"Aphrodite went to Cyprus, to Paphos, where her precinct is and fragrant altar, and passed into her sweet-smelling temple."- Homer Author of the post: Marian Vermeulen Before there were the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, the first deities were the Titans, sons and daughters of Gaia, Mother Earth, by Uranus, the sky. Yet Gaia grew angry with Uranus for imprisoning her other [...]
“May I therefore succeed in purifying Fable, making her submit to reason and take on the semblance of History.” - Plutarch, Life of Theseus There is a particular thrill whenever it is discovered that ancient myths and legends have more basis in reality than was previously assumed, the mystical found rooted in reality. Such was the case when Heinrich Schliemann, a devoted lover of [...]
Author: Kieren Johns. The Romans first made direct contact with Britain in the middle of the 1st century BC, when Julius Caesar invaded in 55 and 54 BC. Rome’s most famous general believed that the island’s native Celtic people had been providing support to the Gauls in France, against whom he was waging the war that would secure his fame. Within a century, [...]
Author: Marian Vermeulen Marcus Julius Philippus, commonly referred to as Philip the Arab, is an enigmatic figure of Roman imperial history. For all the major events of his life there are two different explanations of the motives behind them and various versions claiming to be the true story. His early life remains almost entirely a mystery. His father, Julius Marinus, was a local [...]
Author: Marian Vermeulen / “He called up informers and incited accusers, invented false offences, killed innocent men, condemned all whoever came to trial, reduced the richest men to utter poverty and never sought money anywhere save in some other's ruin, put many generals and many men of consular rank to death for no offence, carried others about in waggons without food and drink,and [...]
Author: Kieren Johns All roads lead to Rome, or so the old proverb goes. For those of us with an interest in the ancient world, it’s a saying that still very much rings true to this day. Whether it’s a chance to explore the remains of the ancient city itself in the Forum, or the opportunity to get up close and personal with [...]
Author: Marian Vermeulen Today, the name of Caracalla is most often associated with the magnificent baths in Rome that bear his name. However, in his own era, Caracalla was known as an unpredictable and dangerous ruler. Some of his opponents nicknamed him “beast.” Though they gave him the name in derision, Caracalla embraced it eagerly. Even the name by which we know him, [...]
Thus did Pertinax, who undertook to restore everything in a moment, come to his end.” - Cassius Dio Christened Publius Helvius Pertinax, the future emperor enjoyed a humble and practical beginning, which informed his decisions throughout his life. He even maintained his business enterprises in Vada Sabatia, just south of Savo, after being named emperor. Though a favorite of the people and the [...]
“Then ensued a most disgraceful business and one unworthy of Rome. For, just as if it had been in some market or auction-room, both the City and its entire empire were auctioned off. The sellers were the ones who had slain their emperor, and the would‑be buyers vied to outbid each other.” - Cassius Dio Successful Career As the son of a prominent noble [...]
Philosopher Emperor By all accounts, Marcus Aurelius truly embodied the principles he embraced, and he proved his faithful devotion to virtue throughout his rule by his actions. The Historia Augusta described him as “devoted to philosophy as long as he lived and pre-eminent among emperors in purity of life.” Cassius Dio stated that Marcus Aurelius “refrained from all offences and did nothing amiss [...]