Carthaginian or Phoenician?

[Rasbelin]

Originally posted by Rosacrux

But, history is not written by "iffs" - Hannibal was ante portas but didn't go beyond portae.

I appologise for my apparently low education,
compared to a such scholar like You, Rosacrux
(BTW, sounds like the Rosetta stone).
But could you please translate that Latin
nonsense to more widely used English?

[Rosacrux]

Originally posted by Rasbelin


I appologise for my apparently low education,
compared to a such scholar like You, Rosacrux
(BTW, sounds like the Rosetta stone).
But could you please translate that Latin
nonsense to more widely used English?

RPFL

That latin nosense means "hannibal was at the gates, but didn't go past gates"... I guess it explains itself now, right? Aren't you aware with the very widely used saying "hannibal ante portas"???

BTW my name is latin too... the first one who comes up with an accurate translation/definition wins a cookie

[Locutus]

Well, Rosacrux, like you said: could be. A more determined Hannibal might indeed have attacked Rome. Personally I think that it takes an enormous amount of confidence and courage to take an army (esp. one with elephants) through the Alps so IMHO confidence is the last thing Hannibal lacked but noone will ever know for sure.

Rasbelin, you heathen! How can you not know that saying!

Hmm, that's odd actually. I have always known the saying to be 'Hannibal ad portas', not Hannibal ante portas'. To me, the latter sounds more like someone took the English translation and translated it back to Latin. I did some quick research and apparently the world is divided on what the real saying is supposed to be. I noticed this with some other famous Roman sayings too: "alea iacta est" and "iacta alea est", "et tu, Brute?" and "et tu, Brutus?", "Carthago delenda est" and "delenda est Carthago", etc. The first version is how I know them, the second is apparently a common variation. Weird...

Oh BTW, Rosacrux means Rose Cross of course. If memory serves me, a red rose on a golden cross was a symbol that was originally associated with the Philosopher's Stone somehow but later Rosacrux became the name for some sort of Christian Brotherhood. I can't be bothered with looking up the details, I'm sure Rosacrux can give those himself. Did I win that cookie?

[Rosacrux]

ROFL

You earned your cookie well and a cookie you shall get... choco? Or the dull one with raisin?

About latin grammar

Well, I always knew it to be "ante portas" but I wouldn't trash your "ad" thinking of it...

Still, the rest of the "your version" sayings are accurate - the "widely known" version are definitely wrong. I haven't seen anyone say "e preterea censeo delenda Carthago est"... that's more German syntaxis than Latin

The latin nitpicking reminds me of the "Life of Brian" scene... you know the one "Romani ate domini"?


And... you got the facts straight on Rosacrux (hence the cookie ) but... "sort of a christian brotherhood"??? Come on, read the "Illuminati" or "Fuceults pendant" to find out who those are...

...just a hint: Who are the real rulers of the world?

[Rasbelin]

Originally posted by Rosacrux

That latin nosense means "hannibal was at the gates, but didn't go past gates"... I guess it explains itself now, right?

O great scholar, thank you very much!

Aren't you aware with the very widely used saying "hannibal ante portas"???

No but the Civ II's "Omnia paratus" slogan is
more familiar to me; and I think it's a good one.

"Ready for everything."

BTW my name is latin too... the first one who comes up with an accurate translation/definition wins a cookie

I guess it's a browser cookie.

[Rasbelin]

*celebrating the new prince status*

[orange]

It's to close to call!

[Ironwood]

Excelent. Carthage cannot win. For as Cato the Elder was so fond of saying:

"Carthage must be destroyed!"

How does one say this in Latin, Rosacrux?

[Wernazuma III]

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.

[orange]

Can't you people make up your mind! Vote already! We need a clear and decisive winner in this poll so we can decide which civ to include in the game. Please vote!

[Gangerolf]

Close your eyes! Subliminal message!

[Rosacrux]

Make up your mind Orange, I thought you were the big Phoenicia supporter

[orange]

uh, nope, Carthage all the way!!

And that subliminal mess.....er.....I mean......that encouragment for people to vote......put Carthage in the lead!! Woohoo! GO CARTHAGE!!!

[Rosacrux]

I think you are the "go with the winner type"

OK, people, go Phoenician! Vote for Phoenician, remember they gave us the alphabet and they had fancy red clothes too

[Rasbelin]

Go, go, Carthage! Even if those Phoxes lead.