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The Partial Historians 🏺
@partialhistorians.bsky.social
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After surviving exposure at birth, these unconventional academics realised they were destined to found the greatest Ancient Roman History podcast! 🏛📯⚔️

📘‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ is out now! https://linktr.ee/ThePartialHistorians
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Bacchus, the god of wine (also known as Dionysus to the Greeks) lounges semi-nude in a golden and burgundy gown while holding a spectre of some kind. This is likely a thyrsus, but the telltale details are missing.
Bacchus, the god of wine (also known as Dionysus to the Greeks) lounges semi-nude in a golden and burgundy gown while holding a spectre of some kind. This is likely a thyrsus, but the telltale details are missing. Bacchus appears to be wearing a garland - a very typical thing in his iconography. Just off on stage right appears to be another figure holding a dish. The background of this scene is a brilliant warm red.
February 13, 2026 at 8:32 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨It’s #PhallusThursday ✨

A celebration of the imagery of the ancients, today we turn to this red figure ware vessel depicting an old man with quite the phallus. He is bound and a crow looks up at him in an allusion to the myth of Prometheus.

#AncientGreece #Prometheus
Description from the Getty: "Black body with tendril of ivy leaves and grape clusters in added white. On the front, a figure of an old man with a swollen belly and an oversize phallus wearing a cloak stands in a rocky landscape. His wrists are bound. Below him to left is a crow. The scene is a parody of Prometheus bound to a rock having his liver eaten by an eagle." Description from the Getty: "Black body with tendril of ivy leaves and grape clusters in added white. On the front, a figure of an old man with a swollen belly and an oversize phallus wearing a cloak stands in a rocky landscape. His wrists are bound. Below him to left is a crow. The scene is a parody of Prometheus bound to a rock having his liver eaten by an eagle."
February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨It’s #PhallusThursday ✨

A celebration of the imagery of the ancients, today we turn to this red figure ware vessel depicting an old man with quite the phallus. He is bound and a crow looks up at him in an allusion to the myth of Prometheus.

#AncientGreece #Prometheus
Description from the Getty: "Black body with tendril of ivy leaves and grape clusters in added white. On the front, a figure of an old man with a swollen belly and an oversize phallus wearing a cloak stands in a rocky landscape. His wrists are bound. Below him to left is a crow. The scene is a parody of Prometheus bound to a rock having his liver eaten by an eagle." Description from the Getty: "Black body with tendril of ivy leaves and grape clusters in added white. On the front, a figure of an old man with a swollen belly and an oversize phallus wearing a cloak stands in a rocky landscape. His wrists are bound. Below him to left is a crow. The scene is a parody of Prometheus bound to a rock having his liver eaten by an eagle."
February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
sokolowskilukasz.bsky.social
1. #SarcophagusSaturday brings me to this wonderfully carved fragment of a banquet scene from the lid of a now-lost sarcophagus from Palmyra (Tadmor),originally at the West Necropolis, Valley of the Tombs, Temple Tomb no. 36, Palmyra Museum, inv. no. 401/525, VI.5.
📸Troels Myrup
February 7, 2026 at 3:40 PM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Palmyra funerary stele✨

Today we travel across the Roman empire to the city of Palmyra and the funerary stele of Maqi, son of Ma'ani. The stele dates to c. 200 CE. The identity of Maqi is evident in the inscription on the stele. The script is in Aramaic.
Description from the Getty: "The subject of the funerary stele is a frontally-facing, bearded man dressed in a tunic and himation (mantle). His left hand grasps a fold of the garment; his right arm is wrapped in the folds of his himation in a sling-like arrangement with only the hand visible. His hair is arranged in rows of tight snail curls and his beard is short and neat. Thin, incised eyebrows appear over large eyes with incised irises and pupils and exaggerated eyelids." Object number: 88.AA.50
February 11, 2026 at 8:06 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Surely we didn’t miss #SuperbOwl 😅

As far as we’re concerned, owls are always in season and worthy of celebration! This charming Attic owl serves as a mascot for the American School of Classical Studies in Athens.
With its inquistive expression, what's not to love!
This red figure wear charming Attic owl in a circular frame serves a mascot for the American School of Classical Studies in Athens.
February 10, 2026 at 6:24 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Achilles and Briseis✨

This stunning mosaic floor is thought to represent the moment when Briseis is taken from Achilles and given to Agamemnon. The conflict that this moment generates sets in motion the horrors covered in Homer's Iliad.

#MosaicMonday #AncientGreece #AncientRome🏺
Description from the Getty: "Although quite fragmentary, enough remains of the scene depicted in this floor mosaic to identify it as one of the earliest episodes from Homer's Iliad (Book 1, lines 409-415): the moment when Briseis, the captive war-prize of the hero Achilles, is taken from him to be given instead to Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. This contest between two great Greek warriors set in motion the rest of Homer's epic poem. The mosaic shows Briseis being led away by two heralds on the right, Talthybios and Eurybates, who wear traveler's hats and carry staffs. Only her face remains intact. Achilles, holding a lyre and seated next to Patroclus, watches morosely from the far left. The older, bearded man may be Achilles's tutor, Phoenix. The scene takes place in a tent; in the background are two shields holding up a curtain. The same subject is depicted in additional mosaics, as well as wall paintings and other media, attesting to its popularity in Roman art."
February 9, 2026 at 6:48 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Achilles and Briseis✨

This stunning mosaic floor is thought to represent the moment when Briseis is taken from Achilles and given to Agamemnon. The conflict that this moment generates sets in motion the horrors covered in Homer's Iliad.

#MosaicMonday #AncientGreece #AncientRome🏺
Description from the Getty: "Although quite fragmentary, enough remains of the scene depicted in this floor mosaic to identify it as one of the earliest episodes from Homer's Iliad (Book 1, lines 409-415): the moment when Briseis, the captive war-prize of the hero Achilles, is taken from him to be given instead to Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. This contest between two great Greek warriors set in motion the rest of Homer's epic poem. The mosaic shows Briseis being led away by two heralds on the right, Talthybios and Eurybates, who wear traveler's hats and carry staffs. Only her face remains intact. Achilles, holding a lyre and seated next to Patroclus, watches morosely from the far left. The older, bearded man may be Achilles's tutor, Phoenix. The scene takes place in a tent; in the background are two shields holding up a curtain. The same subject is depicted in additional mosaics, as well as wall paintings and other media, attesting to its popularity in Roman art."
February 9, 2026 at 6:48 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Dr G in print✨

It’s always an exciting day to see your work make it to print! I’m thrilled to have contributed to an exploration of gender concepts in ancient Rome to help researchers dipping into the subject for the first time.
Book cover for ‘A CULTURAL HISTORY OF GENDER IN ANTIQUITY’ Edited by Alastair J. L. Blanshard. Published by Bloomsbury. Inside title page from ‘CHAPTER 4: Politics and War’ by PETA GREENFIELD AND ALASTAIR J. L. BLANSHARD
February 6, 2026 at 9:41 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Titus was the second Flavian emperor and had a huge influence on imperial Rome. The Flavians were the second dynasty of the imperial period - Titus’ reign was short, but significant.
Image of the Arch of Titus. Text reads ‘Special Episode - The Emperor Titus with Marc Hyden’
February 5, 2026 at 10:02 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Ever wondered what Roman religion was like *before* they meet the Greeks? This is a fascinating side to early Roman history and we chat about what we do know and what we can know when it comes to truly Roman practices in relation to the gods.
Image is a fresco depicting two Lares flanking a genius. A snake depicted beneath the figures approaches an altar. This artefact comes from the House of the Vettii, Pompeii.
February 5, 2026 at 7:28 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
An exciting collection if you’re based in NSW!
leabeness.bsky.social Lea Beness @leabeness.bsky.social · 12d
Attn. NSW High School History/Ancient History Teachers: Free to a good home. A run of 'Teaching History' 2010-2016. Misc. issues of 'Ancient History: Resources for Teachers'. I would love to see these go to a resource-poor school but mostly would like to see them being useful to someone. DM me.
February 4, 2026 at 8:05 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
This beautiful but fragmentary relief depicts a theatre mask. Dating to the first century CE, the provenance of this relief is unknown, but the artistry cannot be denied. The intricate curls and waves of the hair add a sense of drama to the subject.

#ReliefWednesday #AncientRome #History
This relief fragment shows part of a face and hair of a woman thought to be a theatre mask. The hair is wavy and pulled back but loose curls fall over the shoulder. The figure also appears to wear a garland of some kind. From the Getty, object number 71.AA.291.
February 4, 2026 at 8:03 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Gladiators!✨

If you’re in the UK and have been keen to catch us in the National Geographic documentary ‘Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World’ you’re in luck as it’s out now!
Image is a promotional poster for the documentary showing a gladiator helmet laying on the sands of the arena.
February 3, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
louisearchaeology.bsky.social
The British Museum posted Al slop and quietly deleted it. Here's what it was and why it matters.

#archaeology🏺#musuem #culture #heritage #history
February 1, 2026 at 3:19 PM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Mosaic glass beads were used for jewellery in the eastern provinces of the Roman empire. These beads are thought to date to the first century CE and most were part of a necklace.
A grid of nine glass beads with faces on them. Question reads: “On a scale of squished glass mosaic bead face, how are you feeling today?” Image of a necklace made of glass beads with faces on them.
February 2, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
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✨Mars, the god of war ✨

Ancient frescoes hint at the sometimes delicate colouration of statuary. There are polychromatic elements to the cloak and helmet of Mars, but he does look very pale…
Description from World History Encyclopaedia: ‘Mars, the Roman god of war, is painted standing on a plinth in this fresco from Pompeii. In a typical pose, he has a spear, shield and crested helmet. (House of Venus, Pompeii).”
January 30, 2026 at 9:31 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Mars, the god of war ✨

Ancient frescoes hint at the sometimes delicate colouration of statuary. There are polychromatic elements to the cloak and helmet of Mars, but he does look very pale…
Description from World History Encyclopaedia: ‘Mars, the Roman god of war, is painted standing on a plinth in this fresco from Pompeii. In a typical pose, he has a spear, shield and crested helmet. (House of Venus, Pompeii).”
January 30, 2026 at 9:31 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨The Athlete✨

Depictions of elite athletes were a mainstay of ancient Greek sculpture and the form was also highly prized by the Romans.
Rear view of the statue of an athlete. Description from The Getty: “An over-life-size statue missing both arms just below the shoulder, as well as the lower parts of each leg. The remains of marble struts are preserved in the center of the chest and along the lower right ribs. The figure’s elongated body and soft facial features displays the proportions and style developed by the Greek sculptor Lysippos of Sikyon (active about 370–315 B.C.)...This fragmentary figure is in the pose of an athlete scraping oil from his back after a competition.” Front view of the statue of an athlete. Description from The Getty: “An over-life-size statue missing both arms just below the shoulder, as well as the lower parts of each leg. The remains of marble struts are preserved in the center of the chest and along the lower right ribs. The figure’s elongated body and soft facial features displays the proportions and style developed by the Greek sculptor Lysippos of Sikyon (active about 370–315 B.C.)...This fragmentary figure is in the pose of an athlete scraping oil from his back after a competition.”
January 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Exceptional Elephants✨

These two gorgeous elephants are thought to have once faced each other in an architectural setting, but the provenance is mostly unknown.
Description from The Getty: “Two rectangular architectural panels with plain moldings, each with the depiction of an elephant in relief. Both pieces are cut and chipped on their inner ends in such a way as to suggest that the elephants faced each other in an architectural setting. Small rectangular cut-away areas appear above the end of the trunk of each elephant. They stride across the panels with their trunks curled in a salute and with fringed ceremonial blankets on their backs. Incised crosshatching is used to convey the roughness of the hide. Unknown artist/maker (Roman); Pair of Architectural Reliefs with Elephants, A.D. 80–100; Italian marble; The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 71.AA.463.” Description from The Getty: “Two rectangular architectural panels with plain moldings, each with the depiction of an elephant in relief. Both pieces are cut and chipped on their inner ends in such a way as to suggest that the elephants faced each other in an architectural setting. Small rectangular cut-away areas appear above the end of the trunk of each elephant. They stride across the panels with their trunks curled in a salute and with fringed ceremonial blankets on their backs. Incised crosshatching is used to convey the roughness of the hide. Unknown artist/maker (Roman); Pair of Architectural Reliefs with Elephants, A.D. 80–100; Italian marble; The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 71.AA.463.”
January 28, 2026 at 7:44 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Where else could you listen to over 188 hours of ancient Roman history (and counting!)? We’ve been podcasting for many years and we’re thrilled to be still enjoying ancient Rome together and sharing it with you ☺️

#AncientRome #History #Podcast 🏺🎙️
January 27, 2026 at 6:08 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
romanpalace.bsky.social
Morning!
#MosaicMonday
A Roman Mosaic. Trust us. This is a wolf. It may look like Batman after he's fallen asleep at a party and his "mates" have "decorated" him, but it's a wolf.
January 26, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Reposted by The Partial Historians 🏺
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 4✨

We return to our mini-series on the events purported to be happening in 390 BCE. As the Gauls settle in for the siege, the Romans find themselves confined to the Capitoline Hill. It’ll take a honking turn though when Hera’s sacred geese get imvolved!
Image description: Colour lithograph after a now lost painting by Henri-Paul Motte (1883) depicting Juno's sacred geese warning the Romans while the Gauls approach the Capitol in 390 BCE.
January 22, 2026 at 7:52 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Paris and Helen✨

In this scene from the ‘House of Jason’ in Pompeii. We see Eros in a doorway apparently having engineered the meeting of Paris and Helen in Sparta. What happens next will shock you!
Image description: Paris sits in a chair in front of the palace at Sparta and meets Helen. Eros is depicted in the door of the palace. Originally part of the frescoes in the so-called ‘House of Jason’ at Pompeii, this fresco is now held by the MAN Napoli, inv. 114320.
January 23, 2026 at 9:21 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 4✨

We return to our mini-series on the events purported to be happening in 390 BCE. As the Gauls settle in for the siege, the Romans find themselves confined to the Capitoline Hill. It’ll take a honking turn though when Hera’s sacred geese get imvolved!
Image description: Colour lithograph after a now lost painting by Henri-Paul Motte (1883) depicting Juno's sacred geese warning the Romans while the Gauls approach the Capitol in 390 BCE.
January 22, 2026 at 7:52 AM