Best Early History
Bill Bryson's 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' is a sweeping and accessible overview of the history of science. Bryson masterfully weaves together complex scientific concepts with his signature wit and engaging storytelling. The book covers a vast range of topics, from the Big Bang to the evol...
Publilius Syrus was a Latin writer and performer of Syrian origin who lived during the 1st century BC. Brought to Italy as a slave, he was educated and eventually freed due to his significant talent in theatrical performance. He became widely recognized for his compositions of mimus, a popular form...
Pylades of Cilicia was an influential performer of pantomime in ancient Rome during the Augustan period. Originally from Cilicia in Asia Minor, he is credited in classical historical sources with elevating the pantomime into a serious and sophisticated art form. He specialized in tragic themes, dist...
Bathyllus of Alexandria was a performer and freedman in ancient Rome who became one of the most celebrated pantomime dancers during the Augustan period. Originally from Egypt, he was brought to Rome by the emperor's advisor Gaius Maecenas, who served as his patron. Bathyllus is historically credited...
Decimus Laberius (c. 106–43 BC) was a Roman knight (eques) and dramatist best known for his literary mimes, a popular form of theatrical entertainment in ancient Rome. In 46 BC, Julius Caesar compelled him to appear and perform in a public competition against his rival, Publilius Syrus. By appearing...
Telestēs was a dancer associated with Aeschylus’s tragedy Seven Against Thebes, performed in classical Athens. Ancient and modern discussions connect him with the play’s presentation of the battle report through movement, although scholars differ over whether his contribution should be described as...
The War That Came Early: Hitler’s War is an alternate-history novel by Harry Turtledove, first published in 2009. It begins the timeline later developed as The War That Came Early, in which the Munich settlement fails and a European war starts in 1938 over Czechoslovakia rather than after Germany’s...
This film looks back at the foundational years of track and field, profiling the pioneers who established the sport's early rules and competitive spirit. Its a historical deep dive into the 'why' and 'how' the sport evolved from simple contests into a global spectacle.
