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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Credit, Loans, and Risk: How Ancient Rome Handled Money Without a Central Bank
The Roman Empire thrived without a central bank or paper currency. Yet its financial system—powered by deposit bankers, local lenders, and legal frameworks—channeled credit across classes and continents. Here’s why Rome’s bankers deserve a seat in the modern history of finance.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Some recipes date back to ancient Rome: French toast, foie gras… and braised flamingo
From French toast to foie gras and even braised flamingo, some recipes we enjoy today trace their origins back to ancient Rome, revealing a rich culinary history that continues to influence modern cuisine.
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.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Rome’s Tastiest Obsession: The Red Mullet and the Price of Prestige
The Roman passion for red mullet drove them to pay fortunes to have this delicacy on their tables.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Why did the Romans kill Jesus?
What was the real reason behind the execution of Jesus by the Romans?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Pliny the Elder: Scholar, Soldier, and Witness to Disaster
Pliny himself claims that he perused about 2,000 volumes and gathered 20,000 noteworthy facts from 100 authors
Roman Empire Anecdotes
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
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
Dining with Domitian and the Enigma of Domitian’s Black Dinner
What was like dining with the emperor? What is the famous black dinner of Domitian? What was the meaning behind the black decoration and the macabre settings?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
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.
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 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.