On this day in ancient history, a highly revered emperor, Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus - September 18, 53 – August 8 or 9, 117) died. This was the period of the 5 Good Emperors, so his death didn't herald a new age of turmoil. Trajan was known for his building projects and military campaigns. After his death, his name was a watchword for a good emperor and although he was a pagan, his reputation remained unsullied throughout the Christian period.
- Abdicate - renounce. From 'ab-' away + 'dicatus' proclaimed.
- Abrogate - annul. From 'ab-' away + 'rogare' propose.
- Arrogate - claim for oneself. From 'ad' towards + 'rogare' propose.
- Ablution - ritual washing. From 'ab-' off + luere wash.
- Absolution - forgiveness. From 'from ab-' from + 'solvere' loosen.
- Accede - give consent. From 'ad-' to + 'cedere' go, move.
- Exceed - go beyond. From 'ex-' out + 'cedere' go, yield.
- Adverse - hostile, turned against. From 'ad-' to + 'vertere' to turn.
On this day in ancient history, Julius Caesar and Pompey faced off against each other in the Battle of Pharsalus. The father of the greatest Trojan War hero of the Greeks, Achilles, had been king of the area of Greece where Pharsalus was located.
Caesar had about 22,000 men and Pompey had twice that, but Caesar still won, losing only about 250 men. 24,000 of Pompey's men surrendered; the rest died or fled the battle. Julius Caesar describes the Battle of Pharsalus in his Civil War Commentaries, and Lucan wrote about it in his Pharsalia.
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