The Many Definitions of TBO

The Many Definitions of TBO

By Michael Addington

Not many people are aware of the history of TBO and where the name originated. There have been many theories offered as to its proper definition. Most people today believe that the acronym TBO started with the Japanese, and the custom products made to improve the "performance and drivability" of their various sport compact vehicles. While the application of TBO has not changed, its origins are not Japanese. The acronym TBO started on the other side of the world, long ago, in ancient Rome.

Not much remains of the original Graeco-Roman TBO masterpieces, war and time have relegated most existing pieces to private collectors and museums. Only recently, archaeologists have unearthed ancient scrolls that have helped shine a torch on the origins of TBO.

TBO started producing armor and weaponry for the emperor Tiberius (14 - 37 AD) At that time, the acronym TBO was defined as “Tiberius Beneficium Ornatus” or “Equipment for the benefit of Tiberius”. The crafted weaponry was a decisive advantage to the Roman army in many battles and, was valued for its superiority. Since its original inception as a weapons manufacturer, TBO has crafted many different items and thusly has had different definitions over time.

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An early mosaic of a Roman soldier preparing for war with a lightened TBO battle chariot.

When in brief times of peace, the TBO craftsmen turned their skills to a more regal trade, crafting fine furniture and decorations for the homes of senators and other prestigious members of the Roman society. TBO was defined as: “Teres Bellus Optimus” translated as "Elegantly polished, the best available". Today, at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Peters, the papal throne and the six seats of the cardinals are believed to be early works made by TBO.

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Sedan Chair of Pope Leo V

On display at San Giovanni in Laterno Cloister Museum is one of the few surviving artifacts of TBO craftsmanship. It has an irregular shape richly decorated with appliqué in wood, metal, ivory and bone. With its elegant design, it is believed that Senator Polykleitos originally commissioned this elegant throne.

Later it was to be the throne of Pope Leo V.

The next incarnation of TBO is documented as during the "The Regal Period" (200 - 310 AD). During this time TBO was predominantly a manufacturer of stylish and rare Chariot accessories. TBO products were said to enhance the speed and handling of the most coveted roman chariots. During races, chariots that were outfitted with TBO accessories were victorious in competitions held at the Stadium at Aphrodisias. During this period TBO was defined as “Tego Benefeicium Operis”translated as “A completed cover for the privileged”.

Following the Regal period, TBO was largely dormant with the inception of trade between the Phoenicians and Roman Empire. This flooded the roman market with chariot accessories that were cheaper to build in Egypt and readily accessible to the common public, not just the upper echelon of roman society.

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Egyptian influence started with subtle spoilers and type R badges

By the time of the Late Empire (315 - 476 AD) TBO saw the writing on the parchment. Rome was in the final stages of losing its domination of western civilization. The fall of the Roman Empire was imminent. In 337AD, Constantine The Great commissioned the remaining masters of TBO to outfit his fleet of war chariots with the finest shields, weaponry, and accessories they could design. These chariots were quickly sent to the North to quell the uprising of the European and Germanic tribes. TBO was lastly defined by Romans as “Tectum Brevis Ornatus” or “Ornamental protective shielding of the fleeting”. This was to be the final record of TBO in Roman History, for in 476AD the Roman Empire collapsed.

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Ruins that are believed to have housed the original TBO workshops upon Palatine Hill

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An artist’s interpretation of a Roman chariot exposition, where TBO creations were highly sought after.

Since its origins, TBO has been a sign of quality, rarity and performance. In today’s market of sport compact cars and cheaply made, imported accessories, only the best craftsmen can truly reproduce and even improve the elegant details and design that were originally TBO.