Covering the build up to and cause of the Pyrrhic wars. With Roman influence spreading they were bound to bump up against the greater greek world, magna graecia, sooner or later. The city of Tarentum would be the trigger and they would ask King Pyrrhus of Epirus for help – putting Rome in conflict with the Hellenic Kingdoms for the first time. The Battle of Heraclea would be the first major battle, resulting in a loss for Rome, but significant casualties for Pyrrhus.
Tag Archives: ancient greece
Roman History in a Nutshell – The Samnite Wars ~343 BCE – ~290 BCE
A look at Rome’s wars with the Samnites, a central italian group mainly populating the Apenning region. These wars would lead to Rome’s first direct control of Grecian culture, via Neapolis, as well as pushing their boundaries closer to the Greek and Carthaginian superpowers.
We Lack Discipline Reads: ‘The Bet’ by Vivienne Tuffnell
Disclaimer: I consider myself a friend of the author. I did pay for the book. However my personal relationship with the author could potentially colour my interpretation and opinion of the book.That said I make every effort to be objective and generally don’t like what I don’t like and am honest about it. I believeContinue reading “We Lack Discipline Reads: ‘The Bet’ by Vivienne Tuffnell”
Celestial Classics: Orion
In this Celestial Classics we explore the constellation of Orion, relate back to our previous article about him, and explain the complex mythology behind him and how he fits into notions of comparative mythology.
Celestial Classics: Introduction
After considering writing an article about ancient astronomy, my cursory research turned up something quite amazing. You won’t believe this, but despite the fact that they didn’t have organised scientific bodies, specific, focussed research grants or even basic telescopy, ancient astronomy was bollocks. In fact just about the only advantage they have over us theseContinue reading “Celestial Classics: Introduction”
Modern Things Romans Would Love #6: Travel and Tourist Tat
Archaeological evidence from across the Roman world has dug up trinkets from various other parts of the world; Jewellery, figurines, carvings, etc. Basically they found everything but fridge magnets, keyrings and postcards. Not only did Romans have a penchant for travelling the world – sometimes for leisure, sometimes for education and sometimes because they had to because they were soldiers – but they also liked to bring back trinkets for their families. Roman-era tourist tat actually existed.
We Lack Discipline 