Saint Augustine: An African in the City of God
Saint Augustine was educated for a Roman world, but it was his time in North Africa that shaped his identity, his faith, and Christianity itself.
Roman Empire
‘Strike’ by Sarah E. Bond review
Strike: Labor, Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire by Sarah E. Bond assembles a case for the power of the worker in ancient Rome.
‘Miracles and Wonder’ by Elaine Pagels review
Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus by Elaine Pagels finds that the son of God is more than the sum of his parts.
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?
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?
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?
Diocletian’s Great Persecution
On 23 February 303 Roman emperor Diocletian embarked on his Great Persecution of the empire’s Christians. Why?
Behind Donald Trump’s Palace Walls
The vagaries of palace politics are notoriously difficult to record. Historians should pay attention to rumour.
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.
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.