When a Freemason first receives his Entered Apprentice apron, he is told certain truths about it, and one line in particular claims a distinguished pedigree for the apron in comparison to other historical emblems/organizations. A mason who is not familiar with the classics may not fully realize the claim being made on behalf of Masonry, and so we have explored certain of these other emblems in this issue of the Rough Ashlar - the Golden Fleece, the Roman Eagle, and the Order of the Garter.

More Ancient Than the Golden Fleece... by Br. David Pickup The Golden Fleece figures in the tale of "Jason and the Argonauts", from ancient Greek Mythology. The Third Century poet Appolonius of Rhodes wrote a very popular poem entitled "The Quest of the Golden Fleece", and Pindar expanded on the story in an ode written in the first half of the Fifth Century. The tale of the fleece itself begins with a Greek king by the name of Athamas, and his decision to take a second wife. READ THE REST

...or Roman Eagle by Br. David Pickup The Roman Eagle was the standard of the Roman legions which lead the troops into battle. In his telling of "The Jewish War", the historian Josephus describes the entry of Vespasian and Titus to the region. READ THE REST

More Honourable than the Garter... by Br. David Pickup King Edward III of England founded the Order of the Garter on St. George’s Day, April 23rd, 1348. Codes of chivalry had been popular throughout Europe for some time, and starting in the mid 13th century, knights in tournaments began taking on the coats of arms and other accoutrements of the characters from the fable of King Arthur. READ THE REST