For almost one thousand years, the city of Rome reigned as the Caput Mundi, the capital of the world. During its heyday, the city was an architectural marvel, with numerous palaces, temples and stadiums all built in marble.
Many of these magnificent structures have been destroyed since the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century. The city has been pillaged numerous times by barbaric tribes who burned down buildings, looted its many treasures and destroyed invaluable works of art. During the Middle Ages, the remaining ruins were left to decay. Popes took marble columns and cladding from some of Rome’s most spectacular buildings like the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus to decorate churches. Some ancient buildings were even demolished just to make room for the throngs of pilgrims.
It was only in the early 19th century that the interest in the greatest empire of all time started to grow and monuments like the Arch of Titus were excavated and restored.
Despite the centuries-long destruction, there are still many ruins in Rome that give visitors an idea of the magnificence of the Roman Empire. Below, in alphabetical order, an overview of some of the most interesting remains from ancient Rome.
