For the Empire of Constantinople, the 640s began with uncertainty and chaos. The long and stabilizing rule of Emperor Heraclius (r. 610-641) came to...
This artwork, painted by the Italian artist Gaspare Diziani (c. 1689-1767), was inspired by a curious poem called Gerusalemme liberata, written by the Italian...
James Madison (c. 1751-1836)
"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and...
This painting, by the Hungarian artist Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl (c. 1860–1933), was inspired by one of the most famous scenes in Homer’s epic poem, The...
Tertullian (2nd and 3rd Century theologian from Carthage)
"Heretics and philosophers perpend the same themes and are caught up in the same discussions. What is...
This painting, by an unidentified 18th-century artist, strives to re-create the mythical birth scene of the ancient god, Bacchus—the Roman equivalent of the Greek...
This artwork by the Austrian artist, Gustav Wertheimer (c. 1847-1902), was inspired by the elaborate tales of Nero’s plots to assassinate his own mother,...
This artwork, by the French artist Eugène Delacroix (c. 1798-1863), was created as he visualized and practiced for a painting that he would produce...
William Shakespeare (c. 1564 – 1616)
"Cupid is a knavish lad,
Thus to make poor females mad."
From William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act...
Marcus Aurelius (c. 121-180)
"Be not querulous, be Content with little, be kind, be free; avoid all superfluity, all vain prattling; be magnanimous."
From Marcus...
Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE)
"Fear does not generally admit of mercy in extreme danger."
From Julius Caesar's War Commentaries (Gallic War, 7.26) by Gaius Julius...
Plato (c. 427-347 BCE)
"If someone is self-disciplined and good-tempered, old age isn't too much of a burden; otherwise, it's not just a question of...
Egil Skallagrimsson (10th century Viking-age poet)
"Blind, I must bear
this eye ailment,
blunder to the fire, beg
mercy from a maidservant;
formerly a fierce king
warmed to my words;
the...
