General informations top help you plan your Colosseum tour
Want to visit Julius Caesar grave while in Rome? In this post, we are going to show you how. This powerful general ruled as a dictator over Rome for only 5 years before being assassinated. But his legacy was strong - he was a pivotal factor in the fall of the Roman Republic, which led [...]
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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 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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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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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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