Articles
Browse all essays by period.
Roman History
-
Battle of Ad Decimum (533 AD): Belisarius, Gelimer, and the Byzantine Conquest of North Africa
Discover the Battle of Ad Decimum (533 AD), where Byzantine general Belisarius defeated King Gelimer and opened the way to the conquest of Vandal North Africa.
-
The Antikythera Mechanism: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s First Computer
The Antikythera Mechanism, discovered in a shipwreck near Greece in 1901, is an ancient Greek analog computer dating back to the second century BC. This sophisticated device utilized gears to calculate astronomical cycles, track celestial bodies, and predict eclipses, showcasing advanced knowledge in mathematics and engineering for its time.
-
Athens and the Delian League: How Ancient Greece’s Alliance Became an Athenian Empire
The Delian League, formed around 478 BCE after the Persian Wars, was an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens to protect against Persian threats. Initially cooperative, it evolved into an Athenian empire that undermined member independence, ultimately leading to the Peloponnesian War and Athens’ decline by 404 BCE.
-
Ancient Naxos in Sicily: Discover the History of Sicily’s First Greek Colony
Ancient Naxos, Sicily’s first Greek colony founded in the eighth century BC, is a significant archaeological site on the Ionian coast. It offers insights into Greek urban development, trade, and religious practices. The Naxos Archaeological Park showcases residential areas, streets, and sacred spaces, revealing the settlement’s historical and cultural importance.
-
Methods of Execution in Ancient Egypt: History, Punishments, and Royal Justice
Discover the methods of execution in ancient Egypt, including impalement, burning, decapitation, and ritual sacrifice, and explore the crimes that led to capital punishment.
-
Pheidippides: The Legendary Runner Who Carried the Victory of Marathon to Athens
The story of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger from the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, has become a symbol of endurance and sacrifice. He is famously said to have run from Marathon to Athens to announce victory before collapsing. His journey inspired the modern marathon, uniting themes of courage, duty, and communication.
-
Tauromenion: The Ancient Greek and Roman City of Taormina, Sicily
Ancient Tauromenion, now modern Taormina, showcases a rich history influenced by indigenous Sicilian communities, Greek and Roman cultures. Its strategic coastal position and architecture reveal a complex narrative shaped by political struggles and cultural exchange. Highlighted by the Ancient Theatre, Tauromenion embodies the evolution of urban life over centuries.
-
The Sexual Life of the Aztecs: Love, Marriage, and Desire in the Aztec Empire
Around 1500, the Aztec Empire’s sexuality was intertwined with religious beliefs, social hierarchy, and marriage customs. Relationships emphasized moderation and community responsibilities, with differing expectations for men and women. Marriage was central to family life, economic cooperation, and political alliances, reflecting the complexity and contradictions of Aztec society.
-
Ancient Ostia: Exploring Rome’s Forgotten Port City
Ancient Ostia, or Ostia Antica, was the vital port city of Rome, crucial for trade and supply. Its well-preserved ruins provide insight into Roman urban life, commerce, and diverse culture. Unlike Pompeii, it reveals the broader dynamics of Roman society, making it an essential visit for historical understanding and exploration.
-
Ephialtes of Thermopylae: The Greek Traitor Who Betrayed Leonidas
Discover the story of Ephialtes of Thermopylae, the Greek who revealed the secret mountain path to Xerxes and helped the Persians outflank Leonidas.