Articles
-
Locusta of Gaul: Rome’s Most Infamous Poisoner
Locusta is often described as being from Gaul, a province roughly corresponding to modern France and parts of neighboring countries. Beyond that, our sources tell us little about her early life. We do not know whether she was of provincial aristocratic stock, a freedwoman, or came to Rome as a slave.
-
The Sicarii: Dagger-Bearers of First-Century Judea
The Sicarii emerged in a period marked by foreign domination, heavy taxation, and religious tension. After the Roman general Pompey entered Jerusalem in 63 BCE, Judea gradually became a client kingdom and then a province of the Roman Empire. Roman procurators, such as Pontius Pilate and later Gessius Florus, were often viewed by many Jews…
-
Ancient Aspirin: Pain Relief Before the Pill
The story of aspirin traces its origins to ancient healers who used plants like willow and meadowsweet to alleviate pain and inflammation. Across various cultures, these remedies laid the foundation for modern medicine. In the late 19th century, acetylsalicylic acid was synthesized, linking traditional knowledge with scientific advancement in pain relief.
-
Sexual Punishments in Ancient Rome: Law, Morality, and Control
This article explores how Roman law and custom dealt with sexual misconduct, what kinds of punishments existed, and what these practices reveal about Roman society.
-
Pyramus and Thisbe
This story matters not only as a moving tale of devotion, but also because it explores themes that still feel familiar: forbidden love, strict social rules, miscommunication, and the terrifying speed with which events can spin out of control. It is often compared to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and with good reason. Both stories feature…
-
The Battle of Antioch (218): The Return of the Severan Dynasty
The events leading to the battle began with the assassination of Emperor Caracalla in 217 CE. Caracalla, a member of the Severan dynasty, had ruled in a turbulent and often brutal fashion, but he still commanded loyalty among many soldiers, especially in the eastern provinces.
-
How Was Order Maintained in Ancient Greece?
Ancient Greek society consisted of diverse city-states, each maintaining order through laws, social norms, and religion. Key mechanisms included written laws, citizen participation in courts, and assemblies. However, this order also relied on exclusionary practices like slavery and limited citizenship. The Greek model emphasizes the balance of civic duty and injustice in governance.
-
Justinian and Theodora: Partners in Power
Justinian was born around 482 in Tauresium, in the Balkans, to a family of modest means. His uncle, Justin, rose through the military ranks in Constantinople and eventually became emperor in 518. Justinian’s career unfolded in his uncle’s shadow: he received an excellent education, gained influence at court, and was prepared for succession.
-
Education in Ancient Rome
The teacher, called a litterator or magister ludi, was often a freedman or lower-status citizen with enough education to teach basic literacy. Schools were not grand institutions but modest rooms, shaded porticoes, or rented spaces in busy parts of town. There was no official state funding or standardized curriculum; schools were private ventures, and students’ families paid fees.
-
The Marriage of Cicero: Ambition, Strain, and Legacy
Marcus Tullius Cicero’s marriage to Terentia reveals insights into Roman elite life, highlighting the political partnership they formed. Terentia, a strong-willed woman from a wealthy background, supported Cicero’s ambitions through financial management and advocacy. Their relationship faced strains during Cicero’s exile and financial troubles, ultimately leading to divorce, underscoring the emotional toll of politics.
Articles appear grouped by category when using category-specific archive views. On this master list, posts still appear by date.