Where did Cassiodorus read that the Huns were the neighbors of the Seres, supposedly the Chinese? There is little doubt that his source was one of the popular compendia which, directly or indirectly, went back to Dionysius [Periegetes]' Periegesis. Cassiodorus recommended the map of Dionysius to his monks. It is not particularly significant that in both the Getica and the Periegesis the Caspian Sea is a gulf of the ocean; this was a belief held and combatted since the time of the Ionian geographers.

There's a tendency to think professional athletes get graded only on game day. In reality, they're graded every day in practice.

The golden eagle, which glittered in the front of the legion, was the object of their fondest devotion; nor was it esteemed less impious than it was ignominious, to abandon that sacred ensign in the hour of danger.

On the petition of the scholars of the grammar school of Cupar, on 6th August 1678, for a vacance, in order that they may 'recreate' themselves, and visit their friends, the council allow them a holiday till 23d September next.