Roman History in a Nutshell: The Pyrrhic Wars – Carthage and the Battle of Asculum, 279 BCE

A look at the middle portion of Rome’s wars with the Kingdom of Epirus under Pyrrhus. The involvement of Carthage makes the whole affair very interesting, and while Rome appears to keep losing, they do so whilst giving Pyrrhus and his forces a solid effort and taking out some key troops and generals. How long can Pyrrhus hold out fighting the Romans? What exactly will Carthaginian involvement be and where will this lead?

Roman History in a Nutshell: The Pyrrhic Wars – The Battle of Heraclea, 280 BCE

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.

Portus Lemanis: The Forgotten Saxon Shore Fort

A sad look at forgotten history as we discuss the significant Roman remains laying unexcavated, untouched, in private land, barely accessible to people without trespassing, at Portus Lemanis. Near modern Hythe and Lympne. At one point a significant Saxon Shore Fort and Port for the Classis Britannica, the Romano-British navy.

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.

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 these

The Fan-Tas-Tic Virtues of Rome

Content Warning: This article features discussion on suicide. Should you be experiencing suicidal thoughts please contact a local mental health service or suicide prevention service as soon as possible. Virtue – meaning a sort of essence of goodness, a moral righteousness. Generally it is considered a positive thing but one could be accused of ‘virtue

Modern Things Romans Would Love #1: Social Media (especially Instagram and Twitter)

It is quite funny that actors in Roman society were considered only a step above prostitutes. Indeed many actors ran a side business as prostitutes, so bereft of opportunities, and funds, they were in acting. I say it is funny because to an extent all Roman life was an act, an elaborate performance. If you

Modern Things Romans Would Love #2: Pro-Wrestling

The roaring crowd, their eyes fixated on the centre of a theatre, a ring (so-called even though it is quite square), a cage, a pit, all waiting with bated breath to see their favourite fighters, their favourite personalities, come out and put their bodies on the line for glory, victory and entertainment. I am, of

Modern Things Romans Would Love #3: Fast Food

The Romans fucking loved their nosh. There is no doubt about it. I always maintain that Latin derived cultures have taken from Romans three fundamentals that we could all learn from. Forgetting all squabbles, forgetting all divisions, races, religions you only need three things to live a good life – good food, good wine and good fucking. The Romans got this.

Modern Things Romans Would Love #4: Bipartisan Politics

I will refrain, entirely, from making any inference or references to contemporary political situations. Make your damn own.