How to Win an Election in Ancient Rome
Ancient Roman election advice suggested some uncomfortable campaign strategies. Evidence from Pompeii suggests many candidates followed it enthusiastically.
Roman Empire
The Birth of Ovid
Writing from exile, the Roman poet Ovid revealed his birth date as 24 March 43 BC. But on the cause of said exile, he was unusually reticent.
Ancient Rome’s Failed Building Projects
Alongside the great successes of Roman architectural feats were expensive failures. Who was to blame?
‘Theoderic the Great’ by Hans-Ulrich Wiemer review
In Theoderic the Great: King of Goths, Ruler of Romans, Hans-Ulrich Wiemer fully reinforces his vision of Theoderic as a man grappling with challenges which still confront us today.
Byzantine Bishops at War with Women
Early Christianity brought new opportunities for Roman and Byzantine women – it also brought new reasons to vilify them.
How Did Christianity Change the Roman Empire?
By 380, a small cult originating near the periphery of the Roman Empire had grown to become its official religion: Christianity. Things would change – but in what ways?
Pax by Tom Holland review
An account of the Roman Empire at its height amounts to a marvellous vademecum.
A Life of Retirement
The Roman veterans village of Karanis in Egypt did not change the world. Its ordinariness is what makes it remarkable.
What was the Impact of Julius Caesar’s Murder?
Julius Caesar was killed on 15 March 44 BC. We’ve heard about the ‘Ides of March’ – but what happened next?
‘Crassus’ by Peter Stothard review
Crassus: The First Tycoon by Peter Stothard follows Marcus Licinius Crassus on the Roman road to disaster in Parthia.