The History of Byzantium Episode 313 - A Roman Comic Book with Marco Cappelli
Nov 15, 2024
Marco Cappelli, creator of the comic book 'Ammianus - the Twilight of an Era,' shares his journey into illustrating Roman history. He discusses the emotional depth of his work, which depicts a family's story during Italy's transformative 6th century. The conversation dives into the evolution of his Storia D'Italia podcast, the storytelling challenges of intertwining diverse historical perspectives, and recent archaeological findings about the Lombards. Lastly, they explore how graphic novels can reshape our understanding of historical narratives.
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Wedding Ring Discovery
- Marco Cappelli was inspired by the discovery of a hidden cache from the Gothic War period.
- This cache contained Roman and Gothic jewelry, including a wedding ring inscribed with "Stephanus and Valatrud," demonstrating intermarriage.
Villa to Village
- Roman villas, central to Roman agriculture, disappeared in the 6th century, transforming into villages.
- This shift reflects a move from centralized estates to community-based settlements, mirroring the modern countryside.
Visual Storytelling
- Cappelli initially explored the story as a podcast but felt a visual format was necessary to capture the villa's transformation.
- Collaborating with a designer added depth, using light, color, and details to enhance each scene's mood.
