Naturalis Historia - Roman Empire Times

A possible representation of a Roman noble, gone to receive the poison he has ordered from a master of herbs

Roman Empire Anecdotes

The Art of Poison in the Roman Empire

Poison in Rome was more than murder—it was myth, medicine, and metaphor. From household betrayals to imperial plots, it blurred the line between cure and crime.

A possible representation of a Roman soldier carrying with difficulty two large sacks of salt

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Does the Word ‘Salary’ Derive from Salt? What is the Connection with Roman Soldiers?

Salt and salary are often linked to Roman soldiers, but historical records reveal a different understanding of military pay in ancient Rome.

Pont du Gard's stone blocks, some of which weigh up to six tons.

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.

Gladiators after battle, scraping the mixture of olive oil, sweat, blood and dirt from their skins

Roman Empire Anecdotes

We researched the legends about Gladiator Sweat; here’s what we found

Was gladiator’s sweat and blood sold as an aphrodisiac outside the Roman arena? Our research is shining some light on the topic.

Pliny the Younger, composing one of his letters

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Pliny the Younger: The 247 letters that helped shape our view of the Roman Empire

Pliny the Younger helped us shape our view of the Roman Empire, and all aspect of its life.

Pliny The Elder working on his Naturalis Historia

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Pliny the Elder: The Author of the World’s First Encyclopaedia was Roman

Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder is the world's first encyclopaedia.

A typical Roman table, with olive oil at the center of it

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Olive Oil in the Roman Empire: Romans and their Liquid Gold

Olive oil was a fundamental aspect of the Roman diet and was transported everywhere in the Empire.

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Aqua Virgo: A 2000-year Roman aqueduct that still works

The Roman aqueduct that serves the city of Rome for 2000 years

An illustration of a Roman city under the Aurora Borealis, in a modern minimal graphic style

Roman Empire Anecdotes

Aurora Borealis in Roman Culture: Beliefs about the Northern Lights

How did ancient civilizations like the Romans and Greeks understand The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis?

A Roman glass blower in his workshop working with hot glass

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Have Romans discovered an indestructible glass?

Unbreakable glass is said to be a legendary invention of the Roman Empire

Roman Empire Anecdotes

Roman Beliefs and Practices Surrounding Solar Eclipses

In ancient Rome, the cosmos was a tapestry woven with the deeds of gods and mortals, where celestial phenomena like solar eclipses were imbued with divine significance.

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Which Gods did the Ancient Romans worship?

The religious landscape of ancient Rome was as vast and complex as the empire itself.

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Falernian wine: Roman Empire's favorite

Falernian wine was one of the most renowned wines of the Roman Empire, coming from the hills of Campania in southern Italy.

Roman Empire Anecdotes

Beauty in ancient Rome: Unveiling the Secrets of eternal elegance

How did the ancient Romans take care of their face and bodies? What were the absolute standards and what types of cosmetics were they using?