Illustration of The Vandals under leadership of Gaiseric (King of the Vandals) attacking Rome in 455 AD

De-Bunking the Barbarians

The idea of barbarian invasions comes from the nineteenth century, when they were constructed as the decisive event that wrenched the West into modernity.
Mausoleum of Augustus

Fascist Architecture in Rome

In Mussolini's Rome, the built environment struck a balance between the romance of the ancient past and the rationalism of avant-garde modernism.
Pasquino statue

The Talking Statues of Rome

Since the 16th century, anonymous authors have been posting provocative political messages on or near these Roman statues.
Vespasian

The Rise and Fall of Pay Toilets

Vespasian's most useful contribution to history may well have been creation of pay toilets.
Bayeux Feast

Bringing Ancient Meals to Life

Recreating ancient meals--complete with 2500-year-old booze--is no easy feat.
Baths of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in Rome, 295 A.D.

The Health Risks of Living in Ancient Rome

From parasites to malaria, the health risks facing ancient Rome were numerous. 
Gladiators facing off depicted with Roman tile

Kicking Back, Gladiator Style

Gladiators drank a concoction of vinegar and ashes to stay bulky for battle.