General

Index of Emperors and Empresses

Throughout history, emperors and empresses have played significant roles in shaping the world. From powerful rulers of vast empires to influential figures in culture and society, their legacies have endured through the centuries. The index of emperors and empresses provides a comprehensive list of these remarkable individuals, offering insights in...

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Dead Romans

Ancient Rome, known for its vast empire, mighty legions, and remarkable architecture, was also a civilization deeply entrenched in its beliefs about death and the afterlife. The Romans held a complex set of customs and rituals surrounding the deceased, reflecting their attitudes towards mortality and the spiritual realm. When a Roman passed away, ...

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Lead and the Fall of Rome: A Bibliography

Since the nineteenth century, there have been sporadic suggestions that the large-scale use of lead in antiquity contributed to the fall of Rome through heavy-metal poisoning....

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A Brief History of Beer: Humanity's Oldest Brew

Long before wine swirled in Roman goblets or whiskey aged in oak barrels, beer flowed through the heart of civilization. In fact, beer is one of the oldest prepared beverages in the world — with roots stretching back over 7,000 years. Ancient Origins The first traces of beer date back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), where the Sumerians br...

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Roman Health and Medicine

Ancient Roman medicine was a combination of some limited scientific knowledge, and a deeply rooted religious and mythological system....

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Hellenistic / Roman Religion & Philosophy

The Jewish Roman World of Jesus. Archaeology and the Dead Sea Scrolls | Christian Origins and the New Testament Ancient Judaism. James D. Tabor...

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Roman Society: The Father of the Roman Family

Roman society was structured around the concept of the family, with the father at its core. Known as the "paterfamilias," the father held immense power and authority over his household. He was not only the head of the family but also had significant control over all its members, including his wife, children, and even extended relatives. The paterf...

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Family Values in Ancient Rome

The Romans had their own evolutionary story about family mores, and it had nothing to do with the invention of affection, which they took to be natural and eternal in the family. However, their story did contain elements of the decline of paternal authority and the stable family. Roman authors--all men--often lamented that in the late Republic wive...

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Rivals of Rome

Rome, one of the greatest empires in history, was not without its rivals. Throughout its existence, Rome faced numerous adversaries that challenged its dominance and power. These rivals of Rome played crucial roles in shaping the course of history and influencing the destiny of the Roman Empire. One of the most formidable rivals of Rome was Cartha...

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Roman Warships

Roman warships were a crucial part of the ancient Roman military and played a significant role in the success of their naval campaigns. One of the most famous types of Roman warships was the "Trireme." Triremes were powered by three rows of oarsmen on each side, allowing for impressive speed and maneuverability in battle. Another important Roman ...

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