This week: A birth and a death of ancient political legends

Notable events from ancient history for the week of July 9 - 15

July 9 - The Roman festival Caprotinia happened on this day in Roman history. Otherwise known as the Feasts of the Juno Caprotina, it was held honoring female slaves. On this day, the slaves ran around beating themselves with their fists. Other Roman citizens remained indoors while the fun commenced.

July 10, 48 B.C. - The Battle of Dyrrhachium occurred between archrivals Julius Caesar and Pompey. Caesar was outnumbered by about 30,000 troops and narrowly escaped defeat (because Pompey didn't really feel like fighting), losing about 1,000 troops. He regrouped and soundly defeated Pompey and his army the following month, marking his path toward the dictatorship of Rome (and the Ides of March).

July 10, 138 A.D. - Legendary Roman Emperor Hadrian died on this date. Known as #3 of the "Five Good Emperors", his reign is marked by general peace (or lack of military conflicts), as well as some substantial contributions to Roman architecture. These included his Villa at Tivoli, the expansion of the Roman Pantheon, his fortification wall in Roman Britain, and the completion of the Temple of Zeus in Athens. He also popularized the facial beard for subsequent Roman Emperors.

July 12, 100 B.C. - Gaius Julius Caesar, legendary general and ill-fated dictator of the Roman Republic, was born in Rome.