Curiosities of ancient Rome (Events)
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Suicide of Cato the Younger
Suicide of Cato the Younger (95 – 46 BCE), a staunch opponent of Julius Caesar and a representative of the optimate party (Roman aristocracy), was an attempt to maintain honor in the face of defeat in the war with Caesar. ... Read more
Narcissus – wrestler and trainer who killed Commodus
Narcissus was a Roman wrestler and gladiator who went down in history for participating in a conspiracy to kill Emperor Commodus (reigned 177-192 CE). He was the emperor’s wrestling coach, but as Commodus became increasingly tyrannical and unstable, a conspiracy ... Read more
Dictator and magister equitum – a unique case
In Roman Republic there could be only one dictator. But for a short time in the most turbulent period in the history of Rome a single exception took place. Commander of the cavalry appointed by Quintus Fabius Maximus gained power ... Read more
Brief history of title changes of governor of Judea in 1st century CE
The title praefectus Judeae was held by the Roman governors of Judea from 6 CE. Then, after removing the son of Herod the Great – the ethnarch of Samaria, Idumea, and Judea – Herod Archelaos (4 BCE – 6 CE)1 ... Read more
Sulla’s divine guide
The Roman politician Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix, also known as Sulla, lived from 138-78 BCE. In the history of Rome, he went down as one of the most controversial figures of the Roman Republic. As an efficient military and politician, ... Read more
Invasions of Getae and Dacians
Dacians and Getae were related barbarian tribes that had rivalled the Romans many times throughout history. They inhabited the territory of present-day Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and even Ukraine. Their greatest advantage was sudden raids on Roman territories, which ... Read more
Gaius Lelius Sapiens and reform of agricultural land law
Gaius Lalius Sapiens was a Roman politician in the mid-2nd century BCE and friend of the famous Roman leader Scipio Africanus the Younger – the conqueror of Carthage in 146 BCE. Lelius received his nickname Sapiens, meaning “Wise”, from his ... Read more
Slave revolt led by Titus Vettius
Slave revolts in ancient Rome were not uncommon. However, a more interesting event is certainly the slave uprising in Campania in 104 BCE, which was started by a Roman citizen and equestrian – a certain Titus Vettius. Titus Vettius was ... Read more
Shameful final years of Gaius Marius’ life
The first century BCE was an extremely turbulent period in the history of ancient Rome. During this time, there were struggles for power and influence between the populares and the optimates. The main enemies were Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius ... Read more
First proscription letters
Lucius Cornelius Sulla is the first Roman citizen who, after the fall of the monarchy, practically took over full power in the Roman state. His rivalry with the populares led by Marius and Cynna led to the death of many ... Read more
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