FASTI
A Blog Marking the Weeks with History, Fiction—and the Occasional Shameless Plug
Julius Caesar & the Pirates
The young Julius Caesar was kidnapped by pirates. What ensued was basically the opposite of Stockholm Syndrome.
Unlucky in Love: Claudius & His Four Wives
Henry VIII might edge out Claudius on sheer volume, but the antics of Claudius’s wives would have sent the Tudors running to therapy.
Imperial Last Words—Part 1
From Stoic to sarcastic to simply unhinged, there is something for everyone in the famous last words of Rome’s emperors.
Sacred Geese & Scape-Dogs: The Supplicia Canum
In Rome’s darkest hour, man’s best friend comes up short and pays the price for centuries to come.
Rome’s Most Underwhelming Emperor
The Emperor Jovian enjoyed a reign of eight months that was only distinguished by a humiliating peace treaty—and an absurdly mundane death.
The Bona Dea Scandal
A reckless young aristocrat, a goddess’s forbidden rites, and a seduction scheme that went spectacularly wrong.
Ancient Rome’s Favorite Condiment
Pretty much everything you’d want—and probably not want—to know about Rome’s love affair with funky fermented fish sauce.
Special Edition: America’s Birthday & Rome’s Secular Games
As America marks its 250th, take a look back at how Rome celebrated its own milestones—with sacred rites, dubious math, and one very expensive rhinoceros.
When the Praetorian Guard Auctioned Off the Throne
Rome wasn’t built in a day—but in 193 C.E., it was sold in one afternoon.
Caesar and Cato’s Very Intimate Enmity
One of Roman history’s bitterest rivalries was more personal than many realize.
