking-Thank you Darren

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks James and sorry about the singing - I don't think it will happen again!

[@thebeatentrack156]

Another great video, thank you 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you kindly - glad you enjoyed it.

[@mattalexander3208]

Knowing how much time, dedication and money that goes into producing your videos, I think people should be able to show their appreciation and help develop your content.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Matt! Going by the comments, I could be up to 10 cups of coffee and there will be silent folk, as always. I'll get this sorted.

[@joedittman5360]

Don't follow the crowd. Start a buy me a whisky then upload the resultant inebriated Romano ramblings. Cheers oops SALUTI ! hic

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That is an excellent idea - thank you! If there isn’t such a thing as Buy me a Whisky, I could set it up!

[@JimBagby74]

Yes, apologise to Morrissey before he writes a song about it.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

He’d call it: “Hopeless KZbinr Sings My Life Badly” - or something like that. He loves a snappy song title.

[@JimBagby74]

I think he's releasing a number about moldy corn.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

“There’s mildew on my corn and heaven knows I’m miserable now”

[@philcollinson328]

@@JimBagby74 Mozza would more likely write a tune called 'Antiquarian lost on the moors' 🤣

[@OrbioneKenobie]

Hail Mithras,Sol Invictus ☀️

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I love Mithras! Really enjoyed filming at a Mithraic temple once - check out Mithras Roman Cult in the Roman Gazette playlist if you like that sort of thing! Cheers.

[@OrbioneKenobie]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I have a Mithraic sol altar in my home 😜☀️ Greetings from Eboracum,great channel.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@OrbioneKenobie bit jealous! Thank you very much and glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Would appreciate opportunity to buy you a coffee. I contribute regularly, in small amounts, to many KZbinrs in appreciation and wanting to see more content. Yours is entertaining, interesting, and often with astounding scenery.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - that is very kind of you. I do feel a bit conflicted about the idea, but it is entirely voluntary, of course. I guess I’m being old fashioned!

[@philcollinson328]

I am a fan of the Smiths ...I have agreed a deal with Mr WC21 ...Subscribe and he'll not croon, or may do more of it if it gets him likes and coffees ...I'm not sure about music these days. My thought about religion is this, if the Romans conquered us now, they'd deify the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Oops. There might be a bit of crooning coming up in a few weeks. Mercifully brief.

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd I don't mind ...As long as your coffees hostage demands for such are met.