Julius Pleaser

Beware The Ideas of March

A Cambridge academic has uncovered what is believed to be the world's oldest joke book. The third-century book of gags from the Roman Empire is written in Greek and entitled Philogelos, which translates as Laughter Lover. Professor Mary Beard says it debunks the popular myth that the Romans were "pompous, toga-wearing bridge builders".

FOOTNOTE: Gag order.