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    1. Home
    2. Life in ancient Rome

    Life in ancient Rome

    Illustration showing Roman Saturnalia banquet. (Photo by Alamy)
    Roman

    Saturnalia: the origins of the debauched Roman ‘Christmas’

    'The last Day of Pompeii', 1833. Briullov, Karl Pavlovich (1799-1852). Found in the collection of the State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg. (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
    Roman

    Pompeii: a remarkable window into ancient Roman life

    Roman toilet
    Tudor

    Tales of the toilet: a historical A–Z

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    The tomb of Pharaoh Djoser, built at Saqqara
    General ancient history

    Timeline: the evolution of ancient empires

    A fresco from the Villa of the Vettii in Pompeii. Painted before the catastrophic eruption of Versuvius, these frescoes were uncovered from beneath layers of volcanic ash and pumice. (Photo by In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)
    Roman

    A brief guide to Pompeii, plus 8 fascinating facts about the ancient Roman city

    Roman republic
    Roman

    Your guide to the Roman Republic

    Mosaic showing gladiators, Roman Civilization, 4th century
    Roman

    Bread and circuses: what happened in the amphitheatres of the Roman empire?

    Pompeii,Italy
    Roman

    What was life like in ancient Pompeii? Mary Beard shares an A-Z guide

    Despite popular misconception, Gladiatorial fighting was not the most popular entertainment in Ancient Rome. (Photo by Alamy)
    Roman

    A brief guide to ancient Rome and the Romans, plus 9 fascinating facts

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    Spartacus is now associated with political upheaval, as in the 1919 Spartacist uprising.
    Roman

    Who were the gladiators of ancient Rome? Plus Spartacus, Crixus and 8 more fighters you should know

    Pompeii wall painting depicting an erotic satyr and nymph
    Roman

    In bed with the Romans: a brief history of sex in Ancient Rome

    ancient rome quiz
    Roman

    Ancient Rome quiz

    c1900: Relief depicting Roman officials and praetorians.
    Roman

    Q&A Did Roman men dodge their military service?

    A portrait of the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer (c1340-1400), who modern literary scholars credit for turning Valentine into the patron of love. Chaucer was a major influencer in his day – after him, everyone began calling their beloved “Valentine” and writing love poems on 14 February, says Lisa Bitel. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
    Roman

    A brief history of Valentine’s Day – from the patron saint of epilepsy to Chaucer’s love tales

    Midwives and babies in the sun
    General Early Modern

    Midwifery and childbirth: a historical A–Z guide

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