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An ancient Roman apartment building has been uncovered beneath a public square during subway construction. It is believed to date from the first century BCE. 🏛️ Ancient Roman Apartment Complex Unearthed Beneath Piazza Venezia During subway construction near Rome’s Piazza Venezia, archaeologists uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Roman apartment complex dating back more than 2,000 years. The site offers a rare glimpse into urban life during the late Republic and early Imperial periods. 🧱 Key Features Multi-story residential building featuring preserved staircases, frescoed walls, and domestic areas such as kitchens and latrines. Chronological layering: The site features remnants from the Republican era, Imperial modifications, and traces of 19th-century palaces demolished during Mussolini’s regime. Artifacts and materials indicate middle-class or artisan residents, providing insight into non-elite Roman life.. 🕰️ Historical Significance The excavation serves as a palimpsest of Roman urban development, illustrating how architectural styles and functions changed over centuries. Archaeologist Daniela Polo described it as “a beautiful tapestry of various eras,” highlighting its importance in understanding Rome’s layered history. This discovery adds to a series of recent finds in Rome, including a baptistry-turned-church near the Appian Way and an ancient laundry site near the Vatican. https://totalnews.com/found-in-rome-during-subway-construction-ancient-apartment-complex-is-older-than-christ/ Unearthed in Rome during subway work, ancient apartment building predates Christ | Fox News

A stunning Roman-era stele has been found in Northern Syria: 🏛️ Discovery of a Roman Stele in Manbij, Syria A 2,000-year-old Roman basalt stele was discovered in Manbij, a city in northern Syria historically called Hierapolis or “Sacred City.” The stele features: An eagle holding a wreath, representing Roman imperial authority. A Greek inscription indicating cultural blending during Roman rule. The artifact was found near the cardamom market by a local resident and reported to the Directorate of Museums and Antiquities, which secured it for preservation and study. 🏺 Historical and Cultural Context Manbij’s Ancient Significance: Once a significant Aramaic and Assyrian city, it thrived under the Seleucid dynasty and became a center for the worship of Atargatis, the Syrian fertility goddess. Lucian of Samosata, a 2nd-century Syrian essayist, documented the city’s religious practices in his treatise De Dea Syria, written in Ionic Greek. ⚠️ Modern Challenges Manbij has experienced extensive looting and antiquities smuggling, especially during the Syrian Civil War and under ISIS control. https://archaeologymag.com/2025/08/roman-basalt-stele-unearthed-in-manbij https://greekreporter.com/2025/08/23/two-thousand-year-old-stele-greek-inscriptions-syria/

Here’s a nice summary article on the difference between visiting Herculaneum v. Pompeii. https://www.italianartventures.com/herculaneum-vs-pompeii-the-difference/

Food historian Sally Grainger, who has degree a degree in ancient history, has used her knowledge and passion to write a book on Ancient Roman cuisine “Roman Recipes for Modern Cooks.” She started out as a chef in Britain, but pursued her passions for Ancient Roman food. https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/good-food/whey-dairy-industry-anchovies-ancient-roman-recipes-ucla-food-studies/roman-recipes-modern-cooks-sally-grainger Here’s are some videos on her work:

A new comic book series, “Circus Maximus,” has been created. Here’s the background: • Creative Team Writer: Mark Sable, known for Miskatonic and historical fiction Artist: Giorgio Pontrelli, a Roman native with deep ties to the city's ruins Colors: Emilio Lecce Letters: Dave Sharpe Covers: Paul Azaceta and Francesco Francavilla https://bleedingcool.com/comics/circus-maximus-the-heist-comic-set-while-rome-burns/

An ancient counterweight to assure accuracy in commercial transactions has been found in Jerusalem. It dates from 147-148 BCE. The date indicated on the counterweight was 165 BCE of the Seleucid Era. Article summary: 🕵️‍♂️ Discovery & Context A rare lead weight from the Hellenistic period, dated to 147–148 BCE, was recovered in Jerusalem during an operation by the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Theft. It was found in an antiquities shop following intelligence efforts. 📜 Inscription & Historical Significance The artifact features a Greek inscription: “Heliodorus son of Apollonius, agoranomos,” referring to a market overseer responsible for regulating weights and measures to prevent fraud. The names imply connections to Greek sun gods, indicating cultural Hellenization in the region. ⚖️ Precision & Symbolism The weight is highly accurate—equivalent to one mina (100 Greek drachmas)—and features a dolphin illustration. Researchers believe this symbol could help identify the artifact’s city of origin, as ancient cities often used distinct emblems. https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/08/19/jerusalem-2150-old-dolphin-artifact-found-in-special-operation/

A gold quarter-drachma has been discovered in Jerusalem. It depicts Queen Berenice II, wife of Ptolemy III, and was minted between 246 and 241 BCE. The coin was minted in Alexandria, possibly as military payment after campaigns against the Seleucid Empire during the Third Syrian War. This coin and other finds from the mid-third century BCE support the idea that Jerusalem was already in the midst of recovering after the destruction of the First Temple (Solomon’s Temple) by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. During the Third Syrian War (246-241 BCE), Ptolemy III invaded the Seleucid Empire, but was forced to abandon the campaign as a result of unrest in Egypt. 🪙 Rare Gold Coin of Queen Berenice II Unearthed in Jerusalem Archaeologists in Jerusalem’s City of David National Park discovered a tiny, nearly pure gold quarter-drachma minted between 246–241 BCE for Queen Berenice II, wife of Ptolemy III. The coin was discovered in the Givati Parking Lot excavation, making it the first of its kind ever found in a controlled archaeological context outside Egypt. On the obverse, Berenice is depicted wearing a diadem and veil, adorned with a necklace. The reverse shows a cornucopia flanked by two stars, symbolizing prosperity and fertility, along with the Greek inscription: “of Queen Berenice.” Experts believe the coin was likely minted in Alexandria and may have been given as a reward to soldiers returning from the Third Syrian War. The find challenges the long-held view that post-First Temple Jerusalem was a marginal town, suggesting instead that it was economically and politically connected to major Hellenistic centers. Only about 20 of these coins are known globally, and this is the first ever found in Jerusalem, making it a discovery of exceptional historic significance. https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-864777 https://www.timesofisrael.com/rare-gold-coin-depicting-hellenic-queen-unearthed-in-jerusalem-dig/

Barry Strauss, a prolific author on the Classical world, has written what appears to be an interesting book about the conflict between Ancient Rome and the Jews. Here's an engaging interview with Barry Strauss and his Classicist colleague, Victor Davis Hanson. Here's a quick review of the conflict: The ancient Jewish conflicts with Rome were a series of intense and devastating uprisings that lasted about 70 years, from 66 to 135 CE. These revolts were driven by a strong desire for religious freedom, political independence, and resistance to Roman rule. Here's a breakdown of the major conflicts: 🏛️ The Three Major Jewish–Roman Wars 1. The First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 CE) Cause: Rising tensions over Roman taxation, religious interference, and corrupt governance. Key Events: Jewish rebels seized Jerusalem. Rome responded with a brutal siege led by General Titus. Destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE—an event that profoundly shaped Jewish history. Final resistance at Masada, where Jewish defenders committed mass suicide rather than surrender. Outcome: Massive loss of life, destruction of Jerusalem, and the beginning of widespread Jewish diaspora. 2. The Kitos War (115–117 CE) Cause: Jewish uprisings in Roman provinces like Egypt, Cyprus, and Cyrenaica during Emperor Trajan’s reign. Key Events: Jewish communities revolted violently against Roman rule. Roman retaliation was swift and severe. Outcome: Annihilation of Jewish populations in several regions; deepened Roman hostility toward Jews. 3. The Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE) Cause: Emperor Hadrian’s ban on circumcision and plans to build a Roman temple over the ruins of the Jewish Temple. Leader: Simon bar Kokhba, seen by many as a messianic figure. Outcome: Massive Jewish casualties: Roman forces under Emperor Hadrian crushed the rebellion with overwhelming brutality. Ancient sources like Cassius Dio estimate 580,000 Jews killed, though this number is debated. Many towns and villages were razed, and survivors were enslaved or displaced. Destruction of Judea: The province was devastated. Archaeological evidence reveals widespread ruin, particularly in rebel strongholds like Betar, where Bar Kokhba made his final stand. End of Jewish political autonomy: The revolt ended hopes for a restored Jewish kingdom. Bar Kokhba, hailed by some as the Messiah, was killed, and no further large-scale Jewish military uprisings occurred in Judea. Religious and cultural suppression: Hadrian briefly banned circumcision, renamed Judea as Syria Palaestina to erase Jewish identity, and rebuilt Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina, a Roman city with a temple to Jupiter on the Temple Mount. Rabbinic Judaism’s rise: With the Temple permanently gone and messianic militarism discredited, Jewish leadership shifted toward the rabbis and the development of the Mishnah and Talmud. Diaspora deepens: The Jewish population in Judea was decimated. Many Jews fled or were exiled, speeding up the move toward a dispersed, diasporic identity.

Previous discoveries have been made at the sunken city of Baiae in the Gulf of Naples. Archaeologists believe they may have identified part of a well-preserved Roman thermal bath complex that was part of Cicero's villa, based on its location and architectural features. 🔍 Key Highlights: The baths were found in Portus Iulius, a Roman naval base turned luxury enclave. The complex includes a laconicum (dry sauna), a hypocaust heating system, and intricate mosaic floors. The preservation is exceptional, offering rare insight into elite Roman leisure culture. Historical texts suggest Cicero owned a villa in this area, making the identification plausible. Thermal Baths of Cicero’s Villa Discovered in the Ancient Sunken City of Baiae

A Roman army has marched in the Cotswolds village of Birdlip. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq87403jx14o

I am the last person to ask about military matters. But let me try to answer your question. The longer pikes required two hands; therefore, carrying a shield would be both awkward and physically exhausting. The earlier Greeks used shorter pikes compared to the more famous Macedonian ones, which were nearly twice as long. Only the earlier Greek pikemen carried shields. In contrast, Macedonian pikes required two hands, so soldiers did not carry shields. The Romans preferred the sword and shield for several reasons: Pikemen (like Macedonian phalanxes) excel in tight formations on flat terrain. Roman legions were designed for maneuverability, terrain adaptability, and independent unit action. The manipular system (e.g., hastati, principes, triarii) allowed Roman units to rotate, reinforce, or retreat fluidly—something a pike block couldn’t do. Interestingly, the use of pikemen remained important even for British King William III at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The estimated ratio of pikemen to musketeers at that battle was between 1:5 and 1:6.

Heraclea Sintica in present-day Bulgaria experienced a severe earthquake in the late fourth century AD. Previous excavations have already uncovered numerous artifacts (see post below), providing insights into daily life during Ancient Rome. Six sets of human remains (pictured above) discovered in a collapsed building showed individuals with severe disabilities. It is suggested that this building was used for the care of disabled individuals. 🏛️ Earthquake Tragedy in Heraclea Sintica: A Glimpse into Ancient Lives In the ruins of Heraclea Sintica, a once-bustling Greek and Roman city in present-day southwestern Bulgaria, archaeologists uncovered the remains of six individuals who died in a devastating earthquake in the late 4th century CE. The discovery was made in a collapsed Roman cistern beneath the city’s forum, a civic center that had suffered extensive damage during a series of seismic events that affected the Eastern Mediterranean between the 4th and 6th centuries. 📍 Historical Context Heraclea Sintica was established in the 4th century BCE during the Macedonian expansion under Philip II and Alexander the Great. It thrived under Greek and Roman rule because of its strategic position near the Struma River and Kozhuh uplands. The city’s decline started after a major earthquake—possibly the infamous 365 CE quake—destroyed public buildings and resulted in eventual abandonment following additional seismic activity in the 5th century. 🧍‍♂️ The Victims: Lives Interrupted The six skeletons, all male and aged between 18 and 35, were found lying on their backs, suggesting they were together when the cistern collapsed. Their injuries, including fractures to skulls, ribs, and long bones, indicate sudden and violent deaths caused by falling debris or a six-meter drop. One skeleton, labeled 2N, stood out. This young man, aged 18–25, showed signs of Apert syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized by skull deformities, cleft palate, and potential limb malformations. His survival into adulthood suggests he received long-term care, likely from family or community members. Another skull, 2_3N, also had a cleft palate, indicating a possible familial connection. 🧠 Social Implications The existence of a disabled person who survived into adulthood questions assumptions about disability in antiquity. It indicates that Roman society—at least in Heraclea Sintica—may have been more inclusive and compassionate than previously believed. The care needed for someone with Apert syndrome would include support with eating, mobility, and communication, highlighting a support network that values human life beyond just productivity. 🏺 Archaeological Significance This discovery is unique in its preservation of multiple individuals within a single disaster context. Unlike other ancient earthquake sites that focus on architecture, Heraclea Sintica provides a deeply human story. The cistern was never emptied, and no personal items were found, suggesting the victims may never have been discovered until now. Comparable finds at Kourion (Cyprus) and Eleutherna (Crete) also revealed earthquake victims, but Heraclea’s case stands out for its insights into disability, care, and social bonds in the Roman world. https://greekreporter.com/2025/08/13/earthquake-victims-ancient-greek-city-heraclea-sintica/ https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2025/08/victims-of-a-4th-century-ad-earthquake-found-in-heraclea-sintica-change-what-we-know-about-inclusion-in-the-roman-world/

Researchers (pictured below) now believe, after examining stalagmites from a cave in the Yucatán, that the collapse of the Mayan Empire may have resulted from a series of droughts. Studies show there were eight wet-season droughts lasting at least three years each, including one that persisted for 13 consecutive years between 871 AD and 1021 AD. Deforestation was worsened by drought and extensive logging. 🌧️ Key Findings Researchers from the University of Cambridge and collaborators analyzed stalagmites from caves in the Yucatán Peninsula to reconstruct detailed rainfall patterns between 871 and 1100 CE—during the Terminal Classic period of Maya history. Their findings reveal: At least eight multi-year droughts, including one lasting 13 consecutive years. 44 years of severe drought during the last two centuries of the Maya civilization These droughts coincided with significant societal disruptions, including city abandonments, halted monument building, and dynastic collapses. 🧪 Methodology Scientists conducted oxygen isotope analysis on stalagmites from the Grutas Tzabnah cave system. Unlike lake sediments, stalagmites enable season-by-season climate reconstruction, revealing precise timing and severity of droughts. The stalagmite layers functioned like tree rings, recording rainfall data nearly month by month, which is essential for understanding agricultural impacts.. 🏛️ Historical Implications The droughts coincided with gaps in monument inscriptions and political activity, especially at sites like Chichén Itzá, Labna, and Uxmal. While some cities like Chichén Itzá may have prospered temporarily because of trade networks and centralized governance, others were abandoned or declined. The longest drought (929–942 CE) probably overwhelmed even the Maya’s sophisticated water management systems. 🌽 Agricultural Impact The Maya relied heavily on maize, which is sensitive to rainfall during the wet season. Extreme droughts could cut crop yields to only 10% of usual levels, risking food security. Some scholars suggest the Maya might have used drought-resistant perennial plants, but the study highlights the vulnerability of their staple crops. 🧩 Broader Significance This research provides a detailed climate-historical framework for understanding how environmental stress can destabilize complex societies. It also provides opportunities to study tropical storm frequency and other climate phenomena through cave formations. https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/mexico-cave-maya-drought https://thedebrief.org/new-clues-to-the-mysterious-fall-of-the-mayan-civilization-have-been-unearthed-deep-within-a-yucatan-cave/ https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-13/the-mayan-civilization-experienced-44-years-of-drought-in-its-last-two-centuries.html

The August Full Moon, also called the Sturgeon or Harvest moon, that was seen around the globe last weekend was stunning. Above is a picture of the moon as it passed over the Temple of Poseidon in Greece. Here are some other images as seen at the Colosseum in Rome: Seen in Frankfurt, Germany: Seen in Turkey: https://www.space.com/stargazing/august-full-moon-2025-captivates-skywatchers-worldwide-as-sturgeon-moon-lights-up-the-sky-photos#section-the-august-2025-full-sturgeon-moon-in-pictures https://www.reuters.com/pictures/sturgeon-moon-supermoon-lights-up-night-sky-2025-08-11/

A Roman mosaic depicting modern-appearing flip-flops were discovered during recent excavations in Sicily. This was at the site where the “girls in bikinis” was previously discovered (pictured below). Here is the official press release on the find: At the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, new and extraordinary finds have been unearthed, further enriching the site's already vast archaeological heritage. Recent excavations uncovered two sandals, depicted in mosaic, reminiscent of modern flip-flops. These are not simple decorations, but a refined work created by a 4th-century AD mosaic artisan, part of a larger mosaic scheme that decorated the southern thermal baths of the Villa. Alongside this unique depiction, archaeologists also uncovered a mosaic inscription and three columns with their capitals [topmost part of column]. These discoveries further confirm the Villa's exceptional artistic and architectural quality, as well as the importance of the ongoing excavations for the historical and cultural reconstruction of the site. https://greekreporter.com/2025/08/05/roman-flip-flops-mosaic-sicily/ https://parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it/blog/morgantina-e-villa-romana-del-casale-nuove-scoperte-mosaiche-e-successo-per-la-summer-school-archlabs/

Thank you for sharing your work. Very interesting. I think your work is fantastic, but it's even better when you avoid making references to the modern era. Let the listeners see the parallels themselves.

In 2023, four Roman swords from the Second Temple period, dating to the Bar Kochba Revolt of the second century AD, were discovered in a cave in the Judean Desert near Ein Gedi (see post below). Four lines of Aramaic text have also been found on a stalactite inside the cave. 📜 Discovery Overview Archaeologists discovered a four-line Aramaic inscription in a Dead Sea cave near Ein Gedi National Park, Israel. Written in square Hebrew script, the inscription begins: “Abba of Naburya has perished.” Likely connected to the Bar Kochba revolt (132–135 CE), a significant Jewish uprising against Roman rule. 🗡️ Artifacts and Context Found just inches away from four Roman swords—three still sheathed—and a Bar Kochba coin. The cave, too small for habitation, might have served as a guerrilla outpost for Judean rebels. The swords were probably taken from Roman soldiers and hidden to prevent detection. 🧠 Linguistic and Historical Significance The inscription is among the most comprehensive texts from the Judean Desert outside the Dead Sea Scrolls. “Abba” was a common Jewish name; “Naburya" denotes a village in Galilee close to modern-day Safed. Partial words such as “on us,” “he took,” and “the” have been identified, although complete decipherment is still in progress. The script style became widespread between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE as Aramaic emerged as the region’s lingua franca. 🔍 Research and Future Exploration Discovered in 2023 during an expedition that used multispectral imaging to photograph a nearby inscription from the First Temple period. Led by researchers from Ariel University, Tel Aviv University, and Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The team is currently surveying nearby caves and has already found additional inscription fragments. A comprehensive academic publication is being prepared. 🏞️ Broader Context The Judean Desert’s dry climate and remote caves have preserved countless artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. https://www.timesofisrael.com/abba-of-naburya-has-perished-unique-1900-year-old-inscription-found-in-dead-sea-cave/ https://arkeonews.net/rare-1900-year-old-aramaic-inscription-discovered-in-dead-sea-cave-near-ein-gedi/

I am starting to use AI daily, including to summarize articles. I can see its value. That said, I also have seen how AI makes things up and can go on an unhinged tangent. AIs lack of reliability in many mundane tasks makes me fearful about its use in more technical or precise settings.

There have been several posts (see below) about Ancient Rome’s interaction with Ireland. Here’s a good video on the subject:

A Roman head sculpture was discovered in Aspendos, Turkey. It was found during excavations at the local Roman theater (pictured below), which was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The sculpture dates to the late 3rd century AD and measures 40 cm (15 inches). 🏛️ Discovery Overview A 1,700-year-old marble statue head, believed to depict a Roman emperor, was uncovered in Aspendos, an ancient city in southern Türkiye. The artifact dates to the late 3rd century AD (around 250–300 AD), a period marked by significant political and artistic change in the Roman Empire. 🎨 Artistic Significance The statue combines Roman verism (hyper-realistic features like wrinkles and furrowed lips) with Hellenistic emotional depth (introspective gaze and tilted neck). Scholars state it depicts a transitional portrait style, blending realism with humanity to express imperial authority and moral significance.. 🏙️ Aspendos Context Aspendos, known for its well-preserved Roman theater, was a significant urban hub in Pamphylia. The statue was discovered in the Roman forum, a ceremonial and civic center, indicating it once served as a symbol of imperial ideology. The discovery contributes to ongoing excavations of public buildings, baths, and aqueducts, enhancing our understanding of Roman urban planning in Anatolia. https://www.anatolianarchaeology.net/roman-emperors-shadow-appears-in-aspendos-1700-year-old-statue-head-found/#google_vignette Video on the marvelous Roman theater in Aspendos:

A preserved ancient Roman wool felt hat will go on display at BoltonMuseum. It was estimated that the head covering was made around 30 BCE for a member of the Roman military following the death of Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII. 🧢 Ancient Roman-Egyptian Felt Hat at Bolton Museum Age & Origin: The hat dates back around 2,000 years and is believed to have been made for a Roman soldier stationed in Egypt after the Roman conquest following Queen Cleopatra’s death in 30 BC. Design & Adaptation: While it resembles Roman military headwear from around 200 CE, the hat was adapted for Egypt’s harsh climate—designed to protect against intense sun and sandstorms. Material & Condition: Made from organic wool felt, the hat had deteriorated over time due to pests and environmental exposure. It’s now considered the best-preserved example of its kind in the world. Museum History: Donated in 1911 by famed archaeologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie to Bolton’s original Chadwick Museum, it remained in storage for over a century. Conservation Effort: Textile conservator Jacqui Hyman led the restoration, funded by local firm Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. Their support earned them the Bolton Archaeology and Egyptology Society’s “Lotus Chalice Award.” Public Display: The hat is now showcased at Bolton Museum, joining only two other known examples—one in Manchester and another in Florence Roman Felt Hats: Romans commonly wore felt or straw hats for sun protection. These were practical garments, especially for laborers, travelers, and fishermen. Felt was a popular material due to its affordability and ease of production through matting and pressing fibers. Hat Types: Petasos: A wide-brimmed sunhat originally Greek but adopted by Romans. It was often made of felt or leather and tied under the chin or around the back of the head. Some versions were rigid and molded, suggesting a structured design. Pilos: A simple felt cap worn by peasants and later adapted into bronze helmets for military use. Cultural Significance: While hats weren’t a dominant fashion in Roman society due to the prevalence of hooded cloaks (like the cucullus), they were used for practical and ceremonial purposes. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pegg403zo

Natural disasters had a significant, often overlooked impact on the Roman Empire. Here's a quote from Ammianus Marcellinus describing the earthquake from his work Res Gestae, Book XVII, Chapter 7: “A terrific earthquake completely overturned the city and its suburbs … since most of the houses were carried down the slopes of the hill, they fell one upon another, while everything resounded with the vast roar of their destruction. Most people were killed at one blow. Others were imprisoned unhurt within slanting house roofs, to be consumed by the agony of starvation. Hidden in the rubble with fractured skulls or amputated arms or legs, injured survivors hovered between life and death, but most could not be recovered, despite their pleas and protestations resounding from beneath the rubble.” Ammianus Marcellinus, Rerum Gestarum, Book XVII, chapter 7 Reflecting on the reports of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, which caused over 100,000 deaths, I can only imagine how much more destruction ancient earthquakes—and other natural disasters like volcanoes and floods—might have caused in history. This highlights the importance of proper building standards and organized disaster responses, as without them, the death toll can be unimaginable. Clearly, the ancient world was just as vulnerable to the destructive forces of earthquakes and their tragic consequences as Haiti was. Here's an article describing some of these disasters: 🌍 Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Ancient Greece and Rome Ancient writers vividly described the devastation caused by natural disasters, providing insight into how these events influenced their world.: 🏛️ Famous Disasters Nicomedia Earthquake (358 AD): Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus described the city’s destruction and the horrific suffering of trapped survivors. Sparta Earthquake (464 BC): Plutarch wrote that it tore the land into chasms and destroyed almost all buildings. Helice and Buris Tsunamis (373–372 BC): These Greek cities were permanently submerged, with their ruins described as moss-covered and silent. North African Tsunami (365 AD): A massive quake caused the sea to retreat, exposing sea creatures and the seabed, before violently surging back, killing thousands and hurling ships inland. 🔊 Sounds of Disaster Pliny the Elder observed that earthquakes produced terrifying sounds—resembling cattle bellowing or the clash of weapons. 🧠 Ancient Explanations Divine Causes: Poseidon was frequently blamed; sacrifices were offered to appease him. Natural Theories: Philosopher Anaximenes suggested earthquakes were caused by collapsing underground earth masses. 🧪 Early Predictions Cicero mentioned Pherecydes of Samos predicting an earthquake by observing well water—although such methods were rare and unreliable. ‘The great mass of waters killed many thousands’: how earthquakes and tsunamis shook ancient Greece and Rome

Here are interesting articles that suggest the Romans quickly returned to Pompeii to live after the eruption in AD 79. 🏛️ Pompeii’s Post-Eruption Reoccupation Sources: Daily Mail and Gulf News 🔍 Key Discoveries Archaeologists have found evidence of reoccupation in Pompeii following the eruption, dating from the late 1st century to the 5th century AD. Finds include fire pits, cooking areas, pottery, and converted cellars with ovens and mills, showing that people lived among the ruins (pictured above). Survivors and newcomers probably returned to retrieve valuables or because they had no other options. 🏚️ Living Conditions The settlement was informal and unstable, lacking Roman infrastructure such as sanitation, roads, and water systems. Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel called it a “favela”—a slum-like camp among the ruins. People might have lived on the upper floors of damaged buildings, while the ground floors were repurposed. 🧠 Historical Oversight Earlier excavations concentrated on the dramatic destruction, often neglecting or removing traces of post-eruption life. The rediscovery of this phase questions the long-standing idea that Pompeii was quickly abandoned and stayed untouched until it was rediscovered. https://gulfnews.com/world/europe/new-discoveries-at-pompeii-show-signs-of-life-post-eruption-2-1.500225585 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14978805/Pompeii-survivors-live-ruins-Mount-Vesuvius.html

A man was seen holding a large chuck of white marble taken from the 2,500-year-old archaeological site at Portara in Naxos, Greece. Portara was the unfinished temple to Apollo. https://petapixel.com/2025/08/06/photo-seeking-tourist-lifting-ancient-marble-in-greece-sparks-outrage/ https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-general/naxos-portara-0022313#