Pueros’ sixth annual Christmas present for the readers of the Archive is a delightful short historical tale, Christmas Offering for the Emperor (http://www.eunuch.org/Alpha/C/ea_91353christma.htm). Like all of Pueros’ historical offerings, it is absolutely accurate, so far as the documentary record allows. He has speculated beyond what is known and provided the dialogue to create the story.

There is no reason to suppose that any portion of this delightful morsel is not absolutely true. It’s also an engaging way to learn about classical antiquity and daily life in the Roman Empire. I find the story far more powerful knowing that every word of it could be absolutely accurate. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Zenobia and Vaballathus (and possibly Helius).

Enjoy!

I thank Jesus for his kind comments.

I also apologise because, as a result of rushing a bit to write the story for the Christmas deadline, I did not proof-read as well as I should.

My most significant mistake was in the following paragraph:-

"Aurelian ordered his lighter and therefore quicker cavalry to ride away as if in flight and encourage the clibanarii to chase them, which they foolishly did until they became exhausted. The Romans then cleverly turned with their fresher horses and, with the aid of their cavalry, routed the enemy."

The second italicised 'cavalry' should, of course, read 'infantry'.

PUEROS