“..After much fighting, losing tens of thousands of his soldiers there, Brennus himself was struck three times.

They not only exacted tribute from all the peoples, but also raided and plundered whatever those peoples possessed

Plutarch avoids theatrical detail precisely to expose the brutality beneath the façade of hospitality.

Each year the Ephors declared war on the helots so that they could kill them without fear.

By the 5th century BC, however, the unofficial circulation of foreign precious-metal coinage had penetrated Spartan society, especially through the perioikoi and Spartans serving outside Laconia.

For centuries, critics have questioned the accuracy of his accounts, particularly when they involve distant cultures, strange customs, or unusual engineering feats.

Athenian military power rested predominantly on its naval supremacy, yet this strength also proved to be a limitation.

Although the Iliad typically features round shields, Hector, Agamemnon, and especially Ajax carry large shields described as being like towers. Ajax’s shield was enormous, made from eight ox hides. Hector’s...

”..but what do you have to say about my own happiness?” To this, the wise Athenian responded with a phrase that would become famous: “Count no man happy before his...

The friendship between Achilles and Patroclus was especially strong for another reason: Patroclus’ father, Menoetius, was the brother of Peleus, Achilles’ father, meaning they were first cousins.