ACCORDING TO LEGEND, Rome was founded in 753 BCE by the brothers Romulus and Remus,sons of the war-god Mars. It was built on seven hills beside the river Tiber, on the borders of Etruria. Early Rome was ruled by kings until 509 BCE when the nobles drove out the wicked Etruscan king, Tarquin the Proud.

SIMON JAMES in association with THE BRITISH MUSEUM Be an interactive eyewitness to the one of history's greatest civilizations, from its vast empire to merciless gladiator fights.

City-state to superpower

The emperors

The legionary

Battle and defence

Soldiers in society

Lenators, citizens, subjects, and slaves

The women of Rome

Growing up

Family life

House and home

Builders and engineers

The bloody arena

Mortal combat

A day at the races

The theatre

A trip to the baths

Writing it all down

Craftsmen and technology

First catch your dormouse

A dinner party

Making music

A world of many gods

Worship and sacrifice

Healing the sick

Death and burial

Country life

Transport, travel, and trade

The twilight of Rome

Did you know?

The emperors

Find out more

Glossary

Index