Results for "Ancient History"

Backbones of the Roman Empire

Roads, bridges, sewers, and aqueducts were the networks that connected the vast Roman Empire, which, in its heyday, encompassed an area of 5 million square kilometers. To keep it all...

Perseus with the Head of Medusa

A stunning bronze sculpture by Benvenuto Cellini located in the Loggia dei Lanzi. Tune in to listen to Andrew Graham-Dixon’s story about Medusa. Who was she? How did she become...

Daily Life for the Romans

When the Romans come to mind, it’s easy to picture famous figures like Julius Caesar or monumental buildings like the Colosseum. But what was life really like in Ancient Rome?...

The rape of the Sabine women

This extraordinary marble group by Giambologna, a Flemish master born Jean de Boulogne, depicts a legend from the early days of Rome, when its men committed a mass abduction of...

Volterra: From the Romans to the Present Day

Continue learning about Volterra’s captivating history, and you’ll understand why blocks of marble from the town’s ancient Roman ruins can be found in many of its medieval structures—including the town’s...

San Gimignano: the Medieval New York City

Although San Gimignano is a small town tucked into the Tuscan countryside, it’s often earned comparisons to New York City. Why? Well, its many medieval towers can indeed be considered...

The Etruscans: The Greeks’ and Romans’ “Mysterious” Neighbors

The Etruscans are not as well-known as other ancient peoples of the Mediterranean, like the Greeks and the Romans, but they definitely should be! In fact, you might be surprised...

Saturnia: Heaven at the Portals to Hell

Saturnia is a peaceful spa town that offers rest, relaxation, and repose for travelers weary after long hours of looking at Tuscany’s amazing art and architecture. This captivating town has...

The Vie Cave: Inscrutable Ancient Roads

Cut deep into the tufa rock—a distinguishing feature of Tuscany’s beautiful Maremma region—the Vie Cave are a network of ancient roads made by the fascinating Etruscan civilization. Walking along these...