And yet another interesting word.

[Neville Briggs]

To-days interesting word is.Rostrum; a platform for public speaking.

This word has a fascinating history tied to the foundation of western civilisation.

In the ancient days of the developing Roman Republic, Rome came into conflict with the large and powerful civilisation of the Canaanites. These people known by the Romans as the Phoenicians ( Phoenician comes from the latin word for purple ) controlled the trade of the Mediterranean with the aid of a fleet of warships. The warships had mounted on the front, a beak or spike ( called a rostrum ) which the Canaanite navy used as a ram to sink enemy ships.
After a protracted war, the Romans eventually defeated the Canaanites. The captured galleys had their spikes or beaks removed and the beaks were taken back to Rome where they were placed on a platform in the Forum of Rome as a victory, war trophy display.

The forum platform was called The Rostrum; the beak, after the trophy display.
People who wished to make public speeches in the Forum at Rome would get up on The Rostrum platform and make their speeches.

So next time a bush poet goes up to the rostrum to make a recitation, they are hearking back to the ancient Canaanites/Phoenicians with their grand navy, who were defeated by Rome and also defeated by Joshua when Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho and the walls came tumbling down.

[r.magnay]

...you are just a wealth of information Neville!

[Stephen Whiteside]

Very interesting, Neville. I guess there wouldn't be much point in putting a lectern or a soapbox on the front of your ship.

[Heather]

Neville you are Soooo clever at interesting words...

[Neville Briggs]

Thanks Ross perhaps a sort of bowerbird collecting interesting things.

True enough Stephen.

Thanks Heather. I thought you may be curious why the Canaanites were known by a name referring to the colour purple.

[Stephen Whiteside]

I think I know that, Neville. Every time they won a battle they shouted "Whoopee!", a clear reference to Whoopi Goldberg, who starred in the film of the same name. Right?

[Heather]

So, the purple people really do rule the world!

[Bob Pacey]

Oops read it quickly first up a Rect oh better not continue with that one


Yes Neville rostrum is a nice word !


Bob

[Zondrae]

Hey Neville.

What does it rhyme with?

[Neville Briggs]

Zondrae, nothing rhymes with purple.
( or orange )