Description
Dive into the profound wisdom of the ancients with **Memento Mori: What the Romans Can Tell Us About Old Age & Death**. This compelling book by Peter Jones explores how the Romans confronted mortality, revealing timeless insights into aging and death that resonate today. In a world devoid of modern hygiene, Romans lived in an environment where death was a frequent companion. Did you know that half of all Roman children did not survive past five? Or that a mere 8% of the population reached the age of sixty? By examining the intersection of life, death, and culture, this book invites you to reflect on your own mortality while offering a unique perspective on the challenges of old age. From the philosophical reflections of Roman elites to the poignant epitaphs crafted by ordinary people, **Memento Mori** provides a rich tapestry that shows how our ancient ancestors coped with their fears of death. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking deeper understanding of life’s fleeting nature, this book emphasizes that the lessons of the past can illuminate our present. Explore age-old wisdom and embrace the reminder that **remembering death** can lead to a more meaningful life. Order your softcover edition today and embark on a journey through time with this enlightening read.
Bibliographic Details
Title: Memento Mori : What the Romans Can Tell Us ...
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Publication Date: 2020
Binding: Soft cover
Synopsis:
In this revealing and entertaining guide to how the Romans confronted their own mortality, Peter Jones shows us that all the problems associated with old age and death that so transfix us today were already dealt with by our ancient ancestors 2,000 years ago. Romans inhabited a world where people, knowing nothing about hygiene let alone disease, had no defenses against nature. Death was everywhere. Half of all Roman children were dead by the age of five. Only 8% of the population made it over 60. One bizarre result was that half the population consisted of teenagers. From the elites' philosophical take on the brevity of life to the epitaphs left by butchers, bakers and buffoons, Memento Mori ("Remember you die") shows how the Romans faced up to this world and attempted to take the sting out of death.
About the Author:
Peter Jones taught Classics at Cambridge and at Newcastle University before retiring. He has written a regular column, "Ancient & Modern," in the Spectator for many years and is the author of Veni, Vidi, Vici; Eureka! and Quid Pro Quo.
Bibliographic Details
Title: Memento Mori : What the Romans Can Tell Us ...
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Publication Date: 2020
Binding: Soft cover
Synopsis:
In this revealing and entertaining guide to how the Romans confronted their own mortality, Peter Jones shows us that all the problems associated with old age and death that so transfix us today were already dealt with by our ancient ancestors 2,000 years ago. Romans inhabited a world where people, knowing nothing about hygiene let alone disease, had no defenses against nature. Death was everywhere. Half of all Roman children were dead by the age of five. Only 8% of the population made it over 60. One bizarre result was that half the population consisted of teenagers. From the elites' philosophical take on the brevity of life to the epitaphs left by butchers, bakers and buffoons, Memento Mori ("Remember you die") shows how the Romans faced up to this world and attempted to take the sting out of death.
About the Author:
Peter Jones taught Classics at Cambridge and at Newcastle University before retiring. He has written a regular column, "Ancient & Modern," in the Spectator for many years and is the author of Veni, Vidi, Vici; Eureka! and Quid Pro Quo.