How Does the Arab World View the Roman Empire?
When thinking about Roman emperors, people often remember names like Caesar or Augustus. Outside of Europe, though, views on Rome can look very different. In the Arab world, the Eastern …
How did Wealthy Romans make their Fortunes?
Wealth among the elite in ancient Rome reached levels that are hard to imagine today. Some individuals owned thousands of slaves, massive herds of cattle, and enormous estates. Their money …
Why couldn’t The Romans Conquer Scythia? | Who were the Scythians?
The Scythian Empire was once a powerful force that stretched across large parts of Eurasia. Known for their skill in warfare, especially on horseback, the Scythians were fierce fighters who …
Did the Foederati End the Roman Empire?
The decline of the Roman Empire has long attracted historians, with Edward Gibbon considering it a straightforward process driven by external pressures. One key aspect he and others point out …
How Roman trade with India made the Empire rich
Trade between the Mediterranean and the East played a key role in the growth and wealth of early empires. Egypt, positioned between regions, became a major link for goods moving …
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 …