800-Year-Old Roman Coins in Piggy Banks: A Fascinating Discovery
Archaeology has a unique way of bringing the past into the present, often through objects that were once ordinary in their time. Such is the case with a recent discovery …
From Healing to Holiness: The Roman Hospital and Byzantine Church of Kaunos
The newly published findings from Kaunos, in southwestern Turkey, tell us a story about the building that changed its purpose through the ages. What began as a Roman hospital in …
What If the Black Death Never Reached the Eastern Roman Empire?
In the late summer of 1347, merchant ships traveled between key trade ports in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Among these stops was Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman …
Why didn’t Rome Conquer Germania?
The Roman Empire expanded across much of Europe, showing incredible ambition and military strength. After securing Gaul, Rome set its sights on Germania, hoping to spread its influence even further. …
The Mystery of the Last Roman Pagans
In the late second century, Christians were a small group within the Roman Empire, making up less than one percent of the population. This changed rapidly over the next two …
What If Rome had discovered gunpowder?
Some of history’s most important discoveries have happened by accident. The invention of gunpowder began with people searching for something completely different: a potion for immortality. This event was not …
The Carthaginians Reimagined: New DNA Evidence Reshapes the Legacy of Rome’s Old Rivals
Who Were the Carthaginians? For centuries, Carthage stood in the imagination of historians and the public alike as the exotic, defiant foe of ancient Rome — a seafaring civilization founded …
What If Everything Went PERFECT For Rome?
Imagining an alternate Roman timeline is an intriguing exercise. In this hypothetical scenario, we explore how a perfect series of events could have influenced Rome’s growth and longevity. The goal …
Unsolved Mysteries about the Colosseum
The Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks of ancient Rome, has captivated the world for centuries. Its grandeur and history are legendary, yet many mysteries still surround this remarkable …
Why the Romans Stopped Reading Books
Bookstores in America are seeing a revival, with creative marketing and social media playing a role. Yet, the real draw remains the joy of exploring shelves, a pleasure that dates …
Why the Roman Empire Lasted 1,500 Years
The Roman Empire, with its legendary duration and influence, is a fascinating subject. It began in 753 BC and spanned centuries, maintaining control over significant territories in the Mediterranean world …
The Disturbing Reason the Eastern Roman Empire Didn’t Fall in 476
In 476, the Western Roman Empire came to an end with the forced abdication of its last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, by the warlord Odoacer. This moment marked a significant transformation, …
Who is the Heir of Rome?
The history of Rome is filled with grandeur and cultural achievements that have left a significant imprint on the world. Even after its fall, numerous kingdoms and empires aimed to …
What if Charlemagne Reunited the Roman Empire?
In the 18th century, the well-known French philosopher Voltaire made a famous remark about the Holy Roman Empire that has been repeated many times over the years. While his statement …