This Week in Ancient History

Posted by Robin Fowler Apr 23, 2006

April 24, 1184 B.C. - The Greeks enter Troy hidden inside of their "gift": the Trojan Horse. Hence the phrase, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts".

April 25, AD 32 - Future Roman Emperor Marcus Salvius Otho is born. He reigned from January 15, AD 69 until April 16, AD 69. he was the second Emperor in the "Year of the Four Emperors".

April 26, AD 121 - future favorite Emperor Marcus Aurelius is born. Considered the last of Rome's "Five Great Emperors", he was revered for his military victories, and known as a passionate upholder of the "Pax Romana", an era of Roman peace. He died in battle in AD 180 in modern Vienna, not at the hand of son Commodus as portrayed in the 2000 film Gladiator, though Commodus was his successor and far more certifiable than the film portrays.