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 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 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.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
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
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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
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
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.