The Significance of Palmyra’s Funerary Sculptures What can an extraordinary group of sculptures commemorating the dead reveal about ancient life in Palmyra? Thousands of ancient inhabitants’ portraits once adorned lavish family tombs in cemeteries just beyond the desert city. Studying these artistic masterpieces provides valuable insights into wealth, power, family dynamics, and the balance between…
Fresh Discoveries of Urban Life in Rome Unearthing Rome’s Long History New Danish-Italian excavations in central Rome are revealing traces of urban life spanning nearly three millennia. These digs are uncovering far more than just Caesar’s monumental forum project. Archaeologists, alongside conservators, geologists, and radiocarbon specialists, are peeling back layers of history from Mussolini’s 1930s…
Qasr Bshir: A Roman Legacy in the Jordanian Desert Introduction Deep in the Jordanian desert, Qasr Bshir stands as an extraordinary relic of Roman imperial power. Recognized as one of the best-preserved Roman forts within the former empire, this historical site now faces urgent conservation challenges. Experts David Breeze, Mark Driessen, and Fawzi Abudanah explore…
From Soldiers to Citizens: Duty and Service in the Empire The Reality of Military Service Rome’s military is renowned as one of the finest fighting forces of the ancient world. But what was life really like for the individuals who became career soldiers? How did they navigate the dangers of battle, the hardships of service,…
