Life in ancient Rome

Politics, Roman style.

Historian Greg Jenner

Making jokes about Romans.

In his native Como, Pliny the Younger's fame is reflected in his statue on the city cathedral's imposing west front, which was built in the 15th century. (Image by AKG Images)

Pliny's Rome: Vesuvius, vice and vestal virgins.

An ancient Roman relief shows a midwife delivering a baby. Many midwives had other occupations, and undertook the task as a contribution to their community. (Wellcome Images)

Call the (Roman) midwife

Roman mosaic of a dog, bearing the legend 'Cave Canem' underneath, from Pompeii, from Naples National Museum's collection, 1st century. (Photo by CM Dixon/Print Collector/Getty Images)

6 things you (probably) didn’t know about animals in ancient Rome

Toilette of a Roman Lady. Found in the collection of Museo del Prado, Madrid. (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

What did they wear in Ancient Rome?

Comprising a large semi-circle of heavy woollen cloth, the Roman toga was a deeply impractical garment. (Photo By DEA/A.DE GREGORIO/De Agostini via Getty Images)

Q&ADid Ancient Roman togas have pockets?

Early 20th century image showing a tribune in the Roman Republic. (Photo by Culture Club/Getty Images)

Elections in the late Roman Republic: how did they work?.

A group of men wearing togas assault Julius Caesar in this painting depicting his assassination.

Violence, rebellion and sexual exploitation: the darker side of Ancient Rome

Illustration by Jonty Clark

Ye olde travel guide: Rome 192 AD.

A Pompeii mural depicting a slave, in the Naples Museum. (Photo by Sites & Photos/Capture Ltd/ Alamy Stock Photo)

In Ancient Rome, what was the law of the twelve tables?

Roman ruins in Ancient Ostia with the tenements of Serapide

FeatureFive facts about Roman insulae

A Roman relief showing a market scene

A handbook to shopping in ancient Rome.

Roman silver denarius coins AD 72 till 200 and were offered up at the beginning of the 4th century AD, from the Nydan Bog archaeological site. (Photo by Clare Rowan)

From bes to Bitcoin: alternative currencies in the ancient Roman world.

Vulcan caught Venus and Mars in a net and shows them to the laughing Gods. (Photo by Imagno/Getty Images)

Religion in ancient Rome: what did they believe?.

A relief portrays patrons of a Roman tavern. (Photo By DEA / A. DAGLI ORTI/De Agostini/Getty Images)

The dangerous streets of ancient Rome.

Banquet at a wealthy home in ancient Rome. (Photo by North Wind Picture Archives/Alamy)

Dormice, ostrich meat and fresh fish: the surprising foods eaten in ancient Rome.

Roman wallpainting of a dinner party, Pompeii, Italy. (Photo by Heritage Image Partnership Ltd/Alamy)

What did people eat in Ancient Rome?

Relief of a charioteer

Q&AWho was the highest-paid sportsman in history?

A mosaic depicting the poet Virgil writing the Aeneid. (Photo By DEA / G. DAGLI ORTI/De Agostini/Getty Images)

How to succeed in Ancient Rome.

A Pompeian fresco from the first century showing a woman tuning a musical instrument. Excavations at the partially buried Roman city reveal that women played a prominent role in the home, and that they took personal grooming very seriously indeed. (Photo by: Werner Forman/UIG via Getty Images)

At home with the Romans.

The columns of the Temple of Saturn and overview of the ruined Roman Forum, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rome. (Getty Images)

Regency AcademyJustice, Roman style