Roman Empire Anecdotes
Mad Honey Warfare: How King Mithridates Poisoned Pompey’s Legions
King Mithridates VI of Pontus is often credited with using a unique form of biological warfare involving "mad honey" against the forces of Pompey the Great.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The most Famous Roman Emperor Failed Assassination Attempts
The history of the Roman Empire is replete with assassination attempts, some of which failed and left intriguing tales of survival and intrigue.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Flowing Through Time: Tiber River's Journey in Roman History
The Tiber River and Rome are interconnected since the time of the Great Empire and is a point of reference for the Italians today.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Roman Astronomy: How did Romans See the Planets
Astronomy and astrology in the Roman Empire times were almost identical. People turned to the planets to decide their next moves and to organize their lives.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Gladiatrix: Scent of a Woman, in the Arena
Female gladiators, known as "gladiatrices," were a relatively rare phenomenon in ancient Rome compared to their male counterparts, but they did exist and played a significant role in the spectacle of gladiatorial combat.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Arminius: From friend of Rome, to German Leader at the Teutoburg Forest Battle
Over the centuries, Arminius and the battle of the Teutoburg Forest have left their footprint in history.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Did Romans Drink Coffee? What was their Morning Routine?
Coffee was totally unknown to Romans and breakfast was irrelevant for them.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Tacitus: The Chronicler of Rome’s Moral Decline
Publius Cornelius Tacitus, commonly known as Tacitus, was a Roman historian and politician. He is widely considered one of the greatest Roman historians by modern scholars.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
“Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant”. What did Gladiators actually say before fighting?
The phrase Hail Emperor, those who are about to die, salute you, was not actually used by the gladiators.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Ingenious Warmth: How Romans Heat their Baths with the Hypocaust System
The Romans heated the water in their baths using a hypocaust system, which circulated hot air from a furnace beneath the floors and through the walls.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Forged for Battle: The Six-Century Reign of the Roman Gladius
The gladius Hispaniensis, an iconic symbol of Roman military was used by foot soldiers for almost 6 centuries.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Hadrian’s Gate in downtown Athens, below Acropolis; a Gateway to History
The Arch of Hadrian (Greek: Αψίδα του Αδριανού) commonly referred to as Hadrian's Gate in Greek, is a monumental gateway that bears some resemblance to a Roman triumphal arch.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Ammian, or Ammianus Marcellinus: From a Roman Soldier to one of the Best Historians of all time
Ammianus Marcellinus wrote what is known as Res gestae, the ultimate historical account about the Roman Empire, that has survived to our days.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Vestal Virgins: Keepers of Rome's Eternal Flame and Protectors of the State
The Vestal Virgins were guarding Rome’s sacred flame keeping the state safe.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Trajan’s Market: The first ever Shopping Mall was built in Ancient Rome
The markets of Trajan, a magnificent construction of the Roman times, was the equivalent of today's shopping complexes.
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.