20 Scenes That Capture The Chaos & Glory of Ancient Rome!

Life in Ancient Rome wasn’t just about gladiators and togas—though, let’s be honest, there were plenty of both. These 20 artistic depictions bring the empire to life, showing everything from lavish banquets and bustling markets to wild chariot races and questionable fashion choices.

1. Conversing

At the community well.

2. “A Fresco” By Cesare Maccari

Depicting Roman senator Cicero denouncing the conspirator Catiline in the Roman senate.

3. Slaves for Sale

Slaves played a part in many parts of society.

4. Circus Maximus

Ariel view of the race track.

5. A Roman Feast

People often ate laying down.

6. The Unveiling of the Twelve Tables

A collection of Roman laws that were written at the insistence of the plebeians, 450 BCE.

7. A Roman Bathhouse

Getting clean, and hanging out.

8. Gladiators

Sports were very important in Roman society, especially the gladiator games.

9. Roman Grain Mill

Hard at work.

10. Secessio Plebis

A form of revolt first introduced in ancient Rome, for when the ruling class of Rome would become too corrupt. Commoners would band together, evacuate the entire city, and leave the elites to fend for themselves.

11. Playing Sports

Many people exercised and practiced sports in the afternoons.

12. Ancient Rome

An arial view of the city. Smaller than today, but bigger than anything else Europe would manage for another 500 years or so.

13. Market

Buying and trading in a public square.

14. A Mask Seller

Business in ancient Rome.

15. The Festival of Saturnalia

A feast that could last a week or more.

16. Caesar

After allegedly going too hard during Saturnalia.

17. The Roman Army

The Roman Army was mighty and well respected, made up of both poor and well-off citizens.

18. Religious Festival

Before the days of Christianity.

19. Mausoleum of Hadrian

With a few examples of bridge building.

20. Fire

Fires were fought by citizen soldiers, until a fire brigade was set up around 70 BC by Marcus Licinius Crassus. However, it was private.

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