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.
Start Here
These rulers were often as innovative and ingenious as they were brutal and corrupt.
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.
Find out why one of history's most legendary empires finally came crashing down.
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.
3 Architectural Wonders of Ancient Rome
Explore All Related Topics
The baths of ancient Rome weren’t just for bathing. They were bustling civic hubs.
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 empire's road system may have covered nearly 200,000 miles.
Sure, the Roman Empire had that extensive road system. But it helped that early Christians didn't paint themselves as an exclusive club.
The gladiator led an army of escaped slaves against Roman troops.
The Roman Empire gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.
The Colosseum had a massive retractable awning that helped shield thousands of spectators from Rome’s scorching summer sun.
First erected as freestanding monuments in ancient Rome, triumphal arches have long projected glorified narratives of history and power.
Julius Caesar was a general, politician and scholar who became dictator of ancient Rome until he was assassinated.
These handwritten hexes believed to carry magical powers that could 'bind' rivals in sports, law and love.
Pompeii and Herculaneum were flourishing resorts on the coast of Italy until Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79.
Of the original Seven Wonders, only one—the Great Pyramid of Giza—remains intact.
Far from Rome's center, soldiers gathered in underground temples for mysterious rituals.
Chariot racing in ancient Rome showcased local teams, speed, violence and star athletes.
Julius Caesar’s killers attempted to thwart a dictator. They inadvertently created an emperor.
What are the Ides of March? Meaning, history and why it became a bad omen.
