Spanish archaeologists have been able to determine the probable location of events related to the suppression of the Ceretan uprising by Roman troops in 39 BCE. Items belonging to Roman soldiers, including lead sling bullets, were found in northern Catalonia. Two of these bullets bear the initials of Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus, who held the position of governor in Spain at that time.
The Roman invasion of the Iberian Peninsula began as early as 218 BCE during the Second Punic War, when Publius Cornelius Scipio conducted a landing in Emporion, the first ancient Greek colony in Iberia. Nevertheless, the complete conquest of the region took almost two centuries and was only completed in 17 BCE under the first Roman emperor, Octavian Augustus.
During this period, numerous clashes occurred between the Romans and the local population. The Cantabrian Wars, which took place from 29 to 19 BCE, are well known and aimed at establishing full control over the Iberian Peninsula. Significantly less data has survived regarding lesser conflicts. The historian Dion Cassius mentioned in his work 'Roman History' that in 39 BCE, Roman forces carried out punitive actions against the rebellious Ceretans—a people living in Sardania, a region located in the Eastern Pyrenees.
In 2024, a group of researchers led by Oriol Olesti from the Autonomous University of Barcelona began a new project dedicated to studying the Sardinian region. During this work, a potential location of a Roman military camp associated with the operation against the Ceretans was identified in the province of Lleida (Lérida), which is in Catalonia.
Various artifacts were discovered in the area of Collet de Hovel: coins, a large number of iron nails used for attaching soles to caligae (soldier's footwear), and other items characteristic of legionaries, such as metal fibulae. Of greatest value are two lead sling bullets (gladi), marked with the initials of Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus. According to scientists, these findings allow for a connection between the artifacts and the aforementioned military campaign.
Spain also has harsher examples of confrontation between the local population and the Romans. For instance, archaeologists discovered evidence that during the Cantabrian Wars, the Romans displayed the severed head of a defender of one of the fortified settlements on the city wall.
The long-awaited return of the Indie Authors Rise Up Festival will take place in the Helderberg region in August. The event will gather over 70 local writers and will run from August 14 to 23 in the Somerset West and Strand areas.
The festival, currently in its fourth year, was inspired by the innovative spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It evolved from the Fringe Fireside Chats 2023 format, emphasizing open access so that authors can interact directly with their audience.
Organizers stressed that this is the only open-access festival for self-publishing authors. The unique format allows any writer to build an audience and host their own events, making the space attractive to creative people of all walks of life.
This year's program will be rich with personal stories and local flavor. Among the participants is June Mtimkulu, a homemaker who has become an author of a published cookbook, demonstrating the festival's commitment to supporting self-published authors. Specifically, Gloria Arends will conduct a memoir session at Morgenster Estate, and Helderberg Village Word Birds will present a joint book.
Panel discussions are also planned, focusing on the inspiring stories of authors aged 70 and 80 who continue to make significant contributions to South African literary life. In addition to local talents, recognized authors such as Katie Donald, a multiple publisher and European award winner, and Shiloh Nunn, who will discuss themes of ghosts and folklore, will be guests.
The genres at the festival will be very diverse: from science fiction panels at Flagstone Winery to discussions on academic self-publishing at Imibala Café. A special panel for Christian authors, organized by Sister K Publishers, will also take place at Imibala Café.
For readers wishing to write their own books, the event serves as a practical learning camp. Attendees can connect with writing mentors and independent publishing service providers, including specialists in printing, marketing, typesetting, and cover design.
Specialized workshops will cover the technical and legal aspects of contemporary writing, including cybercrime and the growing role of artificial intelligence in publishing. The intellectual property law firm Spoor and Fisher will hold a legal consultation session for writers, artists, and other creative individuals. The event will feature the official launch of the book Copyright for Writers, prepared by legal expert Owen Dean and the festival organizer, while the academic publisher Juta will release a public guide.
The festival offers readers more than just a series of book presentations; it proves that traditional industry gatekeepers are no longer necessary for disseminating compelling narratives. By placing homemakers, retirees, and debutantes on the same stage as established professionals, the event ensures that local stories finally reach local readers.
Organizers invite visitors to attend the festival to learn about the publishing business and urge them to save the dates for the 2027 festival. Events will take place at several venues, including Flagstone and Morgenster wineries, Imibala Café, Sage and Thyme, Cafe 1865, and the Somerset West Library. Tickets can be purchased online via Quicket or directly at Imibala Café.
Veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi, known for his portrayal of Kenneth Mashaba in the series 'Generations', was honored at a memorial service held on Thursday at the South Africa State Theatre in Pretoria. Following this celebration, he is scheduled to be buried on Saturday.
Family, friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered at the South African State Theatre to pay tribute to the veteran actor, musician, and cultural figure, Seputla Sebogodi, celebrating a life devoted to the arts. The event was broadcast live on South African State Theatre TV and attracted prominent figures from the South African entertainment sector, who acknowledged his multi-decade career spanning theatre, television, and film.
The venue was decorated with white drapery, floral arrangements, lit candles, and four large banners featuring Sebogodi's image, setting a fitting scene for an afternoon filled with music, storytelling, and deep reflection. Veteran actor Patrick Bokaba offered a deeply personal tribute, recounting memories of growing up with Sebogodi in Atteridgeville. Bokaba described their long-standing friendship, forged through shared experiences, resilience, humor, and a mutual love for narrative, accompanied on stage by veteran actor Jerry Mofokeng.
Several attendees commented on Sebogodi's final appearance at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, suggesting it felt like an unintentional farewell to the audience while engaging in his favorite activity. Actor Sello Maake kaNcube shared recollections of collaborating with Sebogodi on the television drama “Bophelo ke Semphekgo”, describing him as a generous and disciplined professional.
Music played a central role in the memorial. Billy Nchabeleng and his band provided moving musical performances that prompted attendees to sing along, while Jerry Mofokeng and Sanku blended music with humor, injecting moments of levity amidst the sorrow. Representing the Sebogodi family, Peter Makwela spoke in Sepedi, urging his son, Thapelo, to carry forward his father's artistic legacy. He also disclosed that Sebogodi had entrusted his children with organizing his funeral.
Dr Xolani Norman paid homage to Sebogodi as both an artist and a principled individual, noting that he valued women and believed in marriage rather than casual dating. Norman concluded his address with a poignant trumpet tribute that caused the theatre to fall silent. Veteran actress Motshabi Tyelele used the platform to advocate for better protection and increased care for artists, calling for the industry to continue advocating for fair royalties and improved working conditions.
National treasure Vusi Mahlasela offered a heartfelt musical tribute, reflecting on joint projects they had hoped to realize. Mahlasela stated, “This man did it all, but we were still expecting more.” Further celebrations included performances by Zodwa Mabhena, Tlokwe Sehume, and Midleko, alongside the projection of archival footage showcasing Sebogodi's distinguished career. The memorial service concluded with a closing prayer led by Josias Dos Moleele.
As participants left the South Africa State Theatre, a unifying sentiment remained: although Seputla Sebogodi's voice was silenced, his significant contribution to South African theatre, television, and the safeguarding of the nation's cultural heritage will continue to inspire future generations of performers and audiences. He is set to be interred in Polokwane on Saturday.
Electronic Arts has released initial details for EA Sports FC 27, which is scheduled for a global launch on September 25, 2026. Key innovations include the introduction of the social playground The Grounds, a newly created Football Ultimate Team Gallery, and a complete overhaul of the transfer market in Career Mode.
One of the game's highlights is The Grounds, designed by the developer as a social football environment that expands the Club Mode experience beyond conventional matches. This new mode will allow users to explore three thematic areas based on football culture and history, participate in both casual games and high-level competitions, and create a personalized avatar.
As players progress in The Grounds, they will receive guidance from renowned mentors such as Kylian Mbappé, Chloe Kelly, Paulo Dybala, and Alex Hunter, a character from the former Journey mode. Access to The Grounds will be restricted to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 versions.
The Manager Career Mode will undergo a significant reformulation in its transfer market, featuring more agile, sophisticated, and dynamic negotiations. This functionality was developed using TransferRoom technology, causing player values to be determined by multiple factors, such as the economic power of the clubs, potential, ranking, and current season form.
The system will also incorporate new negotiation tactics, dynamic auctions, and simplified procedures. Furthermore, AI-managed clubs will have to make signings in a more strategic manner.
Football Ultimate Team will gain a new section called the FUT Gallery, dedicated to collecting items of both current and historical players. Users will be able to build thematic collections related to leagues, national teams, clubs, and FUT campaigns. Completing each collection will raise the level of the Gallery and unlock rewards throughout the game's lifespan. According to EA, the goal is to enable players to maintain and rebuild their team's identity throughout the game's lifecycle.
Electronic Arts confirmed that gameplay changes were implemented based on community feedback. Among the announced features are the implementation of dynamic corners, improved visualization during offensive actions, increased control and fluidity, and a rebalancing of AI-controlled defenses. These enhancements will be available in all game modes.
Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham feature together on the cover of the Ultimate Plus Edition, a limited offer until August 31st. This marks Bellingham's third appearance on the cover of an EA Sports FC franchise title. Mbappé, meanwhile, will be the focus of the Standard and Ultimate editions.
French forward Mbappé expressed great satisfaction with his presence in three EA Sports FC 27 editions and for sharing the cover of the Ultimate Plus Edition with his teammate at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham. Bellingham also emphasized the importance of the series to him, stating that returning to the cover for the third time, alongside Kylian, was a special moment.
The special edition grants up to seven days of early access, starting on September 18th, and includes content for Ultimate Team, Career, and The Grounds. Main benefits include up to 10,000 FC Points distributed over five months, Premium Passes for seasons 1 through 5, the option to choose an International Hall of Fame athlete from five options, an International Icon item with an overall rating of 85 or higher, extra spaces and evolutions in Ultimate Team, challenges, scouts, and coaching staff in Career Mode, in addition to cosmetic items and progression bonuses in The Grounds. It is important to note that the Ultimate Plus Edition will only be available until the end of August.
EA Play subscribers will have the opportunity to test EA Sports FC 27 for ten hours starting September 18th. EA Play Pro members, in turn, will have immediate access to the EA Play Edition, containing the same content and advantages as the Ultimate Edition. The subscription will also provide recurring Draft Tokens, cosmetic items for The Grounds, and a 10% discount on games, FC Points, additional content, and digital reservations offered by EA.
EA plans to include over 21,000 athletes, distributed across more than 800 clubs and national teams, in addition to over 130 stadiums, 35 leagues, and 300 official partnerships. The game will feature major competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, LALIGA EA Sports, UEFA Women’s Champions League, National Women’s Soccer League, and Barclays Women’s Super League.
The official launch of EA Sports FC 27 will take place on September 25, 2026, and will be available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Buyers of the Ultimate and Ultimate Plus editions can start playing on September 18th.
