The Welfare Program that Fed a Million Romans
In the ancient world, the city of Rome stood out for its enormous population. While most other cities had just a few thousand people, Rome was home to about a …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Finding Love in Ancient Rome
People in Ancient Rome often find themselves swept up in the whirlwind of romance. This occasion, filled with chocolates and flowers, has roots in ancient traditions tied to the idea …
The Life of a Freed Gladiator
In the world of ancient Rome, gladiators held a unique place in society. Known for their courage and combat skills, these fighters battled for glory and survival in the arena. …
Byzantine Knowledge of Roman History
The people we often call Byzantines referred to themselves as Romans. They believed their rulers were the descendants of Caesar and Augustus. The use of the term “Byzantine Empire” is …
Ancient Roman Customs in Modern Italy
Living in vibrant neighborhoods rich with Italian traditions, many families passed down stories connecting present customs to ancient roots. In Chicago, these traditions came alive during festivals, where statues of …