Fun to see Ada Palmer posted here! One of my favorite essays by her is The Shape of Rome, which tells Rome’s history through its architecture. It is a fascinating history of course but her writing is what stood out to me: it felt fast, almost breezy, while still conveying the sense of just how much time had passed between events.

I wish more history writing were like it, and if folks have recommendations I’d appreciate it.

https://www.exurbe.com/the-shape-of-rome/