Travel and Places

5 ways to win an argument with a Roman centurion

If you’ve ever been in ancient Rome arguing with a Roman centurion, you know they can be tough to persuade. Here are 5 ways to gain some advantage.

Lunar Oracles

Claim to have communed with mysterious oracles from the moon, a deity the Romans weren’t familiar with. These oracles, you say, have provided you with insights and wisdom that no earthly being could dispute. Ensure to be cryptic and mysterious, making the centurion second-guess their stance.

The Lost Scroll Trick

Produce a “recently discovered” ancient scroll (which, of course, you’ve faked). This scroll, purportedly penned by a long-lost Roman philosopher, supports your argument. If the centurion tries to read it, claim only those of true virtue and wisdom can decipher its true meaning.

Dream Decree

Say that last night, Jupiter (or Mars, depending on the situation) appeared in your dream, sharing wisdom that perfectly supports your argument. If the centurion disputes it, act shocked that he’d dare question the will of the gods.

Legionnaire Whisperer

Pretend to possess a unique talent to communicate with the armor and weapons of a centurion. You claim the armor has “spoken” to you, revealing secrets and wisdom only it knows. By making it sound as though his own gear supports your point, the centurion may waver.

The Time Traveler’s Ploy

Portray yourself as a seer who has traveled back from the future, where Rome has spread even further and its culture evolved. With your “advanced” knowledge of this future Rome, present your argument as the very foundation that leads to this grand empire’s continued success.

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.