Rupert Ferguson
@druidtombraider.bsky.social
Writer, Journalist, TV Researcher, Investigative Reporter, Blogger, Sub Editor, Published Author, Film Maker, Traditional Folk Singer, Musician, Kung Fu Master, Community Activist & Mime Artist Extraordinaire. Interested in Archaeology, History & Folklore.
Roman Fresco depicting an episode from the legend of Aeneas, mythical founder of Rome; courtesy of Mary Harrsch. #FrescoFriday #RomanArchaeology #Archaeology
November 14, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Roman Fresco depicting an episode from the legend of Aeneas, mythical founder of Rome; courtesy of Mary Harrsch. #FrescoFriday #RomanArchaeology #Archaeology
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
#FrescoFriday - From a series of fresco depictions of the Muses from the Praedia of Julia Felix, Pompeii (II.4.10/3). Here is Urania, Muse of Astronomy, with a celestial globe and measuring rod. #Pompeii #Art 🏺
Image: Louvre Collections (ED 2759 ; P 12). Link - collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/5335...
Image: Louvre Collections (ED 2759 ; P 12). Link - collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/5335...
November 14, 2025 at 10:37 AM
#FrescoFriday - From a series of fresco depictions of the Muses from the Praedia of Julia Felix, Pompeii (II.4.10/3). Here is Urania, Muse of Astronomy, with a celestial globe and measuring rod. #Pompeii #Art 🏺
Image: Louvre Collections (ED 2759 ; P 12). Link - collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/5335...
Image: Louvre Collections (ED 2759 ; P 12). Link - collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/5335...
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
This little bird survived a volcanic eruption!
Buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, this Roman fresco of a little bird pecking at fruit re-emerged looking as delightful as it did some 2,000 years ago!
Villa Poppaea, ancient Oplontis, Italy
📷 by me
#FrescoFriday
#Archaeology
Buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, this Roman fresco of a little bird pecking at fruit re-emerged looking as delightful as it did some 2,000 years ago!
Villa Poppaea, ancient Oplontis, Italy
📷 by me
#FrescoFriday
#Archaeology
November 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
This little bird survived a volcanic eruption!
Buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, this Roman fresco of a little bird pecking at fruit re-emerged looking as delightful as it did some 2,000 years ago!
Villa Poppaea, ancient Oplontis, Italy
📷 by me
#FrescoFriday
#Archaeology
Buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, this Roman fresco of a little bird pecking at fruit re-emerged looking as delightful as it did some 2,000 years ago!
Villa Poppaea, ancient Oplontis, Italy
📷 by me
#FrescoFriday
#Archaeology
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
#FrescoFriday - A fresco of Fortuna from the Caupona of Tertius, Pompeii (IX.7.22), with the addition of a notable graffito:
"CACATOR / CAVE MALU(M)" (CIL IV 3832)
'Shitter, Beware of Evil!'
Best mind your step! #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
Image: National Archaeological Museum, Naples (112285)
"CACATOR / CAVE MALU(M)" (CIL IV 3832)
'Shitter, Beware of Evil!'
Best mind your step! #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
Image: National Archaeological Museum, Naples (112285)
November 14, 2025 at 10:32 AM
#FrescoFriday - A fresco of Fortuna from the Caupona of Tertius, Pompeii (IX.7.22), with the addition of a notable graffito:
"CACATOR / CAVE MALU(M)" (CIL IV 3832)
'Shitter, Beware of Evil!'
Best mind your step! #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
Image: National Archaeological Museum, Naples (112285)
"CACATOR / CAVE MALU(M)" (CIL IV 3832)
'Shitter, Beware of Evil!'
Best mind your step! #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
Image: National Archaeological Museum, Naples (112285)
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Part of a painted plaster mural from Roman York (Eboracum) depicting a robed figure holding a staff. The mural has been re-assembled where it originally stood in the crypt of York Minster - the site of the Roman headquarters basilica. 📷 My own. #FrescoFriday #YorkMinster
November 14, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Part of a painted plaster mural from Roman York (Eboracum) depicting a robed figure holding a staff. The mural has been re-assembled where it originally stood in the crypt of York Minster - the site of the Roman headquarters basilica. 📷 My own. #FrescoFriday #YorkMinster
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
✨The Seasons✨
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
November 14, 2025 at 6:43 AM
✨The Seasons✨
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
@bookcat.bsky.social
..."I shall be going to sea someday," said John, "and so will Roger. But we'll always come back here on leave."
Arthur Ransome "Swallows and Amazons" #BookologyThursday #Friendships #Communities
..."I shall be going to sea someday," said John, "and so will Roger. But we'll always come back here on leave."
Arthur Ransome "Swallows and Amazons" #BookologyThursday #Friendships #Communities
November 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
@bookcat.bsky.social
..."I shall be going to sea someday," said John, "and so will Roger. But we'll always come back here on leave."
Arthur Ransome "Swallows and Amazons" #BookologyThursday #Friendships #Communities
..."I shall be going to sea someday," said John, "and so will Roger. But we'll always come back here on leave."
Arthur Ransome "Swallows and Amazons" #BookologyThursday #Friendships #Communities
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands."
Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market
#BookologyThursday
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands."
Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market
#BookologyThursday
November 13, 2025 at 11:17 AM
For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands."
Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market
#BookologyThursday
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands."
Christina Rossetti, Goblin Market
#BookologyThursday
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.
~Charles W. Eliot
art by Marc Potts
#BookologyThursday
~Charles W. Eliot
art by Marc Potts
#BookologyThursday
November 13, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.
~Charles W. Eliot
art by Marc Potts
#BookologyThursday
~Charles W. Eliot
art by Marc Potts
#BookologyThursday
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
"She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It's good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind" Toni Morrison 'Beloved' #BookologyThursday
November 13, 2025 at 9:54 AM
"She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It's good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind" Toni Morrison 'Beloved' #BookologyThursday
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.
~P.G. Wodehouse
Hello, dear Bibliophiles! Thrilled to announce that #BookologyThursday & #BookChatWeekly return this week 🎉 with the heartfelt theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
~P.G. Wodehouse
Hello, dear Bibliophiles! Thrilled to announce that #BookologyThursday & #BookChatWeekly return this week 🎉 with the heartfelt theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.
~P.G. Wodehouse
Hello, dear Bibliophiles! Thrilled to announce that #BookologyThursday & #BookChatWeekly return this week 🎉 with the heartfelt theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
~P.G. Wodehouse
Hello, dear Bibliophiles! Thrilled to announce that #BookologyThursday & #BookChatWeekly return this week 🎉 with the heartfelt theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Welcome to #BookologyThursday ✨
Join us today for coffee or tea as we explore the theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
art by Eeva Nikunen
Join us today for coffee or tea as we explore the theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
art by Eeva Nikunen
November 13, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Welcome to #BookologyThursday ✨
Join us today for coffee or tea as we explore the theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
art by Eeva Nikunen
Join us today for coffee or tea as we explore the theme:
✨FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITIES✨
art by Eeva Nikunen
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
And soon this court I call for a Christmas game, Since it is Yuletide and the New Year and all these brave men are here.
~Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Forþy I craue in þis court a Crystemas gomen, For hit is Ȝol and Nwe Ȝer, and here ar ȝep mony. (Middle English)🍃
#FolkloreThursday
~Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Forþy I craue in þis court a Crystemas gomen, For hit is Ȝol and Nwe Ȝer, and here ar ȝep mony. (Middle English)🍃
#FolkloreThursday
November 13, 2025 at 12:49 PM
And soon this court I call for a Christmas game, Since it is Yuletide and the New Year and all these brave men are here.
~Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Forþy I craue in þis court a Crystemas gomen, For hit is Ȝol and Nwe Ȝer, and here ar ȝep mony. (Middle English)🍃
#FolkloreThursday
~Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Forþy I craue in þis court a Crystemas gomen, For hit is Ȝol and Nwe Ȝer, and here ar ȝep mony. (Middle English)🍃
#FolkloreThursday
@folklorethursday.bsky.social The Ancient Chinese game of Mahjong (麻將) originally evolved out of an oracle, a fact reflected in the still extant ritual preparations for play; some of which include specific actions intended to drive away evil spirits. #FolkloreThursday
November 13, 2025 at 12:46 PM
@folklorethursday.bsky.social The Ancient Chinese game of Mahjong (麻將) originally evolved out of an oracle, a fact reflected in the still extant ritual preparations for play; some of which include specific actions intended to drive away evil spirits. #FolkloreThursday
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Thanks for the fabulous folklore, keep it coming! @willowwinsham.bsky.social handing over to the wonderful @botanicafabula.bsky.social now for more games and pastimes #FolkloreThursday! (Image: Die Schachspiele,
Moritz Retzsch)
Moritz Retzsch)
November 13, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Thanks for the fabulous folklore, keep it coming! @willowwinsham.bsky.social handing over to the wonderful @botanicafabula.bsky.social now for more games and pastimes #FolkloreThursday! (Image: Die Schachspiele,
Moritz Retzsch)
Moritz Retzsch)
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
"Shrovetide Football, Ashbourne.
Football on Shrove Tuesday is an old custom still observed in some places. The game is always played by two classes of the community, without rules, up and down the streets, to a given goal."
Customs of the World 1900 by D.H. Moutray Read.
#FolkloreThursday #Football
Football on Shrove Tuesday is an old custom still observed in some places. The game is always played by two classes of the community, without rules, up and down the streets, to a given goal."
Customs of the World 1900 by D.H. Moutray Read.
#FolkloreThursday #Football
November 13, 2025 at 9:03 AM
"Shrovetide Football, Ashbourne.
Football on Shrove Tuesday is an old custom still observed in some places. The game is always played by two classes of the community, without rules, up and down the streets, to a given goal."
Customs of the World 1900 by D.H. Moutray Read.
#FolkloreThursday #Football
Football on Shrove Tuesday is an old custom still observed in some places. The game is always played by two classes of the community, without rules, up and down the streets, to a given goal."
Customs of the World 1900 by D.H. Moutray Read.
#FolkloreThursday #Football
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
This is @folkloretodmorden.bsky.social handing over to @willowwinsham.bsky.social for more #FolkloreThursday! Bring us your #folklore of Games and Pastimes!
Anyone remember skipping rhymes they used to recite? I’m only remember the slightly rude ones!
Wishing you a day of fun and games!
Anyone remember skipping rhymes they used to recite? I’m only remember the slightly rude ones!
Wishing you a day of fun and games!
November 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This is @folkloretodmorden.bsky.social handing over to @willowwinsham.bsky.social for more #FolkloreThursday! Bring us your #folklore of Games and Pastimes!
Anyone remember skipping rhymes they used to recite? I’m only remember the slightly rude ones!
Wishing you a day of fun and games!
Anyone remember skipping rhymes they used to recite? I’m only remember the slightly rude ones!
Wishing you a day of fun and games!
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Impossible to have a games and pastimes themed #FolkloreThursday without mentioning Iona and Peter Opie's groundbreaking work on childhood games. www.opiearchive.org (I also found this picture of the Opies at my old junior school in Liss, now sadly demolished.)
November 13, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Impossible to have a games and pastimes themed #FolkloreThursday without mentioning Iona and Peter Opie's groundbreaking work on childhood games. www.opiearchive.org (I also found this picture of the Opies at my old junior school in Liss, now sadly demolished.)
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Blind man’s buff began as a courtly game in Tudor England. Being caught by touch, not sight, was part of its mischief, and a reminder that fate often grabs us blind. #FolkloreThursday
Art: Pierre Sala Partie
Art: Pierre Sala Partie
November 13, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Blind man’s buff began as a courtly game in Tudor England. Being caught by touch, not sight, was part of its mischief, and a reminder that fate often grabs us blind. #FolkloreThursday
Art: Pierre Sala Partie
Art: Pierre Sala Partie
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai was a Japanese storytelling game popular during the Edo period. These gatherings were held on summer nights and to begin 100 candles or lamps were lit. Participants then took turns to tell 100 ghost stories (kaidan). After each story, a candle was...
#MythologyMonday
1/3
#MythologyMonday
1/3
November 13, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
The Attican maiden Myrsine excelled in beauty and strength, winning Athena’s favour by triumphing in race and ring. When jealous rivals struck her down, the goddess, grieving her favourite, transformed her into a myrtle, a tree cherished as dearly as the olive. #FolkloreThursday
November 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
The Attican maiden Myrsine excelled in beauty and strength, winning Athena’s favour by triumphing in race and ring. When jealous rivals struck her down, the goddess, grieving her favourite, transformed her into a myrtle, a tree cherished as dearly as the olive. #FolkloreThursday
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
Join us for our folklore of Games and Pastimes themed #FolkloreThursday this Thursday!
Our hosts will share your posts to the hashtag at the following times GMT:
9am-1pm
3.30-4.30pm
6.30-7.30pm
(🎨The Card Players, Theodoor Rombouts)
Our hosts will share your posts to the hashtag at the following times GMT:
9am-1pm
3.30-4.30pm
6.30-7.30pm
(🎨The Card Players, Theodoor Rombouts)
November 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Join us for our folklore of Games and Pastimes themed #FolkloreThursday this Thursday!
Our hosts will share your posts to the hashtag at the following times GMT:
9am-1pm
3.30-4.30pm
6.30-7.30pm
(🎨The Card Players, Theodoor Rombouts)
Our hosts will share your posts to the hashtag at the following times GMT:
9am-1pm
3.30-4.30pm
6.30-7.30pm
(🎨The Card Players, Theodoor Rombouts)
The nw corner of the Roman fort at Iža-Leányvár (Celemantia) in the modern province of Slovakia with remains of its late Roman tower. pic: Szeder László. #RomanFortThursday #RomanBritain #RomanArchaeology #Archaeology
November 13, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The nw corner of the Roman fort at Iža-Leányvár (Celemantia) in the modern province of Slovakia with remains of its late Roman tower. pic: Szeder László. #RomanFortThursday #RomanBritain #RomanArchaeology #Archaeology
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
#RomanFortThursday
On the same weekend as all the Antonine wall mischief, still buzzing about this one
later on the freezing rain started falling but for a first visit, very exciting to finally catch Vindolanda 😊
On the same weekend as all the Antonine wall mischief, still buzzing about this one
later on the freezing rain started falling but for a first visit, very exciting to finally catch Vindolanda 😊
November 13, 2025 at 9:07 AM
#RomanFortThursday
On the same weekend as all the Antonine wall mischief, still buzzing about this one
later on the freezing rain started falling but for a first visit, very exciting to finally catch Vindolanda 😊
On the same weekend as all the Antonine wall mischief, still buzzing about this one
later on the freezing rain started falling but for a first visit, very exciting to finally catch Vindolanda 😊
Reposted by Rupert Ferguson
South east corner, below the latrines of Housesteads Roman Fort. Looking up to the east gate. #RomanFortThursday #hadrianswall #followtheacorn
November 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM
South east corner, below the latrines of Housesteads Roman Fort. Looking up to the east gate. #RomanFortThursday #hadrianswall #followtheacorn