The Basilica Ulpia was - despite its name - not a religious building. It was a center of business and commerce, to which many of the political functions also moved. Previously, they had been headquartered in the Roman Forum. The Basilica Ulpia Rome remained in use until the new Basilica of Maxentius was built in [...]
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The ancient Roman Forum of Augustus was one of Rome’s imperial fora. Mostly built on parts of Augustus’ own land, the forum housed the Temple of Mars Ultor and various statues. It was also a place that held legal proceedings, especially as the Roman Forum became more and more crowded. Notable for its vast collection [...]
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Consecrated in 498 BC, the construction of the Temple of Saturn is believed to be one of the oldest of such sacred structures in Rome. It is rumoured to have been built on an even older existing altar to Saturn that existed on the same spot. In order to honour the god Saturn - who [...]
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The Esquiline Hill in Rome - which itself contains three little peaks - the Cispian, the Oppian and the Fagutal - had originally been a poor area, and contained the cemetery for those who could not afford a proper burial. The Esquiline hill tombs or necropolis were in use until at least the first century [...]
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The Via Sacra used to be the main road in Ancient Rome. Translating into English as the Sacred Way Rome, it was the centre of commercial and everyday life in the city. In this guide, we will explore its interesting history and uncover the comings and goings down the Via Sacra in Roman times. Let’s [...]
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The name of this arch - the Triumphal Arch of Constantine - might give away its purpose. It is a dedicated memorial to Constantine the Great, who was a Roman Emperor. In this guide, we will uncover all about the significance of this arch in Rome, as well as its history. The arch is worth [...]
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In the first century, the Emperor Domitian set up the biggest gladiator school and named it the Ludus Magnus. It served as a welcome centre for gladiators from all over the empire who would receive training as well as accommodation. Here, the gladiators would swot up on all the skills needed in preparation for the [...]
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Traveling to Rome may be on your cards, but do you know how to do it right? You can choose to prepare a list of sites to visit or the things to do. Are you aware of the various aspects of Roman culture that you should be mindful of during your trip? Of course, you [...]
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You may have heard of the Mouth of Truth already given its fame in the old movie Roman Holiday starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Here you can find out all there is to know about it so that you can impress your travel buddies with your knowledge. What is the Mouth of Truth Rome? [...]
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Completed in 324 AD the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano attracts attention especially for its beautiful cloister. You may also not know that it is here - NOT St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican - that is the official seat of the Pope! The History of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano The ancient [...]
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