7

Nero’s Torches

By Cornelius Tacitus

Sensing that the Great Fire of Rome in 64 (though entertaining) was damaging his public image, the Emperor Nero looked around for someone to blame.

8

Speech Therapy

By Plutarch

Demosthenes was about sixteen when he decided he wanted to be a lawyer, but he was the most unpromising advocate imaginable.

9

‘Macedonia Is Too Small for Thee’

By Plutarch

Plutarch tells us how Alexander the Great came to bond with Bucephalus, the mighty stallion that bore him to so many victories.

10

Brought to their Knees

By Cornelius Tacitus

Agricola, tasked with subduing the people of Britain to Roman colonial government, persuaded them to wear servitude as a badge of refinement.

11

Rome, Ruin and Revenue

By D. H. Montgomery

Rome’s greedy tax policy in Britain and Gaul left farmers with little to show for their labours but the stripes on their backs.

12

‘They Make a Desert and Call it Peace’

By D. H. Montgomery

After the kingdoms of Great Britain were absorbed into the Roman Empire, the promises of prosperity and civilisation came only to a favoured few.