h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Stanegate Fort Chesterholm
Hi


First a fantastic entry and when finished I would to have a link on my entry A28868250 Hadrians Wall Part 2: A Journey Along the Edge of the Empire
Roman name: Vindolanda
Translation: Yours ‘White Lawns’ mine 'White Fields'

I am no expert and this is a question regarding consistency, not criticism.
I have seen the translation as White Lawns but the concept of a Roman even having a lawn, let alone a word for lawn is slightly weird. I went with the other translation White Fields which fits the roman mind set somewhat better. This reasoning is backed up as the fields in the area come the spring are white with clover and other seasonal flowers.

I am wondering where your translation came from, as we appear to be using different sources.

PS Originaly the 1st cohort of Tungrians, an infantry unit from Belgium were the first occupants. Then the the 4th cohort of Gauls.

Bob...

Thanks Bob! I certainly plan to link to your entry once it's edited.

The translation 'white lawns' comes from a book on Vindolanda that I read last week - this entry comes partly from a presentation I had to do on the tablets. I can't remember off-hand which book it was, but we are talking about a proper, scholarly book. I don't really see that having 2 different translations is a problem, but if you think it's a good idea, I'll mention 'white fields' as an alternative translation.

I'll be putting this in PR at some point before Christmas, hope to see you in the thread.

Thanks.

I just put it in PR.

Off to read it now