#the post post apocalypse archeology thing brings me so much joy as a concept

[leona-florianova]

Archeological Dig Makes Groundbreaking Find!

"It's simply extraordinary. Just wonderful, to think of the history attached to it, and that we're the first to see it in such a long time," says Dr Odernort. 

 Just earlier this week, the team led by the internationally eminent expert in early post-War cultures made known their crucial discovery.

 One of the earliest depictions of Augustus Gaius Martis, better known as Tacitus during his father's rule from 170 Post-War to 204 PW, this fresco was found in what we assume to be the original Temple of Flagstaff, the name of the Legion capital during that culture group's early expansion phase. From the elements present here, it is probable that this depicts a call to war, or imploring the manifestation of Mars, their god incarnated through his descendants, to bring down the double-headed bear - itself a symbol of another culture of that age, the New California Republic. The conflict depicted must be the Battles of the Hoover Dam, circa the year 203 PW. Incredible, to think that this religious œuvre survived so long.

The materials have been locally sourced. The building itself of the Temple was Pre-War, and earlier archeological digs have shown it used to be a museum. Paint might have been reused, but early isotope tests have shown most of it was made during that time. It is safe to consider that the paint itself was especially made for this fresco, and the others that adorned the Temple.

Dr Odernort and local art historians have noticed the symbolism here close to that of a type of pre-War religious art, such as a winged figure called Michael, spearing a creature known as a "demon". This raises the question as to how much the elites of Legion knew of pre-War cultures, or if that was knowledge lost very early on. Did Legion people consider their Caesar to be a protector? How much of pre-War thought was incorporated into their culture and religion? Without similar pieces to compare it to, we can only speculate today. Hopefully, says Dr Odernort, "we will discover much more from that age in the local ruins. So little is known about Tacitus as a person, rather than the reforms he spearheaded." And, perhaps, we will understand more from that period of time in early Four-States and Vegasian cultures. 

​- mademoisellegush​

*a commission for @mademoisellegush 

Tac is very interesting character to draw and to learn more about. So thank you for commissioning me again. o/