National Geographic | THE COMPASS

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THE COMPASS

This week, we explore ancient Rome. Discover how a day of murder changed history forever, see how Roman gladiators got ready to rumble, and explore ancient Rome’s temples, towers, and cults along Hadrian’s Wall. Plus, top stories you may have missed.

The death of Julius Caesar in the Roman Senate, as painted by Italian artist Vincenzo Camuccini.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LEEMAGE, CORBIS/GETTY IMAGES

The Ides of March—a day of murder that forever changed history

The assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C still resonates as a day of infamy. Here's how the plot unfolded.

A RIPPLE OF REPERCUSSIONS

Gladiator reenactors pose amid Roman-era ruins in Arles, France. The equipment they use is based on archaeological finds.

PHOTOGRAPH BY REMI BENALI

How Roman gladiators got ready to rumble

Before they could lay the smackdown in the arena, gladiators were professionally trained, combining a physical regimen with an education in the rules of the ring.

WHAT DID THEY REALLY FACE?

GOOD READS

1.

Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddity

2.

Asteroid sample returned to Earth is a time capsule of the ancient solar system

3.

Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived

4.

Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say

This gilded horse head, now on display in Germany, is likely a piece of a life-size statue of a Roman emperor that was sculpted in A.D. 1.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ARNE DEDERT, PICTURE-ALLIANCE/DPA/AP IMAGES

This golden head adds a twist to ancient Roman history

The horse head sculpture and other discoveries suggest the Romans had a surprising relationship with tribes along their northern border.

A DRAMATIC NEW WRINKLE

A painting of Cleopatra dressed in white with a heavy shadow on her face her gaze looks off into the distance.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTIE'S IMAGES / BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

Who was Cleopatra? She ruled Egypt and seduced the Romans. The legendary pharaoh is known for using her political savvy and considerable charm to gain power. Legend has it that Cleopatra took her life with the help of a poisonous snake. What kind of snake does the legend say was used?

A. Mamba
B. Cobra
C. Asp
D. Sea Snake

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

How often do the men in your life think about the Roman Empire? Maybe more than you think. They may not wear costumes, like these Catalan actors in Spain, but they could still be obsessed.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TINO SORIANO, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Apparently men think a lot about Rome—this might be why

A viral internet trend is revealing that many men think about Rome… quite a bit. Our History editor-in-chief Amy Briggs can explain.

IT'S NOT JUST ONE THING

Punctuated with the remains of a milecastle (small fort), Hadrian’s Wall stretches over hilly terrain near Haltwhistle in Northumberland, England.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NIGEL HICKS, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Along Hadrian’s Wall, ancient Rome’s temples, towers, and cults come to life

New discoveries are still rising from the coast-to-coast wall that once marked the edge of the Roman Empire.

1,900 YEARS LATER, IT STILL FASCINATES

What archaeology is telling us about the real Jesus +

HERE ARE THE FACTS

Who wrote the Dead Sea scrolls? Science may have the answer. +

SEE THE
THEORIES

Biblical stories of Jesus' birth reveal intriguing clues about his times +

DIVINE
ACCOUNTS

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

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