Battle of Pydna

Ancient Rome

The Roman Empire, which at times included much of the known world, came into being following the five centuries of the Republican period in the history of Rome. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 B.C. and existed as a unified entity until approximately A.D. 480. During this period, the Roman Empire extended from the Middle East to the British Isles. The Roman Empire is remembered for its influence of language, law, military operations, and culture. The Roman Empire was ruled by a succession of emperors, and a 200-year period of peace that began with the reign of Caesar Augustus is known today as the “Pax Romana.”

With the fresh memory of their slaughtered comrades , the Roman legionaries at the Long Bridges fought with one thought and one will—revenge.

Ancient Rome

Germanicus Cæsar

By Michael D. Greaney

In ancient Rome, politics and family were inextricably linked. The incestuous nature of the ruling Julio-Claudian dynasty was well embodied by the brief but notable career of Germanicus, who rose to the heights of power, only to be cast down by his own blood kin. Read more

Romans under Prefect Lucius Eggius storm a German rampart consisting of a waist-high palisade of stakes interlaced with twigs and branches that ran along the top of an embankment.

Ancient Rome

How Arminius Deceived the Holy Roman Empire

By William E. Welsh

With their proclivity for feats of engineering, the Romans methodically advanced their frontiers. The glory-seeking Roman generals saw a wide river, mountain chain, or expansive swath of desert as a challenge. Read more

When Julius Caesar and Pompey squared off in their Civil War, ruses, lies, and interrogations affected the outcome.

Ancient Rome

Julius Caesar vs Pompey: A Civil War of Subterfuge

By Douglas Sterling

Unlike Pompey, much of Julius Caesar’s military successes in the late Roman Republic stemmed not only from his ability as a leader of men and from tactical prowess on the battlefield, but also from his understanding of the importance of military intelligence. Read more

Trajan, Emperor of Rome, was a tough and meticulous general as well as a capable administrator and builder.

Ancient Rome

Emperor Trajan & The Roman Empire

by Joseph M. Horodyski

The ancient city of Selinus, a major trading center in Cilicia, sat atop a steep outcropping of rock that rises abruptly from the edge of the Mediterranean on the southern coast of Asia Minor, now modern Turkey. Read more

An engraving depicts the death of Roman emperor Julian the Apostate at the hands of Persians.

Ancient Rome

Emperor Julian “The Apostate”

By Kaveh Farrokh

“[W]hen Emperor Julian had received the wound [in Persia], he filled his hand with blood, flung it into the air and cried, Thou hast won, O Galilean,” wrote Theodoret of Cyrus. Read more

Ancient Rome

Game Reviews: Total War: ATTILA

by Joseph Luster

The Creative Assembly’s Total War series now has a legacy spanning nearly 15 years of computer strategy. What started in 2000 with Shogun: Total War gradually expanded to include a variety of eras—as well as a variety of spin-offs and player-created mods—each putting players in the role of history’s greatest commanders. Read more

Hannibal could probably have taken Rome itself immediately after the Battle of Cannae, so why didn't he?

Ancient Rome

Hannibal, Rome and Cannae

 

by Keith Milton

It could be argued that Hannibal’s hesitation to go after Rome shortly after Cannae was because he lacked a siege train. Read more

The accomplishments of Hannibal were great, even in his own time, but the underestimation of the resiliency of his enemy proved to be his undoing.

Ancient Rome

Hannibal of Carthage: Scourge of Rome

 

By Jonas L. Goldstein

The accomplishments of Hannibal from his departure from Spain, his crossing of the Alps, and his battles on the Italian peninsula, climaxing with his great victory at Cannae, were enough to permanently etch his name among the greatest military leaders of history. Read more