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

Hadrian’s Wall is the remains of stone fortifications built by the Roman Empire following its conquest of Britain in the second century A.D. The original structure stretched more than 70 miles across the northern English countryside from the River Tyne near the city of Newcastle and the North Sea, west to the Irish Sea.

Bust of Marc Anthony in the Museum of the Vatican.

Mark Antony

The Roman politician and general Mark Antony (83–30 B.C.), or Marcus Antonius, was an ally of Julius Caesar and the main rival of his successor Octavian (later Augustus). With them, he was integral to Rome’s transition from republic to empire.

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, the Roman Empire had that extensive road system. But it helped that early Christians didn’t paint themselves 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 lives and value were defined almost solely in relation to men: 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 Colosseum 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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