XVII: Silphium: The Lost Aphrodisiac of Ancient Rome

Photo by Chris Czermak on Unsplash

In ancient Rome, when faced with common ailments like indigestion or a sore throat, the remedy of choice was the extraordinary herb known as silphium.

Renowned for its versatile healing properties, silphium was not only a medicinal marvel but also valued for its aphrodisiac and birth control attributes.

 In Today’s Legion Journal

• Silphium: The Lost Aphrodisiac of Ancient Rome

• All Roads Lead To Rome - This Roman weapon of mass destruction is 2000 years old (video), Saint of the day: Ignatius of Antioch, Did Romans eat pizza? and more

• A Divine Decree -  Ceres, goddess of fertility

• Gusto! -  Ancient Roman Garum Revisited

• Legacies of the Legions -  True Size of a Roman Legion

• Caesarean Psychology - 7 Roman Philosophers You Need to Know

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Silphium: The Lost Aphrodisiac of Ancient Rome

The Romans prized it so highly that its worth rivaled that of gold, and it found its way into various aspects of daily life, from medicine to cooking and perfumes. Even the diets of sheep were enriched with silphium, enhancing the tenderness and flavor of their meat.

Despite its widespread use and popularity, the fate of silphium took a tragic turn. The herb, believed to be harvested to extinction by the Romans, exists today only in ancient records. Pliny the Elder, a prominent figure of the time, noted that he had only heard of a single stalk of silphium during his lifetime, which was sent as a gift to Emperor Nero. Following this event, silphium vanished into history, and its existence became a mystery.

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All Roads Lead To Rome

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This Roman weapon of mass destruction is 2000 years old (video)

These ancient projectiles, once considered iron arrowheads, proved to be far deadlier upon closer inspection. 

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From Morocco To Egypt: 10 Ancient Greco-Roman Sites To Discover

Leptis Magna in Libya is one of the best preserved Roman cities, founded by ancient Berbers and ruled by Emperor Septimius Severus.

Saint of the day: Ignatius of Antioch

St. Ignatius was born in Syria in the first century, and is said to have received personal instruction in his faith from the apostle St. John.

Did Romans eat pizza?

Photo by Ivan Torres on Unsplash

Did Ancient Rome have Pizza? The ancient Romans wouldn't have recognized the pizza we have today (not least because the tomato wasn't introduced to Europe until the early 16th century). But they did produce flatbread topped with cheese, honey, fruits like dates and figs, nuts, or vegetables.

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A Divine Decree

Ceres

In ancient Roman religion, Ceres was a goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships. Ceres is the only one of Rome's many agricultural deities to be listed among the Dii Consentes, Rome's equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.

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Gusto!

Ancient Roman Garum Revisited

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Legacies of the Legions

True Size of a Roman Legion

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Caesarean Psychology

7 Roman Philosophers You Need to Know

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Who else do you know that should be thinking more about the Roman Empire?