In his book, Meditations, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius talks a lot about fame and the ultimate futility of ambition. Widely regarded as a classic in philosophy, the book explores a diverse range of themes, all of which are still relevant in today’s hectic and fast-paced society. As the Numero Uno in the ancient world, Marcus had his pick of…
In Ancient Rome there were no televisions, no cinemas and no internet to distract the masses. What they had instead was innovation on a grand scale, a monument so astounding that it took ten years, the reign of two successive emperors, and the sweat and toil of 15,000 prisoners of war to complete. Foreign kings and dignitaries flocked to its…
Contrary to popular belief, the Emperor Nero did not fiddle while Rome burned. In fact, way back in AD 64 the instrument in question had yet to be invented. But one question has always divided the historians. Did the consummate artist and supreme head of state really have a hand in the blaze that destroyed two-thirds of the City? History…
