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The article presents a history of the Roman Empire, particularly the outbreaks of civil wars and assassinations with an aim to replace the emperor. Also cited are the assassination of Emperor Caligula in AD 41, the killing of Emperor Commodus in AD 192, the revolution against Emperor Maximinus Thrax in AD 238, and how Roman writers narrated said events.

The article discusses Agrippina the Younger, daughter of Roman general Germanicus, sister of emperor Caligula, wife of emperor Claudius, and mother of emperor Nero. Topics include her life-long changes of fortune regarding access to power, considerations of the accuracy of roman sources of history regarding her, and an account of her murder, ordered by her son Nero.

The article discusses the Battle of Verona, a siege on the city of Verona, Italy by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 312, against an army led by Ruricius Pompeianus, a commander affiliated with Roman Emperor Maxentius. The author contends that it is this battle, in which Constantine's forces are victorious, and not the latter Battle of Milvian Bridge, that should be looked upon by historians as the turning point wherein Christianity achieved a status as a major world religion. Other topics include the death of Tetrarchy member Maximian, the father of Maxentius, the role of paganism and Christianity in the Roman Empire, and Maxentius' actions in the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

The article presents discussion regarding a letter by the ancient Greek physician Claudius Galenus (Galen) which describes the events of the fire of Rome in A.D. 192. Introductory accounts are provided noting the rediscovery of the letter "On the Avoidance of Grief" by the ancient figure in 2005 after it had been thought to be destroyed. The conditions of the city of Rome during Galen's lifetime are described, focusing on the circumstances immediately preceding and following the disaster. Comparative passages from other contemporary writers are also included. Additional information is provided reflecting on the implications and public opinion of the event.

The article discusses the 1960 Olympics held in Rome, Italy. It considers the efforts and influence of the founder of the modern Olympics Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) and Pope Pius XII (1876-1958) in determining Rome as the location of the Olympics. An overview of the effect of Italy's fascist regime led by Benito Mussolini and Germany's Nazis on the Olympic games is considered. Other subjects considered include nationalism, sports, and athletics; World War II; and the influence of the Roman Empire on modern Italy.

The article presents a description of the ancient merchant fleets which were based in Egypt and conducted international trade throughout the Indian ocean. Details are given providing a brief overview of Egyptian history from the 6th century B.C.E. to the Roman period, highlighting different dynasties and their support of trade with the Oriental civilizations to the East. Particular focus is given to the Roman Empire's management of trade during the first centuries of the Common Era. Trade with nations such as Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia are described in turn.

The article discusses the lost Mediterranean civilization of Carthage, which is a former North African empire that was one of Rome's most formidable enemies. Carthage fell in the spring of 146 BC following three years of setbacks by the Roman army under commander Scipio Aemilianus broke through the defenses of Carthage and established a bridgehead at the Carthaginian war harbor. Topics include a brief overview of the battle and surrender of the Carthage's citizenry and Scipio's order to demolish the city's walls and ramparts of Carthage. An in-depth analysis of Carthage as a metaphor to describe the U.S. war in Iraq is presented which includes conflicting points regarding the U.S. desire for military might and the U.S. as a bully over a less powerful nation.

The article presents a historical profile of the ancient king Mithradates VI Eupator Dionysus, the ruler of the kingdom of Pontus in the 1st century B.C.E. and notable opponent of the Rome. Details are given describing the empire of Mithradates along the Black Sea and within Anatolia. Further accounts are provided concerning the Mirthradatic War waged by the leader against Roman settlers in the region. The reputation of Mithradates as "the poison king" is described, noting his defeat of several attempts on his life through them. Mithradates' eventual defeat by the Roman leader Pompey is mentioned. Final comments are also included regarding Mithradates' historical popularity.

The article discusses the military tactics adopted by Gallic leader Vercingetorix to resist the conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar and the Roman army. The author claims that Vercingetorix's tactics ultimately helped the Romans, and the only way to defeat them was to fight assymetrically. Because Vercingetorix treated the war with Rome as a symmetric conflict between two comparable military powers, the Romans were able to use their overwhelming numerical superiority to easily defeat the Gauls and take over the country.

This article examines the rule of the Roman Emperor Hadrian as the British Museum hosts an exhibition of his era. Hadrian ended wars of conquest that sought to push the boundaries of the empire in favor of strengthening the borders and consolidating what was already Roman territory. He erected a formidable line of defensive forts and battlements. INSET: Hadrian at the British Museum.

The article discusses how trade provided the primary form of contact between the Roman and Chinese Han empires. Geographic factors and the presence of the Parthian kingdom may have prevented contact between Rome and China. Roman literature discusses the Seres, a group of people who traded in silk, who some theorize to have been the Han empire. Increased maritime trade resulted in the importation of Chinese silk in the Roman empire.

The article considers how children were seen in ancient Rome and looks at some of the harsher aspects of childhood such as sickness, violence and endless work. Children are recorded on funerary monuments of the imperial age as having died in fires, in earthquakes, by drowning, by being run over by a vehicle or killed by a horse, by falling into wells or from windows or from their fathers' shoulders. The age range of recorded accidental deaths is from two to thirteen. One fact that supposedly supports the Romans' indifference to emotional pain with regard to children is the practice of exposure of unwanted newborns. Many Roman women avoided breastfeeding if they could, because it was believed to advance the ageing process and also slowed down a woman's ability to have additional children. The status of children was reflected in the way they were dressed in public. Matters were different for the heirs of the emperors. These tended to leave their childhoods behind at an unusually early age. For the children born or traded into slavery, work was an inevitable part of life.

Examines the origins and development of the vision of unity in Europe from the birth of the Holy Roman Empire to its fall. Reason for the objections of King Karl der Grosse to his acclamation by Pope Leo III as king of the Roman empire; Problems that he faced during his rule in Pavia; Symbolism of the papal crown to Romans.

Deals with the condition of senior citizens in ancient Rome and how it has impacted individuals' attitudes towards aging in modern times. Distinction between the elderly and others in Roman society; Stages of life from birth until old age in the Roman context; Information on the social dimension of the stages; Points in which the expositions of the stages of life is highlighted.

Discusses the impact of piracy on the economic and political life of ancient Romans. Hazards of piracy for merchants; Association of the pirates with Mithridates VI, King of Pontos; Historical sources that provide evidence of kidnap and ransom activities by pirates in Ancient Rome; Command given to Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus or Pompey the Great to rid the Mediterranean sea of pirates.

Discusses the work of a socialist cooperative to reclaim the land around Ostia at the mouth of the River Tiber in Rome. History of Ostia; Work and awards received by the Associazione; Pattern of living in an Ostia settlement.

Talks about gladiatorial shows in ancient Rome which turned war into a game. Background information on the country; Description of Roman amphitheaters; Participants of a gladiatorial show; Purposes of such shows.

Pays tribute to Caesar Augustus, Roman emperor who died in AD 14. Description of the political and social condition he created in Rome; Achievements of his reign in literature, architecture and the fine arts; Details of his life as a revolutionary.

Describes the impact of colonialism on Great Britain under Roman rule. Division of the tribes; Factor affecting the south-eastern tribes which created serious problems for Rome; Policy of Augustus toward Great Britain.

Explores the trends in fashion and personal beauty during the Roman Empire. Introduction of the habit of shaving the beard by Ticinus Means; Information on perfumes; Use of cosmetics.

Recounts British pilgrims to Rome after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 7th century. Description of the visit of Benedict Biscop, founder of the monasteries at Wearmouth, Great Britain; Motivations behind the pilgrims; Outcome of the decline of the Roman Empire.

Deals with the destruction, burial and partial resurrection of imperial Rome. Attitude of the Romans toward the preservation of their city; Motives behind the destruction of the city by the emperors of Rome.

Looks at excerpts from tests revised over several centuries from the third century BC to the fourth century AD which hint at what life was like for a Roman schoolboy. The beginning of Roman schools at dawn; Attendance of boys and girls at the same primary school from ages seven to eleven; The tutor as the boy's guardian; Encouragement for corporal punishment; More.

Discusses an aspect of outside influences on the Roman culture that resulted to a transition. Influence of the city of Palmyra in Syria and its queen to the empire of Rome; Factors that led to the rapid succession of rulers in the first seventy years of the third century; Description of the religious transition in Rome.

The article discusses Roman Emperor Augustus, born Caesar Octavius in 63 B.C., who adopted the name Julius Caesar after the death of his uncle as heir to both his fortune and name. Throughout his political career he garnered power through use of violence, intimidation, and political assassinations and ruled the Roman Empire for 45 years. The author considers the historiography of Augustus including accounts by Roman authors Tacitus and Suetonius, as well as Greek author Dio Cassius. Other topics include archaeology and history, the availability of historical source material, and the political aspects of history writing.

The article discusses the history of the silk trade and the Silk Road, as Asian trade route, particularly focusing on demand for Chinese silks in the Ancient Roman Empire. The author also reflects on Romans' conceptions of silk's location of origin and comments on Han Emperor Wu's attempt to form an alliance with the Scyths against the Huns. Other topics discussed by the author include uses for silk, the rising price of silk, and the impact of the rise of Syria as a center for silk manufacturing on the Silk Road's use in the sixth century.

The article discussed Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, part of a series of articles featuring notable historians. He was born circa 55 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Nero and was both a lawyer and senator of Rome, popularly known for his literary pursuits. Some of his works explored include "Dialogus de oratoribus," "Agricola," "Germania," "Histories," and "Annals." Topics considered include accounts of Judaism and Christianity in his writings, the history of Great Britain under the Roman Empire, and contemporary Roman author Pliny the Younger.

The article discusses Roman political and military leader Julius Caesar and his role in establishing the Roman Empire. It comments on his crossing of the Rubicon River, his first step in challenging the authority of the Roman Senate, the ruling oligarchy. The author examines relations between Rome's patricians and plebeians, Caesar's role in conquering Gaul, and the loyalty of Caesar's soldiers. Several other Roman political figures are considered, including Saturninus, Marius, and Pompey the Great.

The article discusses the decline of Roman rule in Great Britain. It examines the nature of the relationship between Rome and Great Britain and comments on Great Britain's class structure, villas, and fiscal and financial issues of the third century. The author also reflects on the destruction of Gaul, Christianity in Great Britain, and the role of Great Britain in Rome's administration. Other topics include military protection, barbarian attacks on Great Britain, and accounts by the historian Ammianus.

The article discusses an August 1662 diplomatic incident at the French ambassador's residence in Rome, Italy, between members of the ambassador's entourage and the Corsican guard posted in the city. The article describes tensions between French king Louis XIV, his government, and Rome, the 1664 Treaty of Pisa, and the conflict between Louis XIV and popes concerning what was known as the régale, or the authority of the king over the French Catholic Church. The article discusses the concept of diplomatic immunity following the Corsican incident, the accession of Pope Innocent XI in 1676, and the detainment of Roman authorities by the French ambassador in 1684.

The article discusses the collapse of ancient societies and considers modern parallels. It examines the views of several scholars, including Jared Diamond, Joseph Tainter, and Thomas Homer-Dixon. The author reflects on several cases of collapse, including those of the ancient societies of Easter Island, the Roman Empire, and Mesopotamia, or Sumer. Factors such as overpopulation, development, and innovation are considered.

The article discusses the Roman Navy's use of a bronze naval ram created by Rome's foe, Carthage, in the Battle of the Egadi during the First Punic War. The author begins by describing the modern-day archaeological excavation of the possible site of the battle off the coast of Sicily, which has led to the discovery of four rams. Rome's process of replicating a captured Punic warship when constructing the ram is explained. The incorporation of such rams into the tactics of ancient navies is detailed as well.

The article presents profiles of several historical events which occurred in August throughout Western history. The sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 is described, noting the origins and politics surrounding the Germanic tribe's alliance and conflict with the Roman Empire. The voyage of the British explorer Henry Hudson into Hudson's Bay, Canada in 1610 is also addressed, describing Hudson's itinerary and challenges aboard ship. The death of King James II of Scotland in 1460 at the battle of Roxburgh is also mentioned.

The article explores the use of cosmetics among Roman women and the role it played in daily life in the Roman Empire. Topics discussed include make-up as an expression of wealth, health, status and gender, required elements of female Roman beauty and three ways to better understand the importance of using cosmetic products among women during the Roman Empire.

The article discusses the origins of the Christian holiday of Christmas from the era of the Roman Empire and its connections to the feasts of Saturnalia and "dies natalis solis invicti," or the birth of the sun. The author outlines the history of Saturnalia, a popular Roman festival of gift giving and revelry. Questions are raised regarding the premise that Christmas was an attempt by the Christian emperors to assimilate the pagan festival into their religious tradition. That view is criticized, offering a more nuanced relation between Saturnalia, Christmas, and the monotheistic cult of the sun which was popular among the Roman emperors.

From antiquity to the present day, few countries have been so profoundly mythologized as Libya. According to the ancient Greeks, it was on Libyan soil that the giant Antaeus was cut down to size by Hercules, and it was near the Libyan town of Silene that England's very own St George is supposed to have slain the dragon and secured the damsel. The fifth-century BC historian Herodotus claimed that 'dog-faced creatures and creatures without heads, their eyes in their breasts' stalked the land that we know as Libya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses misconceptions of the Roman empire's rule of Britain. The author suggests that scholars' views on roman imperialism and social life are based more on nostalgia than historical evidence. He discusses how the isolated location of Britain in the Roman empire affected the socio-economic development of the region and argues that the Roman empire exploited British resources rather than provided economic benefits and civilization.

The article focuses on historical events for the month of July. July 12, 1806 marks the end of the Holy Roman Empire. The empire had survived for more than a thousand years since the coronation of Charlemagne in the year 800. St. Ignatius Loyola died on July 31, 1556. Ignatius was a former soldier, badly wounded in battle in his youth and left with a life-long limp, who while he was convalescing had determined to become a soldier for Christ. The Ottomans have been defeated at Belgrade on July 22, 1456.

Recounts the death of Emperor Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus of the Roman Empire on October 13, 54 AD. Background on the reign of Claudius; Significance of the Praetorian Guard to his reign as emperor; Speculations on the death of Claudius.

Pays tribute to Roman Emperor Frederick II, who died on December 13, 1250 in the south of Italy. Reaction of Pope Innocent IV to the death of Frederick II; Ideas he encouraged during his reign; How he claimed the kingdom of Jerusalem.

The article discusses Chinese knowledge of the ancient Roman Empire and Syria. It comments on the Chinese envoy Kan-ying, who journeyed to the Persian Gulf, and notes that jugglers from a city called Li-kan, most likely Alexandria, Egypt, were the first westerners recorded in China. Chinese recordings concerning Roman commodities, production, and governance are considered.

The article discusses the October 28, 312 Battle of the Milvian Bridge between forces of the Roman Emperors Flavius Valerius Constantinus, better known as Constantine I, and Maxentius on the Via Flaminia at the Milvian Bridge over the Tiber River. The Battle was also notable as providing Constantine with a religious vision which resulted in his conversion to Christianity. Constantine's efforts to protect Christians and promote Christianity within the Roman Empire are detailed.