James Coverley
@jamescoverley.bsky.social
Roman history with the potential to be quite interesting. Subscribe for emperors, scandals & unhinged history 👇
Substack - https://jamescoverley.substack.com
Tip Jar - https://ko-fi.com/jamescoverley
Substack - https://jamescoverley.substack.com
Tip Jar - https://ko-fi.com/jamescoverley
Pinned
James Coverley
@jamescoverley.bsky.social
· Jul 10
The Twelve Caesars
Amazon.com: The Twelve Caesars eBook : Suetonius, Gaius, Coverley, James: Kindle Store
www.amazon.com
It’s done!
My new translation of Suetonius’ The Twelve Caesars is now available on Kindle!
A scandalous classic, reborn for the 21st century, with a modern voice, intro, glossary, and fully linked endnotes.
If you've followed the journey, thank you.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH5YQB3H
My new translation of Suetonius’ The Twelve Caesars is now available on Kindle!
A scandalous classic, reborn for the 21st century, with a modern voice, intro, glossary, and fully linked endnotes.
If you've followed the journey, thank you.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH5YQB3H
January 24, 79 AD was the birthday of the Emperor Hadrian.
The Historia Augusta gets off to a cracking start by claiming, in Book One, Chapter One, that he was born in Rome.
He was born in Italica, Spain.
The Historia Augusta gets off to a cracking start by claiming, in Book One, Chapter One, that he was born in Rome.
He was born in Italica, Spain.
January 23, 2026 at 9:53 PM
January 24, 79 AD was the birthday of the Emperor Hadrian.
The Historia Augusta gets off to a cracking start by claiming, in Book One, Chapter One, that he was born in Rome.
He was born in Italica, Spain.
The Historia Augusta gets off to a cracking start by claiming, in Book One, Chapter One, that he was born in Rome.
He was born in Italica, Spain.
#ancientbluesky #history #archaeology #Rome
Were there Romans who advocated for the abolition of slavery?
To find out, subscribe at the link - shorturl.at/8Yi0u
If you want to drop a couple of bucks in my metaphorical tip jar, DM me your email and I'll send you this article to read.
Were there Romans who advocated for the abolition of slavery?
To find out, subscribe at the link - shorturl.at/8Yi0u
If you want to drop a couple of bucks in my metaphorical tip jar, DM me your email and I'll send you this article to read.
January 22, 2026 at 12:45 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #archaeology #Rome
Were there Romans who advocated for the abolition of slavery?
To find out, subscribe at the link - shorturl.at/8Yi0u
If you want to drop a couple of bucks in my metaphorical tip jar, DM me your email and I'll send you this article to read.
Were there Romans who advocated for the abolition of slavery?
To find out, subscribe at the link - shorturl.at/8Yi0u
If you want to drop a couple of bucks in my metaphorical tip jar, DM me your email and I'll send you this article to read.
#ancientbluesky #romanhistory #archaeology #history
Why does everyone in Roman iconography, and medieval art, come to that, look so unemotional, even when lopping heads of dragons or pounding barbarians and stuff?
Find out here! - shorturl.at/X3Wkz
Why does everyone in Roman iconography, and medieval art, come to that, look so unemotional, even when lopping heads of dragons or pounding barbarians and stuff?
Find out here! - shorturl.at/X3Wkz
Why Don't Roman Statues Smile More?
In Vergil’s version of the siege of Troy from the Aeneid, the Greeks, once they had sailed off, apparently having had enough of all this nonsense, left behind two things.
shorturl.at
January 20, 2026 at 12:37 PM
#ancientbluesky #romanhistory #archaeology #history
Why does everyone in Roman iconography, and medieval art, come to that, look so unemotional, even when lopping heads of dragons or pounding barbarians and stuff?
Find out here! - shorturl.at/X3Wkz
Why does everyone in Roman iconography, and medieval art, come to that, look so unemotional, even when lopping heads of dragons or pounding barbarians and stuff?
Find out here! - shorturl.at/X3Wkz
#ancientbluesky #history #romans #archaeology
It being illegal to get married and have children didn't stop Roman soldiers from getting married and having children. After all, there's not much else to do once you've bashed the locals up a bit
Find out how they got around it - shorturl.at/F2KiM
It being illegal to get married and have children didn't stop Roman soldiers from getting married and having children. After all, there's not much else to do once you've bashed the locals up a bit
Find out how they got around it - shorturl.at/F2KiM
January 17, 2026 at 12:44 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #romans #archaeology
It being illegal to get married and have children didn't stop Roman soldiers from getting married and having children. After all, there's not much else to do once you've bashed the locals up a bit
Find out how they got around it - shorturl.at/F2KiM
It being illegal to get married and have children didn't stop Roman soldiers from getting married and having children. After all, there's not much else to do once you've bashed the locals up a bit
Find out how they got around it - shorturl.at/F2KiM
#ancientbluesky #history #libraries
Libraries gave us power. But what did they give the Romans? Find out here - shorturl.at/3NtEH
Libraries gave us power. But what did they give the Romans? Find out here - shorturl.at/3NtEH
What was a Roman Library Like?
Acta Populi - Number XV
shorturl.at
January 15, 2026 at 12:49 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #libraries
Libraries gave us power. But what did they give the Romans? Find out here - shorturl.at/3NtEH
Libraries gave us power. But what did they give the Romans? Find out here - shorturl.at/3NtEH
#ancientbluesky #history #classics #archaeology #rome
Disreputable fellow! Not Denzel Washington, who I assume is a fine chap, but slave traders! Although he is an actor, and they were disreputable fellows, too.
Find out more - shorturl.at/trlcz
Disreputable fellow! Not Denzel Washington, who I assume is a fine chap, but slave traders! Although he is an actor, and they were disreputable fellows, too.
Find out more - shorturl.at/trlcz
January 13, 2026 at 12:38 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #classics #archaeology #rome
Disreputable fellow! Not Denzel Washington, who I assume is a fine chap, but slave traders! Although he is an actor, and they were disreputable fellows, too.
Find out more - shorturl.at/trlcz
Disreputable fellow! Not Denzel Washington, who I assume is a fine chap, but slave traders! Although he is an actor, and they were disreputable fellows, too.
Find out more - shorturl.at/trlcz
#ancientbluesky #archaeology #pompeii #history
Love letters are not unknown in Roman history, nor are ones scrawled on walls, but this amazing piece of graffiti is special because of who wrote it and to whom.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Love letters are not unknown in Roman history, nor are ones scrawled on walls, but this amazing piece of graffiti is special because of who wrote it and to whom.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
January 10, 2026 at 12:50 PM
#ancientbluesky #archaeology #pompeii #history
Love letters are not unknown in Roman history, nor are ones scrawled on walls, but this amazing piece of graffiti is special because of who wrote it and to whom.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Love letters are not unknown in Roman history, nor are ones scrawled on walls, but this amazing piece of graffiti is special because of who wrote it and to whom.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#ancientbluesky #banking #romanhistory #history
After a hard week smacking trouser-wearing ruffians over the head with something heavy, what did the Romans do with their hard-stolen money?
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
After a hard week smacking trouser-wearing ruffians over the head with something heavy, what did the Romans do with their hard-stolen money?
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
January 9, 2026 at 12:43 PM
#ancientbluesky #banking #romanhistory #history
After a hard week smacking trouser-wearing ruffians over the head with something heavy, what did the Romans do with their hard-stolen money?
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
After a hard week smacking trouser-wearing ruffians over the head with something heavy, what did the Romans do with their hard-stolen money?
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#lgbtq #ancientbluesky #history #archaeology
Their attitude towards two chaps enjoying each other's company was famously relaxed, but what did they think about two women doing the same thing?
Let's find out!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Their attitude towards two chaps enjoying each other's company was famously relaxed, but what did they think about two women doing the same thing?
Let's find out!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
January 8, 2026 at 1:32 PM
#lgbtq #ancientbluesky #history #archaeology
Their attitude towards two chaps enjoying each other's company was famously relaxed, but what did they think about two women doing the same thing?
Let's find out!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Their attitude towards two chaps enjoying each other's company was famously relaxed, but what did they think about two women doing the same thing?
Let's find out!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
When the unwashed, trouser-wearing mob was bearing down on you, just what good did a flimsy fence and a mound of earth do?
Find out by clicking the link!
#ancientbluesky #romanarmy #history
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Find out by clicking the link!
#ancientbluesky #romanarmy #history
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
How Defendable was a Roman Camp?
One of the things that has always fascinated me is etymology and, in particular, the etymology of placenames.
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
When the unwashed, trouser-wearing mob was bearing down on you, just what good did a flimsy fence and a mound of earth do?
Find out by clicking the link!
#ancientbluesky #romanarmy #history
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Find out by clicking the link!
#ancientbluesky #romanarmy #history
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#ancientbluesky #history #romans
It was well known that Greek and Roman writers expressed great prejudice against what they considered banal, mundane, or socially degrading occupations. Like those filthy reprobates - actors!
Read more here
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
It was well known that Greek and Roman writers expressed great prejudice against what they considered banal, mundane, or socially degrading occupations. Like those filthy reprobates - actors!
Read more here
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
January 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #romans
It was well known that Greek and Roman writers expressed great prejudice against what they considered banal, mundane, or socially degrading occupations. Like those filthy reprobates - actors!
Read more here
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
It was well known that Greek and Roman writers expressed great prejudice against what they considered banal, mundane, or socially degrading occupations. Like those filthy reprobates - actors!
Read more here
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#ancientbluesky #London #England #history #architecture
Clattern Bridge, over the Hogsmill River in Kingston upon Thames dates to 1175, making it one of the oldest standing bridges in England.
Clattern Bridge, over the Hogsmill River in Kingston upon Thames dates to 1175, making it one of the oldest standing bridges in England.
January 3, 2026 at 3:19 AM
#ancientbluesky #London #England #history #architecture
Clattern Bridge, over the Hogsmill River in Kingston upon Thames dates to 1175, making it one of the oldest standing bridges in England.
Clattern Bridge, over the Hogsmill River in Kingston upon Thames dates to 1175, making it one of the oldest standing bridges in England.
#Wales #Cymru #Ancientbluesky #history
A little bit late, but I'd like to wish all my followers, readers and subscribers a very happy New Year from Wales!
Don't have nightmares!
A little bit late, but I'd like to wish all my followers, readers and subscribers a very happy New Year from Wales!
Don't have nightmares!
January 2, 2026 at 3:55 PM
#Wales #Cymru #Ancientbluesky #history
A little bit late, but I'd like to wish all my followers, readers and subscribers a very happy New Year from Wales!
Don't have nightmares!
A little bit late, but I'd like to wish all my followers, readers and subscribers a very happy New Year from Wales!
Don't have nightmares!
#ancientbluesky #history #archaeology
What was the Roman Empire's "Roman Empire"?
Who did THEY look to as the predecessor of 'civilised society'?
Find out by subscribing at Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
What was the Roman Empire's "Roman Empire"?
Who did THEY look to as the predecessor of 'civilised society'?
Find out by subscribing at Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
January 1, 2026 at 1:47 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #archaeology
What was the Roman Empire's "Roman Empire"?
Who did THEY look to as the predecessor of 'civilised society'?
Find out by subscribing at Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
What was the Roman Empire's "Roman Empire"?
Who did THEY look to as the predecessor of 'civilised society'?
Find out by subscribing at Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#Newyears #ancientbluesky #romanhistory #tyrants #domitian
Tyrants don’t have power. You have power. Tyrants use your power to stay alive. They’re like the evil equivalent of fairies, and once you stop believing in them, they disappear with a puff of air.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Tyrants don’t have power. You have power. Tyrants use your power to stay alive. They’re like the evil equivalent of fairies, and once you stop believing in them, they disappear with a puff of air.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
The Death of Domitian
The thing about tyrants, autocrats, power-mad demagogues and political bullies is that, in the end, someone will always come for you.
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:00 AM
#Newyears #ancientbluesky #romanhistory #tyrants #domitian
Tyrants don’t have power. You have power. Tyrants use your power to stay alive. They’re like the evil equivalent of fairies, and once you stop believing in them, they disappear with a puff of air.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Tyrants don’t have power. You have power. Tyrants use your power to stay alive. They’re like the evil equivalent of fairies, and once you stop believing in them, they disappear with a puff of air.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#happynewyear #ancientbluesky #archaaeology #history #romans
Sometime around AD 100, somebody wrote to Flavius Cerialis, commander of the fort at Vindolanda, wishing him a happy New Year.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Sometime around AD 100, somebody wrote to Flavius Cerialis, commander of the fort at Vindolanda, wishing him a happy New Year.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
December 31, 2025 at 10:43 AM
#happynewyear #ancientbluesky #archaaeology #history #romans
Sometime around AD 100, somebody wrote to Flavius Cerialis, commander of the fort at Vindolanda, wishing him a happy New Year.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Sometime around AD 100, somebody wrote to Flavius Cerialis, commander of the fort at Vindolanda, wishing him a happy New Year.
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#archaeology #history #newyears #romans
Why does the year start on January 1st and not at a much more reasonable time of year, like August, when the weather is nicer? (unless you're in the Far Colonies, of course)
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Why does the year start on January 1st and not at a much more reasonable time of year, like August, when the weather is nicer? (unless you're in the Far Colonies, of course)
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
December 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
#archaeology #history #newyears #romans
Why does the year start on January 1st and not at a much more reasonable time of year, like August, when the weather is nicer? (unless you're in the Far Colonies, of course)
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Why does the year start on January 1st and not at a much more reasonable time of year, like August, when the weather is nicer? (unless you're in the Far Colonies, of course)
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
#ancientbluesky #marriage #history #romans
It won't come as much of a surprise to know that Roman society heavily favoured men, who had control of everything, including the children:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
It won't come as much of a surprise to know that Roman society heavily favoured men, who had control of everything, including the children:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
December 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
#ancientbluesky #marriage #history #romans
It won't come as much of a surprise to know that Roman society heavily favoured men, who had control of everything, including the children:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
It won't come as much of a surprise to know that Roman society heavily favoured men, who had control of everything, including the children:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
For #reliefwednesday, here's the Celtic god Cernunnos, torc gripped in one hand, serpent in the other, wishing us all a very Merry Christmas, because that's the sort of chap he is!
#history #paganism #ancientbluesky
#history #paganism #ancientbluesky
December 24, 2025 at 10:19 PM
For #reliefwednesday, here's the Celtic god Cernunnos, torc gripped in one hand, serpent in the other, wishing us all a very Merry Christmas, because that's the sort of chap he is!
#history #paganism #ancientbluesky
#history #paganism #ancientbluesky
#christmas #ancientbluesky #archaeology #history #jesus
Did Christianity 'steal' Christmas from the pagans? Would you like to find out? You would!? Well then, read this, you goof:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Did Christianity 'steal' Christmas from the pagans? Would you like to find out? You would!? Well then, read this, you goof:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
December 23, 2025 at 12:47 PM
#christmas #ancientbluesky #archaeology #history #jesus
Did Christianity 'steal' Christmas from the pagans? Would you like to find out? You would!? Well then, read this, you goof:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
Did Christianity 'steal' Christmas from the pagans? Would you like to find out? You would!? Well then, read this, you goof:
open.substack.com/pub/jamescov...
For #standingstonesunday, we're off to Holy Island, Ynys Cybi, #Wales #Cymru for Trefignath chambered tomb.
Not a bad place to spend the rest of eternity.
#ancientbluesky #archaeology #history
Not a bad place to spend the rest of eternity.
#ancientbluesky #archaeology #history
December 21, 2025 at 3:23 PM
For #standingstonesunday, we're off to Holy Island, Ynys Cybi, #Wales #Cymru for Trefignath chambered tomb.
Not a bad place to spend the rest of eternity.
#ancientbluesky #archaeology #history
Not a bad place to spend the rest of eternity.
#ancientbluesky #archaeology #history
#ancientbluesky #history #archaeology #romans #hannibal
In this episode, Hannibal gives the Romans a good hiding and then turns Campania against them, after which the Romans do what they do best - wreak terrible revenge on those who opposed them!
shorturl.at/WKg2n
In this episode, Hannibal gives the Romans a good hiding and then turns Campania against them, after which the Romans do what they do best - wreak terrible revenge on those who opposed them!
shorturl.at/WKg2n
December 20, 2025 at 2:18 PM
#ancientbluesky #history #archaeology #romans #hannibal
In this episode, Hannibal gives the Romans a good hiding and then turns Campania against them, after which the Romans do what they do best - wreak terrible revenge on those who opposed them!
shorturl.at/WKg2n
In this episode, Hannibal gives the Romans a good hiding and then turns Campania against them, after which the Romans do what they do best - wreak terrible revenge on those who opposed them!
shorturl.at/WKg2n
#architecture #history #Wales #Cymru #archaeology
The tranquil and rather remote ruins of St Cybi's Well at the base of Garn Bentyrch in Eifionydd (Gwynedd). Along with the holy well chambers, there are the ruins of the 18th-century caretaker's cottage.
The tranquil and rather remote ruins of St Cybi's Well at the base of Garn Bentyrch in Eifionydd (Gwynedd). Along with the holy well chambers, there are the ruins of the 18th-century caretaker's cottage.
December 19, 2025 at 9:07 PM
#architecture #history #Wales #Cymru #archaeology
The tranquil and rather remote ruins of St Cybi's Well at the base of Garn Bentyrch in Eifionydd (Gwynedd). Along with the holy well chambers, there are the ruins of the 18th-century caretaker's cottage.
The tranquil and rather remote ruins of St Cybi's Well at the base of Garn Bentyrch in Eifionydd (Gwynedd). Along with the holy well chambers, there are the ruins of the 18th-century caretaker's cottage.
#tudors #history #archaeology #architecture
The kitchen of the 16th-century townhouse Plas Mawr in Conwy, #Wales #Cymru, perhaps the finest Elizabethan townhouse in Britain.
The kitchen of the 16th-century townhouse Plas Mawr in Conwy, #Wales #Cymru, perhaps the finest Elizabethan townhouse in Britain.
December 18, 2025 at 8:27 PM
#tudors #history #archaeology #architecture
The kitchen of the 16th-century townhouse Plas Mawr in Conwy, #Wales #Cymru, perhaps the finest Elizabethan townhouse in Britain.
The kitchen of the 16th-century townhouse Plas Mawr in Conwy, #Wales #Cymru, perhaps the finest Elizabethan townhouse in Britain.