Men Into Beasts by George Sylvester Viereck

However the movie removes some of the most bizarre eccentricities of Commodus. There is no historical evidence suggesting Marcus Aurelius was murdered, much less by his own son. The historical character of Commodus is fictionalized in the movie as a deranged megalomaniac who murders Marcus Aurelius to usurp the throne. In 2000's neo-blood and sandals epic Gladiator, Commodus was portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in an Academy-Award-nominated performance. To be on the safe side, why not stay home and watch old reruns of Guy Lombardo and spend a quiet evening in memory of the emperor Commodus, who called his exceptionally well-endowed cup-bearer 'my donkey,' and was strangled by an over- enthusiastic wrestler named Narcissus on this day. It's New Year's Eve and, after a long year's journey, we are finally at the end of this year. Wear a kilt to this evening's festivities to set the mood right!ġ92 – The Roman emperor Commodus died on this date (b.161). The winter festival went underground with the Protestant Reformation and ensuing years, but re-emerged near the end of the 17th century. The Vikings celebrated Yule, which later contributed to the Twelve Days of Christmas, or the 'Daft Days' (really) as they were sometimes called in Scotland. In Europe, winter solstice evolved into the ancient celebration of Saturnalia, a great Roman winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. HAPPY HOGMANAY! What's is Hogmanay you say? Why the roots of Hogmanay reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Norse, as well as incorporating customs from the Gaelic New Year's celebration of Samhain.

Men Into Beasts by George Sylvester Viereck