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? [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
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 [...]
Read more
In Ancient Rome, the open air meeting space was known as the Comitium. Here, voting was done and assemblies met to discuss the business of the day. This was the place where decisions were made! The Lapis Niger was a shrine within the Comitium. It is one of the only surviving parts of the structure, [...]
Read more
These glorious thermal baths are a great attraction to visit when in Rome. The ancient Roman Baths of Trajan were built in 109 AD and get their name from the Emperor Trajan. In fact, they are dedicated to him. Like all Thermae back in the day this thermal spa was an important social meeting point [...]
Read more