Romans

A copy of a Roman helmet in Rome, Italy.
A copy of a Roman helmet in Rome, Italy. (Image credit: ROMAOSLO via Getty Images)

The ancient city of Rome became the heart of a sprawling empire that lasted for hundreds of years, and we're still unearthing ship-loads of Roman artifacts, mystifying treasures and even forts around 2,000 years later.

Discover more

—The Roman Empire: Rulers, expansion and fall

—7 Roman inventions: Incredible feats of ancient technology

—Could you stomach the horrors of 'halftime' in Ancient Rome?

At Live Science, our expert writers and editors follow the work of historians and archeologists to bring you the most compelling discoveries and facts about the Romans. From their unusual superstitions to the rise and fall of the once-mighty empire, check out the latest news, features and articles about the Romans.    

Latest about Romans

A third-century Roman tomb recently unearthed in western Turkey. The tomb is open in the photo.

Grand tomb of Roman gladiator found in Turkey actually contains the remains of 12 other people

By Sascha Pare published

Inside a basilica in Turkey, researchers have unearthed a bone-filled tomb that may have belonged to a Roman gladiator named Euphrates and was later repurposed for a dozen people.

Romans
Several workers excavate an ancient Roman city by a field with trees.

Razed city that rebelled against Rome 'remained uninhabited for over 170 years,' excavations reveal

By Tom Metcalfe published

The ancient city was besieged and destroyed in 125 B.C., probably in a dispute over the rights of Roman citizenship.

Romans
Fight scene still captured from Gladiators 2

Did Romans battle rhinos in the Colosseum? A historian explains the truth behind the fight scenes in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II.

By Wray Vamplew published

The Romans are famous for their battles in the Colosseum, but how accurate are the scenes portrayed there in the new movie "Gladiator II"?

Romans
Two gladiators fight in an arena

Did Roman gladiators really fight to the death?

By Owen Jarus published

Being a Roman gladiator was a bloody business, but did all gladiators really fight to the death?

Romans
An aerial view of a Roman military camp in the Swiss Alps.

'Sensational discovery' of 2,000-year-old Roman military camp found hidden in the Swiss Alps

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Researchers used lasers to find the Roman military camp, which was "strategically" located overlooking a battleground.

Romans
A close-up of a decorated comb with a triangular handle

1,700-year-old 'barbarian' burial discovered along Roman Empire's frontier in Germany

By Tom Metcalfe published

Archaeologists think the man was buried in the first half of the fourth century.

Romans
A close up of a silver coin with a Roman face

Roman coin trove discovered on Mediterranean island may have been hidden during ancient pirate attack

By Tom Metcalfe published

The silver coin discoveries date to the Roman Republic and are from the island of Pantelleria, between Sicily and Tunisia.

Romans
An artist's illustration of a Roman fort

Possible 'mega' fort found in Wales hints at tension between Romans and Celtics

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

The fort would have contained multiple buildings and was built sometime between the first and third centuries.

Romans
A bronze battering ram on the deck of a ship

2,200-year old battering ram from epic battle between Rome and Carthage found in Mediterranean

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Researchers have uncovered a bronze battering ram off the coast of Sicily. The weapon would have been used during the Battle of the Aegates between Rome and Carthage.

Romans
A photograph of a headless statue in a museum

Why are so many Roman statues headless?

By Marilyn Perkins published

There are many reasons an ancient statue might accidentally lose its head — and some for its head to be severed on purpose.

Romans
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