I love learning about the state of technology in the ancient world. I’m not sure we should be so amazed, but the ancient world was so much more advanced than we assume it to be. I suppose this is why I prefer it over the Middle Ages.

So, check it out. A first-aid kit found on a 2,000-year-old shipwreck has provided a remarkable insight into the medicines concocted by ancient physicians to cure sailors of dysentery and other ailments.

What do you think?

It’s a good time to be an archeologist in Egypt, especially since satellites have been helping out. This latest find might not seem important, but is directly relevant to the time period that Cleopatra Selene lived in. According to this article, the earliest ever Roman basilica has been unearthed outside Alexandria…and beneath it? One of the temples Strabo (a contemporary of Selene’s and good friend of Juba II’s) discussed in his writing. It’s always wonderful to confirm what the ancient historians wrote about and some of the relics discovered are in great condition!

On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius exploded, killing thousands and burying Pompeii under a layer of ash. You might not think this is cause to celebrate, but the largest volcanic explosion in recorded history is apparently a holiday.

Perhaps this is meant in the sober spirit of Memorial Day, in which we remember those we’ve lost. To that end, I’d like to share this recent article exploring a cheery new theory that many of the casualties of that ancient disaster were not suffocated, but ‘cooked alive.’

The city of Pompeii and its surrounds were still untouched by this tragedy during the lifetime of Cleopatra Selene, but in the sequel to Lily of the Nile, I do have her visiting the resort town of Baiae, where the air smelled like sulfur and the ground was warm to the touch. It turns out that volcanic activity made for some delightful hot tubs!