From Roman atria and funeral monuments to purple-dyed robes, examples of conspicuous consumption — methods by which individuals showcase their wealth and power — were abundant in the ancient world.

Theme: Luxury and conspicuous consumption

• Tim Miller, 'A lady that was both loved and feared - The woman of Vix'.
  
• Kalliopi Efkleidou, 'Power and wealth in the Mycenaean world - Cyclopean fortifications'.
• Mirko Canevaro, 'Luxury, competition, and austerity - "Sybaritic" elites'.
• Daniel Kershaw, 'Showing status in the Roman home - Decorating the Roman indoors'.
• Consuelo Martino, 'Funerary practices in ancient Rome - The price of remembrance'.

Features:

• Jona Lendering, 'Texts from the Villa of the Papyri - A tantalizing promise'.
  
• Barbara Boczar, 'Literacy and occupations in ancient Egypt - To scribe or not to scribe'.
• Manon Henzen, 'Culinary creativity in the ancient world - Roman veggies'.
• Robin Waterfield, 'Was this famous philosopher also a slave? - Plato goes to Syracuse'.
• Owain Williams, 'Land of rivers and horses - The many names of Mittani'.
• Paul Erdkamp, 'Roman military logistics in Spain - To starve or be beaten'.
• Philip Matyszak, 'The public and private bonds between families - Roman marriage'.