In building their empire, the Romans preferred borders that were relatively easy to defend, such as rivers. Next to the Danube, they founded a fort called Vindobona on the site of the later city of Vienna.

One of the most celebrated works of Hellenistic art is without doubt the Nike of Samothrace, on display at the Louvre since 1884.

The Gemma Augustea, a beautiful piece of Roman art, reveals Augustus’ imperial ambitions and was therefore kept out of the public eye.

I hope to write a number of pieces for Ancient World Magazine about women in pre-Roman Italy over the next year, so consider this the first of a much more ambitious project.