Look, I know everyone in Britain is required to know the names and dates of all the monarchs going back to the 9th century, but expecting everyone to be able to come up with that name when put on the spot is going a little too far.

[–] taladar@sh.itjust.works 60 points 1 year ago

I wouldn't really think of Roman governors of Britain as a "British historical figure", more like a "Roman historical figure who happened to be stationed in Britain", same as with modern diplomats or military leaders.

[–] FatTony@lemmy.world 24 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Also, is it even confirmed he was black? I mean Algerian people are not exactly black. Could be wrong though. Don't know if there are any ancient scripts describing him.

[–] vagrantprodigy@lemmy.whynotdrs.org 22 points 1 year ago (2 children)

His father was a Berber, and his mother was Roman if I'm not mistaken. Doesn't sound like he was black.

[–] njm1314@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah you'll see this a lot with Roman history anyone who lived on the continent of Africa has to be black. It's a way of oddly, well I guess whitewashing isn't the exact right term I'm looking for, but oversimplifying I guess history? I've taken the Nuance out of things. Also of diminishing other North African cultures.

[–] vagrantprodigy@lemmy.whynotdrs.org 9 points 1 year ago

It's not just Roman history. It happened recently with the Cleopatra show. Some people can't get their head around the idea that not all Africans are black.

[–] jcg@halubilo.social 4 points 1 year ago

But isn't Roman just a blanket term for a ton of different ethnicities and nationalities?