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Dec 13, 2006The Gladiator Emperor Commodus? association with the god Hercules was never more apparent than with his exploits in the arena. In order to perpetuate his image as a living god to the Roman people, Commodus not only began to attire himself in the same manner as the mythical hero (lions skins and carrying a club), [...] Dec 6, 2006We are happy to announce a December book give away in association with ArmorVenue just in time for the holiday season. Eight prizes will be awarded to active participants of the UNRV forum including choices of several pre-selected Roman books, 1 of 2 Roman Empire Wallmaps and a special choice for first prize. Participation is [...] Nov 7, 2006The People’s Princeps On October 22, AD 180 the young Princeps Commodus returned to Rome in an enormous triumphal procession. Backed by most of the Danubian legions, Commodus? entry into the city not only confirmed his authority but ushered in new hope for an era of peace and prosperity in a city that was weary [...] Oct 6, 2006Commodus The accession of the 19 year old Commodus upon the death of his father Marcus Aurelius on March 17, AD 180 is often considered a catalyst that sparked the initial decline of the Roman Empire. Whether or not the assertion is true and Commodus acted as a catalyst, or if he was simply a [...] Sep 13, 2006Decline of the Roman Empire With the death of Marcus Aurelius in AD 180, rule of the empire passed to his 20 year old son Lucius Aurelius Commodus. Much like the reign of Gaius Caesar (Caligula) a century and a half earlier, the accession of Commodus was initially met with general approval. Continuing the parallel, [...] Aug 7, 2006The Philosopher Emperor Despite the turmoil caused by plague and war during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, his was a life strictly guided by philosophy. He has been largely associated with the idea of stoicism (perhaps most simply defined as a dedication to logic), but his own surviving works indicate a general intellectual devotion rather [...] Jul 25, 2006The Germanic Wars From the outset of his succession of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius was confronted by restless Germanic (chiefly Marcomanni and Qaudi) tribes north of the Danube. However, pressing matters from Parthia in the east required far more urgent intervention. Initially, the Germanic issues were handled by provincial governors and an uneasy peace was [...] Jul 10, 2006Lucius Verus and the Parthians In AD 161, after a long and largely peaceful reign, Antoninus Pius died, leaving the 40 year old Marcus Aurelius to take his place. The Senate clearly favored the mature Marcus over his 31 year old joint heir Lucius Verus, who had an almost Neronian reputation for personal indulgence (such [...] Jun 12, 2006Marcus Aurelius According to the Greek philosopher Plato, ?There will be no end to the troubles of states, or indeed?of humanity itself, until philosophers become kings in this world, or until those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers.? While Marcus Aurelius could indeed be considered Rome?s first ?philosopher King? (followed [...] May 22, 2006Fourth Good Emperor With the passing of Hadrian, Antoninus (whatever the true nature of the relationship between Hadrian and Antoninus may have been) immediately played the part of loyal adopted son. Antoninus accompanied the body of the largely despised former emperor (at least in the view of the aristocracy) from Baiae to Rome and saw [...] Apr 17, 2006Antoninus Pius The rise of T. Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus, simply known as Antoninus Pius, could be considered an unlikely yet fortunate turn of events. His reign, though far from one of perpetual peace as has often been described, was one of political stability, economic prosperity and consistent military strength… Mar 23, 2006Antinous and Succession Many of the details regarding Hadrian?s personal life are largely speculative, but one relationship in particular has long been the subject of particular attention. Despite the emperor?s close relations to his mother-in-law Matidia (Trajan?s niece), his marital arrangement with Matidia?s daughter Vibia Sabina is characterized as distant at best… Mar 15, 2006Map of the Roman Empire Due to the overwhelming response to our original wallmap product, UNRV.com is thrilled to present a new and vastly improved ‘Wallmap of the Roman Empire’ (circa 117 AD). Exhaustively researched over the course of two years and subject to five months of design and historical scrutiny, this ‘poster’ is not [...] |
