Roman emperors
The Black Stone of Homs: A God's Journey from Homs to Rome
The Black Stone of Homs: The Syrian city of Homs is known in popular memory as the City of Black Stones, or the Mother of Black Stones, due to the abundance of dark basalt volcanic rocks that surround the city and have been part of its architecture for centuries. However, Homs was historically known for one particular black stone, a stone that was not merely an element of nature, but a center of worship…
February 20, 2026The Urine Tax: The Story of Vespasian and the Strangest Tax in Roman History
Can money have a smell? Vespasian says (Pecunia non olet). In the heart of Roman history, specifically in 69 AD, one of the strangest taxes ever appeared: the urine tax! It may seem bizarre, but behind this tax lies a fascinating political and economic story, spearheaded by the Roman Emperor Vespasian, the man who uttered his famous phrase: “Pecunia non olet,“…
May 24, 2025