Classical Rome

Rome has had enchanted visitors for centuries. The vast Roman Empire was more than a historical political reality. It has served as a metaphor for countless ages who have sought to replicate its greatness in various cultural and political incarnations. While much of ancient Rome has been ravaged and lost through pillage and time—it still offers the greatest concentration of ancient Roman monuments and art in the world! Many of these are still very much intact.

Through visits to historical sites, this program affords visitors the opportunity to examine classical Rome from diverse perspectives—artistic, architectural, political, religious, and social. Local experts will bring Roman history to life with intriguing stories, decoding ancient inscriptions, exploring underground excavations, and walking in the very streets, markets, court houses and villas that continue to capture the imagination of modern visitors!

Program Objectives

Introduction to the History of Rome

From the early settlements on the seven hills of Rome, to the Etruscan civilization and age of great kings, to the Republic and, finally, to the Empire—this program helps visitors trace the evolution and development of Rome. Gazing out over the Forum from the Capitoline, it is easy to imagine these epochs and how the city was transformed into the Caput Mundi. Examination of the great architectural and artistic treasures of urban Rome.

The Romans perfected technologies that made great buildings possible. Intact monuments such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Senate, Archives and substantial archeological parks such as the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum itself—attest to the greatness and beauty of Roman architecture. The program explores technological and artistic aspects of Roman building and connects these with the cultural, political and religious institutions they embodied.

Consideration of the Social Customs and Practices of the Romans

It is easy to imagine the social life and customs of Romans by walking in the very streets, markets, baths, temples, villas, stadiums and warehouses that exist today. Local archaeological experts will bring ancient Roman culture to life through on-site visits to exciting sites throughout the city.

Explore the Art of Ancient Rome

Art is an expression of the soul of a people. Throughout Rome, ancient Roman art is still quite accessible in world-class museums such as the Pio-Clementine section of the Vatican Museums, the Palazzo Altemps, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme museum, and in the Capitoline Museums. Local experts will help explain the perspectives incorporated into Roman art, the use of Roman art both for decorative and ideological purposes, and the incorporation of classical styles in Renaissance art and architecture.

Venues

Illume tailors programs to the specific objectives and interests of the groups it guides. Some of the more important venues for studying classical/ancient Rome include: The Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Imperial Fora, Trajan's Market, Ostia Antica, Tivoli (Hadrian's Villa), the Baths of Caracalla, S. Maria degli Angeli and the Baths of Diocletian, the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Altempts, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Vatican Museums, the Pantheon, and other monuments scattered throughout Rome - such as the column of Marcus Aurelius, Trajan's column, and Ara Pacis.

Under many Christian churches, excavations have exposed important evidence of ancient Roman life - such as in the Basilica of San Clemente, the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, and the scavi under St. Peter's Basilica.

Day excursions can be organized to Pompeii, Herculaneum and other Roman sites near Rome.