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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Officially known as the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, this basilica is located near the Colosseum. Like many great historic buildings in Rome, the church finds itself built on ruins - in fact, the Basilica of St Clement is built on not one but two sets of ruins! Background Originally a domestic home to [...]
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This gruesome method of capital punishment was one of a range of crazy “blood sports” practiced by the Romans at the turn of the millennia. Starting in the first century AD, not only Damnatio ad Bestias was a way to deal with criminals, but also a form of entertainment for Rome’s masses! What's the Damnatio [...]
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Just what is a Ludi - or a Ludi Romani? Well, the Ludi Romani was a religious festival that took place in September of every year in ancient Rome. The exact origins of the festival are disputed. Some credit it to the Etruscan King Tarquinius Priscus who conquered Apiolae, others to Roman victories at lake [...]
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What on earth is a Naumachia? Never heard of it? Googling it now because you saw it on a brochure about Rome? Well, we have the lowdown right here. Read on to learn the history of the sea battles... What was a Naumachia? The Naumachia (plural naumachiae) was a show sea battle that would take [...]
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You want to know more about Domus Aurea ? In 64 AD, Rome suffered a great fire. It was the summer, and the blaze lasted for nearly 10 days. It is estimated that over 66% of the city was destroyed. As the majority of Rome’s buildings were wooden framed, only 4 districts escaped devastation. Rumours [...]
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The Velarium was basically the olden day equivalent of a sunshade. You know when you’re in Spain and you see the apartments with the little orange terrace shades? Kinda the same thing, except ancient. And huge. The most famous Velarium was the Colosseum awning, which offered protection from the burning Roman sun to spectators. What [...]
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The Munera Rome were personally funded games and leisure activities, sponsored by members of the local elite. Unlike the formally organised state Ludi, the Roman Munera were entirely paid for by private citizens. Doing their civic duty I suppose. Before those pesky officials got involved at least. Read on to learn all about it! Munera [...]
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The Curia Julia is one of the oldest senates, or “senate houses'' - known as a Curia in ancient Rome. It is the third such construction of a senate, commissioned by Julius Caesar in 44BC. It replaced the second senate - the Curia Cornelia - and construction was completed after Julius Caesar was killed. It [...]
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