In the sixteenth and seventeenth century, the death of a pope led to all sorts of chaos, from the destruction of art to armed violence in the streets.

The idea of barbarian invasions comes from the nineteenth century, when they were constructed as the decisive event that wrenched the West into modernity.

In Mussolini's Rome, the built environment struck a balance between the romance of the ancient past and the rationalism of avant-garde modernism.

Since the 16th century, anonymous authors have been posting provocative political messages on or near these Roman statues.

Vespasian's most useful contribution to history may well have been creation of pay toilets.

Recreating ancient meals--complete with 2500-year-old booze--is no easy feat.

From parasites to malaria, the health risks facing ancient Rome were numerous. 

Gladiators drank a concoction of vinegar and ashes to stay bulky for battle.