Roman Empire

Battle between Romans and barbarians, unknown artist, 16th century. Art Institute of Chicago. Public Domain.

Why Did Rome Fall?

When it comes to the end of the Roman Empire three things are certain: death, taxes, and Goths. Were reports of its demise exaggerated?

A sarcophagus with a menorah from the Roman catacombs, AD 251-350. A sarcophagus with a menorah from the Roman catacombs, AD 251-350. A sarcophagus with a menorah from the Roman catacombs, AD 251-350. Bridgeman.

How the Roman Empire Lost its Gods

The Roman Empire had two main populations: gods and humans. By its end, there was only one god left. How, and why, did he reign supreme?

Drawings of a plan of Pompey’s theatre as depicted on a now lost section of the Severan Marble Plan of Rome, 203-311 AD. Sovraintendenza ai Beni Culturali del Comune di Roma.

Pompey’s Greatest Show on Earth

Rome’s first theatre was an enormous spectacle intended to glorify Pompey’s successes. Was it all bread and circuses?

Early Christian martyrs in a Roman arena, Jan Luyken, c.1700. Rijksmuseum. Public Domain.

Diocletian’s Great Persecution

On 23 February 303 Roman emperor Diocletian embarked on his Great Persecution of the empire’s Christians. Why?

‘The Death of Germanicus’, by Nicolas Poussin, 1627. Minneapolis Institute of Art. Public Domain.

Behind Donald Trump’s Palace Walls

The vagaries of palace politics are notoriously difficult to record. Historians should pay attention to rumour.

Silver denarius of Cassius Longinus, depicting a citizen casting a ballot, 63 BC. CNG coins.

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.

Silent witness: Ovid, engraving after a coin, undated. Mary Evans Picture Library.

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.

Relief showing the construction of a building using a crane, from the tomb of the Haterii, Rome, first century AD. Universal Art Archive/Alamy Stock Photo.

Ancient Rome’s Failed Building Projects

Alongside the great successes of Roman architectural feats were expensive failures. Who was to blame?

Theoderic’s tomb in Ravenna by Robert von Spalart, c. 1804-1811. Wellcome Collection. Public Domain.

‘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.