My connection with Rome starts in year 530BC.
76th great-grandfather Appius Claudius Sabinus Regillensis (530BC-480BC)
Attius Clausus was a wealthy Sabine merchant born in an ancient town Regillum in Sabinum north of Rome. After a war between Rome and the Sabines ends in 504BC he and his substantial followers emigrated to Rome where they were warmly received. Shortly after his arrival he was given the name – Appius Claudius Sabinus Regillensis and was invited to join the Senate.
He had a son, Appius Claudius Sabinus Regillensis, with an unknown woman around 495BC. He was a Roman Consul in 495BC and was the legendary founder of the Roman gens Claudia.
However, the chronological line is confusing with two different men often seemingly the same person, however, I ploughed on and pick up my story in the year 140.
It is the time of a hero of mine, Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emporer and great philosopher. It was also the year when olive oil from Hispania Baetica peaked. Hispania Baetica is now known as Andalucia, where I currently live.