Did Romans and Greeks have Abortions and Contraceptives?
Ancient societies tried to manage fertility with resources available in their environment, even though their effectiveness was uncertain and occasionally hazardous.
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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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Ovid’s Eternal Verses: The Roman Poet of Love, Myth, and Exile
In the vast literary landscape of ancient Rome, Ovid stands as a master of mythological storytelling, love poetry, and exile laments.
What are The Ides of March and Why are they Important?
The day that Julius Caesar was assassinated has left its mark on history's face.
Asarotos Oikos Mosaic: The Unswept Floor of the Roman Elite
The "asarotos oikos", a peculiar and captivating form of art that intrigued the elite and showcased the heights of artistic innovation.
Tiberius: Power, Paranoia, and Politics in Imperial Rome
Tiberius, Rome’s second emperor, was a ruler shaped by duty, suspicion, and an uneasy relationship with power. Unlike his predecessor Augustus, whose charisma and political acumen forged the foundations of the empire, Tiberius ruled with a more withdrawn and calculating approach
Roman Engineering: The Backbone of an Empire
Roman engineering combined practicality with innovation, utilizing materials like concrete and brick to construct vast, enduring structures. The adaptability of their methods allowed for architectural achievements that shaped both their empire and future civilizations.
Plutarch: A Greek Voice in the Heart of Rome
Plutarch, the Greek historian, biographer, and philosopher, wrote in an era when Rome dominated the Mediterranean world, yet his works found an eager audience among the very people who had conquered his homeland.
The Colosseum: Rome's Arena of "Panis et Spectacula"
Towering over the heart of Rome, the Colosseum stands as a monumental proof to the ambition, engineering mastery, and brutal spectacles of the Roman Empire.
Romulus and Remus: The Legendary Founders of Rome
The myth of Romulus and Remus is central to Rome's legendary origins and is rich with symbolism, political significance, and historical interpretations.
How was the Roman Empire Formed?
The death of the Roman Republic, gave birth to the Roman Empire; an Empire that left an unparalleled legacy to the Western World.
The Antonine Plague: A Devastation that Reshaped the Roman Empire
The Antonine Plague was a turning point in the empire’s downfall—an often-overlooked epidemic that raged from 165 to 180 CE during the final years of the Antonine Dynasty.
How did the Roman Army Evolve through the Ages?
The Roman army was not just a military force; it was the backbone of Rome’s rise to dominance and the foundation of its vast empire.
Delving into the Details of the Gallic Wars of Julius Caesar
The Gallic Wars, a series of military campaigns waged by Gaius Julius Caesar between 58 and 50 BCE, stand as a critical chapter in both Roman and European history.
Why did the Roman Empire Fall? An Analysis by Experts
The Roman Empire, once the epitome of strength and stability, began a slow and intricate decline long before its ultimate collapse. This process was influenced by an interplay of internal weaknesses and external pressures, spanning centuries.
69 CE: The Year of the Four Emperors
The Year of the Four Emperors (69 CE) is one of the most chaotic periods in Roman history, occurring after Emperor Nero's death and marking a transitional phase from the Julio-Claudian dynasty to the Flavian dynasty.
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?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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?
Roman Empire Anecdotes
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Were Christians Really Fed to the Lions in Ancient Rome?
What is the truth behind the phrase: “Christians to the lions?”
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Foundations of Justice: Rome’s Twelve Tables
Traditions or laws? Lex duodecim tabularum was the legislation that stood at the foundation of Roman law.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.