There isn’t much that represents ancient Rome quite like the Colosseum. This iconic architectural marvel is instantly recognizable, even in its fractured present form. Images of gladiatorial battles come to mind when the Colosseum is mentioned. But it was also host to another strange sort of spectacle loved by the ancient Romans–naval battles. In a […]
Epic Naval Battles of the Colosseum in Ancient Rome Read More »
Cleopatra is known to be one of the most beautiful monarchs in history. However, it must be noted that she was more than just her beauty. She was an influential leader and the last Hellenic ruler in Egypt. After her reign, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire. Cleopatra was both loved and hated
The Life of Cleopatra: Seductress and Intelligent Leader Read More »
There are many iconic feats of architecture in the world that are recognizable at first glance: the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty. But one of the most influential and copied buildings of the world is much smaller. It was built in Rome by a trusted advisor of Augustus Caesar: The Pantheon.
The Pantheon: A Famous Dome and Iconic Pillars Read More »
To salt the earth means to destroy it. Unlike other means of destruction like flood or fire, salting the earth is much more permanent. Fire can fertilize the land with ash, and floods can hydrate it. But with salt, there is no hope for regrowth. Ancient accounts explain that when the Romans conquered the city
The Downfall and the Salting of the Great City of Carthage Read More »
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honoring the god Saturn. The holiday started with a single day. It eventually stretched to a full week of celebrations. Slaves were given time off of work and gifts were exchanged. Saturnalia was celebrated in December. Many of its traditional practices influenced Christmastime festivities throughout Europe. Saturn Himself Saturn
A Look at the Ancient Roman Festival, Saturnalia Read More »
Who is the most famous power couple in history? Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Bill and Hillary Clinton? No, the answer is Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Each led one of the most powerful countries in the world. Their combined relationship represented an almost unmatched level of concentrated power. So how did these two historical figures end up
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The Battle of Teutoburg Forest is perhaps one of the most consequential battles in the history of the Western world. Also known as the Varian Disaster, the battle saw Germanic tribesmen led by a Roman-trained general decimate three legions of Roman soldiers. A group that the Romans deemed barbaric and uncivilized would use guerrilla warfare
Battle of Teutoburg Forest: How a Germanic Prince Defeated Rome Read More »
Ancient Rome was full of huge personalities. Just like in modern times, there are people in power who do their job and aren’t really all that entertaining, while others are so bold and inflammatory that we can’t stop talking about them. It was the same for Rome–maybe even more so. Rulers came and went, but
Untangling the life of Emperor Nero Read More »
Evaluating generalship is often a practice of choosing arbitrary values to rank. Military historians will argue infinitely over the relative merits of one leader over another. Ranking Roman generals is not immune to this kind of controversy. Sun Tzu provides us with some guidance: “Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy’s troops without any fighting;
Who were the 10 greatest Roman generals? Read More »
People have always gone to great lengths to look attractive through the centuries. All different cultures and eras have seen their fair share of truly bizarre, not to mention dangerous, beauty trends. Some are weirder than others. For example, the Renaissance era saw women using leeches to achieve a pale, “ghostly” appearance. Women in 19th-century
Six of the Most Peculiar Beauty Trends Throughout History Read More »
