Arcus Villa Mentis Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

cattivikkio: Unfortunately I don't see a viable solution within reasonable times and am therefore forced to archive this cache.
So long and thanks for all the logs!

More
Hidden : 1/17/2016
Difficulty:
5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

An "Ancient Scroll" mystery

Please NOTE: the above coordinates are Fake!
Do NOT go there and if you insist, make sure you wear a bathing suit.


In the old etruscan town of Fictus in northern Latium, Italy, there exists to this day a beautiful arch which is said to have been commissioned by the noble Caius Menticus of the Mentis family.
The arch depicts scenes of the Gallic Wars (58-50 B.C.) where Caius served as Lieutenant in Julius Caesar's army.
According to the historian Suetonius, right after the conquest of Gallia ("Gaul"), in what is more or less modern France, the young Caius returned to his hometown as a hero and as a reward for his contribution to the military campaign he was granted, by the Roman Senate, the possession of a huge Villa which lay at the feet of Mons Meridie. This is a beautiful hill, considered sacred at the time and often the destination of many holy pilgrimages. Mons Meridie

Upon taking possession of the estate, Caius immediately commissioned the triumphal arch (latin: arcus triumphi) which was placed at the entrance of the Villa and known ever since as "Arcus Villa Mentis" ("The Arch of the Mentis' Villa").

Today, only a few ruins remain of this wonderful villa, but the arch is still pretty much intact and can be admired in all its glory, the impressive silhouette of the Meridie hill (which, strangely enough, the inhabitants insist in calling with its french name, as an apology for the ancient invasion and conquest of Gaul) towering ominously over it.
Even to this day, every summer the town celebrates its old hero with a festival where wine, food and music is dispensed freely to everyone who'd like to participate. the arch today

The Villa consisted originally of nine wings (latin: alae), each named after one of the nine Muses: Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania, with the wings dedicated to Erato, Euterpe and Terpsichore being by far the most luxurious ones. Archeologists have often wondered about the reasons for this uncommon layout.

But the most puzzling question is the one concerning a fabled and as yet undiscovered tenth wing (latin: ala decima) which according to legend was built as a late and secret extension (latin: tractus) and dedicated to the goddess Lima. The "Lima Tractus" is indeed mentioned in several old texts but it remains to this day undiscovered and many archeologists seriously doubt of its existence.
Many, but not all: one voice that went against the mainstream was that of Professor Jonathan Spade, one of last century's most eminent archaeologists, who met an untimely death some eighteen years ago when he was on the verge of an important discovery.

Professor Spade was convinced that there must be some truth in the ancient legend according to which he who can find the Lima Tractus can gain access to the enormous treasure of the Mentis family and the immense power that comes with it. For centuries adventurers and scientists alike have tried to uncover the Lima Tractus but nobody has succeeded.
However, it seems that Professor Spade, shortly before his death, had successfully recovered out of the Jordan desert some extremely antique scrolls which make an obscure reference to a pirate from ancient Lebanon, whose name appears to be something like Cattivikkius the Clumsy, who became a roman citizen in year 12 B.C. (corresponding to year 15 of the Roman Empire, under the rule of Augustus)
In a few notes scribbled in his secret journal, Professor Spade mentions that Cattivikkius had managed to find a connection between the Lima Tractus and the Meridie Hill, and that he had actually found buried deep down in the bowels of the hill a clue to the location of the hidden treasure of the Mentis family.

Unfortunately Professor Spade has brought the secret to the grave with him, nobody has been able to find his journal where he used to record his discoveries...

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Z. Wrsserl vf lbhe sevraq P. Va gur trbpurpxre

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us