A Roman History Lesson - Interview with Author Mariu Caputi

11/26/24 • 10 min

The idea for this novel came about when I happened across two papyri found at the end of the Nineteenth century in the Oasis of Fayyum, in Egypt. These were two letters written by a sailor named Apion, who enrolled in the second century AD in the Roman Imperial Fleet stationed at Misenum in Campi Flegrei.

The novel also bring together Apion’s personal story with the wider history of the period and the regions he lived in, namely the rise of Emperor Hadrian, and the so-called Conspiracy of the Four Consuls. One of these was Publilius Celsus, who was really murdered in Baiae.

Produced by Gemma Green Close, Passion For Italy Travel. pfitravel.com. [email protected]

Produced by Gemma Green Close, Passion For Italy Travel. pfitravel.com. [email protected]

Previous Episode

Passion for Italy Podcast #22 Positano and Capri, Heaven on Earth

This is the third part of the recent Joe and Lori trip to Italy.

Naples Train Station

An adventure with a private transfer

An abbreviated Pompeii trip

Positano: Buca di Bacco, L'Incanto, Le Tre Sorrelle, La Pergola, Cafe Positano, the beach, the stairs, plenty of food, wine, shopping, and gelato.

Capri: the day trip there was worth the trip!

The best experience with a private transfer we have ever had...

Produced by Gemma Green Close, Passion For Italy Travel. pfitravel.com. [email protected]

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The Vatican Museum

Our podcast is information about Italy based on my experiences on travelling to Italy for over 30 years. I am passionate about Italy and wish to share it with all.

Did you know that this year 2025 is the Jubilee year for the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican in Rome. I know Rome very well, having visited every year for over 30 years. We only book hotels in the center where you can walk to all the famous sites. My most favourite area is the Spanish Steps.

The Sistine Chapel is the place where all the Cardinals meet to form the conclave to elect a new pope. By the way there is a new movie out The Conclave about this staring Stanley Tucci and Ralphn Fiennes.

I had the privilege of having a private tour at night many years ago, after the museum had closed. and I was the only one there just me and my private guide. I was the only person in the Sistine Chapel. I had Michelangelo all to myself and it was so incredible I wanted to fall on the floor and stay there to spend the night gazing up at that magnificent ceiling. There was no one else and it was one of the highlights of my life indeed.

You can see the beautiful video of the Vatican Museum here.

Vatican Museums – Official Website

If 2025 is the only time you will be in Rome - There are group tours available in the morning and afternoon and private tours of course and a night private tour.

But there is also so many other great things to do and see in Rome. please book early, in fact very early otherwise you will miss out on the incredible Vatican Museum.

Produced by Gemma Green Close, Passion For Italy Travel. pfitravel.com. [email protected]