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(8/8) The statue of Laocoön has been immensely influential on European art since its discovery, inspiring the works of Michelangelo, Raphael and Bandinelli to name a few. Seen as an 'ideal of art', Laocoön's suffering has undoubtedly shaped the creativity of European culture.
(2/2) Despite this, the reputation of Messalina throughout history has been one of a depraved deviant. Paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance onwards have depicted her as such, and her portrayal in cinema and television has perpetuated the notion of her debauchery.
#OnThisDay: In 550CE, the Ostrogoths, led by King Totila, conquer Rome after a year long siege. Starving and unpaid by the emperor Justinian, the Isaurian garrison betray their comrades by opening the city gates under promise of payment from Totila.