NYMPHAEUM- Today’s subject is the nymphaeum of the ancient world. As I have said on this blog before, I took Latin for four years and as a result of that, became enamoured of the ancient world. I have written a manuscript called Solo Honeymoon wherein the hero is an Italian Count. I really wanted to set a love scene in a nymphaeum, but didn’ t manage to work it in. Still debating adding that to my “pond” scene.
Anyway, a nymphaeum is really just what it sounds like- it is a sanctuary/natural grotto consecrated to water nymphs. They were bulit around natural springs. They had statues and paintings inside. Sometimes weddings were held in these places. There have been over twenty found in Rome. There are nymphaeum in Turkey, Jordan, and Greece as well.
So, if you set a story in any of these places, a good love scene could be created in such a wonderful setting. I can see using these in all genres. Contemporary lovers happen upon one; a vampire hiding in one for a paranormal; a medievel story could be set in one; in a fantasy, a fight between two opposing forces; and I can even see chick lit- as in a high maintenance tourist breaking a heel (or a nail). See what a multi-use thing a nymphaeum can be to a writer?
Hope you enjoyed today’s Friday Fact.
Jillian Chantal 
During my four years of high school Latin, I did everything possible to avoid being called on to translate. The most efffective method was volutneering answers for the hisory and culture lesson at the beginning of class. It worked well for four years. Great post, Jillian. RitaVF
By: ritavf on May 21, 2010
at 2:54 pm
I loved the culture part, too. Took blue ribbons in the district every year and third at State. Our plan was much the same- LOL!
By: sfcatty on May 21, 2010
at 5:42 pm