Dog Lover
Pawprints in the Concrete
Lesson 87: Nothing boosts morale like a good nap
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Although the Greeks invented the Olympics, the Romans invented something far more critical to our health: the afternoon nap, or la siesta. The word derives from the Latin sexta (the sixth hour).
Those Romans thought of everything, didn’t they?
But how did they build mighty empires if everyone took a break in the afternoon? I can imagine the scene:
Governor Varus: Primus, get the Centurions in formation. We need to march to the Rhine today so we can attack those sissy Germans in the morning!
Primus Pilus: Sorry, Guvnah, Centurions gotta finish their sexta.
Varus: Their what?!
Pilus: You know how cranky they get when they haven’t had their nappy…
Varus: When we’re preparing for the biggest battle since Sparta?! Tell them to put their armor on and prepare to march!
Pilus: Sorry, Guv, union rules.
But despite their indolent ways, the Romans invented some amazing contraptions. Like the aqueducts, which carried water great distances so we could drink…
