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Dr Crom

@doccrom.bsky.social
5.6K followers 638 following 4.4K posts

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

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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
#OnThisDay - 5 October - in AD 578 the Eastern Emperor Justin II died. Said to have been afflicted with 'madness' in his reign's final years, his wife Sophia and adopted son, Tiberius, acted as regents from AD 574. #History 🏺 Image: British Museum (B.10404). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Obverse of a gold solidus: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justin II, front, holding Victory on globe and shield.Reverse of a gold solidus: Constantinopolis seated with head right, holding sceptre and cross on globe (globus cruciger).
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Anthropeum.com · Oct 4 2026 🟩🟩🟩🟦🟦🟩🟦🟩🟩🟩 81,379 · top 4% of players today!
anthropeum.com
Anthropeum
A daily game that challenges our understanding of human cultures. Ten objects. 5,000 years of human history. Guess where and when each artifact was made. See how you rank.
191
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Anthropeum.com · Sep 30 2026 🟦🟦🟩🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟩🟦 94,068 · top 1% of players today!
anthropeum.com
Anthropeum
A daily game that challenges our understanding of human cultures. Ten objects. 5,000 years of human history. Guess where and when each artifact was made. See how you rank.
081
Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 29 September - in 106 BC Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus was born. Pompey was a key figure of the Late Republic, forming the First Triumvirate with Caesar and Crassus, but would be killed in Egypt one day shy of his 58th birthday. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Bust of Pompey the Great.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 29 September - in 106 BC Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus was born. Pompey was a key figure of the Late Republic, forming the First Triumvirate with Caesar and Crassus, but would be killed in Egypt one day shy of his 58th birthday. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Bust of Pompey the Great.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Anthropeum.com · Sep 27 2026 🟩🟩🟦🟦🟦🟥🟩🟦🟦🟦 84,316 · top 5% of players today!
anthropeum.com
Anthropeum
A daily game that challenges our understanding of human cultures. Ten objects. 5,000 years of human history. Guess where and when each artifact was made. See how you rank.
092
Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 24 September - in AD 15 Aulus Vitellius was born. He would reign as Roman Emperor from 16 April-22 December AD 69. Tacitus described him as “ignorant of all law, human and divine” (Hist.2.91). #History 🏺 Image: RIC Vitellius 72; ANS 1967.152.354. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Laureate portrait of Vitellius, right.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 24 September - in AD 15 Aulus Vitellius was born. He would reign as Roman Emperor from 16 April-22 December AD 69. Tacitus described him as “ignorant of all law, human and divine” (Hist.2.91). #History 🏺 Image: RIC Vitellius 72; ANS 1967.152.354. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Laureate portrait of Vitellius, right.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 21 September - in AD 37 the emperor Gaius accepted the title 'Pater Patriae' (Father of the Fatherland). Dio (59.3.2) notes it was the only title he had not taken upon his accession. #History 🏺 Image: RIC Gaius 1; British Museum (1964,1203.84). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Caligula, bare, right.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
#MosaicMonday meets #OnThisDay - 21 September 19 BC is the date usually given for the death of Virgil. So here's the 3rd Century AD mosaic from Hadrumetum - Virgil flanked by the Muses Clio and Melpomene. The scroll on his lap has the text of Aeneid 1.8. #Virgil🏺 Image: Bardo National Museum, Tunis
Virgil, seated upon a chair, is flanked by the Muses Clio and Melpomene. The scroll on his lap has the text of Aeneid 1.8, "Musa, mihi causas memora" - 'Muse, tell me of the causes..."
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#MosaicMonday - A vibrant representation of Bellerophon and the Chimaera: ca, 4th Century AD. Discovered at the farmhouse of Can Pau Birol, near Girona, in 1876. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya - Barcelona (MAC BCN-005163). Link - arqueoxarxa.colleccions.cat/objecte/mac-...
Emblema from a large polychrome mosaic surrounded by a roped border. The emblema represents the fight between Bellerophon, who rides the winged horse Pegasus, against Chimera.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 14 September - in AD 208 Marcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus (better known as Diadumenian) was born. Son of the emperor Macrinus, he served as Caesar in AD 217-218. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC IV Macrinus 115; Münzkabinett Wien (RÖ 36940). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 14 September - in AD 81 Domitian, the last Flavian ruler, became emperor of Rome following the death of his brother Titus "for whom he could not have cared less" (Dio 67.2.6). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 2.1 Domitian 80; BnF Variant (IMP-9007). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 13 September - in AD 81 Titus Caesar Vespasianus, the second of the Flavian emperors, died after a reign of two year, two months, and twenty days (Dio 66.26.4). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 2.1 Domitian 147; British Museum (R.10761). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Divus Titus, radiate, right.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Julia Titi, draped, right; hair bundled in front and in long plait in back.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 13 September - in AD 81 Titus Caesar Vespasianus, the second of the Flavian emperors, died after a reign of two year, two months, and twenty days (Dio 66.26.4). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 2.1 Domitian 147; British Museum (R.10761). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Divus Titus, radiate, right.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Julia Titi, draped, right; hair bundled in front and in long plait in back.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 11 September - in AD 59 the Arval Brethren conducted sacrifices to celebrate the safe return of Nero to Rome: an ox for the emperor's divine spirit, a cow for 'Public Well-being'. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Nero 16; ANS 1957.191.8. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Nero, bare, right.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Legend surrounding oak-wreath enclosing EX S C.
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 11 September - in one of the most famous Vindolanda Letters, Claudia Severa invites Sulpicia Lepidina to a birthday party. While a secretary wrote the main text, she herself added the postscript. #History 🏺 Image: British Museum (1986,1001.64). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Roman wooden writing tablet with a party invitation written in ink.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 11 September - in AD 59 the Arval Brethren conducted sacrifices to celebrate the safe return of Nero to Rome: an ox for the emperor's divine spirit, a cow for 'Public Well-being'. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Nero 16; ANS 1957.191.8. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Nero, bare, right.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Legend surrounding oak-wreath enclosing EX S C.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 11 September - in one of the most famous Vindolanda Letters, Claudia Severa invites Sulpicia Lepidina to a birthday party. While a secretary wrote the main text, she herself added the postscript. #History 🏺 Image: British Museum (1986,1001.64). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Roman wooden writing tablet with a party invitation written in ink.
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 7 September - in AD 355 Claudius Silvanus, a usurper against Constantius II, was ambushed on his way to a church service and "butchered with repeated sword-thrusts." #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC VIII Antioch 68; Münzkabinett Berlin (18200511). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman gold coin: Bust of Constantius II, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, raising right hand and holding Victory on globe in left hand.Reverse of a Roman gold coin: Constantius II, nimbate, draped, cuirassed, standing front in a six-horse chariot, raising right hand; two Victories flanking, both flying towards him, holding wreath and palm; in the exergue between mint mark, votive objects.
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
#MosaicMonday - A rather idiosyncratic mosaic representation of Neptune riding in a quadriga, surrounded by marine life. From Besançon , ca. Late 2nd Century AD. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon (DA.976.4.1). Link - memoirevive.besancon.fr/ark:/48565/b...
Roman mosaic panel. Within a central roundel, Neptune triumphant, standing in a quadriga and surrounded by dolphins, fantastical sea creatures, and fish.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 7 September - in AD 355 Claudius Silvanus, a usurper against Constantius II, was ambushed on his way to a church service and "butchered with repeated sword-thrusts." #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC VIII Antioch 68; Münzkabinett Berlin (18200511). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman gold coin: Bust of Constantius II, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, raising right hand and holding Victory on globe in left hand.Reverse of a Roman gold coin: Constantius II, nimbate, draped, cuirassed, standing front in a six-horse chariot, raising right hand; two Victories flanking, both flying towards him, holding wreath and palm; in the exergue between mint mark, votive objects.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
#MosaicMonday - A rather idiosyncratic mosaic representation of Neptune riding in a quadriga, surrounded by marine life. From Besançon , ca. Late 2nd Century AD. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon (DA.976.4.1). Link - memoirevive.besancon.fr/ark:/48565/b...
Roman mosaic panel. Within a central roundel, Neptune triumphant, standing in a quadriga and surrounded by dolphins, fantastical sea creatures, and fish.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
static.klipy.com
Mitchell And Webb: Are We The Baddies Sketch
ALT: Mitchell And Webb: Are We The Baddies Sketch
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 2 September - in 31 BC Octavian, through his naval commander Agrippa, was victorious over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. The victory established Octavian's supremacy. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Augustus 265A; ANS 1937.158.443. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman denarius: Head of Octavian, bare, right.Reverse of a Roman denarius: Trophy, rudder and anchor on base, all on prow.
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Sarah Andersen @sarahseeandersen.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The image is of a four panel comic.
In the first panel, we see two stick figures. Text above them labels one as "book smart" and one as "street smart".
In the second panel we zoom out and see the two stick figures in nature next to a tree. There is a sign pointing out of the panel that says "LIFE".
In the third panel we see the street smart stick figure take the hand of the book smart stick figure. The street smart stick figure says "Come, I will guide you".
In the fourth panel we zoom out again and see the two stick figures walking in the direction of the "LIFE" sign. The book smart street figure looks back at the tree as they are walking and says, "I know a lot of facts about that tree".
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 2 September - in 31 BC Octavian, through his naval commander Agrippa, was victorious over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. The victory established Octavian's supremacy. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC Augustus 265A; ANS 1937.158.443. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman denarius: Head of Octavian, bare, right.Reverse of a Roman denarius: Trophy, rudder and anchor on base, all on prow.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
#OnThisDay - 1 September - in 22 BC Augustus dedicated the Temple of Jupiter Tonans on the Capitol. The temple had been vowed in 26 BC when Augustus had narrowly avoided being struck by lightning. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC 1 Augustus 63A; BnF. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Head of Augustus, bare, right.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Jupiter, standing left, in hexastyle temple, holding thunderbolt in right hand and leaning left on sceptre.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 31 August - in AD 161 the Roman emperor Commodus was born at Lanuvium. Dio (73.1.2) states he "hated all exertion and craved the comfortable life of the city". #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC III Marcus Aurelius 610; ANS 1959.228.29. Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Commodus, bare-headed, draped, cuirassed, right.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Hilaritas, draped, standing front, head left, holding long palm, upright on ground, in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 30 August - in AD 526 Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, died. He created a successful Roman-styled kingdom, albeit under the influence of the eastern emperors. #History 🏺 Image: Electrotype of the Senigallia Medallion. British Museum (B.11479). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Electrotype facsimile of gold medallion. Obverse: Frontal bust of Theodoric, cuirassed, holding Victory on globe and with other hand in gesture of address; Reverse: Victory advancing right, shouldering palm and holding up wreath.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The Nijmegen Helmet: a visored Roman cavalry display helmet of silvered bronze and iron: ca. Early 2nd Century AD. Busts embellish the diadem; and the name 'Marcianus' is scratched into the right cheek. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Valkhof Museum (XXI.1.4). Link - valkhofmuseum.nl/en/verdiepin...
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 30 August - in AD 526 Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, died. He created a successful Roman-styled kingdom, albeit under the influence of the eastern emperors. #History 🏺 Image: Electrotype of the Senigallia Medallion. British Museum (B.11479). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Electrotype facsimile of gold medallion. Obverse: Frontal bust of Theodoric, cuirassed, holding Victory on globe and with other hand in gesture of address; Reverse: Victory advancing right, shouldering palm and holding up wreath.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The Nijmegen Helmet: a visored Roman cavalry display helmet of silvered bronze and iron: ca. Early 2nd Century AD. Busts embellish the diadem; and the name 'Marcianus' is scratched into the right cheek. #Archaeology 🏺 Image: Valkhof Museum (XXI.1.4). Link - valkhofmuseum.nl/en/verdiepin...
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
#OnThisDay meets #ClassicsCurio with the tale of the Sack of Rome and Honorius’ cock. Yes, you read that correctly, so strap in for a quick thread involving one of my favourite ancient anecdotes. 🧵🏺 Image: RIC X Honorius 1321; BM (1998,0430.1). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
For more on the sack of Rome, see: GODDEN, M. (2002). The Anglo-Saxons and the Goths: Rewriting the sack of Rome. Anglo-Saxon England, 31, 47-68. www.jstor.org/stable/44510... #OnThisDay #ClassicsCurio 🧵🏺
jstor.org
Client Challenge
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
As Procopius puts it: “So great, they say, was the folly with which this emperor was possessed.”
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Honorius replied: “But he just ate from my hands!” For he had a very large cock, named 'Rome', and had immediately assumed the news referred to his prized rooster. Image: ‘The Favourites of the Emperor Honorius’ by JW Waterhouse, ca. 1883; Art Gallery of South Australia (0.52).
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
The story goes that that the Emperor Honorius, who was in Ravenna at the time, received the message from one of his eunuchs – evidently a keeper of the imperial poultry – that Rome had perished.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
This is perhaps best exemplified by the infamous anecdote about the reaction of the Emperor Honorius upon hearing the news of the event, as recorded by Procopius (The Vandalic War III.2.25-26).
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Though the sack acquired a symbolic importance through the work of later Christian authors, such as Orosius, it was of little material significance in the moment.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
On 27 August in AD 410, Alaric, King of the Visigoths, ended his sack of Rome. Image: ‘Le Sac de Rome en 410 par les Vandales’ by Joseph-Noël Sylvestre, 1890. Musée Paul Valéry. Link - museepaulvalery-sete.fr/collections/
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
#OnThisDay meets #ClassicsCurio with the tale of the Sack of Rome and Honorius’ cock. Yes, you read that correctly, so strap in for a quick thread involving one of my favourite ancient anecdotes. 🧵🏺 Image: RIC X Honorius 1321; BM (1998,0430.1). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Likely #OnThisDay - 23 August - in 30 BC Octavian ordered the death of Caesarion, son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar: "a Caesar too many was no good thing" (Plutarch, Ant. 81.2). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: Caesarion Stela. British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Round-topped sandstone stela with Caesarion offering to deities.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Likely #OnThisDay - 23 August - in 30 BC Octavian ordered the death of Caesarion, son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar: "a Caesar too many was no good thing" (Plutarch, Ant. 81.2). #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: Caesarion Stela. British Museum (EA1325). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
Round-topped sandstone stela with Caesarion offering to deities.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 19 August - in AD 14 the "most mournful day" occurred, as Augustus died. Dio (56.30.5) remarks on the coincidence that this was also the date he had first become consul in 43 BC. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: British Museum (1911,0901.1). Link - britishmuseum.org/collection/o...
"Bronze head from an over-life-sized statue of Augustus: the head is broken through the neck but is otherwise in an excellent state of preservation" (From British Museum)
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
"Darmok" *bang bang* "and Jalad" *bang bang* "at Tanagra"
The bard from Nolan's 'Odyssey' *bang bang*
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 15 August - in AD 423 the Western Roman emperor Honorius died after a reign of 30 years, having been declared Augustus by his father Theodosius I at the age of 10 in AD 393. #History 🏺 Image: RIC X Honorius 1202; British Museum (1867,0101.951). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 15 August - in AD 423 the Western Roman emperor Honorius died after a reign of 30 years, having been declared Augustus by his father Theodosius I at the age of 10 in AD 393. #History 🏺 Image: RIC X Honorius 1202; British Museum (1867,0101.951). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
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Reposted by Dr Crom
Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 11 August - in AD 353 Magnentius, usurper of various provinces of the Western Empire, took his own life following his defeat by Constantius II at the Battle of Mons Seleucus. #History 🏺 Image: RIC VIII Arelate 130; Münzkabinett Berlin (18249619). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman solidus: Bust of Magnentius, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right.Reverse of a Roman solidus: Magnentius, draped, cuirassed, standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and standard in left hand.
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Dr Crom @doccrom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
#OnThisDay - 11 August - in AD 117 Hadrian's reign as emperor of Rome began, following his adoption by the emperor Trajan on his deathbed - an event which Dio (69.1) found deeply suspect. #AncientHistory 🏺 Image: RIC II, Part 3 Hadrian 1; BM (THO.1337). Link - numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric....
Obverse of a Roman aureus: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, cuirassed, right, viewed from front.Reverse of a Roman aureus: Trajan standing right, Hadrian standing left, both holding globe between them.
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