Constantine I and the Christianization of Rome
How did Constantine set in motion the Christianization of an Empire whose very foundation was built on the respect and worship of its pagan...
The Praetorian Guard – Bodyguards and Kingmakers
The elite force was supposed to protect the emperor and his palace, police Rome, interrogate and guard the emperor’s prisoners as well as to...
Curious Kinds of Roman Gladiators
These particular fighters with very specific functions can be sorted in six groups:
1. Andabatae
They were Noxxi (see below), who fought each other wearing helmets...
Octavia, Wife of Nero: Seneca’s Tragedy – Roman Empress Octavia’s Marriage, Exile and Death...
Octavia was the daughter of the Roman Emperor Claudius and his wife Messalina. Her mother was executed in their childhood for committing adultery, and...
Commemorative Monuments and Sacred Places in the Roman Forum
Rome fancied celebrating its military conquests and victories. Victorious generals and legions would parade through the streets of Rome after an important battle, often...
Otho: Roman Emperor for Three Months
Apparently well meaning, but surely ineffective, Otho – the second ruler in the Year of the Four Emperors – lasted only three months in...
Nero – The Useless, Neglectful and Cruel Emperor of Rome
His horrible reputation is well deserved for as ruler Nero was incompetent, careless, rancorous, violent and sadistic. As a human being, he was very...
Tiberius – The Moody Emperor of Rome
Tiberius had the unenviable position of being the successor of Augustus as emperor of Rome. He pales in comparison.
Even though he was an able...
Who was Coriolanus in ancient Rome?
Gnaeus Martius Coriolanus was a legendary Roman figure of the Fifth Century BC. Our knowledge of Gnaeus Martius stems from the histories of Rome...
Leptis Magna – An Ancient Roman City in Africa
Leptis Magna, a city on the coast of Libya, was a prominent city in Africa in the days of the Roman Empire.
Leptis Magna, located...