10 Historical Facts They Don't Teach You At School

7. One Rather Questionable Roman Love Story

Joaquin Phoenix Gladiator.jpg
Universal Pictures

The next time your spouse looks at another member of the opposite sex, definitely don't do what Marcus Aurelius did during Roman times. Marcus, apparently known for his kind nature and humanitarianism, was incensed by his wife Faustina's love for another gladiator.

So, Marky boy did what any self-respecting man would (disclaimer: this is not OK): forced his good lady to strip naked, have sex with the Herculean muscleman in question, and then murdered the poor chap when he was on top of her. From there, all Faustina had to do was clean up the blood and make love to her husband.

Easy.

Sorry, Aurelius, but you were a few biscuits short of a packet, and it's impossible to defend your actions. Did it never occur to him that a quick sit down and chat might clear everything up?

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.