Callistus, Terentius, Hyginus, Narcissus, Asiaticus, Neophytus, Phaon, Pallas… What do these names of historical figures from Ancient Rome have in common? All of them were freedmen, that is, slaves freed by their masters, and most of them prospered in their new lives, becoming esteemed literati or secretaries to emperors. A good example could be the […]
Slavery
A 3-kilometer wall built by Consul Marcus Licinius Crassus to capture Spartacus and his followers, discovered in Italy
An investigative program carried out by the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria and the province of Vibo Valentia, in collaboration with the Aspromonte National Park, has enabled the rediscovery of a wall structure that spans nearly 3 kilometers through the forests of Dossone della Melia, overcoming […]
The Sad Story of Icelanders Captured and Sold into Slavery by Barbary Corsairs in the 17th Century
Previously we dedicated a couple of articles to recounting the exploits of the Barbary pirates in the Atlantic, chronicling their attacks on the Canary Islands, the south of England, the Irish city of Baltimore, the archipelagos of Shetland and Faroe, the coast of Denmark, and even the East coast of what are now the United […]
Spartacus Won his First Victory by Descending on Ropes from the Top of Vesuvius, Surprising a Roman Army
It was the year 73 B.C. when the Roman Republic trembled with news: the escaped gladiators from the ludus of Capua were no longer defeating only the local militias that had carelessly crossed their path but, with their ranks swelled by thousands of slaves joining them, they also defeated an army sent by the Senate […]
Phrygian Cap, a Symbol of Freedom Based on Historical Confusion
A peculiar headwear, shaped like a conical hood with a curved tip, mistakenly became a symbol of freedom and republicanism between the 18th and 19th centuries, following its spread during the French Revolution. As a result, many American states also incorporated it into their emblems upon emancipating from Spanish rule. This is the Phrygian cap. […]