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Ancient Rome ‑ Stories

The Roman Empire, led by rulers such as Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Caligula and Nero, was a vast and powerful domain that gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.

A fragment of organic glass found inside the skull of the deceased Vesuvius victim.

Mt. Vesuvius Eruption Was So Intense It Turned a Man’s Brain to Glass

The victim was lying in his bed when a searing ash cloud swept through his city. Soon, it turned out, he had a brain of glass.

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Lidar reveals ancient Amazon cities.

8 Intriguing Archaeology Discoveries of 2024

From detecting lost cities of the Amazon to tracing our history with Neanderthals, these were among 2024’s most fascinating discoveries.

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The naumachia (naval battle between Romans), as painted by artist Ulpiano Checa.

5 Bloody Spectacles at Ancient Rome’s Colosseum

Citizens could enter for free to watch gladiator fights, mock naval battles, animal hunts—and plenty of death.

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Surrender of a Confederate Soldier, 1873. Artist Julian Scott.

How Did the White Flag Become a Symbol of Surrender?

White flags were used during the Second Punic War in 218 B.C., and Confederate forces used a white dish towel to surrender at Appomattox.

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The Eruption of Vesuvius

A Volcanic Eruption Wasn’t the Only Disaster That Destroyed Pompeii

Evidence of powerful earthquakes may rewrite the story of why so many people perished at Pompeii in 79 A.D.

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artistic swimming

Artistic Swimming Spectacles Entertained Ancient Rome

It’s been an Olympic event since 1984, but the sport formerly known as synchronized swimming, has ancient origins.

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5 Women Who Ruled the Ancient World

Cleopatra. Boudica. Queen Seondouk. Female rulers in antiquity were few and far between, but left powerful legacies.

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White marble statue of Roman general Julius Caesar with his right arm raised and index finger pointing upward

Julius Caesar: 6 Ways He Shaped the World

He vastly expanded the ancient Roman empire, but his assassination led to its downfall.

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Egyptian wall relief of crowned female and male figures, shown standing. The female holds offerings in her hands. The figures are surrounded on the wall by dense hieroglyphic symbols.

Cleopatra’s Complicated Inner Circle: Siblings, Successors and Lovers

To consolidate power, the last queen of Egypt married—then killed—her siblings. And she bore children with Roman allies Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

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Hannibal crosses the Alps.

How Hannibal Crossed the Alps (With Elephants)

In 218 B.C., the great Carthaginian general led his forces on a bold journey across the Alps to attack Romans on their home turf.

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Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

5 Extraordinary Ancient Stadiums That Influenced Future Arenas

Ancient Greek and Roman stadiums were built to impress—and their designs are seen in many college football stadiums today.

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Athena presides over the voting for the award of the arms of Achilles, c. 490 BC. Found in the collection of the Art History Museum, Vienne. Artist Duris (Douris), (Vase painter) (ca. 505-465 BC). (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

How People Voted in Ancient Elections

In Athens and Rome, voting could entail shouting contests, secret stone ballots and an election system with built‑in bias for the wealthy.

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