I’ve been interested in history as long as I can remember. I earned a PhD in Greek and Roman history, and taught at a few universities before leaving academia. I think my fascination with the classical world specifically may have started the first time I visited Rome, when I was 14 years old. Seeing the Forum, the Pantheon, and all the other physical remains of antiquity left a deep and lasting impression.
I think I was struck above all by the sheer depth of Roman history. I come from the American Midwest, where few buildings are much more than 100 years old. To see monuments that were 2,000 years old, and connected with some of the great people and events of ancient history – well, that was awe-inspiring! The Pantheon was most impressive of all. I remember standing in the center of the rotunda and just looking up at the oculus, marveling.
I’ve always been fascinated by Julius Caesar, just because he was so versatile – general, statesman, author – and so profoundly shaped the course of Roman history. But I think the Roman I like most as a personality is Marcus Aurelius, one of history’s few philosopher kings. It’s hard to read the Meditations and remain unmoved by the emperor’s profound sense of duty and moral responsibility. Photo: © Garrett Ryan
I’ve always been fascinated by Julius Caesar, just because he was so versatile – general, statesman, author – and so profoundly shaped the course of Roman history. But I think the Roman I like most as a personality is Marcus Aurelius, one of history’s few philosopher kings. It’s hard to read the Meditations and remain unmoved by the emperor’s profound sense of duty and moral responsibility.
The Germanic tribes that conquered the Western Roman Empire maintained some aspects of Roman civilization. The Ostrogoth king Theodoric, for example, was an emperor in all but name. Some regions, such as southern Gaul, remained relatively unaffected by the collapse of the imperial order. But archaeological evidence makes it clear that standards of living fell almost everywhere.
I think the 5 most important Roman inventions were: blown glass, water mills, the true arch, hydraulic concrete, and the codex (book). Photo: © Garrett Ryan
I think the 5 most important Roman inventions were: blown glass, water mills, the true arch, hydraulic concrete, and the codex (book).
The emperors clearly intended the great monuments and forums of Rome to communicate their power, to convey their policies, and to connect themselves with the grand narrative of Roman history. These, in short, were places designed to impress – and they remain impressive today. Photo: © Garrett Ryan
The emperors clearly intended the great monuments and forums of Rome to communicate their power, to convey their policies, and to connect themselves with the grand narrative of Roman history. These, in short, were places designed to impress – and they remain impressive today.
Thank you! When I write a script, my aim is always to make the ancient world, in some small way, come to life for my viewers. I try to choose topics that are a little obscure, but still familiar enough to be intriguing.
I don’t know if ancient history will ever be really mainstream, but I think that the Greeks and Romans will continue to inspire movies, shows, and video games – and that these media will continue to fascinate and intrigue. Photo: © Garrett Ryan
I don’t know if ancient history will ever be really mainstream, but I think that the Greeks and Romans will continue to inspire movies, shows, and video games – and that these media will continue to fascinate and intrigue.
Yes – in fact, I just signed the contract for a sequel to Naked Statues!
Off the top of my head, I can give you five: A fascinating artistic tradition Great literature, from Cicero to Ovid Great architecture, from the Colosseum to the Pont du Gard A culture that never ceases to surprise and fascinate And finally, by getting to know the Romans, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the whole Western cultural tradition – and perhaps of your own society Contact Garrett • Web: toldinstone.com • YT: toldinstone (207K subscribers) • IG: toldinstone It was big interview and absolutely great, it’s a honor to have an opportunity interview with Garrett from USA, thanks!! SHARE THIS
Off the top of my head, I can give you five: A fascinating artistic tradition Great literature, from Cicero to Ovid Great architecture, from the Colosseum to the Pont du Gard A culture that never ceases to surprise and fascinate And finally, by getting to know the Romans, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the whole Western cultural tradition – and perhaps of your own society Contact Garrett • Web: toldinstone.com • YT: toldinstone (207K subscribers) • IG: toldinstone
