Rome

Ancient ruins in Rome

Ancient Roman Ruins

This collection spans the archaeological highlights of Rome, from the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum to the expansive ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the ancient port of Ostia Antica. The list features monumental structures like the Pantheon, known for its massive unreinforced concrete dome, and the Domus Aurea, Nero's lavish golden palace. It covers diverse sites including the Circus Maximus chariot-racing stadium, the thermal complexes of the Baths of Caracalla, and the early Christian burial chambers of the Catacombs of Saint Calixt, showcasing centuries of Roman engineering and imperial history.

Ancient Roman Ruins — Map

Sunilbhar / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Colosseum

Ancient elliptical amphitheatre and UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the largest venue for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It stands as a significant example of ancient engineering and architecture.

B

Roman Forum

Ancient archaeological site and historic square featuring ruins of important government buildings and temples from the Roman Empire.

Indrani Iragavarapu / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Pantheon

Ancient Roman temple and minor basilica featuring the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. This 2nd-century structure is one of the best-preserved buildings from antiquity and serves as both a Catholic church and a state museum.

Sjaak Kempe / CC BY 2.0

D

Palatine Hill

Ancient archaeological site located on a hill that is the oldest and central among the seven hills of the city. It contains ruins of ancient Roman dwellings, temples, and imperial palaces.

Carole Raddato / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Trajan's Column

Ancient Roman victory column famous for its detailed spiral relief sculptures depicting military campaigns. It serves as a commemorative monument and historical artifact.

Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / CC BY 3.0

F

Arch of Constantine

Large ancient Roman triumphal arch built in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius. It features historical reliefs, statues, and architectural elements representing a significant period in Roman history.

G

Forum of Trajan

Ancient Roman monumental square featuring ruins and a historic market complex. The site includes a museum presenting archaeological and architectural evidence of Imperial Rome.

Wknight94 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Circus Maximus

Ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and entertainment structure now preserved as an archaeological park with ruins and open grassy areas.

Zavijavah / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Baths of Caracalla

Large ancient Roman thermal complex built between 212 and 216 AD, known for its grand imperial architecture and well-preserved ruins.

Lalupa / Public domain

J

Temple of Hadrian

Ancient Roman temple featuring surviving Corinthian columns and archaeological remains incorporated into a historic building.

Kaifmoss / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Theatre of Marcellus

Ancient Roman open-air theatre ruins built around 13 BC, notable for its impressive architecture and historical significance. It served as a model for the Colosseum and is one of the best-preserved large stone theatres from antiquity.

L

Arch of Septimius Severus

Ancient Roman triumphal arch built in 203 AD to commemorate Emperor Septimius Severus's military victories. It is a significant historical monument and example of Roman architecture.

Alessio Damato / CC-BY-SA-3.0

M

Argentina Square

Archaeological site featuring four ancient temples from the Roman Republic and Imperial periods with well-preserved ruins.

RyanFreisling / Public domain

N

Golden House

The Domus Aurea was a vast landscaped complex built by the Emperor Nero largely on the Oppian Hill in the heart of ancient Rome after the…

Jensens / Public domain

O

Basilica of Maxentius

The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, sometimes known as the Basilica Nova—meaning "new basilica"—or Basilica of Maxentius, is an…

P

Forum of Augustus

The Forum of Augustus is one of the Imperial fora of Rome, Italy, built by Augustus. It includes the Temple of Mars Ultor.

Robert Lowe / CC BY 2.0

Q

Temple of Saturn

Ancient Roman temple ruins dedicated to the god Saturn, located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill. A significant archaeological site showcasing Roman architecture and history.

R

Hadrian's Villa

Ancient Roman archaeological site featuring extensive ruins, sculptures, and pools from Emperor Hadrian's imperial retreat. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nashvilleneighbor / Public domain

S

Ostia Antica

Today, Ostia Antica is an archaeological site but in times of Ancient Rome it was a prospering harbour.

Dnalor 01 / CC BY-SA 3.0

T

Catacombs of Saint Calixt

One of the largest and most important underground Christian cemeteries, housing around 500,000 burials including martyrs and 16 popes. It is a significant archaeological site featuring early Christian art and architecture.

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