Roman Places

The city of Rome and its surrounding areas were home to some of the most spectacular and impressive architectural and engineering feats of the ancient world. From the Colosseum and the Pantheon to the Circus Maximus and the Forum, Roman places were a testament to the power, wealth, and ambition of the empire. In this section, we will take a tour of some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks and cities of the Roman world, exploring their history, significance, and enduring legacy.

25 September, 2020 - 00:51 Ed Whelan

The Triumphal Arch of Orange in France - Symbol of the Roman Empire

The Romans left behind remarkable monuments and their influence on architecture cannot be overstated. Many of their public monuments commemorated a military victory and sought to legitimize their...

The Forum, Roman ruins Source: sborisov / Adobe Stock

20 April, 2020 - 01:22 Ed Whelan

The Forum: Epicenter of the Mighty Roman Empire

Italy takes pride in its long history and is home to some of the most famous architectural monuments, as well as archaeological locations. The Roman Forum was the heart, not only of the city, but...

30 October, 2019 - 12:49 dhwty

Ostia Antica: The First Roman Colony

Ostia Antica is an archaeological site located on the outskirts of Rome . Although the Romans referred to the site as Ostia, this article will use the term Ostia Antica, so as to avoid confusion with...

14 September, 2018 - 23:02 Alexander Meddings

Arch Enemies: Family Feuds and Damnatio Memoriae on Rome’s Arcus Argentariorum

In the Eternal City every monument tells a story. The Colosseum, funded from the sack of Jerusalem, stands as a potent symbol of Rome’s imperial might and, to many, its savagery. The architecturally...

Baths of Caracalla Source: Fabio Caricchia / Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma

1 July, 2022 - 22:59 Sahir

2,000-Year-Old Frescoes Discovered Under the Baths of Caracalla

2,000-year-old frescoes dating back to the time of Emperor Hadrian will be on public display at the site of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. The frescoes, which belong to different time periods and...

27 April, 2021 - 02:04 John S. Richardson

Aquincum: Exploring the Ancient Roman City Under Modern-day Budapest

The ancient Roman city of Aquincum, now located under Budapest in Hungary, was once the capital of Pannonia on the northeastern border of the Roman Empire. From its strategic location on the banks of...

11 May, 2021 - 22:56 ashley cowie

Volcano-blasted Herculaneum Roman Soldier Tells His Ancient Secrets

Archaeologists in Italy are studying the remains of a Roman soldier who was thrust face-first into the sand at Herculaneum when Mount Vesuvius erupted on October 24th 79 AD. The presence of this...

The arch of Caracalla in the Roman city Theveste

7 September, 2018 - 01:47 Michelle Freson

The Arch of Caracalla, Theveste, Algeria – The Soul of Romanized Africa

Tébessa in Algeria was previously the ancient Roman city of Theveste (or Thebeste), where once existed an even older city called T’bessa. In 146 BC, the Romans conquered the region and Theveste was...

20 November, 2020 - 17:22 Ed Whelan

Caligula Palace, Gardens And Private Zoo Discovered In Central Rome

Rome is one of the richest sources of new archaeological finds and some, like this one, are really amazing. Recently, archaeologists unearthed a Caligula palace along with gardens and a private...

The buildings of Venice appear to float above the water, begging the question “how was Venice built?” Source: muratart / Adobe Stock

24 January, 2023 - 00:56 dhwty

Architecture of the Floating (Or Sinking) City: How Was Venice Built?

The romantic city of Venice is known by many names, including the floating city, the city of canals and even the Queen of the Adriatic. This city of water was built on dozens of tiny islands located...

21 July, 2019 - 01:03 Ed Whelan

Xanten Archaeological Park – Step Back and Experience the Romans

Open-air archaeological parks or museums are increasingly popular as they bring the past to life. One of the largest in the world, if not the largest, is Xanten Archaeological Park in Germany . This...

23 March, 2017 - 18:04 dhwty

The Best Preserved Roman Temple? From Emperors to Founding Fathers, Elite Connections Maintained the Maison Carrée

The Maison Carrée (which means ‘Square House’ in French) is an ancient monument located in Nîmes, a city in the Occitanie region of southern France. This building was built during the 1st century BC...

7 October, 2020 - 22:02 Ed Whelan

Luxurious Roman Villa On Display Under Lavish Modern Apartment Block

Rome is a place where many archaeological treasures and remains continue to be found. The latest discovery is a luxury villa with many remarkable artifacts and spectacular mosaics. This luxury Roman...

Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Source: dbvirago / Adobe Stock.

7 July, 2019 - 01:40 Sarah P Young

Pompeii: The Ancient Roman City Frozen in Time

In the Campania region of Italy near the modern day city of Naples , there was once a prosperous Roman city - Pompeii. As a thriving center for trade, the inhabitants of the city were a mixture of...

This is the ceiling of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy Photograph by Anne Dirkse

18 September, 2017 - 01:59 dhwty

The Roman Pantheon: National Treasure and Legacy of a Powerful Empire

Anyone who has paid a visit to Rome will know that around just about every corner of the historic center lies a reminder of Rome’s glorious and inglorious history. Be it buildings, fountains, statues...

The ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, Italy

13 September, 2020 - 22:49 Ed Whelan

When in Rome, Even the Christian Pilgrims Enjoyed the Baths of Caracalla

When we think of the city of Rome, we can easily picture the wealth of ancient monuments from its imperial past. The Baths of Caracalla are perhaps as popular today as they were when they were used...

Artist’s reconstruction of Lutetia by Dassault Systemes (YouTube screenshot)

5 July, 2020 - 23:02 dhwty

Ancient Lutetia: The Roman Roots of Paris

Over two millennia ago, France’s capital, Paris, was inhabited by Celtic Gauls who called their city Parisii. But then the Romans came and set up camp. They renamed their city Lutetia, meaning ‘place...

The Building of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus by Hendrik van Cleve III

29 August, 2018 - 02:50 Bryan Hill

The Grand and Sacred Temple of Artemis, A Wonder of the Ancient World

The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Three to four times as large as the Parthenon in Athens, it was once described as the largest temple and building of antiquity...

The construction and location of the Roman pool has the experts stumped. Source: AnchorSoprintendenza Speciale di Roma

10 September, 2020 - 18:45 Ed Whelan

What in the Roman Republic is this Giant Pool Found Outside Rome?

A major but enigmatic discovery has been made near Rome. A huge pool, that is at least 2,300 years old has been uncovered by archaeologists. However, the role and purpose of this pool is not known...

30 December, 2020 - 23:22 dhwty

Glanum, An Ancient Roman Town in France Renowned for Its Healing Spring

We are fortunate to have access to many ancient Roman cities throughout the vast regions they once ruled. Their ruins tell us a great deal about their gods, their hobbies, their lifestyle, and their...

Excavations at the first known Christian church at Antakya, Turkey. Source: Anadolu Agency

25 October, 2022 - 14:58 ashley cowie

Digging Into The Hidden Chambers of Oldest Christian Church In The World

Archaeologists in Turkey have excavated the “world’s first church.” Within late Roman-era chambers they discovered smashed clay offering vessels which once held holy water. The team of Turkish...

Underwater archaeologist exploring the ancient remains of Baiae. Source: Naumacos / Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park

10 April, 2023 - 22:58 Nathan Falde

Stunning Roman Villas Unearthed in Underwater Ruins of Ancient Baiae

Underwater archaeologists working in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Naples, off Italy’s western coast, recently discovered the ruins of spectacular Roman villas. Built 2,000 years ago, or possibly...

The 2022 excavations from the air, illustrating the scale and variety of the trenches examined, to enable a broader understanding of the villa complex. Source: © Historic England

29 November, 2022 - 14:00 ashley cowie

Luxury Bath Spa At Rutland Villa Was A Roman Barn Conversion

Last year archaeologists in the UK unearthed a rare Roman mosaic at a luxury 3rd century villa. Now, further excavations have revealed an “early barn conversion” with underfloor heating and a bespoke...

The latest Roman baths in Spain emerge from the sand dunes of Cape Trafalgar. Source: University of Cadiz.

20 May, 2021 - 18:02 Rudra

Ancient Roman Baths in Spain Discovered in Pristine Condition

The Battle of Trafalgar, right off the coast from Cape Trafalgar is the site of one of European history’s most famous battles – Napoleon’s fleet, with his Spanish allies, getting routed by the...