Could a Roman bridge carry a modern freight train? How much would it cost to build the Colosseum today? What if the Romans had grown potatoes?In a series of fast-paced essays, Leaky Aqueducts, Battle Pigeons, and Mystery Cults answers questions that historian Garrett Ryan has been asked in the classroom and through his popular YouTube channel Toldinstone.Discover the answers to:Were there pigeons on the streets of Rome?Were ...

Why didn't the ancient Greeks or Romans wear pants? How did they shave? How likely were they to drink fine wine, use birth control, or survive surgery?In a series of short and humorous essays, Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants explores some of the questions about the Greeks and Romans that ancient historian Garrett Ryan has answered in the classroom and online. Unlike most books on the classical world, the focus is not on famous figures or events, but on the fascinat...

Did the ancient Greeks and Romans have conspiracy theories? Did they come close to an industrial revolution? Did they drink beer?In a series of fast-paced essays, Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines answers 40 questions that ancient historian Garrett Ryan has been asked in the classroom and through his popular YouTube channel ToldinStone. As in Dr. Ryan's previous book - Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants - the emphasis is on the fascinating detail...

On a three-month journey from Britain to Bulgaria, historian Garrett Ryan traces the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, exploring how Rome’s legacy continues to shape contemporary EuropeFrom the Scottish Lowlands to the shores of the Black Sea, the northern frontier of the Roman Empire was guarded by a chain of fortifications that rivaled the Great Wall of China. It was here that the Romans introduced their culture to much of Europe. It was here that generation...

This volume uses the travels of Roman governors to explore how authority was defined in and by the public places of Greek cities.By demonstrating that the places where imperial officials and local notables met were integral to the strategies by which they communicated with one another, Greek Cities and Roman Governors sheds new light on the significance of civic space in the Roman provinces. It also presents a fresh perspective on the monumental cityscapes of Roman Asia Mi...

Why didn't the ancient Greeks or Romans wear pants? How did they shave? How likely were they to drink fine wine, use birth control, or survive surgery?In a series of short and humorous essays, Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants explores some of the questions about the Greeks and Romans that ancient historian Garrett Ryan has answered in the classroom and online. Unlike most books on the classical world, the focus is not on famous figures or events, but on the...

If you want to learn more about the unique form of composting that is worm farming, then keep reading…More than 1/3rd of our food ends up wasted in the trash. This puts tremendous pressures on landfills and our ecosystem. There is a better way…It may sound crazy, but the solution comes from slimy, wiggly little creatures… Worms!Through worm farming you are able to create valuable assets out of waste. Grow beautiful and healthy plants and vegetable...

Financial journalist Nicholas Shaxson first made his reputation studying the “resource curse,” seeing first-hand the disastrous economic and societal effects of the discovery of oil in Angola. He then gained prominence as an expert on tax havens, revealing the dark corners of that world long before the scandals of the Panama and Paradise Papers. Now, in The Finance Curse, he brings his knowledge to bear in an eye-opening investigation of how banks have overbalanced the economies o...

The essential self-help guide to living in Ancient Rome, covering all areas of everyday life in this ancient civilization, from religious beliefs and travel through to what to wear.Imagine you were transported back in time to Ancient Rome and you had to start a new life there. How would you fit in? Where would you live? What would you eat? Where would you go to have your hair done? Who would you go to if you got ill, or if you were mugged in the street?All ...

A captivating popular history that shines a light on the notorious Julio-Claudian women who forged an empireAugustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero—these are the names history associates with the early Roman Empire. Yet, not a single one of these emperors was the blood son of his predecessor. In this captivating history, a prominent scholar of the era documents the Julio-Claudian women whose bloodline, ambition, and ruthlessness made it possible for the em...

The magnificent civilization created by the ancient Greeks and Romans is the greatest legacy of the classical world. However, narratives about the "civilized" Greek and Roman empires resisting the barbarians at the gate are far from accurate. Tony Spawforth, an esteemed scholar, author, and media contributor, follows the thread of civilization through more than six millennia of history. His story reveals that Greek and Roman civilization, to varying degrees, was supremely and surprisingly ...

DEMOS Senior Fellow and self proclaimed "Tiger Mother of the U.S. economy" Ann Lee has a message for her fellow Americans: stop whining about China and start learning from them instead. She focuses on what Chinese success can teach us in several broad areas: education policy, economic policy and financial markets, foreign policy, strategic planning, and the benefits of a meritocratic political system.