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.
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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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Marking the Hours: The Roman Way of Measuring Time
The Romans employed various methods to measure time, integrating natural observations with technological innovations.
Did Slaves Whisper “Memento Mori” to Roman Generals During their Triumph?
The concept of memento mori, Latin for "remember you must die," has been a significant theme throughout history, particularly in the Roman Empire. This idea served as a reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of life.
Cato the Elder and the Roman Spirit: Discipline, Duty, and the Fall of Carthage
Cato the Elder is a fascinating figure in Roman history, embodying the traditional Roman virtues of discipline, frugality, and loyalty to the Republic.
The Daily Bread of Rome: The Apple of Discord Between Romans and the Bakers
Bread was an essential part of the Roman diet, especially for the lower classes. It wasn’t just a staple but also reflected social status and culture, varying in type and quality depending on the person’s wealth and occupation.
Sallust: Details on the Historian of Roman Elite and the Republic’s Decline
Sallust, one of Rome’s earliest and most profound historians, offers an intense and critical perspective on the decline of the Roman Republic.
We Researched the Roman Empire‘s Presence in the Orient: Here is What we Found
The Roman Empire left a notable architectural and cultural footprint in the East, where Roman monuments, cities, and even temples still stand as remnants of its reach.
Guarding the Word: Speech, Censorship, and Power in Ancient Rome
How were the Republic and the Empire treating freedom of speech? How did the emperors censor perceived threats?
Herodes Atticus: A Bridge Between Greek Heritage and Roman Power
Herodes Atticus is a fascinating figure, especially in the context of his relationship with the Roman Empire. A Greek aristocrat from Marathon, Herodes was born into immense wealth and became one of the most prominent benefactors in the Roman Empire during the second century AD.
Roman Concrete: Stronger, Self-healing, and Built to Last Forever
Roman concrete, often admired for its longevity and resilience, was revolutionary due to its unique blend of materials and its remarkable ability to withstand environmental stress over centuries.
How did Romans Flood the Colosseum for Naval Battles in the Arena?
Were naumachiae actually held in the Colosseum? How did the Romans flood the arena to stage a naval battle?
The Gemonian Stairs: Rome's Spot of Mourning and Execution
The Gemonian Stairs became synonymous to death and humiliation for the Roman Empire's enemies and criminals.
Villa Jovis: The Secret Lair for the Dark Pleasures of an Old Emperor
A luxurious villa in Capri is said to be the place where an emperor spent the last ten years of his reign, involved in sexual activities that would satisfy his disturbed imagination
How did Romans Go to the Toilet and Use Urine in Ways we Cannot Imagine Today
How did the Romans go about… number one and number two, and how did they utilize their human waste?
Caesarion: Was the Last Pharaoh, the Son of Julius Caesar?
Caesarion was born in 47 BCE, and his mother Cleopatra claimed that he was Julius Caesar's son.
Was Commodus Truly the Megalomaniac Gladiator Emperor?
Commodus was largely seen as capricious, self-indulgent, and more interested in personal pleasures than in governing the empire.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Agrippina the Younger: The First Empress of Rome, in a Male Dominant Society
Agrippina the Younger, born in 15 AD, was a prominent and controversial figure in Roman history.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
The Insulae: The Apartment Buildings of Ancient Romans
The insulae of the Roman Empire are a fascinating reflection of Roman architectural innovation and urban planning.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Maximinus Thrax: How did a Barbarian Giant, Become Roman Emperor?
Maximinus Thrax, also known as Maximinus I, was a Roman emperor who reigned from 235 to 238 CE, marking the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Cicero: Orator, Statesman, and Unintended Historian of the Roman Republic
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE) was widely regarded as one of Rome's greatest public speakers and prose stylists. His contributions span politics, law, philosophy, and literature, making him a key figure in Roman intellectual history.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Pompey the Great: The Partner and Rival of Julius Caesar
Pompey the Great, or Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, was one of the most prominent Roman military and political leaders during the late Roman Republic.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Bacchanalia: Rome’s Forbidden Festival
The Bacchanalia, also known as Bacchanal or Carnival, were Roman festivals honoring Bacchus, inspired by elements of the Greek Dionysia.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
How Romans Viewed the Greeks: From Conquest to Cultural Fusion
The relationship between Romans and Greeks was complex, shaped by admiration, imitation, and a degree of tension.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Did Ancient Romans Exercise to Keep Fit?
The idea that exercise and physical activity are beneficial is not a recent discovery; it has been recognized and practiced for thousands of years.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Four Journeys of Hadrian, the Globetrotter Emperor of the Roman Empire
Hadrian, who reigned as Roman Emperor from AD 117 to 138, is widely regarded as one of the most traveled emperors in Roman history.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Marvels of Ancient Roman Aqueducts: Engineering Mastery That Stood the Test of Time
Ancient Roman aqueducts stand as towering symbols of Rome's advanced engineering and architectural prowess.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Was Divide and Conquer a Julius Caesar Invention, or Not?
Julius Caesar knew how to eliminate enemies and how to "read" military intelligence, two of his most important traits.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Chains of the Empire: Slavery in Roman Society
Slavery in the Roman Empire was a complex institution deeply embedded in the social, economic, and political systems of the ancient world.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
From Octavian to Augustus: The Making of Rome’s First Emperor
Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, was the most successful ruler of the Roman Empire.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Trajan’s Bridge: World’s First to Surpass 1km, 2,000+ Years Ago
Trajan's Bridge, also called Bridge of Apollodorus over the Danube, was a Roman segmental arch bridge, the first bridge to be built over the lower Danube and considered one of the greatest achievements in Roman architecture.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Monte Testaccio: A Roman Hill Entirely Made Of Amphorae Fragments
Monte Testaccio, is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the city of Rome, totally artificial, composed of pieces of broken jars.
Roman Empire News
Is Zuckerberg Just a Roman Empire Nerd, or Augustus’ Descendant?
Mark Zuckerberg’s fascination with the Roman Empire, from wearing Latin slogans like “Aut Zuck Aut Nihil” to references to Augustus, is more than just symbolic. Could his obsession hint at a deeper connection to the ancient ruler himself?