Category: Rome

Rome spent centuries fearing kings. The aversion began with Tarquinius Superbus, Rome’s last monarch. His arrogance and abuse of power made Romans swear never to submit to one man rule.

Commodus’ reign was soaked in blood. It was one long flex. He murdered rivals, purged enemies, and treated mass killing as a policy tool rather than a last resort. The

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Rome ran the experiment repeatedly and often with catastrophic results Sometimes the result was a monster. Sometimes a narcissist. Sometimes an incurious brute or a man

Tiberius was Rome’s second emperor, a brilliant military commander and highly capable administrator. Yet he was utterly detested. He was dour, deeply guarded, and over time became increasingly bitter, suspicious,

Hand a hedonistic, dull-witted lout control of the world’s most powerful empire. Make everyone obey his every wish. Surround him with conniving people and sycophants. Let him indulge his fantasies

Born in Italica in Roman Spain to a wealthy family enriched by olive oil production, Publius Aelius Hadrianus was not born to rule. He was adopted by his cousin, the

It’s March 15, 44 BC. Julius Caesar lies sprawled on the floor of the Senate, struck down by 23 knife wounds. His blood pools at the base of a statue