Articles
Browse all essays by period.
Roman History
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The Rise and Fall of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar, formed in the 12th century to protect pilgrims, evolved into a powerful military-religious order. They combined monastic life with warfare, held extensive wealth, and contributed to early banking practices. Their fall in the early 14th century, marked by political intrigue and suppression, led to enduring myths and fascination surrounding their legacy.
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Procrustes: The Violent Comfort of One-Size-Fits-All
Procrustes, whose name means “the stretcher” or “he who hammers out,” lived near Eleusis along a much-traveled road in Attica. He welcomed weary travelers into his home, offering them food, rest, and a bed for the night. But his hospitality was a trap.
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The History and Legacy of Cataphracts
Among the most striking cavalry formations of antiquity and the early Middle Ages were the cataphracts—heavily armored horsemen who embodied the idea of shock cavalry long before medieval knights dominated European battlefields. Wrapped in metal or thick armor from head to toe, riding equally protected horses, cataphracts were designed to smash through enemy lines with sheer…
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.