The Lapis Niger ("Black Stone") is an ancient shrine in the Roman Forum. The black marble paving (1st century BC) of the Lapis Niger overlie an ancient altar and a stone block with one of the earliest known Old Latin inscriptions (c. 570–550 BC).

The Battle of Corinth in 146 BC marked the end of the Achaean War and the beginning of the period of Roman domination in Greek history.

In "The Beginnings of Roman Literature" (episode 42), Doug Metz notes that there was a concentration of literary activity in Rome from 100 BC to 100 AD.

Chthonic (ˈthä-nik) – relating to the underworld.

Historiography is the study of the methods of historians. The historiography of a specific topic covers how historians have studied that topic. More here.

Historicity – historically accurate, fact.

cri de coeur – a passionate outcry (as of appeal or protest) pronunciation

I finished The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen. The novel depicts a fictionalized encounter between Harold Bloom and Benzion Netanyahu and his family, including the young Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu. The novel is very writerly and the back story is engaging. The novel felt slow in places (e.g. the letter of "recommendation" to Prof Blum - did we need this much epistolary character development?) but it picked up towards the end .

I have started The Furrows by Namwali Serpell. It is quite a page turner so far. Serpell is intimidatingly accomplished.