The Wars of Marcus Aurelius
During the reign of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Empire faced challenges on many fronts. The emperor led his armies across the Danube to battle fierce tribes, dealing with both war …
How Was Marijuana Used In Ancient Rome?
Cannabis has a long and interesting history, but most people do not know much about how it was used in ancient Rome. The evidence that survives comes mainly from a …
Military Reforms of Augustus
During the shift from the Roman Republic to the Empire, the Roman military went through many important changes. After the civil wars and the rise of Augustus, the Roman army …
Why Was Egypt Crucial for the Roman Empire?
The Roman Empire rose to be one of the most successful ancient civilizations. While many believe that warfare and taxes alone fueled this growth, the reality was more complex. As …
Roman Legion Against Macedonian Phalanx
After their victory over Carthage, the Romans shifted their focus to the powerful kingdoms that grew from Alexander the Great’s empire. These new challenges saw Roman legions face off against …
Battle of Ecnomus (256 BC) – Largest Naval Battle in History
During the First Punic War, Rome and Carthage clashed in a massive naval battle near Ecnomus. With hundreds of warships and almost 300,000 men involved, this fight stands out as …
Were the Barbarians Taller than the Romans?
When the Romans encountered the people of Northern Europe, they were often surprised by their physical appearance. Stories from ancient times describe Gauls, Germans, and Britons as particularly tall and …
Roman Afterlives
In a dramatic episode of Roman history, the young consul Cicero faced a grave challenge with the flawed Catalinarian conspiracy. As the Senate debated how to punish those who plotted …
Here’s What It Was Like For Prisoners In Ancient Rome
Throughout history, Rome had a complex and evolving relationship with punishment and imprisonment. In the early days, prisons as we understand them today didn’t exist. People who broke the law …
The Real Reason Pants Were Objectionable In The Roman Empire
In ancient Rome, wearing trousers was not only unfashionable but forbidden by law. This cultural stance made significant statements about social norms and perceptions at the time. Roman attire mainly …
Taxes and Tariffs in Ancient Rome
The Roman Empire, known for its vast reach and impressive organization, had a tax system that left much to be desired by modern standards. While citizens in Rome itself enjoyed …
Could Potatoes have Saved the Roman Empire?
Imagine a world where the potato, a nutritious and adaptable crop, reached the Roman Empire centuries earlier. This thought experiment opens a fascinating discussion. Potatoes originated in South America and …
What Did the Romans Think the Future Would Be Like?
Imagining the future has always played a big role in how people think about our world. Ancient thinkers like the philosopher Seneca had their own ideas about what might happen. …
The Life Expectancy of a Roman Emperor
In the world of Roman emperors, life was full of both monumental power and grave dangers. Augustus, the first emperor, spent his last days quietly before passing away as he …