UMBILICUS URBIS

Belly Button of Ancient Rome

The Umbilicus Urbis was also known as the Belly Button of Rome. Some believe it was the external part of the subterranean Mundus which was the entrance to the Underworld.

MILLIARIUM AUREUM

All Roads Lead to Rome

The Milliarium Aureum was the marker in the center of Rome from which all distances where measured. The statement "all roads lead to Rome" referred to the roads leading to this marker.

CURIA JULIA

Home to the Senate

The Curia Julia was the senate house of Rome. Construction started in 44 BC, but was interrupted by Caesar's assassination at the Curia of Pompey - where the Senate met during construction. The Curia Julia was completed in 29 BC.

TEMPLE OF VESPASIAN

Dedicated to Vespasian and Titus

The Temple of Vespasian and Titus was started during the reign of Titus and completed and dedicated by his brother Domitian in approximately 87 AD. It was built to honor the Flavian dynasty of Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

SACRUM CLOACINA

Shrine of Venus of the Sewer

This small shrine, dedicated to the Etruscan goddess Cloacina, honored the divinity of the Great Drain or Sewer of Rome (Cloaca Maxima). Coins from 42 BC. give a pretty clear image of what the shrine originally looked like.

ARCH OF AUGUSTUS

Triumphal Arch

TEMPLE OF VESTA

Temple of the Vestal Virgins

GREEK MYTHOLOGY BASICS

Click to read about the basics of Greek Mythology

MYTHOLOGY BASICS

Click to read about the basics of Mythology

NORSE MYTHOLOGY INTRO

Click to read an intro to Norse Mythology