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Domitian: The Complex Legacy of Rome’s Last Flavian Emperor

Domitian, last Flavian emperor (81–96 apr. J.-C.), ruled Rome with autocracy and reform. His reign combined military successes, administrative discipline, and cultural patronage amid senatorial opposition. This article examines his complex legacy, debating whether he was a tyrant or a pragmatic ruler who stabilized the empire during turbulent times.

How Did Romans View Disability? Social Attitudes Toward Physical Difference in Antiquity

Explore how ancient Romans viewed disability, shaping social status, law, and cultural ideals around physical differences.

Famous Exiles in Rome: Lives Changed by Banishment from the Capital

Explore how exile reshaped lives in ancient Rome, from legal impacts to famous cases like Ovid and Julia Augusta’s banishment.

The Role of Freedmen in Rome’s Social and Economic Transformation

Explore the vital social and economic roles of freedmen in ancient Rome’s transformation during the late Republic and early Empire.

Roman Diplomats: Negotiating Peace and War Across the Empire

Discover how Roman diplomats shaped peace and war through strategic negotiations across the empire in Late Antiquity.

Ancient Roman Pet Culture: From Guard Dogs to Exotic Status Symbols

Explore ancient Roman pet culture, from loyal dogs to exotic animals symbolizing power and status in Roman society.

Legal Rights for Foreigners in Rome: How Inclusive Was the Empire?

Explore the legal rights and status of foreigners in ancient Rome and how inclusive the Roman Empire truly was.

Roman Exiles: Stories of Power Lost and Regained

Explore Roman political exile, power loss, and restoration through key figures and the Avignon Papacy's unique papal exile.

Fathers and Sons: Family Dynasties That Changed Rome’s Course

Explore how Roman family dynasties and father-son bonds shaped political power and leadership in ancient Rome.

The Forgotten Kings of Rome: Before the Republic

Explore the forgotten Roman kings who shaped early Rome and set the stage for the Republic's rise and legacy.

Roman Lawgivers: The Men Who Wrote the Rules of an Empire

Explore how Roman lawgivers shaped legal systems with the Twelve Tables, magistrates, and lasting impacts on modern law.

The Secret Lives of Roman Senators: Power Beyond the Senate

Explore how Roman senators wielded power beyond the Senate through networks, rhetoric, religion, and social status in ancient Rome.

The Rise of the Plebeian Politicians: Rome’s Self-Made Men

Explore how plebeian politicians rose in Rome, challenging aristocracy and shaping a more inclusive Republic through key reforms.

Scandal and Intrigue: The Juiciest Roman Political Rivalries Explained

Explore the fiercest Roman political rivalries, scandals, and key figures that shaped the Republic's turbulent history.

The Economics of Slavery in Ancient Rome: Impact on Innovation and Society

Explore how slavery shaped Ancient Rome’s economy, society, and hindered innovation through cheap forced labor and social dynamics.

Roman Adoption Practices: Creating Dynasties Through Family Ties

Explore how Roman adoption shaped family dynasties, legal ties, and imperial succession in ancient Rome’s social and political system.

Sulla’s March on Rome and the Invention of Republican Dictatorship

Sulla’s decision to lead Roman legions against...

How Romans Used Perfume in Rituals, Medicine, and Seduction

Explore how ancient Romans used perfume in rituals, medicine, and seduction to shape culture and social status.

Augustus: From Orphaned Heir to Architect of the Roman Empire

A shy teenager unexpectedly named heir to...

Ancient Roman Disinformation: Manipulating Public Opinion Before Social Media

Explore how Ancient Rome shaped public opinion with propaganda tactics that mirror modern social media disinformation.

Livia, Rome’s First Lady and Architect of Imperial Power

A statesman’s wife who became the quiet...

How Roman Slaves Became Inventors: Stories of Innovation from the Shadows

Discover how skilled Roman slaves drove innovation and invention, blending labor with technology and economic incentives.

Slavery, Freedom, and Social Mobility—Stories from Real Lives in Rome’s Underclass

Explore slavery, freedom, and social mobility in ancient Rome's underclass through real stories and societal roles.

From Princeps to Dominus: How Crisis, Ceremony, and Bureaucracy Forged the Late Roman Monarchy

The Roman Empire evolved from the Principate’s...

Swords at the Threshold: How the Praetorian Guard Made and Unmade Emperors

From Augustus to Constantine, the Praetorian Guard evolved from imperial protectors into kingmakers—policing Rome and wielding military force to decide succession.