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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Events)

Events are curiosities dedicated to important, surprising, or little-known events from the world of ancient Rome. This category features interesting facts and unusual details about battles, political decisions, crises, triumphs, and other moments that shaped the history of the Roman Empire.

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. In 46 BCE, after the defeat of Pompey’s troops and Republican senators in the civil war against Julius Caesar, Cato retreated to the city of Utica (in present-day Tunisia) in North Africa. Realizing that Caesar was closing in and not wanting to surrender or ask for mercy, he decided to commit suicide as an act of defiance of tyranny.

Suicide of Cato the Younger

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 was formed against him. According to historical records, Narcissus killed Commodus on December 31, 192 CE.

Commodus as Hercules

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 equal to that of the dictator.

Roman fasces