No, Elon Musk Did Not Perform a Roman Salute at Trump’s Inauguration
Elon Musk sparked outrage at Trump’s inauguration with a salute resembling the Nazi “Sieg Heil.” Some already claim it was 'just' a Roman salute, is that true though?
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Anecdotes, historical facts, fictional stories and news curated from a small team of human writers, fascinated with Ancient Rome and its myriad myths and legends.
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Crassus: The Wealthiest Man in History was Roman
Known as the richest man in Rome, Crassus amassed an almost mythical fortune through a combination of shrewd investments, calculated risks, and, some would argue, ruthless opportunism.
What Was the Pax Romana? Was Rome ever a Peaceful Empire?
The concept of Pax Romana—the Roman Peace—represents a significant period of stability and order across the Roman Empire, inaugurated during the reign of Augustus.
The Quiet Power of Antoninus Pius: Stability and Prosperity
In the vast tapestry of Roman history, where emperors often rose to fame through conquests or fell from grace amidst scandal, Antoninus Pius stands out as a unique figure.
Spartacus: The Gladiator Who Defied Rome
Who was Spartacus beyond the legend? Was he a visionary freedom fighter, or simply a desperate man driven by the brutal realities of slavery? A tale of courage, ambition, and the unrelenting human spirit that continues to captivate imaginations two millennia later.
Shaping a Legend: The Evolution of Trajan’s Reputation
Emperor Trajan, is remembered by history as one of Rome’s greatest leaders, who epitomized the ideals of a just and capable ruler.
The Gracchi Brothers: Visionaries or Socialist Revolutionaries?
Who were Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, and why do their names resonate as pivotal figures in Roman history?
How did Romans Keep Warm? The Ingenious Heating Systems of Ancient Rome
Central heating, solar power and windows that let the sun get into their buildings. The Romans found a way to keep warm during the winter.
Whispers on the Walls: Graffiti as a Voice of Ancient Rome
For tens of thousands of years, people have been leaving their marks on the walls. How was street art during the Empire perceived?
Beyond Marcus Aurelius: Lucius Verus, the Shadowed Emperor of Rome's Golden Age
Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus; adoptive siblings and co-emperors, one shining through the centuries, the other fading quietly along history’s winding path.
Brothers Divided: The Tragic Tale of Emperors Caracalla and Geta
As the Severan dynasty rose to prominence, the two brothers were groomed to jointly inherit their father’s empire. Despite their shared upbringing, their differences—both personal and political—were stark and irreconcilable.
Were Christians Really Fed to the Lions in Ancient Rome?
What is the truth behind the phrase: “Christians to the lions?”
Saturnalia: The Roman Festival that Inspired the Spirit of Christmas
Was Saturnalia of the ancient Romans what Christmas is for us today? The two have a lot in common. How was Saturnalia celebrated?
Foundations of Justice: Rome’s Twelve Tables
Traditions or laws? Lex duodecim tabularum was the legislation that stood at the foundation of Roman law.
A Sail Above the Sand: Did the Colosseum Really Have a Retractable Roof?
Imagine 50,000 Romans seated in the blazing summer sun, cheering gladiators while the midday heat bears down on the mighty Colosseum. Yet, their faces are shaded, cooled by a system so advanced that even modern engineers marvel at its ingenuity. How did the Romans achieve this?
What was the Severan Marble Plan?
In the ruins of an ancient city, amidst temples and columns long abandoned, lied the shattered remains of something truly extraordinary.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Antinous and Hadrian: Love, Devotion, or Divine Ambition?
In the shadowy chronicles of Roman history, there is a relationship that have sparked intrigue and questions; that between Emperor Hadrian and the enigmatic Antinous.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Imperial Auction: Fact or Fiction? Unraveling the Reign of Didius Julianus
In the shadowed corridors of Roman history, Marcus Didius Julianus stands as one enigmatic figure to wear the imperial purple.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
The Empire of Diversity: Romans Beyond Rome
Beyond the marble walls of the Eternal City, the Roman Empire thrived on its ability to weave diverse cultures into a unified whole.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Dining with Domitian and the Enigma of Domitian’s Black Dinner
What was like dining with the emperor? What is the famous black dinner of Domitian? What was the meaning behind the black decoration and the macabre settings?
Roman Empire Anecdotes
The Continence of Scipio: A Legacy of Clemency in Roman History and Art
The story of how Scipio Africanus came to be a protagonist in numerous pieces of art, is the perfect how-to, in building a persona that lasts through the ages.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Whispers Through Marble: The Enigmatic Acoustics of Herodes Atticus Odeon
Built for acoustic delight, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus still offers moments of unforgettable experiences for the audiences that flood its premises to enjoy various spectacles in Athens.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Emperor Domitian: Tyrant or Reformer?
Emperor Domitian, who ruled Rome from 81 to 96 CE, is one of the most polarizing figures of the Roman Empire. Dismissed by many ancient writers as a tyrant and remembered for his strained relationship with the Senate, Domitian’s legacy is one of complexity and contradiction.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
What was a Tribune in Ancient Rome?
Tribune was the title of various elected officials in Ancient Rome, but since the term is a bit convoluted and lost in time, the answer to the question is not a simple one.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Tragic Philosopher: Seneca the Younger’s Journey Through Stoicism and Politics
Seneca the Younger, a towering figure of the Roman intellectual world, lived a life filled with paradoxes.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
From Soldier to Sovereign: The Rise and Reign of Vespasian
The final ruler during the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors, Vespasian established the Flavian dynasty, which governed the Roman Empire for 27 years.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Alexander the Great in Roman Thought: Hero, Rival, and Legend
How did the Romans see Alexander the Great? Were they influenced? What did they think about his personality? His military accomplishments? His life?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Ascending to the Divine: The Practice and Meaning of Apotheosis in Ancient Rome
How was apotheosis used as a religious practice, but also as a political tool in ancient Rome? How was it used to solidify dynastic legitimacy and reinforce imperial ideology?
Roman Empire Anecdotes
The Roman Poet of Sharp Words: Martial and his Rome
Martial was a Roman poet, the man behind the epigrams, who is remembered for his razor-sharp commentary
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Macrinus’ True Story: Gladiator 2’s Power Player and Rome’s Brief Emperor
In the records of Roman history, Marcus Opellius Macrinus stands as a unique, and often overlooked figure.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Spiraling Legacy of Trajan's Column: Art, Propaganda, and Power
Trajan's Column is an iconic piece of Roman art and architecture, rich with historical, artistic, and cultural significance.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Marking the Hours: The Roman Way of Measuring Time
The Romans employed various methods to measure time, integrating natural observations with technological innovations.