Many ancient writers – from Pliny and Plutarch to Xenophon were incorrigible collectors of miscellany, lively anecdotes and after-dinner jokes. Here, writer and historian Philip Matyszak brings together his favourite incidents, wisecracks and curious facts from ancient Greece and Rome. The compendium includes humorous quips by the emperor Augustus and wry observations by the philosopher Socrates. There are dozens of lists, including Romans who lived to be 100 and odd deities like Sterculinius, the god of manure spreading. All of the incidents and anecdotes are described in brief, memorable passages, making this book an ideal companion either to dip into or to read from beginning to end.


Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St John’s College, Oxford, and is the author of Chronicle of the Roman Republic, The Enemies of Rome, Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day, Ancient Athens on Five Drachmas a Day and Legionary: The Roman’s Soldier’s (Unofficial) Manual.