Garrett Ryan earned his PhD in Greek and Roman History from the University of Michigan. Besides teaching at several universities and authoring a series of academic works, he has brought ancient history to life for hundreds of thousands of readers through his contributions to online forums. his website toldinstone.com, and his ToldinStone Youtube Channel. He lives in Chicago.

Did the ancient Greeks and Romans have conspiracy theories? Did they come close to an industrial revolution? Did they drink beer?In a series of fast-paced essays, Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines answers 40 questions that ancient historian Garrett Ryan has been asked in the classroom and through his popular YouTube channel ToldinStone. As in Dr. Ryan's previous book - Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants - the emphasis is on the fascinating details of daily life in the classical world.Discover the answers to:Did the ancient Greeks and Romans have tattoos?Did they practice Buddhism?Did they know when the Pyramids were built?Did a tsunami inspire the Story of Atlantis?How deadly was the eruption that destroyed Pompeii?What was it like to live through the fall of the Roman Empire?Why are ancient cities buried?What happened to the treasures of the Roman emperors?How much was lost when the Library of Alexandria burned?