Curiosities of ancient Rome (Historical sources)
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Plutarch’s mention of Domitian
“Lives” are one of the most fascinating works of antiquity. Its author, Plutarch of Chaeronea (ca. 46 – ca. 120 CE), compiles the profiles of famous Greeks and Romans. When describing these characters, he focuses mainly on their actions, character ... Read more
Noctes Atticae – treasure trove of knowledge from ancient world
Noctes Atticae (“Attic Nights”) is a work written by Aulus Gellius (c. 125 – after 180 CE) in the 2nd century CE during his stay in Athens. It is a list of fascinating information about the ancient world that he ... Read more
Medicamina Faciei Femineae – cosmetics in ancient times according to Ovid
Medicamina Faciei Femineae, or “Cosmetics for the Female Face”, is a fascinating treatise written by Ovid, one of the most famous poets of ancient Rome. This is a work that reflects the ancient approach to female beauty. It is a ... Read more
“From the Founding of the City” – great work of Titus Livius
Titus Livius (59 BCE – 17 CE), one of the most important historians of ancient Rome, left behind a monumental work – “Ab Urbe Condita” (i.e. “From the Founding of the City”, also called “History of Rome”). His work, originally ... Read more
History of Rome according to Livy
I am reading “From the Founding of the City” by the ancient historian Titus Livius, and although I am only slowly absorbing the first books of his work, today I would like to share some reflections with you. Livy was ... Read more
Fidus Achates, Fidus Cicero
The best friend of Marcus Tullius Cicero was Titus Pomponius, called Atticus. Even though they were often apart, Cicero and Atticus exchanged letters over the years that reveal a friendship of rare devotion and warm affection. In the year 44 ... Read more
“The Twelve Caesars” of Suetonius
Suetonius (c. 69 – after 122 CE), a Roman historian is known in history as the author of the biography of the Roman emperors from Augustus to Domitian, including Julius Caesar – the first of the “Caesars”. This work is ... Read more
Comparison of Caesar to Alexander the Great
Appian of Alexandria (c. 95 – c. 180 CE), a Greek historian, devoted a large fragment of his “Roman history” work comparing Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. In the ancient world, many generals wanted to gain achievements similar to ... Read more
“Natural History” – ancient encyclopedia
The great work of the Roman writer and scientist Pliny the Elder was “Naturalis Historia” – an ancient encyclopedia. Interestingly, it was the writer’s only surviving work. Books of “Natural History”: Book I is an introduction and list of contents ... Read more
“Augustan History” – literary forgery?
The “Augustan History” (Historia Augusta) is a late Roman collection of biographies, written in Latin, of the Roman Emperors from begining of rule of Hadrian (117 CE) to death of Numerian (284 CE). This is one of the historical sources ... Read more
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