Romans And Barbarians – Part 2
Roman literature contains many instances of barbarians being led by their emotions and not considering the consequences of their action. This is presented as...
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...
Famous Roman Gladiators
But, not all notorious gladiators won fame for their prowess in the bloody competition that entertained the Roman masses. Several of the best known...
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...
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...
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...
Pliny, Tacitus, Josephus and Jesus: Why These Writers Don’t Prove Jesus Existed
Christian scholars will point to passages that occur in the writings of Tacitus, Pliny and Josephus to prove that Jesus existed. This requires a...
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...
Swords of the Roman Empire
Although many kinds of swords were used by the military, gladiators and civilians of the Roman Empire the best known are the Parazonium, the...
Roman North Africa And Cultural Interaction
Many cultures interacted in the Roman province of Africa, centred upon the region known as Africa Proconsularis (i.e. modern Tunisia and northern Libya)
Prior to...