Beginner’s guide: Ancient Rome

Roman art spans almost 1,000 years and three continents from Europe into Africa and Asia.

753 B.C.E.–410 C.E.

The mythic founding of the Roman Republic is supposed to have happened in 509 B.C.E. when the last Etruscan king was overthrown. Augustus’s rise to power in 27 B.C.E. signaled the end of the Roman Republic and the formation of the Empire. Gods and religions from other parts of the empire made their way to Rome’s capital including the Egyptian goddess Isis, the Persian god Mithras, and ultimately—Christianity.

Introduction to ancient Rome

Introduction to ancient Rome

By The British Museum

From monarchy, to republic, then empire—at its height, Rome controlled territory from Scotland to the Middle East.

Introduction to ancient Roman art

Introduction to ancient Roman art

By Dr. Jessica Leay Ambler

With the lands of Greece, Egypt, and beyond, Ancient Rome was a melting pot of cultures.

City of Rome overview—origins to the archaic period

City of Rome overview—origins to the archaic period

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

The humble beginnings of Rome provide the roots of a long cultural story, one that we continue to experience, sample, and live via archaeology, history, and cultural reception.

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome

By Dr. Bernard Frischer, Dr. Steven Zucker

Fly over a reconstruction of one of the greatest cities in history to experience Rome as the Romans knew it.

Rome’s history in four faces at The Met

Rome’s history in four faces at The Met

By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

Realism, ideal beauty, and military might—explore the evolution of Roman portraits and political imagery.

Damnatio memoriae—Roman sanctions against memory

<em>Damnatio memoriae</em>—Roman sanctions against memory

By Dr. Francesca Tronchin

If the Roman government condemned a ruler, his portraits often died with him.

Digging through time

Digging through time

By Dr. Darius Arya, Dr. Steven Zucker

Dirt and detritus have built up in Rome over the centuries—the city now sits well above ancient street level.

Pompeii, an introduction

Pompeii, an introduction

By Dr. Francesca Tronchin

Pompeii, once called the "City of the Dead," gives a marvelous sense of day-to-day Roman life.

The rediscovery of Pompeii and the other cities of Vesuvius

The rediscovery of Pompeii and the other cities of Vesuvius

By Dr. Francesca Tronchin

The rediscovery of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum and the beginnings of archaeology.

An introduction to ancient Roman architecture

An introduction to ancient Roman architecture

By Dr. Jessica Leay Ambler

Concrete, arches, and vaulting allowed the Roman Empire to become an engineering and architectural marvel.

Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum)

Forum Romanum (The Roman Forum)

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

The heart of ancient Rome, the Forum Romanum was the monumental center of religious, political, and social life.

Imperial fora

Imperial fora

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

These awe-inspiring public complexes were built to reinforce the imperial family’s political message.

Roman Domestic architecture (the Domus)

Roman Domestic architecture: the Domus

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

The domus was more than a residence, it was also a statement of social and political power.

Roman domestic architecture – insula

Roman domestic architecture: the insula

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

The Romans are famous for soaring monuments, but perhaps they should be better known for their high-rise apartments.

Roman domestic architecture: the villa

Roman domestic architecture: the villa

By Dr. Jeffrey A. Becker

To escape the heat and pressures of the city, the wealthiest Roman families retreated to their country homes.

Roman funeral rituals and social status: The Amiternum tomb and the tomb of the Haterii

Roman funeral rituals and social status: The Amiternum tomb and the tomb of the Haterii

By Dr. Laurel Taylor

Death, memory, and funerary rituals—monumental tombs lined the streets leading into ancient Roman cities.

Seizure of Looted Antiquities Illuminates What Museums Want Hidden

Seizure of Looted Antiquities Illuminates What Museums Want Hidden

By Dr. Elizabeth Marlowe

The truth is that the route to the gallery is often ugly, built on crime, brute force, and lies. When we catch a glimpse of that reality, we must not look away.

Looting, collecting, and exhibiting: the Bubon bronzes

Looting, collecting, and exhibiting: the Bubon bronzes

By Dr. Elizabeth Marlowe, Dr. Steven Zucker

Where do the objects in museums come from? Explore the tension between collectors and the preservation of knowledge.