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Few words evoked as much emotion in ancient Rome as vae victis or “woe to the vanquished.” They harkened back to a period when a Gallic tribe called the Senones had sacked the fledgling city of Rome. These two Latin words were reminders of this catastrophic failure and humiliation, but also Rome’s ultimate triumph over the barbarians, thanks to their hero: Marcus Furius Camillus who became known as Rome’s second founder. While Camillus has historically received much of the credit for saving Rome, there is ample debate over what role he played and the details surrounding Rome’s sacking. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"114348","attributes":{"alt":"The Barbarians Before Rome, by Evariste-Vital Luminous. (Public domain)","class":"media-image","height":"443","style":"width: 610px; height: 443px;","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"610"}}]] The Barbarians Before Rome, by Evariste-Vital Luminous. ( Public domain

While ancient Rome achieved many awe-inspiring feats, it is also remembered for its controversial citizens—especially its leaders—who embraced unrestrained decadence. Their conduct was so outlandish that tales of their misbehavior still circulate today. If the ancient authors are to be believed, then gluttony, greed, treachery and violations of sexual mores permeated the later Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Of course, ancient writers enjoyed exaggerating details and passing unsubstantiated rumors off as veritable facts. Regardless of their embellishments, as Rome’s might grew, well-placed Romans noticed unmistakable instances of moral depravity. Luckily for them, all hope was not lost because Rome boasted some worthwhile role models, at least those from much earlier in its history. One particular Roman stood above all

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, archaeologists unearthed an alleged shrine to Romulus that dates from around 2,600 years ago. Beyond this find, archaeologists over the past decades have made discoveries that seem to relate to Rome’s canonical foundation myth. While the majority of academics have long written Romulus off as a “literary fabrication,” some have challenged this prevailing opinion and raised new evidence; but is there enough to finally settle the dispute? The Case Against King Romulus’ Existence The case against the legendary Roman founder and king, Romulus, is pretty simple: There

Long before imposters claimed to be Anastasia of Russia’s Romanov dynasty, a genealogical mystery consumed ancient Rome. No later than 45 BC, a man emerged who claimed to be the famous Gaius Marius’ veritable grandson. Most ancient and contemporary writers have labeled him a fraud, but could there be any truth to this man’s claims? Sulla - Gaius Marius’ Rival Gaius Marius was a celebrated lawmaker and general who was considered one of Rome’s founders because he saved the Republic from being overrun by menacing barbarians. During his career, he and his former lieutenant Sulla became bitter rivals, and sometime after Marius’ death in 86 BC, his only known son - Gaius Marius the Younger - resumed his dispute with

Gaius Marius was easily one of the Roman Republic’s most accomplished men. He was a beloved general, influential military reformer, and a massively successful politician; but later in his career, he tarnished his once sterling reputation. As a result, his legacy suffered - but was Marius a hero or a villain? The answer is nuanced. Marius was born in 157 BC to a family of supposed rustic origins. After he served honorably in Rome’s legions, he ascended the political ladder, fulfilling each post’s duty with distinction. He was even elected to the state’s highest post, the consulship, in 107 BC. He subsequently took command of a war with one of Rome’s recalcitrant client kings, Jugurtha, who had previously frustrated multiple