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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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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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, [...]
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Vesta was goddess of the home and family, and the Temple of Vesta, Tivoli, was a structure honoring her. Amongst the greek inspired columns, the sacred fire of Vesta burned. It’s noted for its unique circular shape and can be found within the confines of the Roman Forum. Read on to find out more about [...]
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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 [...]
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As an emblem of Roman expertise in architecture and engineering, the Colosseum offers several awe-inspiring views. Built almost 1950 years ago, this magnificent tourist point is always surrounded by thousands of visitors adoring its grandeur. How huge this building is and for what the purpose the Colosseum was built, here you’ll find the answer to [...]
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