The four cardinal virtues are wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. The word ‘cardinal’ comes from the Latin word cardo for ‘hinge’ or the word cardinalis meaning ‘essential’. It is often said that all human virtues hinge on these four. The Four Cardinal Virtues Throughout History The four cardinal virtues were originally conceptualized by Plato, expanded […]
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In a world where modern athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Mike Tyson capture headlines and acquire massive fortunes, there exists a historical figure whose wealth and fame dwarf even the most celebrated sports icons of our time. His name was Gaius Appuleius Diocles. He was a legendary Roman charioteer whose fortune remains unrivaled.
The Story of the Wealthiest Athlete in History: Gaius Appuleius Diocles Read More »
Among all the beautiful things built by the ancient Romans, few stood as magnificent as the Circus Maximus. Although the term circus is used to define an entertainment event these days, the Circus Maximus, Latin for “largest circus,” was actually a venue. But more than that, it was an architectural marvel. Used for everything from
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For centuries, the Gallic tribes of what is now France aided Rome’s enemies and threatened Roman expansion. Gauls fought with the Carthaginians in the Punic Wars. They were part of Hannibal’s army at Cannae which annihilated a Roman army in 217 BC. The Romans attempted to work around the Mediterranean through Spain. They were trying
Romano-Gallic War: A Clash of Empires in Ancient Times Read More »
The sweltering heat of the Parthian desert was a terrible place to die. Stricken with grief at the death of his son, and exhausted from battle, Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus met his end in that miserable place. Crassus’s death, as well as what happened to his body after death, is shrouded in mystery. Whether
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Amidst the many forgotten battles and long-lost heroes of history, a tale of extraordinary warriors emerges from the beautiful Mediterranean shores of the Balearic Islands. Picture a band of audacious, fearsome men armed with nothing more than a leather pouch. With a flick of the wrist, they unleash a tempest of stones with uncanny precision
Hannibal’s Secret War Weapon: The Balearic Slingers Read More »
According to the Gospel of Luke, three women visited Jesus’ tomb very early on the Sunday morning after his crucifixion. They brought spices with them and were planning to anoint his body before burial. They were shocked, however, to find that the giant stone that had been used to seal the entrance had been rolled
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The Roman legion is known to history as one of the elite fighting forces of all time. Its compact legions of 4000-5000 men dominated the ancient world for 800 years. However, these forces were not invincible, and in the Second Punic War, they met their match in Hannibal Barca. In what was perhaps the single
Hannibal’s Pyrrhic Victory at the Battle of Cannae Read More »
In 213 BC, Rome and Carthage were at war, and Roman leaders were eyeing the Greek city-state of Syracuse as the next target in their campaign. Syracuse was strategically important because it was located between the two warring empires on the island of Sicily. Unfortunately for the Romans, taking the city would prove very difficult.
Did the Iron Claw of Archimedes devastate a Roman fleet? Read More »
The city of Baia was a center of hedonism for the Roman elite. Much like Las Vegas, Baia catered to the desires of the rich and powerful. The debauchery didn’t last as the Saracens sacked the century in the 8th century. By 1500, the last remaining residents left. Today, you can find a large part
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