Cultural Commentary. *Picts – the term ‘Picts’ – first mentioned by a Roman author in AD 297- signifies ‘painted people’

* Picts – the term ‘Picts’ – first mentioned by a Roman author in AD 297- signifies ‘painted people’. In Roman times it was used to describe people living north of the Antonine wall (a wall in Strathclyde built in the early 140s AD). On the basis of archeological and place name evidence (археологические и топонимические данные) it has been suggested that Picts were a pre-Celtic people. (‘The history today companion to British History’ edited by Juliet Gardiner & Neil Wenborn: Collins& Brown Limited, London, 1995 – p. 598)

* Constantinople – The Roman Emperor Constantine built a new capital city et Constantinople (now Istanbul) modeled on Rome with its seven hills, from which to administer the eastern empire. (Parker, Philip ‘Eyewitness Companions World History’: Dorling Kindersley Limited, London 2010 –p.140)

* Alexandria – Alexander the Great encouraged the foundation of Greek cities in newly conquered lands, including most notably Alexandria in Egypt. These became the focus for the diffusion of Greek culture, known as Hellenism, throughout the East. (Parker, Philip ‘Eyewitness Companions World History’: Dorling Kindersley Limited, London 2010 –p. 127)

*Britannia is an ancient term for Roman Britain and also a female personification of the island. The personification of the martial Britannia was used as an emblem of British imperial power and unity. She featured on all modern British coinage series until the redesign in 2008.

The National Armada memorial in Plymouth depicting Britannia