Emperor of Rome from 306 to 337. He is best known for being the first Christian Roman emperor.

Constantine the Great

Emperor of Rome from 306 to 337. He is best known for being the first Christian Roman emperor.

"The two-storied marble structure is capped by an enormous monolith weighing over 300 tons."—Webster, 1913

Tomb of Theodoric at Ravenna

"The two-storied marble structure is capped by an enormous monolith weighing over 300 tons."—Webster,…

The King of the Franks from 768 and the Emperor of the Romans from 800 until his death in 814.

Charlemagne

The King of the Franks from 768 and the Emperor of the Romans from 800 until his death in 814.

A scene from a Roman wall painting.

Roman School Scene

A scene from a Roman wall painting.

"Roman coins showing various styles of hair-dressing."—Webster, 1913

Roman Coins

"Roman coins showing various styles of hair-dressing."—Webster, 1913

"The litter consists of an ordinary couch with four posts and a pair of posts. Curtains fastened to the rod above the canopy shielded the occupant from observation."—Webster, 1913

A Roman Litter

"The litter consists of an ordinary couch with four posts and a pair of posts. Curtains fastened to…

An ancient chariot racing stadium used during the Roman Empire.

Circus Maximus

An ancient chariot racing stadium used during the Roman Empire.

A Roman copy of an ancient Greek sculpture. The copy is made of marble, while the lost original sculpture is thought to have been bronze.

The Dying Gaul

A Roman copy of an ancient Greek sculpture. The copy is made of marble, while the lost original sculpture…

"The symbolic fasces borne by these officers were probably of Ertuscan origin. The Tarquins are said to have brought them to Rome along with other insignia of the kingly office."—Myers, 1904

Lictors with Fasces

"The symbolic fasces borne by these officers were probably of Ertuscan origin. The Tarquins are said…

"The representation shows the arrangement of the tiers or oars in a two-banked ship. In just what way the lines of rowers in triremes and quinqueremes were arranged is unknown."—Myers, 1904

Prow of a Roman War Ship

"The representation shows the arrangement of the tiers or oars in a two-banked ship. In just what way…

Also known as Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. He was a military and political leader of the late Roman Republic.

Pompey the Great

Also known as Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. He was a military and political leader of the late Roman Republic.

Political advisor to Octavian, the first Emperor of Rome.

Mæcenas

Political advisor to Octavian, the first Emperor of Rome.

The Emperor of Rome from 69 to 79.

Vespasian

The Emperor of Rome from 69 to 79.

Also known as Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus. Emperor of Rome from 98 to 117.

Trajan

Also known as Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus. Emperor of Rome from 98 to 117.

Emperor of Rome from 284 to 305.

Diocletian

Emperor of Rome from 284 to 305.

A luxurious couch used during the era of the Roman Empire.

Semicircular Dining Couch

A luxurious couch used during the era of the Roman Empire.

The heraldic charge of the eagle is one of the earliest charges. It holds the same rank that the lion maintains among beasts.

Eagle

The heraldic charge of the eagle is one of the earliest charges. It holds the same rank that the lion…

A watch with roman numerals.

Watch

A watch with roman numerals.

The common name of <I>Artemisia pontica</I> is Roman wormwood. The plant is shrubby and erect, growing between one and four feet tall. The flower heads are small and whitish yellow.

Artemisia Pontica

The common name of Artemisia pontica is Roman wormwood. The plant is shrubby and erect, growing between…

The image of a Roman legionnaire. He is equipped with a dense breastplate, a helm, a large round shield, greaves, and a short sword.

Arms and Armor

The image of a Roman legionnaire. He is equipped with a dense breastplate, a helm, a large round shield,…

The gonfalon, gonfalone (from the early Italian confalone) is a type of heraldic flag or banner, often pointed, swallow-tailed, or with several streamers, and suspended from a crossbar in an identical manner to the ancient Roman vexillum.

Gonfanon

The gonfalon, gonfalone (from the early Italian confalone) is a type of heraldic flag or banner, often…

This illustration shows various types of gladiators, each type with with his specific weapons attributed to him.
Gladiators were swordsmen whose profession was to fight for the public amusement. Gladiators are said to have been borrowed by Rome from the Etruscans. They were first exhibited in Rome in 246 BC, primarily at funerals, but afterwards at festivals, particularly those celebrated by the aediles and other magistrates. More than ten thousand were shown at Trajan's triumph over the Dacians. They were either free-born citizens, usually of a low class, who fought for hire, or captives, slaves, or malefactors, and were kept in schools, where they were carefully trained. Chief varieties were Andabatae, who wore helmets with no openings for the eyes, so that their blindfold movements provoked the spectators' mirth; Mirmillones, who used Gallic weapons, sword and shield; Retiarii, who carried a net and a three-pronged lance -- the net to entangle their opponents; and Thraces, who, like the Thracians, used a short sword and a round buckler. 
When a gladiator was severely wounded and defeated, the people cried out 'Habet' (He has it), and he lowered his arms; then, if the spectators wished his life to be spared, they turned their thumbs down; but it they desired his death, they turned them up. These combats were often attended by great cruelty and callousness on the part of the spectators; sometimes they were fights à outrance, none being spared alive. Discharged gladiators were presented with a rudis, or wooden sword, and hence were called rudiarii. Gladiatorial combats were disliked by the Greeks, and practically never took place in Greek cities.

Gladiators

This illustration shows various types of gladiators, each type with with his specific weapons attributed…

In heraldry, the griffin is a fabulous animal, with the head and forefeet of an eagle, and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. The head is represented with pricked ears, symbolical of its vigilance. In mythology, the griffin was a creature similar in form to the griffin of heraldry, which was supposed to find its especial function in watching over hidden treasure, especially in Scythia. It was dedicated to the sun-god Apollo, whose chariot appears in early art as drawn by griffins. It was a favorite ornamental 'theme' in ancient Babylonian and Persian art, and is also found in a similar way on art objects of the Phoenicians, the Mycenæan civilization, and the ancient Greeks. The Romans and art-workers of the renaissance used it as a purely decorative device.

Griffin

In heraldry, the griffin is a fabulous animal, with the head and forefeet of an eagle, and the body,…

Two Roman As, or mite, a denomination of Roman currency.

Mite

Two Roman As, or mite, a denomination of Roman currency.

Cabbage Lettuce is distinguished by its broad leaves and low spreading habit. It is an annual plant, and has long been cultivated as a salad plant. It was grown by the Greeks and Romans for this purpose.

Cabbage Lettuce

Cabbage Lettuce is distinguished by its broad leaves and low spreading habit. It is an annual plant,…

A Roman foot-race.

Race

A Roman foot-race.

A Roman gladiator-style sandal.

Roman sandal

A Roman gladiator-style sandal.

A man's sandal from the Roman era.

Man's Sandal

A man's sandal from the Roman era.

A coin engraved with images of Minerva and Jupiter. Minerva was the Roman equivalent to the Greek goddess Athena, and Jupiter was similar to the Greek god of thunder, Zeus.

Dieties

A coin engraved with images of Minerva and Jupiter. Minerva was the Roman equivalent to the Greek goddess…

A coin with a female figure of Ceres, holding ears of corn and the torch of Minerva.

Roman Coin

A coin with a female figure of Ceres, holding ears of corn and the torch of Minerva.

A representation of Victory, inscribing on a shield the triumph of the Romans; at the same time, she tramples a battered helmet.  The second medal represents a warrior holding a blunt spear, a sheathed sword, and trampling on a helmet.  This denotes peace procured at the expense of the vanquished, represented by the woman weeping under a tree.

Victory

A representation of Victory, inscribing on a shield the triumph of the Romans; at the same time, she…

The principle vestment worn by clergy of the Greek and Roman churches during celebration of mass.

Chasuble

The principle vestment worn by clergy of the Greek and Roman churches during celebration of mass.

Golden eagle claws.

Golden Eagle

Golden eagle claws.

An amice was a loose fitting garment worn by Romans over their tunics; it was also worn by priests and pilgrims.  It is a form of vestment used today by Roman Catholic priests during mass.

Amice

An amice was a loose fitting garment worn by Romans over their tunics; it was also worn by priests and…

A Claudian aqueduct, a building constructed in honor of Claudius I, a Roman emperor.

Aqueduct

A Claudian aqueduct, a building constructed in honor of Claudius I, a Roman emperor.

Sebastiano del Piombo (c. 1485 –  1547) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance and early Mannerist periods famous for his combination of the colors of the Venetian school and the monumental forms of the Roman school.

Fra Sebastiano

Sebastiano del Piombo (c. 1485 – 1547) was an Italian painter of the High Renaissance and early Mannerist…

Bald eagle.

Bald Eagle

Bald eagle.

The Le Puy Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy) facade or west front.  It is a Roman Catholic cathedral and French monument located in Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne.

Le Puy Cathedral

The Le Puy Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy) facade or west front. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral…

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men." Matthew 28:2-4 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus emerging from his tomb. He hovers above the ground and appears to glow. He holds a banner in his left hand. An angel (left) holds the stone that once covered the entrance. Two soldiers lie on the ground, one covers his face and turns away. One soldier stands to Christ's left, leaning against a wall with his eyes closed.

The Resurrection of Jesus after the Angel Removed the Stone from the Tomb Entrance

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came…

Illustration of the famous statue <i>Apollo Belvedere</i>. Created circa AD120-140, the statue depicts Apollo standing, having just shot an arrow. His quiver can be seen over his shoulder (left) and his hand clutches the remains of a bow (right). He is nude except for his sandals and robe. This illustration includes a leaf to cover Apollo's genitalia, which is not included on the statue itself.

Apollo of the Belvedere - Front View of Statue

Illustration of the famous statue Apollo Belvedere. Created circa AD120-140, the statue depicts Apollo…

Illustration of a Roman farmer driving his plow, called an <i>aratrum</i>. The man wears a typical brimmed hat and a tunic with no toga or outer gown. He is driving two oxen that are pulling the plow.

A Roman Farmer with a Plow

Illustration of a Roman farmer driving his plow, called an aratrum. The man wears a typical brimmed…

Illustration of an aquilifer carrying the eagle standard for his Roman legion. His left hand sits on the hilt of his short sword. The top of the standard is an eagle sitting on a ring with the portrait of a man inside. The standard-bearer is wearing traditional armor and no helmet.

A Roman Standard-Bearer called an Aquilifer

Illustration of an aquilifer carrying the eagle standard for his Roman legion. His left hand sits on…

A soldier from Gaul carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left. He is wearing a cloak and traditional braccae, trousers made from wool. The trousers are fitted around the ankle. The soldier's helmet has horns and ear-pieces. He has long hair and a long mustache.

Gallic Soldier Wearing Trousers and a Horned Helmet

A soldier from Gaul carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left. He is wearing a cloak…

Illustration of the various layers of a Roman road. This is a section of the Appian Way, built across marsh-land. Pictured are the large flat stones topped with gradually smaller stones and capped with large, hard, stone blocks. A milestone is visible on the road, as well as archways beneath the road.

Construction Layers of a Section of the Appian Way

Illustration of the various layers of a Roman road. This is a section of the Appian Way, built across…

A small portion of the great, Roman-built Hadrian's Wall in Britain, begun in AD 122. Two men, one sitting and one standing, linger next to a low portion of the wall. Hills and mountains rise in the background.

A Section of Hadrian's Wall in Britain

A small portion of the great, Roman-built Hadrian's Wall in Britain, begun in AD 122. Two men, one sitting…

Illustration of a restored atrium and peristylium of the House of Pansa at Pompeii. The impluvium, pool, sits in the center of the atrium. The peristyle can be seen in the background. Four entrances to cubicula are pictured, as well as the entrances to oecus and andron. Two Ionic columns are visible in the opening between the atrium and peristyle. Four statues line the atrium.

The Interior (Atrium and Peristylium) of Pansa's house at Pompeii, Restored

Illustration of a restored atrium and peristylium of the House of Pansa at Pompeii. The impluvium, pool,…

A tall, thin lamp stand on a round, ornamented base with three claw feet. The top of the stand has a small, round surface on which sits a simple, Roman oil lamp. The lamp is lit and a flame is burning, giving off light.

Pompeiian Stand with Lighted Oil Lamp

A tall, thin lamp stand on a round, ornamented base with three claw feet. The top of the stand has a…

Illustration of a Roman bowl found in Pompeii and made by the Gauls. It is an example of what is referred to as samian ware or terra sigillata. Highly decorated, the bowl includes the profile of a Roman man and the letters "E. O. B. I".

Roman Bowl - Gaulish Samian Ware or Terra Sigillata

Illustration of a Roman bowl found in Pompeii and made by the Gauls. It is an example of what is referred…

An illustration of a Pompeiian wall painting of school materials, including scrolls, books, writing utensils, coins, and purses. The illustration is divided into six sections.

Roman School Materials - Based on a Wall Painting from Pompeii

An illustration of a Pompeiian wall painting of school materials, including scrolls, books, writing…

A view of the back of a Roman toga. The man stands with his right foot slightly behind his left, as if he's taking a step. The toga is wrapped and draped over the left shoulder. Boys would adopt this style of clothing at the age of fifteen.

Roman Toga - View from the Back

A view of the back of a Roman toga. The man stands with his right foot slightly behind his left, as…

Illustration of the Roman Emperor Tiberius wearing a draped toga, which was fashionable in the first century AD and worn by citizens of Rome. He stands looking to his right. The original statue was found in Capri and is made of marble. Tiberius was emperor of Rome from AD 14-37.

Emperor Tiberius Wearing a Toga

Illustration of the Roman Emperor Tiberius wearing a draped toga, which was fashionable in the first…

Illustration of a monk, displaying an open book. His hood is pointed and appears to be unattached from his habit. His habit includes a robe-like undergarment with a short tunic on top. Crosses appear in a vertical line down the center of the front of the tunic.

A Monk with a Pointed Hood and Crosses on His Habit

Illustration of a monk, displaying an open book. His hood is pointed and appears to be unattached from…

A group of Franks, mainly men with a couple of women and children, cross the Rhine River on a wooden raft. Two men strain at the large oars on the front and another can be seen working an oar in the back. Several men have spears and two are pointing into the distance in front of them. Another raft can be seen just behind them (right), while a third is shown far away in the distance. Large cliffs rise in the background. The Romans were resettling the Franks near to their borders so they could be controlled.

Franks Crossing the Rhine to Establish Themselves on the West Bank as Allies of Rome

A group of Franks, mainly men with a couple of women and children, cross the Rhine River on a wooden…

Profile of Pop Leo XIII. He was elected pope on February 20th, 1878 and died July 20th, 1903. He was called the "Rosary Pope" and was known for being an intellectual. This is a very simple side portrait.

Pope Leo XIII - Side Portrait

Profile of Pop Leo XIII. He was elected pope on February 20th, 1878 and died July 20th, 1903. He was…

"Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him be crucified. And he said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, saying, Let him be crucified." Matthew 27:22-23 ASV
<p>Illustration of Pontius Pilate asking the people what he should do with Jesus. Jesus' hands are bound by rope, he's holding a reed, and he's wearing a crown of thorns. Pilate is dressed in a typical Roman short tunic and is wearing a laurel crown. They are standing on a high balcony and the people can be seen yelling and waving their hands down below. Two soldiers and three men are standing behind Jesus. A woman, perhaps Mary, his mother, is standing on a distant balcony.

Pilate Brings Jesus Before the People and They Ask for His Crucifixion

"Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him…

"And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." Luke 23:27-28 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus carrying his cross. He is turned to the women who are weeping and following the procession. His arm is raised to them as he comforts them. A soldier walks before the cross and a soldier on horseback rides alongside. Simon takes the rope holding the cross and prepares to take the burden from Jesus. The walls of the city can be seen in the distance.

Jesus Carries His Cross and Comforts the Women Following Him

"And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.…

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man in a short tunic and head wrap is raising his sword above Paul's head. A man in a robe stands nearby with his hand over his mouth. Another man stands in the background, holding a scroll and a staff. Two soldiers are standing in the background.

Paul is Beheaded at Rome by the Order of Emperor Nero

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man…

Illustration of Ignatius of Antioch, also called Ignatius Theophorus, tied to a post by his neck and wearing his bishop's robe. There are bones and scraps on the ground. One lion is sitting on the ground and looking up at Ignatius. The other lion is pouncing from behind. The arches and crowds of the Colosseum are visible in the background.

Ignatius of Antioch is Martyred by Being Fed to Lions

Illustration of Ignatius of Antioch, also called Ignatius Theophorus, tied to a post by his neck and…

Illustration of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, during one of several times that he was banished from Alexandria. Roman soldiers on horseback, with spears and shields, chase the bishop away from the city. Christians, including men, women, children, and a crippled man, follow around and in front of the bishop. A man follows just behind Athanasius, carrying the bishop's staff.

Athanasius is Banished from Alexandria

Illustration of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, during one of several times that he was banished from…

Illustration of the Cathedral at Monreale, near Palermo. It is an example of Sicilian and Norman architecture. Construction was begun in 1174. The interior includes monolithic columns with Corinthian capitals. There are numerous pointed arches. Mosaics cover all of the interior walls and ceilings.

Cathedral of Monreale - Interior View

Illustration of the Cathedral at Monreale, near Palermo. It is an example of Sicilian and Norman architecture.…