🟢 THE GENIUS OF SPARTACUS “When Marcus Crassus had constructed a ditch around the forces of Spartacus, the latter at night filled it with the bodies of prisoners and cattle that he had slain, and thus marched across it.” “The same Spartacus, when besieged on the slopes of Vesuvius at the point where the mountain was steepest and on that account unguarded, plaited ropes of osiers from the woods. Letting himself down by these, he not only made his escape, but by appearing in another quarter struck such terror into Clodius that several cohorts gave way before a force of only seventy-four gladiators.” “This Spartacus, when enveloped by the troops of the proconsul Publius Varinius, placed stakes at short intervals before the gate of the camp; then setting up corpses, dressed in clothes and furnished with weapons, he tied these to the stakes to give the appearance of sentries when viewed from a distance. He also lighted fires throughout the whole camp. Deceiving the enemy by this empty show, Spartacus by night silently led out his troops.” Frontinus: The Strategemata

⚫️ FINDING OUT YOU ARE ON AN ISLAND “Meanwhile war had again broken out in Britain, and Gnaeus Julius Agricola overran the whole of the enemy's territory there. He was the first of the Romans whom we know to discover the fact that Britain is surrounded by water. It seems that some soldiers rebelled, and after slaying the centurions and a military tribune took refuge in boats, in which they put out to sea and sailed round the western portion of the country just as the wind and the waves chanced to carry them; and without realizing it, since they approached from the opposite direction, they put in at the camps on the first side again. Thereupon Agricola sent others to attempt the voyage around Britain, and learned from them, too, that it was an island.” Cassius Dio

🟡 ARCHIMEDES OF SYRACUSE During the Second Punic War, the Roman Republic laid siege to the Greek city of Syracuse. To defend his homeland, the renowned mathematician and inventor Archimedes devised a series of ingenious war machines. These included the "Claw of Archimedes," a crane-like device that could lift Roman ships out of the water and either drop them or swing them against the rocks. Powerful catapults and ballistae launched projectiles at the Roman soldiers and ships, inflicting heavy casualties. While the existence of a "heat ray" – a system of mirrors to focus sunlight onto Roman ships – remains debated, it has entered into legend. These defenses proved highly effective, stalling the Roman advance for a considerable period. Syracuse eventually fell to the Romans in 212 BC. Some accounts suggest Archimedes was killed by a Roman soldier while engrossed in a mathematical problem, while others claim he was murdered despite orders from the Roman general Marcellus to spare his life.

🟤 FOOD PRESERVATION Salting was a common practice for meats, fish, and even eggs, drawing moisture out and inhibiting bacterial growth. Drying, whether in the sun or over fires, removed moisture from fruits, vegetables, and meats, preventing spoilage. Smoking not only dried meat but also infused it with flavor. Pickling in vinegar or brine created an acidic environment that hindered bacterial growth. Honey, used as both a sweetener and preservative, was particularly effective for fruits. Olive oil also served as a preservative, especially for olives themselves. Storage methods included burying food in the ground or storing it in cool, dry places. These techniques allowed the Romans to extend the shelf life of their food.

🔶 THE JUGURTHINE WAR BEGINS “Meanwhile Calpurnius, having levied his army, chose as his lieutenants men of noble rank and strong party spirit, by whose influence he hoped that any misdeeds of his would be upheld. Among these was Scaurus, whose character and conduct I described a short time ago.⁠ For though our consul possessed many excellent qualities of mind and body, they were all nullified by avarice. He had great endurance, a keen intellect, no little foresight, considerable military experience, and a stout heart in the face of dangers and plots.  Now the legions were transported across Italy to Rhegium, from there to Sicily, from Sicily to Africa. Then Calpurnius, having provided himself with supplies, began by making a vigorous attack on the Numidians, taking many prisoners and storming several of their towns.” Sallust