In the past couple of months the Romanian Mint Rubbing Association has undertaken a research project of maximum importance: the study of the origins of mint rubbing. Based on countless hours of research, we are now able to produce material evidence about the origins of mint rubbing and its subsequent proliferation throughout the world. For this endeavour we are going to use undisputable evidence, as presented by Romans on the monument called "Trajan's Column", errected to honour their victory against the people of Dacia. Using actual pictures of the engravings on the column, we will prove the sequence of events that led to the adoption of mint rubbing by all countries of the world. Let us begin.
	In the first slide we see a large group of Roman soliders. The puzzling element here is their apparent lack of order, which is rather surprising for the Roman army, legendary for its discipline. They must have a very important reason to behave in such an unruly manner. And indeed the reason is important: the Roman soliders watch in amazement as Dacians rub their mint. It looks so good, that Romans want to learn how to do it themselves.
	The word spreads. Now the entire Roman army is talking about mint rubbing and trying their hand at doing it. Word about this fascinating activity reaches the army commanders: What is this mint rubbing thing all about? As shown in the second slide, the army leaders send for the wisest of Dacians to tell them about rubbing. Generous in nature, the people of Dacia are happy to oblige. The ancient customs of mint rubbing are passed on to the Romans.
	Soon, rubbing mint is what everyone does in the Roman army. In those days mint was plentiful in Dacia and grew spontaneously everywhere. Roman soldiers harvest mint to take home, to Rome. The third slide shows Roman soldiers busy harvesting mint. There appears to be frantic activity, as Romans get as much mint as they can. Horses are used for transportation and preparations are being made for the return to Rome.
	The fourth slide shows a Roman soldier with a basket full of freshly harvested mint leaves. He is passing it to a colleague, upon his return. In Rome, everyone is delighted. When nothing seemed to interrupt centuries of boredom, here is a wonderful new and exotic technique that is said to improve the quality of life and give meaning to one's existence. The Romans embrace it and start practicing it right away.
	The final slide shows the Roman emperor in a meeting with his most trusted men. Trajan himself has tried the mint rubbing and had liked it. Plans are being made to spread this practice to all corners of the empire, so that all the people of the world can enjoy the benefits of mint, under the glory of Rome. Dacian experts are brought to teach the Roman people all there is to learn about rubbing. Endless fields of cool mint are planted and the magical plant is sent to all of the empire's provinces. Finally, the new practice reaches the provinces. In time, everyone adopts the practice. Sadly, everyone rubs mint without a care in the world, and the great Roman empire slowly starts to disintegrate. But that's a different story. (wf)
source for pictures: http://www.stoa.org/trajan/
FIND THE WORD ! Instructions: 1. Can you find the word CAR in the random letters below? Allocated time: 45 minutes. 2. In the same way, find the word BEN cleverly hidden in the random letters. Allocated time: 45 minutes. NOTE: This is the fun way to test intelligence for all ages! Save the above picture and email it to all your friends!