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Roman Figures

Welcome to our website section dedicated to exploring the lives and legacies of the fascinating figures who shaped the Roman world. From emperors to generals, poets to philosophers, and even notorious figures like Caligula and Nero, the individuals who left their mark on Rome continue to captivate and intrigue us today. Through their actions, they shaped the course of history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence our world in countless ways. In this section, we delve into the lives and impact of these fascinating figures, examining their accomplishments, controversies, and lasting contributions to the Roman world and beyond. Join us on a journey through the lives of some of the most iconic figures in history, and discover the stories behind the legends.

Did Romulus, the legendary first king of Rome, (neurobite /Adobe Stock) really exist? (samott /Adobe Stock)
8 December, 2020 - 13:52 Marc Hyden

The Romulus Riddle: Did the Legendary First King of Rome Really Exist?

Recent excavations in Rome have re-ignited the debate over whether the legendary first king of Rome, Romulus, was a historical character or just a fanciful work of fiction. In fact, earlier this year...
Venus mourning Adonis by Sir Peter Paul Rubens. Source: Public domain
21 April, 2023 - 22:53 Lex Leigh

5 Heartbreaking Roman Myths That’ll Captivate You

Roman myths are an integral part of the ancient Roman civilization, and their significance extends far beyond their religious context. These tales of romance, heroism, and tragedy have captured the...
A miniature depicting the defeat of the Georgian king George I ("Georgios of Abasgia") by the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Skylitzes Matritensis, fol. 195v.
26 November, 2018 - 13:45 Mark Miller

Byzantine Basil II: He Took an Icon of the Virgin into Battle Then Gouged Out the Eyes of Foes

The horrors and mass slaughters that many monarchs around the world perpetrated in ancient and more modern times may be eclipsed by the Byzantines, including Byzantine Emperor Basil II, known as...
Mark Antony's oration at Caesar's funeral
24 November, 2019 - 13:52 Aleksa Vučković

The Life and Times of Mark Antony, Caesar's Trusted Aide

The final, turbulent days of the Roman Republic are some of the most thrilling pages of the world’s history, and also very important. In this period, many influential figures had their role to play...
Lucretia And Tarquin, 17th century painting
11 October, 2016 - 01:50 MartiniF

The Rape of Lucretia: A History of the Ancient Wife Who Changed the Destiny of Rome

Sextus Tarquinius was the son of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome who was engaged in the siege of Ardea at the time. One day, Sextus invited his friends for supper and drinks at his...
The Council of The Gods.
23 January, 2019 - 01:49 dhwty

The Roman Pantheon Had A God for All Seasons - And Then Some

The Romans were a polytheistic people who worshiped a great number of gods. Nevertheless, the most important gods in the Roman pantheon are the twelve gods and goddesses of the Dii Consentes , who...
Roman mythology from Ovid’s Metamorphoses – Diana and Actaeon by Giuseppe Cesari
8 January, 2019 - 14:07 dhwty

Roman Mythology of the Ages of Man, Metamorphoses and the Founding of Rome

The Romans possessed a rich mythology that exerted (and continues to exert) a significant influence on Western culture. Many Roman myths, specifically those concerning the gods, have their equivalent...
Six of the Roman Emperors:
10 November, 2017 - 22:58 Riley Winters

A Succinct Timeline of Roman Emperors—400 Years of Power Condensed

To say that the Roman Empire had its ups and downs would be the understatement of all understatements. No “nation” was more abruptly destabilized or even more abruptly stabilized than that of ancient...
Allesandro Magnasco: Theodosius I Repulsed from the Church by Saint Ambrose.
8 November, 2018 - 21:58 dhwty

Emperor Theodosius I: Religious Intolerance in Ancient Rome and The End of the Olympics

Theodosius I (also known as Theodosius the Great) lived during the 4th century AD. He was the last Roman emperor to rule over both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire. It was during...
The so-called “Brutus” Marble.
1 May, 2017 - 02:02 dhwty

Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger: Ultimate Betrayer or a Hero of the Roman Empire?

Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, commonly referred to as just ‘Brutus’, was a politician who lived towards the end of the Roman Republic. Brutus is best known for being one of the main conspirators...
The Frumentarii were the eyes and ears of the Roman Emperor. Source: oz/AdobeStock
7 March, 2023 - 17:53 Aleksa Vučković

Frumentarii - The Roman Emperor’s Eyes and Ears

Throughout the world’s history, many of the kingdoms, empires, and rulers depended on some sort of a secretive assistance. Powerful realms are like intricate machines - filled with secrets. To...
Fresco from the Vatican depicting the Battle of the Milvian Bridge that took place on October 28, 312 between the Roman emperors Constantine I and Maxentius. Source: CC BY-SA 2.0
22 June, 2022 - 18:45 Mark Brophy

The Battle of Milvian Bridge: The Battle That Brought Christianity to Rome

In October of 312, a battle would take place that would not only make Constantine I the ruler of the entire Roman Empire but would change its course in history forever. The Battle of the Milvian...
Cacus – The One Who Dared Cross Hercules
25 March, 2020 - 12:52 dhwty

Cacus – The One Who Dared Cross Hercules

According to Roman mythology, Cacus was a thief who stole from the hero Hercules (whose Greek equivalent was Heracles), which was the action that resulted in the former’s death. There are several...
Depiction of one of the deaths of Roman emperors. In this case Roman senators murder Emperor Julius Caesar during a senate meeting. He served as emperor for just over 4 years. Source: Emilio Ereza / Adobe stock
24 December, 2019 - 18:46 Ed Whelan

Stats Geeks Reveal Shocking Trend in Mortality of Roman Emperors

A new study has revealed a fascinating insight into the pattern of violent deaths of Roman emperors. Researchers have been able to create a statistical model of the life expectancy of the rulers of...
Tiberius as Jupiter – II.
15 May, 2018 - 13:45 dhwty

Was Emperor Tiberius Simply Destined to Rule?

Tiberius was a Roman emperor who ruled the empire during the first half of the 1st century AD. As he was the successor of Augustus Caesar, his adoptive father, he was the second ruler of the Roman...
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
8 March, 2016 - 03:52 dhwty

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa: Statesman, General, and Friend of Augustus

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was one of the most powerful and influential men who lived during the early days of the Roman Empire. Agrippa was a statesman, general, and most important of all, a close...
Montage of Roman Empire imagery including statue representative of Livy. Source: Freesurf/Adobe Stock
19 December, 2022 - 21:53 Robbie Mitchell

Has Livy’s History of Rome Skewed Our View of the Early Empire?

Titus Livius, or just Livy for short, was one of the most famous historians in all of history. One of the three great Roman historians, his masterpiece, Ab Urbe Condita, made him a legend in his own...
The smiling sphinx unearthed in Egypt. Source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
7 March, 2023 - 13:33 Sahir

Rare Smiling Sphinx Statue Found in Egypt and it May Depict Emperor Claudius

Archaeologists in southern Egypt have uncovered a remarkable miniature sphinx statue, sporting a rare feature of a smiling face with two dimples. The artifact was found near the Hathor Temple in a...
Zeno was buried alive. Source: alswart / Adobe Stock
23 June, 2022 - 01:10 Joanna Gillan

Emperor Zeno Was Accidentally Buried Alive and His Wife Refused to Save Him

Flavius Zeno was a 5th century Roman Emperor, whose reign was plagued by domestic revolts and religious dissention, and it appears that he was just as unlucky in death as he was in life! According to...
Rome’s African Emperor: Septimius Severus and the Scottish Invasion
18 March, 2021 - 00:57 John S. Richardson

Rome’s African Emperor: Septimius Severus and the Scottish Invasion

The Libyan-born Septimius Severus has gone down in history as the first African Emperor of Rome . With a thirst for power, he ruled the Roman Empire almost 2,000 years ago, declaring himself Emperor...
Classis Ravennas and the Defense of the Roman Empire
29 December, 2020 - 14:01 John S. Richardson

Classis Ravennas and the Defense of the Roman Empire

For almost 500 years, Classe was an important Roman seaport right up until the early Middle Ages. Protected by surrounding marshes, Classe was well placed for patrolling the Adriatic Sea , but the...
Elagabalus: The Hated Roman Emperor Who Was Killed And Mutilated!
28 December, 2020 - 22:04 dhwty

Elagabalus: The Hated Roman Emperor Who Was Killed And Mutilated!

Elagabalus was a Roman emperor who lived at the beginning of the 3rd century AD. He is often considered as one of Rome’s worst emperors and is routinely placed in the same league as other notorious...
Augustus. Source: Ded Pixto / Adobe Stock.
15 November, 2019 - 14:06 T.P. Wiseman

Understanding Augustus: A Historical Detective Story

The first subject of our enquiry must be Caesar Augustus himself. He is often described as the first Roman emperor, but that is a wholly misleading description. What causes the misunderstanding is...
Gladiators after the fight, José Moreno Carbonero (1882) Museo del Prado.
30 January, 2019 - 17:51 MartiniF

The Rise and Fall of Vejovis, Etruscan God of Criminals, Slaves and Fighters

In 1939, an excavation underneath Piazza del Campidoglio discovered an almost completely obscured ancient Roman building. This ancient Roman building is identified as the temple of Vejovis, one of...

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