Aulus Anser

by Andrew Olimpi

The barbarians are coming!

Aulus is a goose, who lives in ancient Rome on the Capitoline Hill. As one of Juno's sacred geese, his job is to eat his food while the priests carefully observe his actions, looking for good or bad omens. One day when the Gauls arrived to invade Rome, Aulus thinks that he is responsible--he didn't eat his food and therefore has brought bad fortune to the city! Driven by guilt, he wants to help fix the problem he thinks he created. But what can a little goose do to help defend the Romans against the invaders?

Based on a famous passage in Livy (5.47) and written for novice level readers of Latin, Aulus Anser uses a limited vocabulary to tell an entertaining and exciting tale.

89 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2021

Reviews

[Philemon - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabula bona anseris.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this reader was so hilarious! This misinformed goose believes he is the cause of a war, and then feels it's his guilt-driven duty to pray to the goddess of the smallest temple for help... but he mistakes the latrine for a temple and steals the wiping stick thinking it's a magic stick of the gods to defend the Romans! The story is full of laughs as the goose attempts to save the Roman mountain from the enemies by creating as much chaos as possible! Great story, full of laughs, and worthy of learning the Latin language!

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book about a sacred goose named Aulus who lives on the Capitoline Hill at the time of the Gaulish invasion. There are some wacky hijinks, including some scatological humor (in search of a magic wand to defend the capitol, he finds one - a spong stick, which the Romans used as we use toilet paper, in a temple of "Latrina") . . . in this story, Aulus is the goose who warns the Romans of the Gauls attempting to take the Capitoline Hill (a famous event in Roman mythical history) . . . My kids loved this one!

[Ronan O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it's a bit all over the place, it is a very fun story that is easily understood with base level Latin. The simplicity of the sentences emphasizes the goose being the one who is talking, which adds to the hilarity. Overall, a very fun and chaotic way to introduce yourself to the latin language.

[Leila Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was hilarious and fun, I loved it. The Latin was very easy to understand. If you have studied Latin use Henle or Caesar's Gallic Wars, this would be ideal for you. I think my kids will really like it one day when they get to that level.

[Garrett Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY funny. A great beginner Latin reader. The 8th grade boys loved this one.

[Anton Mohorčič · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spongia magica mihi valde placet! Ha ha ha ...