"I was walking among the fires of hell, delighted with the enjoyments of Genius, which to Angels look like torment and insanity.." - William Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Hoard of four Roman bronze vessels including bowls and a wine strainer, buried near Pewsey, Wiltshire around 350-400 AD. The vessels were carefully nested inside one another for burial, and packed in an ancient 'bubble wrap' of heather and bracken..

The Italian term 'tifosi' is used to describe passionate sporting fans, most famously the devoted supporters of Scuderia Ferrari – Italy's most successful Formula One team. The word 'tifosi' derives firstly from the Latin 'typhus', evoking the 'fevered' behaviour of the fanatical

1) A rare and spectacular Roman glass 'cage cup' unearthed in 2020 in Autun, France – shown during excavation and after careful cleaning and restoration. A raised Latin inscription circling the vessel reads 'Vivas Feliciter' – 'Live happily!'

Here lies a toppled god. His fall was not a small one. We did but build his pedestal, A narrow and a tall one. - Dune Messiah, Frank Herbert

‘Money Talks’ at the Ashmolean. Had hoped for more ancient displays but an interesting exhibition all the same.

Boeotian bronze cavalry helmet found in the river Tigris in Iraq. Almost certainly lost by one of Alexander the Great's cavalrymen on campaign in Mesopotamia, c.330 BC. Ashmolean Museum

The timeless classical beauty of Irene Papas, born on this day in 1929. 🇬🇷🏛️❤️

Cromwell died on this day in 1658, but that was just the beginning of the story...💀

The most famous face in human history? The 1966 'Dressed Head' sculpted portrait of Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, used as the Queen's definitive postage stamp portrait from 1967. The bust is probably the most reproduced artwork of all time, with over 300 billion copies printed.

'No great genius ever existed without some touch of madness.' - Aristotle, Problems 953a.

After months of planning and preparation, the Cirencester History Festival website is now live and open for bookings. Venues have limited capacity, so please book as soon as possible to ensure you are able to access the event(s) you want. To book, go to cirencesterhistoryfestival.org

'Ever since this breed of politician appeared who constantly asks the people: 'What would you like? What shall I propose? How can I oblige you?', the interests of the state have been frittered away, all for a momentary popularity.' - Demosthenes, Third Olynthiac

Great exhibit on the ancient theater ongoing at Ara Pacis Museum

Colossal terracotta portrait of a bearded man, from a votive statue that stood in the sanctuary at Toumpa, Cyprus, 600-500 BC. Ashmolean Museum