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.

When Julius Caesar defied the Senate’s explicit order to resign his military command, he knew there could be no turning back.

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.

When Archimedes discovered the principle of displacement, he was hot on the trail of a clever fraud.

In 64, Nero watched on with fascination as Rome was consumed by fire — the Emperor’s idea of performance art.

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