Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome—first a republic and then an empire led by rulers such as Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Caligula and Nero—was a vast and powerful domain that gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.

Featured Overview

All roads lead to Rome - and so do these tech trees! From the newspaper to the vending machine, these are 8 amazing Roman technological innovations, in this episode of History Countdown.

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History.com Ancient Rome Collage

Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images.

Featured Overview

All roads lead to Rome - and so do these tech trees! From the newspaper to the vending machine, these are 8 amazing Roman technological innovations, in this episode of History Countdown.

8:42m watch

Start Here

Timeline of Ancient Roman Emperors

11 Roman Emperors Who Helped Mold the Ancient World

These rulers were often as innovative and ingenious as they were brutal and corrupt.

'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.

The Course of Empire. Destruction, 1836. Found in the collection of New York Historical Society.

8 Reasons Why Rome Fell

Find out why one of history's most legendary empires finally came crashing down.

The naumachia (naval battle between Romans), as painted by artist Ulpiano Checa.

5 Bloody Spectacles at Ancient Rome’s Colosseum

Roman citizens could enter the arena for free to watch gladiator fights, mock naval battles, wild animal hunts—and plenty of death.

The Colosseum

Games in the Colosseum

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

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3 Architectural Wonders of Ancient Rome

Colosseum, Rome

Colosseum

The massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum was commissioned around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people.

Engraving of the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum).

Roman Forum

Dating to Rome’s founding and home to many of the ancient city’s most impressive temples and monuments, the Forum was an important site of religious, political and social activities.

Pantheon.

Pantheon

One of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. The structure, completed around 126-128 A.D., features a rotunda with a massive domed ceiling that was the largest of its kind when it was built.

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Ancient Rome

Rome's emperor orders a major renovation to prove himself.

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The construction of the largest amphitheater in Rome has taken place and now history's most iconic duels commence.

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Caesar consolidated his power and made himself dictator. Learn more in this exclusive clip from Ancient Empires.

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Two of the most known men in the history of ancient Rome are Gaius Julius Caesar and Spartacus. Learn more in this exclusive clip from Ancient Empires.

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Julius Caesar works his way up to becoming one of the most powerful people in Rome. see more in this clip from Season 1, Episode 2, "Caesar."

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Commodus revolutionized what it meant to be an emperor by going against the norm and becoming a gladiator.

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When a major health crisis breaks out, a young scientist by the name of Galen is brought in to help.

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An underground spiritual movement known as Christianity begins to spread through the empire.

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Gladiatorial combat takes a turn when women enter the arena.

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From the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE to Operation Mincemeat in WWII, discover 7 risky gambles that ended up changing world history, in this episode of History Countdown.

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All roads lead to Rome - and so do these tech trees! From the newspaper to the vending machine, these are 8 amazing Roman technological innovations, in this episode of History Countdown.

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See what the Roman Empire was like at the time of Jesus' birth in this bonus clip from "Jesus: His Life."

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Rome delivered fresh water to its people by building massive aqueducts that are still an engineering marvel today.

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Did Nero fiddle while Rome burned? Get the full story

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in 410 A.D. Alaric and the Visigoths sack Rome after years of holding the city under siege.

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See how civilizations throughout history have designed and managed their plumbing and waste disposal systems.

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Ancient rulers built luxurious private residences that rival modern-day mansions.

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A surprising innovation may have helped the Carthaginians cross the snow-covered terrain of the Alps.

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The Appian Way is the world's first super highway and brought us the first milestone, marking the distance traveled along the road.

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It was nearly wiped out during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. What is left of this ancient city and will Vesuvius erupt again? Uncover the lost city of Pompeii.

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

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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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The Roman leader Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times by a mob of mutinous senators in 44 B.C. Could he possibly have survived long enough to utter his famous last words?

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Built as a temple for the Goddess Athena, the Parthenon is considered one of the greatest examples of Greek architecture still standing today.

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