Rex Sacrorum – a “King” in the Roman Republic
Rex sacrorum was a Roman priest that performed the religious duties of a king after the monarchy was overthrown in Rome. He was severely limited in his influence on political life.
The Vestal Virgins Scandal of 114 BCE
In 114 BCE not one but three Vestal Virgins stood trial accused of the most horrible crime imaginable – losing their virginity.
Glycon, the Fake Snake Oracle and Alexander, His Prophet
In the middle of the 2nd century CE, on the shore of the Black Sea, any visitor could have had his future foretold by a divine snake with a human-like head, called Glycon. The serpent and his prophet Alexander were so respected, even the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius asked them for help.
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Athanasius of Alexandria – Bishop Accused of Murder
In 335 CE the (First) Synod of Tyre had to deal with a scandal far exceeding the usual quarrels about theological details. Athanasius, the bishop of Alexandria, and one of the most prominent figures of the Christian church faced a serious accusation.
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Peregrinus Proteus – Death at the Olympic Games
In 165 CE the Olympic Games witnessed a memorable suicide of a philosopher Peregrinus Proteus who, after delivering his own obituary, publicly burned himself.