Dr Crom
@doccrom.bsky.social
Classicist, archaeologist, sci-fi and horror nerd and, most importantly, ginger. Oh, and... "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn". #EdgyPedlar #AncientStuff
#OnThisDay - 5 February - in 2 BC the Roman Senate decreed a public holiday to celebrate Augustus taking the title of 'Pater Patriae' - 'Father of the Fatherland'. The title was the culmination of his imperial identity. #History 🏺
Image: RIC Augustus 206. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Augustus 206. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
February 5, 2026 at 3:17 PM
#OnThisDay - 5 February - in 2 BC the Roman Senate decreed a public holiday to celebrate Augustus taking the title of 'Pater Patriae' - 'Father of the Fatherland'. The title was the culmination of his imperial identity. #History 🏺
Image: RIC Augustus 206. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Augustus 206. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 5 February - in AD 62, the town of Pompeii was severely damaged by an earthquake. The event is commemorated in a frieze decorating the altar in the lararium of the House of Caecilius Iucundus (V.1.26). #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
February 5, 2026 at 3:15 PM
#OnThisDay - 5 February - in AD 62, the town of Pompeii was severely damaged by an earthquake. The event is commemorated in a frieze decorating the altar in the lararium of the House of Caecilius Iucundus (V.1.26). #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
#OnThisDay - 4 February - in AD 211 Septimius Severus died at York. His advice to his sons Geta and Caracalla: “Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, scorn all other men” (Dio 77.15.3). #History 🏺
Image: RIC IV Sept.Sev. 255; Münzkabinett Berlin (18278266). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC IV Sept.Sev. 255; Münzkabinett Berlin (18278266). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
February 4, 2026 at 5:50 PM
#OnThisDay - 4 February - in AD 211 Septimius Severus died at York. His advice to his sons Geta and Caracalla: “Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, scorn all other men” (Dio 77.15.3). #History 🏺
Image: RIC IV Sept.Sev. 255; Münzkabinett Berlin (18278266). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC IV Sept.Sev. 255; Münzkabinett Berlin (18278266). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 1 February - Oppius Niger, the officer in command at Bremetennacum (Ribchester), writes to his brother officer, Priscinus, at Vindolanda. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: British Museum (1980,0303.28). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Image: British Museum (1980,0303.28). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
February 1, 2026 at 2:40 PM
#OnThisDay - 1 February - Oppius Niger, the officer in command at Bremetennacum (Ribchester), writes to his brother officer, Priscinus, at Vindolanda. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: British Museum (1980,0303.28). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Image: British Museum (1980,0303.28). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
#OnThisDay - 30 January - in 58 BC Livia Drusilla was born. Wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, she was an astute politician and "more than a match for her husband's wiles" (Tacitus, Annals 5.1). #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 30, 2026 at 10:26 AM
#OnThisDay - 30 January - in 58 BC Livia Drusilla was born. Wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, she was an astute politician and "more than a match for her husband's wiles" (Tacitus, Annals 5.1). #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 30 January - in 9 BC the Senate declared a public holiday to celebrate the dedication of the Ara Pacis Augustae - 'The Altar of Augustan Peace'. The Altar had been decreed by the Senate on 4 July 13 BC in celebration of Augustus' return from Spain and Gaul. #AncientHistory 🏺
January 30, 2026 at 10:24 AM
#OnThisDay - 30 January - in 9 BC the Senate declared a public holiday to celebrate the dedication of the Ara Pacis Augustae - 'The Altar of Augustan Peace'. The Altar had been decreed by the Senate on 4 July 13 BC in celebration of Augustus' return from Spain and Gaul. #AncientHistory 🏺
#ReliefWednesday - A rather fabulous polychrome relief of a 'secutor' type gladiator, with wonderful colour survival: ca. 2nd Century AD. Its excavation context was only rediscovered in 2017. #Art #Gladiator 🏺
Image: Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (MTH 28158). Link - amth.gr/en/exhibitio...
Image: Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (MTH 28158). Link - amth.gr/en/exhibitio...
January 28, 2026 at 9:48 AM
#ReliefWednesday - A rather fabulous polychrome relief of a 'secutor' type gladiator, with wonderful colour survival: ca. 2nd Century AD. Its excavation context was only rediscovered in 2017. #Art #Gladiator 🏺
Image: Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (MTH 28158). Link - amth.gr/en/exhibitio...
Image: Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (MTH 28158). Link - amth.gr/en/exhibitio...
ClassicsBluesky 🧵🏺
#LatinForTheDay – 28 January #Horace
“tu ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios
temptaris numeros. ut melius, quidquid erit, pati,
seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam,...
#LatinForTheDay – 28 January #Horace
“tu ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios
temptaris numeros. ut melius, quidquid erit, pati,
seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam,...
January 28, 2026 at 9:37 AM
ClassicsBluesky 🧵🏺
#LatinForTheDay – 28 January #Horace
“tu ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios
temptaris numeros. ut melius, quidquid erit, pati,
seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam,...
#LatinForTheDay – 28 January #Horace
“tu ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios
temptaris numeros. ut melius, quidquid erit, pati,
seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam,...
#OnThisDay - 27 January - in AD 98 Marcus Ulpius Traianus (Trajan) succeeded Nerva as Roman Emperor. His reign was marked by extensive military campaigning; he also adopted the title 'Optimus' - 'The Best'! #History 🏺
Image: RIC II Trajan 372; BnF (IMP-3401). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC II Trajan 372; BnF (IMP-3401). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 27, 2026 at 9:29 AM
#OnThisDay - 27 January - in AD 98 Marcus Ulpius Traianus (Trajan) succeeded Nerva as Roman Emperor. His reign was marked by extensive military campaigning; he also adopted the title 'Optimus' - 'The Best'! #History 🏺
Image: RIC II Trajan 372; BnF (IMP-3401). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC II Trajan 372; BnF (IMP-3401). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 27 January - in AD 6, Tiberius re-dedicated the rebuilt Temple of Castor and Pollux, linking it to him and his brother Drusus. The original - dedicated 15 July in 484 BC - had been damaged by fire. #Rome #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: 📸 Allan T. Kohl. Link - jstor.org/stable/commu...
Image: 📸 Allan T. Kohl. Link - jstor.org/stable/commu...
January 27, 2026 at 9:28 AM
#OnThisDay - 27 January - in AD 6, Tiberius re-dedicated the rebuilt Temple of Castor and Pollux, linking it to him and his brother Drusus. The original - dedicated 15 July in 484 BC - had been damaged by fire. #Rome #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: 📸 Allan T. Kohl. Link - jstor.org/stable/commu...
Image: 📸 Allan T. Kohl. Link - jstor.org/stable/commu...
#OnThisDay - 25 January - in AD 41, after the Senate "were reduced to incompetence" (Josephus, JA 19.254), Claudius was confirmed as emperor of Rome, placed in the position by the Praetorians. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Claudius 7; British Museum (R.6481). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Claudius 7; British Museum (R.6481). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 25, 2026 at 3:52 PM
#OnThisDay - 25 January - in AD 41, after the Senate "were reduced to incompetence" (Josephus, JA 19.254), Claudius was confirmed as emperor of Rome, placed in the position by the Praetorians. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Claudius 7; British Museum (R.6481). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Claudius 7; British Museum (R.6481). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 24 January - in AD 41 the third Roman Emperor Gaius, better known by his nickname Caligula, was assassinated by a conspiracy headed by the military tribune Cassius Chaerea. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC 1 Gaius 1; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 5199). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC 1 Gaius 1; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 5199). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 24, 2026 at 8:40 AM
#OnThisDay - 24 January - in AD 41 the third Roman Emperor Gaius, better known by his nickname Caligula, was assassinated by a conspiracy headed by the military tribune Cassius Chaerea. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC 1 Gaius 1; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 5199). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC 1 Gaius 1; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 5199). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 24 January - in AD 76 Publius Aelius Hadrianus was born. Nominated as his successor by Trajan on his deathbed, Hadrian would reign as Roman Emperor AD 117-138. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC 2.3 Hadrian 7; BnF (IMP-2). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC 2.3 Hadrian 7; BnF (IMP-2). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 24, 2026 at 8:39 AM
#OnThisDay - 24 January - in AD 76 Publius Aelius Hadrianus was born. Nominated as his successor by Trajan on his deathbed, Hadrian would reign as Roman Emperor AD 117-138. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC 2.3 Hadrian 7; BnF (IMP-2). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC 2.3 Hadrian 7; BnF (IMP-2). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#FrescoFriday - A real favourite! The paintings from the Fullonica of Veranius Hypsaeus, Pompeii (VI.8.20), showing the stages of the laundry process, with an owl (symbol for the Fullers) atop the 'viminea cavea'. #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
Image: MANN (9774). Link - mann-napoli.it/numismatica/...
Image: MANN (9774). Link - mann-napoli.it/numismatica/...
January 23, 2026 at 11:02 AM
#FrescoFriday - A real favourite! The paintings from the Fullonica of Veranius Hypsaeus, Pompeii (VI.8.20), showing the stages of the laundry process, with an owl (symbol for the Fullers) atop the 'viminea cavea'. #Pompeii #Archaeology 🏺
Image: MANN (9774). Link - mann-napoli.it/numismatica/...
Image: MANN (9774). Link - mann-napoli.it/numismatica/...
#OnThisDay - 23 January - in AD 393, aged 8, Honorius was proclaimed co-emperor by his father Theodosius I. He ruled until AD 423, though in AD 410 the Visigoths would sack Rome. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC X Honorius 1319; Münzkabinett Berlin (18213243). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC X Honorius 1319; Münzkabinett Berlin (18213243). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 23, 2026 at 10:54 AM
#OnThisDay - 23 January - in AD 393, aged 8, Honorius was proclaimed co-emperor by his father Theodosius I. He ruled until AD 423, though in AD 410 the Visigoths would sack Rome. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC X Honorius 1319; Münzkabinett Berlin (18213243). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC X Honorius 1319; Münzkabinett Berlin (18213243). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#MosaicMonday - The stunning portrait of Helen as she departs from Sparta to Troy with Paris, whose hand holds her wrist. From the triclinium mosaics of the Roman Villa at Noheda: ca. 4th Century AD. #Archaeology 🏺
Image: Villa Romana de Noheda. Link - cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/y...
Image: Villa Romana de Noheda. Link - cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/y...
January 19, 2026 at 9:20 AM
#MosaicMonday - The stunning portrait of Helen as she departs from Sparta to Troy with Paris, whose hand holds her wrist. From the triclinium mosaics of the Roman Villa at Noheda: ca. 4th Century AD. #Archaeology 🏺
Image: Villa Romana de Noheda. Link - cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/y...
Image: Villa Romana de Noheda. Link - cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/y...
#OnThisDay - 19 January - in AD 379 Theodosius was elevated to the rank of 'Augustus' with the approval of Gratian, taking responsibility for the Eastern Empire. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC IX Constantinople 71A; Münzkabinett Berlin (18268558). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC IX Constantinople 71A; Münzkabinett Berlin (18268558). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 19, 2026 at 9:06 AM
#OnThisDay - 19 January - in AD 379 Theodosius was elevated to the rank of 'Augustus' with the approval of Gratian, taking responsibility for the Eastern Empire. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC IX Constantinople 71A; Münzkabinett Berlin (18268558). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC IX Constantinople 71A; Münzkabinett Berlin (18268558). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 19 January - in 30 BC the Caesarion Stela was written. The inscription details a contract agreement between linen manufacturers and a guild of embalmers, concerning the cult of the Apis Bull. #Egypt #History 🏺
Image: British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Image: British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
January 19, 2026 at 9:05 AM
#OnThisDay - 19 January - in 30 BC the Caesarion Stela was written. The inscription details a contract agreement between linen manufacturers and a guild of embalmers, concerning the cult of the Apis Bull. #Egypt #History 🏺
Image: British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Image: British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
#OnThisDay - 19 January - in AD 103 Reburrus, a Spanish decurion in the 1st Pannonian cavalry regiment, received his military diploma granting him Roman citizenship: from Malpas in Cheshire, UK. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: British Museum (1813,1211.2). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Image: British Museum (1813,1211.2). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
January 19, 2026 at 9:02 AM
#OnThisDay - 19 January - in AD 103 Reburrus, a Spanish decurion in the 1st Pannonian cavalry regiment, received his military diploma granting him Roman citizenship: from Malpas in Cheshire, UK. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: British Museum (1813,1211.2). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Image: British Museum (1813,1211.2). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
#OnThisDay - 17 January - in AD 395 Emperor Theodosius I died at Mediolanum (modern Milan). His reign was marked by periodic civil war and his promotion of Christianity as the empire's religion. #History 🏺
Image: RIC IX Mediolanum 35A; PAS (PUBLIC-EA5CD7). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC IX Mediolanum 35A; PAS (PUBLIC-EA5CD7). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 17, 2026 at 10:43 AM
#OnThisDay - 17 January - in AD 395 Emperor Theodosius I died at Mediolanum (modern Milan). His reign was marked by periodic civil war and his promotion of Christianity as the empire's religion. #History 🏺
Image: RIC IX Mediolanum 35A; PAS (PUBLIC-EA5CD7). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC IX Mediolanum 35A; PAS (PUBLIC-EA5CD7). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 17 January - in 38 BC Livia Drusilla embarked on her second marriage to Octavian, when she was six months pregnant with Nero Drusus. Their marriage would influence a century of Roman politics. #History 🏺
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 17, 2026 at 10:42 AM
#OnThisDay - 17 January - in 38 BC Livia Drusilla embarked on her second marriage to Octavian, when she was six months pregnant with Nero Drusus. Their marriage would influence a century of Roman politics. #History 🏺
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Claudius 101; ANS 1978.27.5. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
ClassicsBluesky 🏺🧵
#LatinForTheDay - 16 January #Catullus
“salve, nec minimo puella naso
nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis
nec longis digitis nec ore sicco
nec sane nimis elegante lingua,
decoctoris amica Formiani....
#LatinForTheDay - 16 January #Catullus
“salve, nec minimo puella naso
nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis
nec longis digitis nec ore sicco
nec sane nimis elegante lingua,
decoctoris amica Formiani....
January 16, 2026 at 9:35 AM
ClassicsBluesky 🏺🧵
#LatinForTheDay - 16 January #Catullus
“salve, nec minimo puella naso
nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis
nec longis digitis nec ore sicco
nec sane nimis elegante lingua,
decoctoris amica Formiani....
#LatinForTheDay - 16 January #Catullus
“salve, nec minimo puella naso
nec bello pede nec nigris ocellis
nec longis digitis nec ore sicco
nec sane nimis elegante lingua,
decoctoris amica Formiani....
#OnThisDay - 16 January - in AD 69 the Arval Brethren record that sacrifices were made at Rome to celebrate Otho's investiture with all the trappings of the Emperor, following his coup against Galba. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Otho 20; ANS 1967.153.121. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Otho 20; ANS 1967.153.121. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 16, 2026 at 8:18 AM
#OnThisDay - 16 January - in AD 69 the Arval Brethren record that sacrifices were made at Rome to celebrate Otho's investiture with all the trappings of the Emperor, following his coup against Galba. #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Otho 20; ANS 1967.153.121. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Otho 20; ANS 1967.153.121. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 16 January - in AD 10 the new Temple of Concord, symbolising harmony among the imperial family, was dedicated at Rome in the names of Tiberius and Drusus (Dio 56.25). #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Tiberius 67; BnF (IMP-5737). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Tiberius 67; BnF (IMP-5737). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 16, 2026 at 8:16 AM
#OnThisDay - 16 January - in AD 10 the new Temple of Concord, symbolising harmony among the imperial family, was dedicated at Rome in the names of Tiberius and Drusus (Dio 56.25). #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Tiberius 67; BnF (IMP-5737). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Tiberius 67; BnF (IMP-5737). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
#OnThisDay - 16 January - in 27 BC Octavian assumed the title of 'Augustus', "a title as unique as his position", but only AFTER he had toyed with assuming the title of 'Romulus' (Dio 53.16). #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Augustus 31; BM (1907,0501.140). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Augustus 31; BM (1907,0501.140). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
January 16, 2026 at 8:14 AM
#OnThisDay - 16 January - in 27 BC Octavian assumed the title of 'Augustus', "a title as unique as his position", but only AFTER he had toyed with assuming the title of 'Romulus' (Dio 53.16). #AncientHistory 🏺
Image: RIC Augustus 31; BM (1907,0501.140). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Image: RIC Augustus 31; BM (1907,0501.140). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....