Ancient Rome: c. 753 B.C.E. – 400 C.E.

In 1938, an excavation at the ancient Roman city of Pompeii revealed a small carved ivory of Indian origin.
An Indian ivory statuette in Pompeii

Contrary to the white marble of the ancient Mediterranean we see today, the ancient Greeks and Romans painted their statues in vibrant colors
In Full Color, Ancient Sculpture Reimagined

Hadrian's Wall in England has always been a place where communities intersect
Hadrian’s Wall

Once a fringe area of study, these archaeologists' research on polychromy—or “many colors” in Greek—combats the misconception of white purity in ancient Greece and Rome.
The Modern Invention of Ancient White Marble

Bathing was an essential part of ancient Roman urban life and spending the afternoon in the baths was a normal occurrence.
Baths of Caracalla

The Roman emperor Augustus brought many ancient Egyptian obelisks back to the the city of Rome.
Obelisks and ancient Rome

From Augustus, to Mussolini, and now Bulgari, the long strange history of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
The Mausoleum of Augustus and the Piazza ...

The Pont du Gard is one of the greatest public works projects spearheaded in the Augustan age.
Pont du Gard

The ancient site now known as Dura-Europos (in what is today Syria) was not a key site in antiquity, but its importance is in its vast archaeological record.
Dura-Europos

A Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland, and which was Romanized in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Ancient Sabratha

A magnificent 2nd-century Roman theatre, early Christian ruins, and several mosques are found within Bosra's great walls.
Ancient city of Bosra

The colony of Augusta Emerita, which became present-day Mérida in Estremadura, was founded in 25 B.C. at the end of the Spanish Campaign and was the capital of Lusitania.
Colony of Augusta Emerita, Mérida

Leptis Magna was one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire, with its imposing public monuments, harbor, market-place, storehouses, shops and residential districts.
Leptis Magna

The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C.E., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings.
Volubilis

The impressive ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa, a huge amphitheater which could hold up to 35,000 spectators, are found in the small village of El Jem
Amphitheater of El Jem

Djémila, or Cuicul, with its forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, is an interesting example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location.
Djémila

Vibrant frescoes from Room M at Boscoreale blur the line between urban, rural, and sacred scenes as well as what is real and imaginary.
Room M of the Villa of Publius ...

This small temple is a rare surviving example from the Roman Republic. It is both innovative and traditional.
Temple of Portunus, Rome

Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest extent, celebrating his victories with this monumental column.