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.

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Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images.

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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.

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Ancient Rome

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Ancient Rome

Ancient Empires: Caesar and Spartacus

Two of the most known men in the history of ancient Rome are Gaius Julius Caesar and Spartacus.

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Ancient Rome

Ancient Empires: Caesar as Dictator

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

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Ancient Rome

Ancient Empires: Julius Caesar's Powerful Alliance Transforms Rome

Julius Caesar works his way up to becoming one of the most powerful people in Rome.

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Ancient Rome

Deadly Gladiator Duels in Rome's Iconic Colosseum

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

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Ancient Rome

Gladiatrix Revolutionizes Deadly Colosseum Combat

Gladiatorial combat takes a turn when women enter the arena.

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Ancient Rome

How a Gruesome Epidemic Threatened the Roman Empire

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

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Ancient Rome

How an Emperor Transformed into an Unforgiving Gladiator

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

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Ancient Rome

How Christianity Divided the Roman Empire

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

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Ancient Rome

Go Inside the Mysterious Labyrinth Under Rome's Colosseum

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

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Ancient Rome

What the Roman Empire Was Like

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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The ancient Roman festival, held annually on February 15, was a precursor to Valentine’s Day.

When Julius Caesar crossed this small Italian river, he established history’s most famous point of no return.

See workouts inspired by civilizations around the world.

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