When we think of the great, powerful civilizations of the ancient world, the Romans are almost always at the top of the list. The Roman Empire is, arguably, the most famous empire in history, and for centuries it successfully projected an image of cultural and military superiority.
But that image is not entirely accurate. One could argue that Rome had about 200 years of being at the top, followed by a delayed, but inevitable fall that far outlasted its glory days. The reign of Commodus in 180 AD is usually regarded as the end of Rome’s Golden Age and the beginning of its downfall.
But even at the height of its power, the Roman Empire was not some unstoppable juggernaut. You’ve probably heard of some of its greatest foes, like Hannibal or Attila the Hun, but as you are about to see, they are far from the only ones who have proven more than a match for the might of Rome.
This is an encore presentation of one of our previous lists, as presented by our YouTube host Simon Whistler. Read the full list!