Tag: Ancient History
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The Ancient Roman Origins of Pizza
The pizza we know and love today has come a long way from the vegetable-topped meal cakes enjoyed by Aeneas. Fiona MacRae discusses the ancient origins of this popular dish.
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The People of the Gaps: Rescuing Roman Slaves from Obscurity
With limited textual evidence, understanding the lives of enslaved people in Ancient Rome is a difficult task. Verity Limond examines how the archaeological record may be used to shed more light on their lived experience.
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‘A bird in flight’: A Note on the Ancient Origins of Kites
Verity Limond retraces the invention and uses of kites, from ancient China to today.
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The Unique Status of Vestal Virgins in Roman Society
The Vestal Virgins occupied a position in ancient Roman society which afforded them certain legal and societal rights. However, the role also came with strict rules which, if broken, would be met with deadly punishment as Fiona MacRae discusses.
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Valentine’s Day Revisited
Who was Saint Valentine? When did Valentine’s Day begin to be associated with love? Why has the holiday become so commercialized? Mahdeen Shafee investigates these questions and more in an exploration of the history of Valentine’s Day, from its beginnings in Ancient Rome to the present day.
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Funding the Arts in Ancient Athens
The Dionysia, a festival in ancient Athens on honour of the god Dionysus, featured plays sponsored by choregoi: wealthy citizens who financed the performance in exchange for social prestige. Fiona MacRae explores how the benefaction model of ancient Athens might be the key to saving the performing arts today.
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What Caused the Collapse of the Legendary Bronze Age?
The collapse of Bronze Age societies during the twelfth century BC has prompted a number of theories regarding the cause. Fleur O’Reilly examines some of the prevailing arguments and potential motivating factors behind this widespread cultural deterioration.
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Justinianic Wars: A Study
The reconquests of Justinian I during the sixth century saw a large number of territories reunified under Roman rule. However, with insufficient resources to cover multiple fronts, Dido Papikinou discusses how his imperial victories ultimately threatened the stability of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Retrospect Journal 