The Roman forum – Roman architecture
Basilica Julia, Rome - in the Roman forum What was a Roman forum? At the center of most Roman cities was a big open space called the Forum. People met [...]
Etruscan architecture – Early Italy
Etruscan temple at Veii - a reconstruction When did Etruscans start to build in stone? The Etruscans, about 700 BC, were the first people in northern and central Italy to build big [...]
Domitian’s palace – Domus Flavia – Roman architecture
This is the facade, or front entrance, to Domitian's palace, the Domus Flavia Why did Domitian build the Domus Flavia? Vespasian, the first emperor of the Flavian Dynasty in Rome, had been [...]
Roman Colosseum – ancient Rome – Roman architecture
Roman Colosseum - the Flavian Amphitheater - in Rome, Italy. Built about 70 AD Vespasian built the Roman Colosseum so people would like him When Vespasian became the new Roman Emperor [...]
Cerveteri – Etruscan tomb architecture
A street in the Etruscan cemetery at Cerveteri An Etruscan cemetery The Etruscans (ee-TRUSS-cans) of Northern Italy believed that it was important to keep cemeteries well separated from where people lived. You [...]
Baths of Caracalla – Roman architecture
Baths of Caracalla A good example of a Roman bath Roman emperors often built huge public bath buildings for the people of Rome to enjoy. The largest one, and one that also happens to [...]
Roman baths – water and cleanliness in ancient Rome
The big cold swimming pool at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. Why did Romans have public baths? Roman people usually didn't have hot baths in their houses, because it was [...]
Roman basilicas – Architecture in ancient Rome
Basilica Aemilia, Rome What is a basilica? Sometimes the Romans had things they wanted to do in groups, but inside, out of the weather. Then they met in a basilica [...]
Roman aqueducts – Pont du Gard, Segovia, and more
Aqueduct in the city of Rome - Roman aqueducts brought clean water to the people of Rome Why did the Romans build aqueducts? As Roman towns got bigger under the Roman [...]
Roman amphitheaters – ancient Rome
The Colosseum - the Flavian Amphitheater - in Rome, Italy. Built in the 70s AD by the emperor Vespasian What were Roman amphitheaters for? Most people have heard of the Colosseum in [...]
