A Roman Soldier Wants Beer

Around 100 CE, a Roman cavalry officer named Masculus wrote a letter from Vindolanda Fort in northern Britain to his commander, Flavius Cerialis. Alongside asking for the next day's orders for his men, he slipped in a polite request for more beer, since the garrison had already finished their supply. The tablet survived nearly 1,920 years, giving a rare glimpse into the daily life and thirst of Rome's frontier troops.

Previous Fact Next Fact