When Alexander the Great threatened the people of Scythia, their
ambassadors reminded him that a conqueror has many more burdens to carry than an ally has.
byQuintus Curtius Rufusfl. 60-80
Classical History
Caesar Crosses the Rubicon
When Julius Caesar defied the Senate’s explicit order to resign
his military command, he knew there could be no turning back.
byGaius Suetonius Tranquillus?69-?122
Classical History
Nero’s Torches
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.
byCornelius Tacitus?56-?120
Discovery and Invention
Eureka!
When Archimedes discovered the principle of displacement, he was hot
on the trail of a clever fraud.
byMarcus Vitruvius Pollio?80 BC – ?15 BC
Classical History
Fiddling While Rome Burns
In 64, Nero watched on with fascination as Rome was
consumed by fire — the Emperor’s idea of performance art.
byGaius Suetonius Tranquillus?69-?122
Classical History
Speech Therapy
Demosthenes was about sixteen when he decided he wanted to be a lawyer,
but he was the most unpromising advocate imaginable.