Blog for Dec 23 THE RISKS OF SEA TRAVEL

Binyamin’s sponsor explains the risks of sea travel:

There’s no way to predict a ship’s departure date. First the winds have to be favorable. Then the pre-sail sacrifice of a bull has to go well. Next the time of the month has to be auspicious. No Roman skipper would depart at the end of a month.

And the omens must be propitious. A sneeze on the gangplank, a wreckage on the shore, or a croaking crow or magpie perched on the rigging would delay any departure. So would someone’s uttering a foreboding word, or dreaming of turbid waters or goats, especially black ones. Similarly, dreams of wild boars or bulls, owls or other night birds portend a storm, pirate attack, or worse yet, a shipwreck. Consequently, you might have to wait at the inn for weeks.

And don’t forget, if a storm approaches, be sure to cut your nails or your hair and throw the clippings overboard. That might avert a disaster. But if you’re caught in the storm, tie any jewelry you have to your body so anyone finding your corpse would have the money for your funeral.

That’s when Binyamin dropped his skewer of roast lamb and looked up.

And you should look up too, look up The Deadliest Deceptions to see how Binyamin fares as a gladiator. Just click here.