pompeii - Roman Empire Times

Ancient Roman mosaics in the Art Institute of Chicago

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.

An illustration depicting Pliny the Elder at a younger age, with all the major events that shaped his life, from the military career to his philosophical thinking and the eruption of Vesuvius

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

A graphic illustration depicting the engineering marvel of the Roman Empire

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

The Colosseum: Rome's Arena of "Panis et Spectacula"

Towering over the heart of Rome, the Colosseum stands as a monumental proof to the ambition, engineering mastery, and brutal spectacles of the Roman Empire.

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Spartacus: The Gladiator Who Defied Rome

Who was Spartacus beyond the legend? Was he a visionary freedom fighter, or simply a desperate man driven by the brutal realities of slavery? A tale of courage, ambition, and the unrelenting human spirit that continues to captivate imaginations two millennia later.

An Ancient Roman graffiti of a man called Rufus, in Villa Misteri, in Pompeii

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?

A possible representation of a Roman Arena shaded by an awning during gladiatorial games

Roman Empire Historical Facts

A Sail Above the Sand: Did the Colosseum Really Have a Retractable Roof?

Imagine 50,000 Romans seated in the blazing summer sun, cheering gladiators while the midday heat bears down on the mighty Colosseum. Yet, their faces are shaded, cooled by a system so advanced that even modern engineers marvel at its ingenuity. How did the Romans achieve this?

A person amongst the sound waves created by the marvellous acoustics of an ancient Roman odeon

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Whispers Through Marble: The Enigmatic Acoustics of Herodes Atticus Odeon

Built for acoustic delight, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus still offers moments of unforgettable experiences for the audiences that flood its premises to enjoy various spectacles in Athens.

A Roman general during his triumphal procession, with a slave whispering him ‘Memento Mori’

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.

A possible representation of a Roman citizen, holding a small loaf of bread

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.

A possible representation of an ancient Chinese and an ancient Roman aristocrat

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.

Sun rays enter the Pantheon’s dome in Rome, still enduring due to the use of Roman concrete

Roman Empire Historical Facts

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.

A possible representation of an Ancient Roman fuller, using urine to create detergents and other products.

Roman Empire Anecdotes

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?

A possible representation of a poor Roman woman, living on the upper floor of an insula.

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.

A possible representation of a Roman consul, staring into the eyes of an ancient Greek philosopher.

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.

A representation of an ancient Roman enjoying his swim inside a Roman bath.

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.