Imagine yourself stepping into a dimly lit tomb. Walls adorned with vibrant frescoes depict scenes of athletic competitions, elegant banquets, and fantastical creatures. This is a glimpse into the captivating world of the Etruscans, an enigmatic civilization that thrived in ancient Italy long before the rise of Rome. Flourishing between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE, the Etruscans were not just skilled artisans and architects, but also a people steeped in rich traditions and a complex religious belief system. Despite the challenges of deciphering their language, the Etruscans’ influence on Roman culture, politics, and society remains undeniable. Their legacy lives on through the enduring achievements of the Roman civilization, shaping…
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Happy Birthday, Rome!
Today, April 21st, marks the legendary founding of the Eternal City – Rome! I received an invitation from Nova Roma, a group based in Rome that celebrates all things ancient Roman, to join the celebrations this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend today as it is always an amazing day. According to tradition, the city was established by Romulus in 753 BC. While the exact date might be shrouded in myth, there’s no doubt that Rome’s rich history and enduring legacy continue to capture our imaginations. Celebrating Natale di Roma Italians celebrate Rome’s birthday with a vibrant festival called “Natale di Roma” (Birthday of Rome). The festivities typically last…
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Time Capsule Treasures: The Secrets of Vicarello’s Votive Deposit
Certainly, here’s an improved version: For centuries, the Votive Deposit of Vicarello lay concealed, a captivating archaeological revelation that offers a tantalizing window into the ancient customs and beliefs of a bygone era. Discovered in 1852 near Italy’s picturesque Bracciano Lake, this exceptional trove of coins, metals, and flint tools has consistently held the fascination of historians and archaeologists. My own fascination with this discovery was sparked during a visit to Rome’s Palazzo Massimo. In its vast basement vault, I encountered hundreds of coins from ancient Rome and a captivating display on the Vicarello find, a discovery just a stone’s throw away from my own home, so I felt a…
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Journey Back in Time: Exploring the Marvels of Ostia Antica
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Get Lost In Time At Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli
Italy is a country renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, and one of its true gems is Villa Hadrian. Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Tivoli, this ancient villa stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. In this blog article, I will delve into the fascinating history of Villa Hadrian and provide essential tourist information for those who wish to explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. History of Villa Hadrian: Villa Hadrian, also known as Villa Adriana, stands as a testament to the grand vision and opulence of Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century AD. This magnificent retreat was designed as a haven…
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Urbs Salvia – A Hidden Ancient Roman Treasure In The Marche
It is August and that means it’s vacation time in Italy. I spent two busy weeks at my in-laws and finally went to the Roman ruins close to their house. ( I know I am very lucky to have such wonderful in-laws! Especially such a lovely Italian Mother In-Law!) Driving by Urbisaglia all these years, I thought it was just ruins of an amphitheatre but I discovered it was so much more. Let me share with you the most important Roman settlement within the Marche region of Italy. Urbs Salvia was situated at the crossroads of two important roads connecting the towns of the region during the Roman period. Urbs…
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The Colosseum – Ancient Rome’s Answer to Netflix
The Colosseum or The Flavian Amphitheatre First opened 1,940 years ago by Emperor Titus in 80 A.D. after a mere 10 years of building work. This huge building, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, named after the family who built it, is the largest amphitheatre ever built. It could accommodate around 7,000 people at one time. It’s elliptical in shape and is at the longest point, measures 188 metres long and 156 metres wide. The outer walls are 50 meters high and formed by 80 arches. That’s the boring bits out of the way. Now, these arches functioned as entrances and led to a series of tunnels and steep stairways that…
