Classics News

Curated by The Paideia Institute

History

Classics News Art & Archaeology History Language Literature Philosophy Classics at Large
The Roman Colosseum is a giant, oval amphitheater built almost two thousand years ago. Despite its age and a 14th century earthquake that knocked down the south side of the colosseum, most of the 150-some foot building is still standing. Like many ancient Roman structures, parts of it were constructed using a specific type of concrete. Scientists and engineers have long suspected a key to these buildings' durability is their use of this Roman concrete. But exactly how this sturdy concrete has contributed to the architecture's strength has been a mystery to researchers across the globe.

Rome wasn't built in a day, but they sure had strong concrete

The Roman Colosseum is a giant, oval amphitheater built almost two thousand years ago. Despite its age and a 14th...

Going back as far as 3,500 years ago in ancient Greece, followers of a cult to the goddess Demeter participated in a secretive and profound religious ceremony during which they consumed a hallucinogenic drink. The rituals were meant to reenact the story of the goddess’ loss of her daughter to the god of the underworld, and their subsequent reunion.

Psychedelics in ancient Greece: Death and rebirth during a renowned religious ceremony

Going back as far as 3,500 years ago in ancient Greece, followers of a cult to the goddess Demeter participated...

It has become fashionable to compare the United States’ current disarray to that of ancient Rome. The parallels are easy to make — both are powerful empires, nominally operating by the rule of the people, with hefty engineering and military might to back up their conquest. Harder to appreciate is the fact that what we imagine as “Rome” is often just one sliver of a 2,200-year-old history, lasting from approximately 753 BCE to 1453 CE, with the fall of Constantinople. If the United States is at risk of following the path of Rome’s fall, this nation-state of nearly 250 years has quite a bit further to go.

The Roman Empire Visualized in Infographics

It has become fashionable to compare the United States’ current disarray to that of ancient Rome. The parallels are easy...

An archaeological dig that began last summer for the start of the Appian Way has been stymied by ground water.

Ancient Roman Road’s Beginning Will Remain a Mystery for Now

An archaeological dig that began last summer for the start of the Appian Way has been stymied by ground water....

An unexpected ancient manufacturing strategy may hold the key to designing concrete that lasts for millennia.

Riddle solved: Why was Roman concrete so durable?

An unexpected ancient manufacturing strategy may hold the key to designing concrete that lasts for millennia.

Once local and irregular, time-keeping became universal and linear in 311 BCE. History would never be the same again

When time became regular and universal, it changed history – Paul J Kosmin | Essays

Once local and irregular, time-keeping became universal and linear in 311 BCE. History would never be the same again

Thermopolia used by poorer residents with few cooking facilities, archaeologists say

Pompeii ‘fast food’ bar unearthed in ancient city after 2,000 years

Thermopolia used by poorer residents with few cooking facilities, archaeologists say

Archaeologists have long focused on the skeletons of those killed by Mt. Vesuvius, but one scholar wants to know the story of the Romans who escaped the eruption of 79 A.D.

Archaeologist Finds New Evidence Of The Romans Who Escaped Mt. Vesuvius

Archaeologists have long focused on the skeletons of those killed by Mt. Vesuvius, but one scholar wants to know the...

The Ancient Greek rebel leader who saw Socrates solo-dancing – Eve Browning

The Ancient Greek rebel leader who saw Socrates solo-dancing – Eve Browning | Essays

Brilliant leader, kind horseman and friend of Socrates: Xenophon's writings inspire a humane, practical approach to life

What America can learn from the fall of the Roman republic

What America can learn from the fall of the Roman republic

The Roman republic destroyed itself. Are we on a similar path?