Rome: A Virtual Tour of the Ancient City

Explore Ancient Rome’s architecture, history, and society through a 3D digital model in this online ancient history course from the University of Reading.

Duration

5 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

Learn more

Explore Roman history, architecture, and society as you’ve never seen before

From gladiators to empires – join expert Professor Matthew Nicholls on a transformative guided tour through the Eternal City: Rome.

Using his award-winning 3D digital model, you’ll gain a unique perspective on Rome’s architecture and infrastructure.

From grand temples to historical places, you’ll explore how the Romans worshipped their gods, governed their empire, and built the city that has influenced the world for centuries.

Discover how Ancient Rome was built

You’ll begin this course by exploring the foundational architecture of Ancient Rome.

From the city’s earliest structures to its monumental landmarks, you’ll discover how the Romans designed and built iconic buildings like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Wander through Italian history and politics

You’ll then dive into the political evolution of Rome, examining its transition from monarchy to republic to empire.

Discover how the Roman political system shaped the Roman Empire’s growth and influenced leaders and citizens alike.

Learn more about Roman society and daily life

Next, you’ll explore Roman society, delving into the lives of its citizens, from the elite to the common people.

You’ll understand their social structures, cultural practices, and the entertainment that defined Roman daily life, such as gladiatorial games and chariot races.

Unpack Ancient’s Romes influence and legacy

Finally, you’ll reflect on the lasting legacy of Ancient Rome. From its engineering marvels to its political systems and cultural contributions, you’ll uncover how Roman innovations continue to influence modern civilisation.

The next time you walk the streets of Rome, you’ll see it’s landmarks with a new perspective and recognise the ancient foundations that continue to shape our world today.

What topics will you cover?

Week one: Ancient Rome location and infrastructure

  • Geographical and historical overview
  • Introduction to the digital model
  • Roman building materials and techniques
  • The importance of aqueducts and sewers
  • Using coins to illustrate ancient architecture

Week two: Political architecture in Ancient Rome

  • The Imperial Fora
  • The function and development of the Forum
  • Types of monumental architecture
  • Using poetry as evidence to investigate the past

Week three: Religious architecture in Ancient Rome

  • Overview of Roman religion
  • The architecture of the Capitoline Hill
  • Developments in Imperial temple architecture
  • Worshipping the gods

Week four: Life and death in Ancient Rome

  • Overview of Roman housing
  • Food supply in the ancient city
  • How the Romans liked to be remembered
  • Using inscriptions as evidence to investigate the past

Week five: Bread and circuses (entertainment architecture) in Ancient Rome

  • The importance of entertainment for Rome’s rulers
  • The architecture and function of theatres and circuses
  • Roman baths and bathing
  • Using evidence to understand the Colosseum

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