We know how the Roman Republic’s war machine facilitated its rise. By the third century BC, the Roman legions were the most significant fighting force in the Mediterranean. But often less commented upon is how the political institutions of the Roman Republic allowed for the rise of the city on the Tiber to pre-eminence across […]
What Was a Consul During the Roman Republic? Read More »
In 1810, by which time he had built an empire that spanned most of continental Europe, if the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, wanted to get a message from Paris to Rome, he couldn’t send it any faster than the Romans were able to nearly 2,000 years ago. By the first and second centuries AD,
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In Monty Python The Life of Brian, a film set in Roman Judaea around the time of Christ, there is a scene where the film’s main protagonist, a reluctant messiah called Brian, is selling snacks at the local amphitheater. His goods were unusual, to say the least, and included larks’ tongues, wrens’ livers, chaffinch brains, and
What Kinds of Food Did Ancient Romans Eat? Read More »
There is a tale about how the famed Spartans of Ancient Greece brought their children into the world. Whenever a child was born, it was brought quickly before the Gerousia, the council of 30 men who essentially ruled the city-state. The Gerousia would then decide if the child was healthy or not worthy of being
What Was Daily Life Like In Ancient Sparta? Read More »
Within the complex system of Roman religion and mythology, few figures were as significant as the Vestal Virgins. These were intertwined with the entire creation myth of Rome itself. The legendary founders of the city, Romulus and Remus, were said to have been raised by a she-wolf on the banks of the River Tiber. Still,
The Vestal Virgins: Rome’s Most Influential Priestesses Read More »
The Romans built arguably the greatest empire of pre-modern times. But, of course, there were bigger empires than it. For example, the Mongol empire was much more extensive. But these other great empires were often short-lived and unstable, and the people who lived in them did not acquire a decent standard of living. By contrast,
What Was the Life of a Roman Legionary Like? Read More »
The word Cupid is synonymous today with matchmaking and relationships. Type in the word ‘Cupid’ to Google, and you will immediately be confronted with dozens of internet dating sites while OkCupid.com has been one of the world’s largest online dating platforms for the last fifteen years. Anytime we see an image of a small child-like
Cupid: The Oftentimes Evil God of Love and Desire Read More »
The city-states of ancient Greece were vital for the grand and expansive civilization to thrive in the way it did. Known as a ‘polis’, an independent city-state represented an organized and structured community. It was like a mini-city, with its own urban area center and then rural countryside around the outside. Many even had protective
What Were the City-States of Ancient Greece? Read More »
It’s no secret the Roman Republic and Empire is one of the most fascinating and well-documented topics in history. With a rich and storied past, there are countless books on the subject to choose from. So, what are the best books on Roman history? We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite titles to
The 21 All-Time Best Books on Roman History Read More »
While each culture has its own pantheon, the Ancient Greek gods are among the best known in the world today. This is because the Greek gods played an essential role in ancient Greece, shaping its history and encouraging its people toward excellence in every aspect of life. Whether for worshipping or asking for advice, the
Who Were the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece? Read More »
