Guided Mythology and Monuments Tour of Ancient Rome

Highlights

• Imperial Forums
• Victor Emmanuel II Monument
• Piazza del Campidoglio

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Via dei Fori Imperiali

   20min

   Step into the heart of ancient Rome as you explore the Imperial Forums, the monumental centre of political, religious, and public life. Built by successive emperors to celebrate their power and legacy, these grand spaces were also filled with references to Rome’s founding myths and divine protectors. Hear the stories of Venus, Mars, and other gods whose legends were woven into the architecture and propaganda of the empire, revealing how mythology was used to shape Rome’s identity and justify imperial rule. As you look across the ruins, uncover the fascinating blend of history, legend, and ambition that defined the Eternal City.

2. 2

   Foro di Cesare

   20min

   Explore the Forum of Caesar, the first of Rome's Imperial Forums and a monument to Julius Caesar's ambition. Discover how Caesar claimed descent from Venus through the Trojan hero Aeneas, using mythology to strengthen his family's prestige and political power. As you admire the ancient ruins, your guide will reveal the legends, symbolism, and stories that shaped one of history's most influential leaders and forever changed the Roman world.

3. 3

   Forum of Augustus

   20min

   Step into the Forum of Augustus and uncover the myths that shaped an empire. Learn how Augustus filled this grand complex with statues of legendary heroes, gods, and Rome's mythical founders to tell a powerful story about his family's divine destiny. As you walk through the ancient ruins, your guide will reveal the legends, symbolism, and hidden messages that transformed mythology into imperial propaganda.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   20min

   Discover Trajan’s Markets, often considered the world’s first shopping centre, where over 150 shops and offices once bustled beneath the grand Imperial Forums. Beyond its commercial role, this remarkable complex reflects Emperor Trajan’s vision of Rome at the height of its power. As you explore its towering brick arches and terraces, hear how architecture, imperial propaganda, and mythology intertwined, with Trajan presenting himself as a ruler favoured by the gods and heir to Rome’s legendary past. From this vantage point, imagine the vibrant life of ancient Rome while uncovering the myths and symbols that shaped the empire’s greatest age.

5. 5

   Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

   20min

   Stand before the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, a striking symbol of Italy’s unification that rises above the ancient city. While modern compared to the surrounding ruins, its gleaming white marble and monumental sculptures draw heavily on the traditions of classical Rome and Greek mythology. Admire the winged Victories, personifications of triumph, and the grand allegorical figures that celebrate unity, strength, and the nation’s ideals. From its terraces, enjoy spectacular panoramic views while discovering how mythological imagery continued to inspire monuments nearly two thousand years after the fall of the Roman Empire.

6. 6

   Teatro di Marcello

   20min

   Explore the Theatre of Marcellus, one of ancient Rome’s oldest surviving theatres and the inspiration for later masterpieces like the Colosseum. Built by Augustus and dedicated to his nephew Marcellus, this impressive structure once hosted performances celebrating both Roman culture and the myths that shaped it. Here, stories of gods, heroes, and legendary creatures were brought to life on stage, entertaining audiences while reinforcing Rome’s connection to its divine origins. As you admire its elegant arches, discover how theatre served as both spectacle and storytelling in the heart of the empire.

Before you go

Location