The ‘Eternal City’: Rome

The city of Rome, established in the 8th century BC, was located in the centre of the Italian Peninsula. In the following centuries, Rome first took control of the peninsula and then
the entire Mediterranean region. Rome became a true metropolis during the period of
the Roman Republic, however, its most amazing buildings were constructed during the
era of the Roman Empire. These masterpieces not only represented the ingenuity of the artists and engineers, but also the power and richness of the city and the Empire.

Ara Pacis Augustae

The altar was named after the period of Augustan Peace, which was established by Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Its construction took place between 13 BC and 9 BC. The monument com­memorates Augustus’ return from military cam­paigns in Hispania and Gaul.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon, built on the Campus Martius,
is one of the few temples of ancient Rome that is still intact. Its name originates from Greek and means “Temple of all the gods”. The original structure was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa
in 27 BC during the 3rd term of his consulship. He was a general as well as a friend and
the son-in-law to the Emperor Augustus.

Theatre of Pompey

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, or Pompey the Great (106 BC–48 BC), was a politician and military leader of the late Roman Republic. It was during his second consulship that Pompey initiated the construction of a theatre. The building complex, which was inaugurated in 55 BC, was the first major stone theatre in ancient Rome.

Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus was the first arena in the ancient city of Rome. The first
Etruscan king, Tarquinius Priscus, already held games here, called the ‘Ludi Romani’ (Roman games). Later rulers further expanded and decorated this magnificent structure. The Circus Maximus mainly featured horse and chariot races.

Baths of Caracalla

Among countless other things, the baths, or thermae,
are an excellent example of the magnificence of Roman culture and architecture. Eager Roman Emperors sought to build many of these splendid and monumental thermae. The Baths of Caracalla were built in the south
of Rome in the 3rd century AD.

Arch of Titus

The Arch of Titus was built at the entrance of the Forum Romanum, to commemorate Emperor Titus’ victory in the Siege of Jerusalem (79–81).