ancient history

War and Peace: Exploring the Golden Age of Rome in ‘PAX’

How often do you think about the Roman Empire? Now, you can think about it even more thanks to Tom Holland’s new book PAX: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age.

History of the Crucifixion

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the history of the crucifixion during the age of Ancient Rome, here is a fascinating podcast to listen to on Easter.

Damnatio Memoriae: How Ancient Romans Canceled Their Rivals

Damnatio Memoriae, a modern description of a common Roman practice, condemned unpopular leaders to oblivion. Here’s how that worked and what we can learn from it today.

‘Romulus’ TV Series a Dramatic Look at the Founding of Rome

Romulus is a 10-part tv series about Rome’s origin story told entirely in archaic Latin.

When Ravenna Was the ‘Capital of Empire’

‘Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe’ is a comprehensive look at the history of Ravenna during its golden age.

Rome to Pompeii: Book a Tour or Plan Your Own Day Trip to Pompeii from Rome

Should you take a day trip to Pompeii from Rome? This post helps you decide whether you want to do a DIY day trip to Pompeii or take a guided group tour.

Bulgari to Fund Torre Argentina Restoration in Rome

The Torre Argentina archeological area lies at the heart of Rome, both historically and geographically, but it has always been off-limits to visitors. Until now.

Upper Floors of the Colosseum Open to Visitors

You can now explore the fourth and fifth floors of the Colosseum.

Ancient Ruins, Virtual Reality: Archaeological Sites Embrace VR For Enhanced Experiences

The Domus Aurea, also known as Nero’s Golden Palace, is the latest attraction to offer visitors the chance to wear virtual reality headsets while touring the site.

Rome’s Ancient Pantheon to Begin Charging Admission — Wait, No It Won’t

Update, December 2018: Local authorities changed tack and decided NOT to impose an entry fee to the Pantheon. For now.

The Atlas of Ancient Rome: Your New Favorite Coffee Table Book

The Atlas of Ancient Rome, a gorgeous, new two-volume set edited by Andrea Carandini, promises to be an “authoritative archeological survey of Rome from prehistory to the early medieval period.” The slip-cased set is available now.

Ancient Greek Temples and Mozzarella di Bufala in Paestum

If you tell a Roman that you are going Paestum for the weekend, invariably he or she will tell you: “Make sure you pick up some mozzarella di bufala.” Paestum and Its Greek Roots and Ruins Paestum is a sight to see without the culinary pit stop. A city known as “Poseidonia” when it was part…

Natale di Roma: Rome Celebrates Its Birthday

The city of Rome was born on April 21, 753 BC. In Italian, it is known as the Natale di Roma—the birthday of Rome.

A Show of Hands: A Look at the Marble Hands of Ancient Statues in Rome

It all started with David.

Visiting the Colosseum Dungeons on a Guided Tour [Review]

My review of the tour: Colosseum “Dungeons, Third Level and Arena Floor,” Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

The 7 Hills of Rome: What Are They and What Can You See?

Rome is a city of many hills. But the seven hills of Rome are the original hills on which the ancient city was founded.

Obelisk outside of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Five Favorite Obelisks in Rome

Rome is city of obelisks. Here is information on five obelisks that you’ll definitely see while visiting the Eternal City.

Roman Forum: No Longer Free

Update: Admission to the Roman Forum is included in the combined ticket for the Parco Colosseo Archeological Area Well, it was fun while it lasted. According to the folks at Dream of Italy and Tony Polzer from 3 Milennia Tours, the Roman Forum will begin to charge admission as of March 9th. Tony lays out…