Many of the ancient Roman furnishings we have knowledge about were conserved in cities engulfed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 CE. Instead of being incinerated, these pieces of furniture underwent carbonization due to the elevated temperatures, resulting in the preservation of various wooden artifacts. In addition to furniture, this remarkable preservation extended to […]
Vegetarian Gladiators: The Overweight Warriors of Ancient Rome
Roman gladiators, contrary to popular belief, were not heavily muscular but rather carried excess weight. Their diets were predominantly plant-based, much like the majority of the Roman population. Meat was considered a luxury item and not a dietary staple. Gladiators were often referred to as “hordearii,” or barley men, due to their high-carbohydrate diet, which […]
The Self-Healing Power of Roman Concrete
Roman engineers created structures that have withstood the test of time thanks to the use of lime clasts in their concrete. Unlike modern concrete, which often deteriorates within a few decades, Roman concrete exhibits remarkable durability due to its self-healing properties from lime clasts. As a result, ancient wonders like the Pantheon and aqueducts still […]
Mithridates VI was so paranoid of being poisoned that he took…
Mithridates VI was so paranoid of being poisoned that he took small doses throughout his life to build up an immunity. When he was finally captured by the Romans, he tried to kill himself with poison but failed because he was immune.