If you lived in the first century AD and found a formal invitation from the Imperial Palace on your doorstep, you wouldn’t be celebrating your social ascent. While dining with the Emperor should have ...

The two sons of Vespasian Titus and Domitian (ruled 79 – 81 AD, and 81 – 96 AD respectively) could not have been more different as emperors. Although Titus had a reputation for ruthlessness, he would ...

In June of the year 68, the emperor Nero, on learning that the Roman Senate had declared him a public enemy, plunged a dagger into his throat (with the loyal assistance of his private secretary). A ...

Domitian’s murder marked the end of the Flavian dynasty and changed the rules of succession. Nerva and Trajan (ruled 96 – 98 AD, 98 – 117 AD) were not born to rule, but were chosen for the job. The ...