2024年3月10日「モバイル英語学習」第822号 (英語のエッセイ): Gaius Julius Caesar

Notes
Gaius Julius Caesar ガイウス・ユリウス・カエサル(ラテン語: Gaius Iulius Caesar、紀元前130年頃 – 紀元前85年)は、共和政ローマの政務官;
alliance 同盟;
assassinate 暗殺する;
heir 相続人;

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Gaius Julius Caesar, born on July 12, 100 BC, was a key figure in Roman history. He was a famous general, leader, and writer. Caesar became well-known because of his military skills, especially during the Gallic Wars where he expanded Rome’s territory.

In politics, Caesar, along with Pompey and Crassus, formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BC. This alliance allowed them to control Roman politics. However, conflicts between Caesar and Pompey led to a civil war. Caesar won and became the ruler of Rome.

As a leader, Caesar made many changes. He created the Julian calendar and gave Roman citizenship to many people. His growing power made him many enemies, and on March 15, 44 BC, he was assassinated. This event led to more civil wars and eventually to the Roman Empire under his adopted heir, Octavian (later known as Augustus).

Caesar’s influence is still felt today in many areas like military, politics, and culture. You can read more about his life and legacy on his Wikipedia page.
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2024年2月18日「モバイル英語学習」第820号 (英語のエッセイ): Chocolate

Notes
Mesoamerica with the Mayans and Aztecs メソアメリカ、マヤ人とアステカ人:中央アメリカの歴史的な地域で、古代のマヤ人やアステカ人が住んでいた場所です;
cacao bean カカオ豆;
pod ポッド 種子を含む植物の果実。カカオ豆はこの中にあります;
ferment 発酵;
grind 固い物を細かく粉状にする;
Artisan and single-origin 職人製・シングルオリジン:手作りや特定の場所からの材料にこだわった高品質な商品;
treat おやつ:特別な機会に楽しむ小さな食べ物や甘いもの

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Chocolate has a long history. It started in ancient Mesoamerica with the Mayans and Aztecs. They used cacao beans as money and to make a special drink. In the 16th century, Europeans made chocolate sweet.

To make chocolate, workers harvest cacao pods. They take out the beans and let them ferment. After that, they dry and roast the beans. Then they grind them into a thick paste. This paste is used to make different kinds of chocolate like dark, milk, and white.

Switzerland consumes the most chocolate per person. Other European countries also love chocolate. People enjoy chocolate in many sweets and drinks. It is a favorite treat worldwide.
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