Jun 30, 2004
Fighting through political and social burdens placed on him, the Rise of Marius was as much a result of his own ambition as a direct indication of the social and political condition in Rome. First elected Consul in 107 BC, Marius would serve an unprecedented 7 terms in the Republic’s highest office.
Jun 29, 2004
Among other things, the development of Roman Roads was one of the key factors for the growth and domination of the Roman Empire. The engineers of ancient Rome built an unparalleled network of roads in the ancient world. Nearly 47,000 square miles (76,000 sq. km) of roads spanned the Roman Empire, spreading its legions, culture [...]
Jun 27, 2004
As Rome moved into its Late Roman Republic period, another man would have a profound effect. Gaius Marius was a general and politician who changed the fabric of the Roman political system, while going down as one of the great generals in Roman History.
Jun 26, 2004
As a continuation of the Roman Daily Life section, today’s update is a chapter on Ancient Roman Clothing. Roman clothing, including the toga, performed an additional function beyond the obvious. Roman clothes were worn specifically according to social class or title, and there were many limitations on who could wear what garment, where and when.
Jun 25, 2004
Many units of Roman Weights and Measures in the modern western world (UK and USA), have a direct relationship dating back to the Romans. The modern mile, pound (lb for libra) and ounce (uncia) are all directly traceable. Some other similarities, such as the width of rail road rails, is said to correspond directly to [...]
Jun 23, 2004
When Julius Caesar consolidated Roman power in the mid 1st century BC, he had an opportunity to correct the long neglected Roman Calendar. Consulting Egyptian astronomers, Caesar altered the Republican calendar by basing it on a solar, rather than lunar, cycle. Adding 10 days to the permanent calendar and a couple of months at the [...]
Jun 22, 2004
A feature on Roman Houses has been added to our Architecture section. “The private houses of the Romans were relatively modest and simple building prior to the conquest of the East, when vast wealth began to pour into the city. Many houses of immense size were then erected, adorned with columns, paintings, statues, and costly [...]
Jun 20, 2004
As part of the Roman Calendar section, we’ve added a chart describing the Roman Months of the year. In the 2 to 3 millenia since the foundation of the Roman Calendar little has changed in our modern system. Aside from the renaming of July and Augustus, the modern western months are the same today as [...]
Jun 19, 2004
Coming out of the social turmoil with the Gracchi Brothers, an old ally in Numidia sought to take advantage of Rome’s internal troubles. Initially Roman complacency in the War with Jugurtha led to success for the Numidian King. The entry of Gaius Marius would not only put an end to Jugurtha, but continue the changes [...]
Jun 18, 2004
Several days of the week in the modern calendar still refer back their original names in Latin. Roman Days of the Week explains the names of the days used by the ancient Romans, their modern equivalent and the source history.
Jun 14, 2004
The younger of the Brothers Gracchi, Gaius Gracchus was an even more influential reformer than his older brother. He played a prominent role in the Late Republic, and was a key figure in the political turmoil that would eventually lead to the fall of the Republic, and establishment of empire.
Jun 13, 2004
The first of several pages relating to the Roman Calendar has been added. Prior to the reforms of Caesar, while the calendar was functional, it was commonly off by months at a time. In addition to this review of the the Republican calendar, we will be adding pages on the Julian Calendar, days of the [...]
Jun 12, 2004
The priestesses of the goddess Vesta were among the few women in ancient Rome who could play a pivotal role in the Religion of state. The Vestal Virgins, among other important duties, were responsible for the important assignment of keeping the sacred fire, in the Temple of Vesta, always alight.