Ancient Rome

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Roman Forum

Forum’s Early History According to a widely accepted legend, ancient Rome was founded by brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C. After a rising conflict, Romulus killed Remus, became king and named Rome after himself. The traditional story also credits Romulus with starting an alliance with his rival, Titus Tatius, and making the site of […]

Hadrian’s Wall

Romans Invade Britain The Romans first attempted to invade the island now known as Britain in 55 B.C., while under the rule of Emperor Julius Caesar. Although Caesar’s military maneuver was unsuccessful, the armies of the Roman Empire again made a move to conquer the island, which was populated and governed by various Celtic tribes, […]

Bust of Marc Anthony in the Museum of the Vatican.

Mark Antony

Mark Antony: Early Life and Alliance with Julius Caesar Marcus Antonius was born in Rome in 83 B.C., the son of an ineffective praetor (military commander) and grandson of a noted consul and orator, both of whom shared his given name. After a largely misspent youth, he was sent east as a cavalry officer, where […]

Saturnalia

What Is Saturnalia? Saturnalia, the most popular holiday on the ancient Roman calendar, derived from older farming-related rituals of midwinter and the winter solstice, especially the practice of offering gifts or sacrifices to the gods during the winter sowing season. The pagan celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time, began as a […]

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Roman Emperor Constantine making a donation from the city of Rome to the Pope in support of his newfound devotion to the Christian church.

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5 Ways Christianity Spread Through Ancient Rome

Sure, there was that extensive road system. But it helped that Christianity didn’t paint itself as an exclusive club.

Combat between gladiators in ancient Rome. The vanquished appeals to the spectators for mercy. From Ward and Lock's Illustrated History of the World, published c. 1882.

5 Famous Ancient Roman Gladiators

Who were the most renowned Roman gladiators? From slave rebel Spartacus to debauched emperor Commodus, they varied widely.

'The Mother of the Gracchi', c. 1780. Ancient Rome's Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi, presents her children, saying: Here are my riches and my jewels. From the Musee du Louvre, Paris.

What Role Did Women Play in Ancient Rome?

Their value was defined almost solely in relation to their fathers and husbands. But some women found ways to claim their own power.

Roman civilization, 1st century A.D. Relief portraying Telephus undergoing surgery. From Herculaneum.

8 Fascinating Facts About Ancient Roman Medicine

While doctors in ancient Rome prescribed macabre elixirs and used dreams for diagnoses, they also made significant medical advances.

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Games in the Colosseum

The Roman Coliseum was an engineering marvel designed to seat close to 75,000 people.

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Coroner’s Report: Pompeii

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. obliterated the Roman city of Pompeii, burying it under tons of volcanic ash. While many of its resident fled to safety, what happened to those who dared to stay behind?

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