Jan 30 2009
Maiden Castle
The new theme at work is the 43 AD siege at an impressive Celtic hillfort, Maiden Castle, which dates back 6000 years! This is where the Roman 2nd Legion, under Vespasian, introduced (the first time?) the infamous ballista to the battlefield against the pagan forces (made up of stone masons and weapon-forgers from multiple tribes). This weapon, with it’s awesome range, is the ONLY thing that enabled the success of the Romans.
I’m shifting my costume a bit, from that of a Celtic warrior to an everyday Celt. No more ‘woad’ on my face or the faux weapons and leather armor I wore last week. Everything else is basically the same.
The meal is going more Roman to reflect the progressing influence of that culture on the Celtic territories. The main courses are pork, mullet (type of fish) and a root-veggie stew in a vinegar and anise broth. Also, to be featured are a wheat flat-round, a fruit/nut bowl with plums, pomegranates, olives, dates and hazelnuts. Milk and wine are the drinks, and water can be added to the wine for any patron looking to dine like a ‘civilized’ Roman.
I can’t wait to see what the anise and vinegar broth does to that stew…it sounds like an interesting combination.
