ancient history
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. Michelangelo’s statue of David was one of the first pieces of sculpture that I knew I had to see in person. Recognized worldwide as a symbol of Florence, David is marble come to life especially when you look at his hands. My European Art History professor many years ago urged us…

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.

