In ancient Rome, slavery was a legally entrenched institution, but Roman law also developed formal mechanisms through which an enslaved person could become free. The most important of these was …
Slavery was not a marginal institution in ancient Rome. It was deeply embedded in Roman agriculture, households, commerce, mining, manufacturing, public administration, and entertainment. Enslaved people were legally treated as …
Imagine a wedding day in ancient Rome. The house is busy from early morning. Relatives and friends have gathered, preparations are underway, and the bride is dressed in clothing that …
Poena cullei, or the “penalty of the sack,” was one of the most severe punishments in Roman law. It was associated primarily with parricidium, especially the murder of a parent …
Step Inside a Roman Home Like today, Roman houses also represented the difference between the people who lived a luxurious life and those who weren’t that lucky. These Roman houses …
Why were the Roman provinces important? At its height, the Roman Empire stretched across three continents and ruled tens of millions of people speaking dozens of languages. From Britain to …
An Imperial Paradox At first glance, it seems made up. How could a relatively small area in the heart of the Balkans, far from Rome itself, produce seventeen Roman emperors? …
Many people picture ancient Rome as a city of shining marble buildings, grand feasts, and powerful leaders. Movies and popular culture have strengthened this image, but life for most residents …
Life in ancient Rome demanded clever ways to stay cool under the intense summer heat. Without modern air conditioning, the Romans relied on design, nature, and water to make their …
Across the Roman world, people left their marks on walls, monuments, and public spaces. These writings and drawings captured moments of humor, love, anger, and daily life. They appeared in …
The Roman Empire built a vast system to keep peace across its many regions. These provinces, spread over lands equal to dozens of modern countries, were the backbone of Rome’s control. Each …
Dogs played a familiar yet distinct role in the daily lives of people in ancient Rome. They appeared in art, literature, and daily routines, serving a wide range of purposes …
Roman society was sharply divided between the wealthy elite and the poor majority, yet a smaller group occupied a space in between. This segment showed signs of moderate prosperity, though …
Life in ancient Rome during the third century was full of challenges and uncertainty. People faced political instability, economic troubles, and frequent threats from both inside and outside the Empire. …
