So, I was watching the History Channel’s special “Rome: Engineering an Empire” the other night. As with most study-of-ancient-civilization special on The History Channel there were tons of cheesy computer animated re-creations, blurred and fuzzy re-enactments and a host of university experts in dramatic settings and dramatic lighting.
But with this special there was an unexpected treat. Around 30 minutes into the program, a new expert was introduced to talk about the aqueducts (or some other engineering feat, I really don’t remember) – Peter Weller of Syracuse University. “PETER WELLER!” I thought. What in Sam Hill is Robocop doing telling me about Rome?! Perhaps the History Channel is trying a new blend of university experts combined with star power. Then I thought I probably just read the name wrong. But later in the program, he popped up again. I paused the television and looked real close at the screen. I am talking cancer-causing close to the TV. It was no mistake, that was surely Peter Weller.
As with all matters this awesome, I went straight to the internet to verify…because the internet is just chock full of verified facts, riddled with the truth. And sure enough, I found this:
“Weller, 58, who holds a master’s degree in Roman and Renaissance art and is working toward a Ph.D., has become one of Syracuse University’s most popular professors.”
A master’s degree! Well color me impressed, Robocop.