Sejanus: Almost the Roman Emperor
In the early years of the Roman Empire, political power often shifted rapidly and was sometimes secured through unconventional means. One man, Lucius Aelius Sejanus, stands out as someone 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 …
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 …
Plutarch: Life, Legacy, and the Lasting Power of His Parallel Lives
Plutarch is even today one of the most influential voices from antiquity, whose work has passed the test of time for nearly two millennia. Best known for Parallel Lives and …
Cato, the Filibuster, and the Death of the Republic
The world of ancient literature is a vast and fragmented puzzle, with much of its original brilliance lost to time. Only a small fraction of the works from Greece and …
VIRIATHUS: The Lusitanian shepherd that defied the MIGHTY Roman Empire
Long ago, during the Roman Empire’s height, there lived a group on the Iberian Peninsula known as the Lusitanians. Often overlooked in history, this Celtic warrior society posed a significant …
Augustus: How Rome’s First Emperor Shaped the Empire’s Future
In the annals of Roman history, few figures stand out as prominently as Octavian, later known as Augustus. His ascension to power marked the end of the Roman Republic and …
Why didn’t Alexander the Great conquer Rome?
During the 4th century BC, Greece was a patchwork of city-states and kingdoms tangled in rivalries. Philip II of Macedon took advantage of this to expand significantly, gaining influence over …
The TRUTH About CONSTANTINE the Great
In the fourth century, a major transformation unfolded in the Roman Empire, significantly shaping the course of Western civilization. This pivotal change was rooted in the actions of Emperor Constantine …
Why Hannibal Failed
The battle of Cannae was a turning point for the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca, who had achieved a remarkable victory against the Roman legions. With his smaller force, he outmaneuvered …
Why Constantine REALLY Converted to Christianity
In the summer of 310, Constantine experienced a life-changing vision that would set the course of his rule and impact the future of Christianity. He witnessed a celestial message, illuminated …
The 10 Most Famous Gladiators of the Roman Empire
Gladiators in ancient Rome were more than just fighters. Despite their short lifespans, they were revered and celebrated by spectators from all walks of life. Their battles drew massive crowds, …
How the Romans Learned – A Journey through the History and Culture of Roman Education
Education in ancient Rome was a cornerstone of its society, with roots firmly planted in the home before branching out into formal schooling. The family, particularly the father, played a …
The Emperor Hadrian – The Life of One of Rome’s Most Enlightened Emperors
Emperor Hadrian, ruling from 117 to 138 AD, was a Roman leader whose impact is felt deeply in history. Known for his love of arts and Greek culture, he also …