1

The Boldness of Junius Mauricus

By Pliny the Younger

Pliny admired Julius Mauricus because he spoke his mind, and Emperor Nerva because he let him.

2

Treat Me Like a King!

By Flavius Arrianus

When Porus, the Indian king, surrendered to Alexander the Great at Jhelum, he had only one request to make of him.

3

An Errand of Love

By Publius Ovidius Naso (Ovid)

Leander recalls that first night when he dared the perilous waters of the Hellespont, and swam to meet his lover Hero.

4

The Night Vesuvius Blew

By Pliny the Younger

Pliny was only about nine when his uncle left to go and help rescue the terrified townspeople of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

5

The Grandest of All Sepulchres

By Thucydides

On the annual Remembrance Day of ancient Athens, Pericles rose to remind the people of the City that grief alone was not the best way to honour the fallen.

6

A Conqueror Has No Friends

By Quintus Curtius Rufus

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.