8 - The Roman Times
Was the Roman Empire... A Sitcom?
Top 10 Roman Empire Moments
South Gubernator Anna Kunkel (Seven Hills)
From Caesar to Caligula, the Roman Empire is saturated with crazy (and somewhat comical) historical moments. Here’s a look at ten memorable snippets of Roman history:
1. Julius Caesar was so scared of balding that he made it illegal for anyone to stand above him and look down upon his hairless scalp.
2. Caligula tried to appoint his horse Incitatus as consul, but died too early to do so.
3. Caligula declared war on Neptune, forcing his soldiers to attack a beach and collect seashells as war spoils.
4. Antoninus Pius reportedly died of a cheese overdose.
5. Roman leaders would sample poison to gain immunity in case of an assassination attempt.
6. Gordian III was the youngest Roman emperor, assuming the role in 238 CE at thirteen years of age.
7. Cato the Younger’s sister wrote a love letter to Caesar. The letter was delivered to Caesar during a speech of Cato’s. Cato, suspecting the letter was malicious, proclaimed Caesar to be a conspirator. Caesar then handed Cato the letter, who saw it was a love note from his sister.
8. Vanlentinian was so enraged at his envoys during disputes with the Quadi that he passed away.
9. Honorius reportedly mistook the fall of Rome for the death of his chicken, Roma, and was seemingly more distraught at the thought of her death than the siege of the city.
10. Wearing the color purple was banned for those who were not high-ranking officials as it was reflective of royalty and status.