Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
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 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
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
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 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 Anecdotes
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.
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 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 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
Titus Livy: The Story of the Roman Celebrity Historian
Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, was a Roman historian famous for his work Ab Urbe Condita ("From the Founding of the City"), a monumental history of Rome that spanned from its legendary founding in 753 BC to Livy's contemporary period in AD 9.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Testudo: The Military Formation that Lasted from Ancient Rome to Today
The testudo was a type of shield wall formation, commonly used by the Roman legions during battles.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Realm of Indulgence: Leisure, Pleasure and Passions in Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome is often represented as a den of luxury and pleasures, but is this true?