Julen Berrueta is a journalist based in Madrid, Spain.

The Roman Emperor Who Fought in 735 Gladiator Combats

16 Apr 2021  |  www.elespanol.com  |  Spanish  |  Ancient History

Lucio Aurelio Cómodo, Roman Emperor from 180 to 192 AD, actively participated in gladiator combats, fighting in 735 matches. Unlike typical emperors who observed, Cómodo engaged in the arena, often under safe conditions to avoid harm. His fascination with Hercules influenced his gladiatorial persona. Historian María Amparo Mateo Donet highlights that gladiatorial games involved not just slaves but also citizens of higher ranks. Other emperors like Calígula and Adriano also participated in these staged combats, which were manipulated for safety. Despite his eccentricities, Cómodo was popular among the plebeians for his entertaining spectacles.

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Roman Empire Ancient History Gladiators

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I'm an award-winning, British-Italian journalist based in London. I have more than 9 years of experience in the UK and in Italy and I'm trained in TV and radio. CV: **** Portfolio: ****

Tiny house with elaborate – and erotic – frescoes unearthed at Pompeii

25 Oct 2024  |  www.cnn.com  |  English  |  Roman History

Archaeologists have discovered a small house in Pompeii adorned with elaborate and erotic frescoes, offering insights into Roman decorative trends and societal shifts in the first century AD. The house, lacking the typical atrium, features frescoes depicting mythical scenes and erotic imagery, including a satyr and nymph, and figures from Greek mythology. The site, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, continues to reveal details of Roman life, with the latest findings including ritual offerings at a household shrine. The excavation is open to public viewing, allowing visitors to observe the ongoing archaeological work.

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Roman History Archaeology Pompeii

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Mark Brewer is a cameraman based in Rome, Italy.

Archaeologists study a skeleton suggesting the person was crucified on SECRETS OF THE DEAD 'Death in Britannia'

26 Oct 2023  |  WOUB Public Media  |  English  |  Roman History

The discovery of a skeleton dating to the Roman occupation of Britain, with an iron nail driven through its heel bone, suggests the person may have been crucified. This finding is significant as only one other crucified skeleton has ever been found in the world. The show 'SECRETS OF THE DEAD: Death in Britannia' explores the identity, life, and possible reasons for the harsh punishment of this individual in Roman Britain.

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Roman History Archaeology Crucifixion

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A Dutiful Roman Soldier

11 Feb 2021  |  Archaeology Magazine  |  English  |  Roman History

A high-quality marble gravestone fragment found in Almus, northwestern Bulgaria, reveals the story of a Roman legionary who served 44 years, significantly longer than the typical 25-year term. The gravestone, dating to the first century A.D., was created by the soldier’s freed slave, likely in gratitude for his freedom and inheritance. Archaeologist Valeri Stoichkov notes that this is the earliest inscription found in situ in the region. The stone was probably reused as building material in the late third or early fourth century.

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Roman History Archaeology

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Pedro Carvalho is a Photographer and Cinematographer based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Irene Dominioni is a journalist based in Milano, Italy.

The Impressive Discovery of 24 Roman Bronze Statues in a Thermal Destination in Tuscany

10 Nov 2022  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Roman History

In San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany, 24 Roman bronze statues dating from the first and second century AD were discovered in a thermal pool, remarkably preserved by mud and hot water. This significant find, led by archaeologist Jacopo Tabolli, offers insights into the cultural and linguistic history of the region during the transition from Etruscan to Roman rule. The statues, which include deities linked to medicine, will be restored and displayed in a new museum in the town, enhancing its cultural and touristic appeal. The discovery underscores the importance of the site and the ongoing efforts by the Italian Ministry of Culture to preserve and promote its heritage.

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Roman History Archaeological Discovery Cultural Heritage

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Theo Farrant is a journalist based in Bristol, United Kingdom.

Archaeologists discover a 2,000-year-old Roman road section in London

21 Nov 2024  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Roman History

A well-preserved section of Watling Street, a significant Roman road in the UK, has been discovered in southeast London. This ancient route, built shortly after the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD, connected the Roman port of Dover with Londinium and extended to the West Midlands. The discovery under Old Kent Road, prior to the expansion of Southwark's low-carbon heating network, provides crucial evidence of its path through London. The find offers insights into Roman construction techniques and is significant for archaeological research in London.

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Roman History Archaeology Cultural Heritage

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Daniel Gonzalez Acuna is a photojournalist, videographer and 360 content producer based in Seville, Spain.
He work as freelancer for news agencies and media, like Euronews, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Zuma Press amid others.
He obtained a PhD in Archaeology (2008) and also a postgraduate degree in ...

Roman-era Delicacies Revived for a Banquet in Spain

26 Oct 2019  |  euronews  |  English  |  Culinary History

Archaeologists and chefs in Spain have collaborated to recreate Roman-era dishes for a special banquet in Italica, the ancient home of Roman emperors Trajan and Adrian. Chef Antonio Bort expressed that understanding Roman culinary practices could inspire modern cooking. The banquet featured dishes such as lamb stew with oxygarum, wild boar and venison stuffing, and cibarium bread made from einkorn wheat. Oxygarum, a vinegar derived from the Roman fish sauce garum, was highlighted for its versatility in both savory and sweet dishes, as noted by Chef Camila Ferraro. Artisan baker Domi Velez praised einkorn wheat for its quality. The event showcased how ancient recipes could influence contemporary cuisine.

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Roman Cuisine Culinary History

Freelance journalist and content writer covering culture and climate. 

I currently work across digital and print for Reader's Digest, including editing and uploading articles to the website's CMS, implementing SEO best practices, writing original articles, and proofreading pieces for the print ...

10 Facts about Boudicca, warrior queen of the Iceni

11 Jun 2024  |  www.readersdigest.co.uk  |  English  |  History

Boudicca, the warrior queen of the Iceni tribe, led a significant uprising against the Roman Empire in ancient Britain. The Iceni, known for their wealth and craftsmanship, were initially aligned with Rome through Boudicca's husband, Prasutagus. However, following his death, Roman mistreatment of Boudicca and her daughters incited a brutal revolt. Boudicca's forces destroyed cities like Colchester and London, but were eventually defeated. Her legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and liberty, inspiring figures such as Queen Victoria and Elizabeth I.

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Roman Empire History Ancient Civilizations

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A reporter with more than five-and-a-half years' experience covering local, national and foreign news from the UK, now a freelancer based in Mexico City. I can provide words and stills but have also reported and produced for television and am expanding my skills as a broadcast journalist.

Where to find Bath's stunning Roman mosaic hardly anyone knows about

10 Jan 2018  |  bathchronicle  |  English  |  Roman History

A hidden Roman mosaic, thought to be up to 1,800 years old, is located in the basement of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. The mosaic, featuring a swastika pattern common in Roman times, is part of a larger design from a substantial Roman town house. Discovered in 1859, the mosaic is at risk due to the hospital's sale to developers. Roman Baths director Stephen Clews emphasizes the importance of preserving such artifacts in their original locations.

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Roman History Local Heritage

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I work as a reporter for Mancunian Matters, a Manchester based news site.

I'm available for radio/Skype interviews.

I can write copy on various topics.

Keeping up with the Romans

11 Mar 2022  |  www.apollo-magazine.com  |  English  |  Roman History

A recently uncovered mosaic in London, found during excavations for the Liberty of Southwark development, offers new insights into the lives of the privileged during Roman Britain. The mosaic, the largest found in London in over 50 years, highlights the cultural and artistic influences from the continent that shaped London's development. The site, possibly a Roman mansio, reflects the city's role as a significant port and cultural hub. The mosaic's design, linked to local and continental craftsmanship, underscores the historical cultural exchange between Londinium and its European neighbors.

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Roman History Archaeology Cultural Exchange

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Amarachi Orie is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Rare 2,000-year-old knife handle found at Hadrian’s Wall offers glimpse into gladiator life

20 Nov 2024  |  KRDO  |  English  |  Roman History

A 2,000-year-old knife handle shaped like a gladiator was discovered at Hadrian’s Wall, offering insights into the celebrity status of Roman gladiators. The artifact, depicting a 'secutor' gladiator, was found by English Heritage and suggests the owner admired a specific gladiator. Gladiators, often enslaved or criminals, were celebrated figures, receiving gifts and admiration, even from high-status women. The discovery underscores the pervasive celebrity culture of the time, extending to the Roman Empire's fringes. The fascination with gladiators continues today, as seen with the upcoming release of 'Gladiator II'.

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Roman History Archaeology Gladiators

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Aleix Salvans is a Barcelona-based writer and journalist. He currently heads 'Món Planeta', the Science & Environment at 'El Món', where he also covers general news including politics. In addition to that, he occasionally contributes to 'El Temps' weekly magazine with articles on contemporary and ...

They find a 'wine cooler' used by Roman soldiers 2,000 years ago

01 Oct 2023  |  vadevi.elmon.cat  |  Spanish  |  Roman History

Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old 'wine cooler' used by Roman soldiers at the Novae site in northern Bulgaria. This ceramic cooler, found near the Danube River, was part of a military installation built by the VIII Legión Augusta in the 1st century to protect the Roman Empire's borders. The cooler featured a lead pipe connected to an aqueduct system for cooling. The site also revealed other artifacts, including a hospital, baths, a necropolis, and coins from the reign of Constantine the Great.

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Roman History Archaeology

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Gregory Wakeman is a journalist based in Los Angeles, United States of America.

Did ships really battle in the Colosseum? The bizarre true stories that inspired Gladiator II

21 Nov 2023  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Roman History

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, faces criticism for historical inaccuracies, yet it draws inspiration from real Roman history. The film's historical consultant, Alexander Mariotti, acknowledges the creative liberties taken for entertainment. The narrative follows Lucius, a gladiator in the Colosseum, and explores Roman history, including mock naval battles and gladiator contests. Despite inaccuracies, the film's impact on tourism and cultural connection is highlighted. Historical figures like Caracalla and Macrinus are depicted, with the film emphasizing storytelling over strict historical adherence.

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Roman History Historical Inaccuracies Film Criticism

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Hamilton Wende is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I specialize in producing, fixing and researching documentaries on southern Africa and across the continent generally. I have worked for CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, ARD, ZDF, Nat Geo and many others.

I am also an experienced media ...

Of Rome and its emperors

19 Nov 2023  |  www.timeslive.co.za  |  English  |  Roman History

Mary Beard's latest book, 'Emperor of Rome,' offers a vivid exploration of nearly 30 Roman emperors, focusing on their personal lives, governance, and the nature of autocracy. Through engaging narratives, Beard debunks myths and highlights the enduring influence of Roman concepts of power and civic rights. The book draws parallels between ancient autocracies and modern political systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical legacies to enrich contemporary perspectives.

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Roman History Autocracy

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