Villa Aurora: A Hidden Gem of Roman Art and History Nestled quietly in the heart of Rome, Villa Aurora is an extraordinary 16th-century estate brimming with artistic grandeur, earning it a title as one of the city’s best-hidden treasures. This remarkable site is a remnant of what once was the magnificent Ludovisi gardens, which were…
Mass violence during conflicts is a phenomenon that has existed throughout history and has been extensively analyzed across various time periods. The effects of war on civilians and their suffering amidst military operations form a central theme of a field known as the New Military History, which emerged in the late twentieth century. This approach…
At the onset of the Annals, Tacitus delivers a concise overview of the republic, highlighting the upheavals that eventually transitioned Rome into the rule of Augustus: “Libertatem et consulatum Lucius Brutus instituit” (Tacitus Annals 1.1). This mention transcends mere historical context, as Tacitus emphasizes the political structure epitomized by the consulship and the concept of…
The year was marked by a grave sickness that hushed everyday life. The duumvirs undertook numerous rites as instructed by sacred texts to mollify the gods and eradicate the plague affecting the population. Nevertheless, the death toll was substantial, impacting both the urban centers and rural areas, claiming the lives of both humans and animals.…