Stoicism, the philosophy of a school of Greek and Roman philosophers. They were called “Stoics” because the school's founder, Zeno of Cyprus (about 333 B.C.-261 B.C.), met his students at the Stoa Poikile (Painted Porch) on the north side of the market place in Athens.
Empires rise and empires fall -- it's a seemingly unavoidable fact of life on Earth. But these superpowers reigned longer than any others. What can we learn from their missteps and achievements? See more »
Caesar, a title that came from the name of a Roman family. The first important member of the family was the soldier and statesman Gaius Julius Caesar. See more »
Rome and the Roman Empire, the most powerful state of the ancient world. It grew from an Italian village to a city-state and into an organization that ruled the shores of the Mediterranean and much of western Europe. See more »
Gladiator, in ancient Rome, a professional swordplayer who fought to entertain the public. See more »
Pompeii an ancient Roman city on the Bay of Naples 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Naples near the southern foot of Mount Vesuvius. See more »
Consul, in Roman history, a head magistrate, or executive, in the Republic. There were two consuls, elected annually by the centurial assembly (one of four Roman legislatures). See more »
Equites, in ancient Rome, members of the equestrian order, or knighthood. The word is Latin for “horsemen.” The equites were originally the cavalrymen of the Roman army, drawn from wealthy citizens. See more »
Herculaneum, an ancient Roman city by the Bay of Naples and at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. See more »
Latins, or Latini, an ancient people, according to tradition the founders of Rome. See more »
Lictor, in ancient Rome, an attendant of high magistrates and religious officials. See more »
