Ancient Rome

Julius Caesar, the Colosseum, and the birth of Christianity—all roads lead to Rome.

753 B.C.E.–410 C.E.

Beginner's guide

Start here to learn about ancient Roman art—from its precious cameos to its marble monuments.

Periods and key issues

Beginner's guide: Roman architecture

Beginner's guide: Roman architecture

Roman art, archaeology & museums

Roman art, archaeology & museums

Pompeii

Pompeii

Wall painting

Wall painting

Republic

Republic

Early Empire

Early Empire

Middle Empire

Middle Empire

Late Empire

Late Empire

All content | Ancient Rome

It can be difficult to pinpoint just what is Roman about Roman art, but it is the ability to adapt, to take in and to uniquely combine influences over centuries of practice that made Roman art distinct.

Selected Contributors