Life in Ancient Times

History Series / 1 Season

Join archaeologist ‪Darius Arya‬ as he takes you on an immersive journey through the sports and entertainment venues of ancient Rome. From the grandeur of the Circus Maximus to the iconic Colosseum, Arya reveals how these massive structures were not just centers of entertainment but also integral parts of Roman religious and social life.

Watch Latest: S1 E6

10m 5s

Roman Gods and Religion in the Empire

S1 E7 / 10m 4s

Explore the complex religious life of ancient Rome, where religion played a vital role in the political, social, and personal aspects of people's lives. From the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in Rome’s port city of Ostia to local shrines and colossal structures like the Pantheon, the ancient Romans worshipped a pantheon of gods, some local and others imported from across the Mediterranean.

Celebrities of the Roman Empire: Power, Glory and Scandal

S1 E6 / 10m 5s

Explore how Roman emperors, such as Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius, shaped not only the political landscape but also fashion trends and cultural movements. Hadrian, for instance, popularized wearing a beard, which became fashionable for a century after his reign. Roman gladiators, actresses, musicians, and authors, rose to prominence through their performances.

Why Bathhouses Were the Heart of Roman Culture

S1 E5 / 9m 43s

Explore the role of water in ancient Rome, a city sustained by 12 aqueducts that supplied its fountains, bathhouses, and even private homes. Rome’s population reached one million, an unprecedented number for antiquity, and the aqueducts were a marvel of Roman engineering, channeling water from natural springs into the bustling city.

The Best (and Worst) Jobs of Ancient Rome

S1 E4 / 10m 5s

Discover the diverse jobs of ancient Rome, from prestigious careers like soldiers and artisans to the unpleasant roles of bathhouse attendants and laundry workers. This episode explores the labor that sustained Rome's bustling economy and vibrant urban life.

Ancient Rome: A City of Immigrants

S1 E3 / 10m 58s

Examine the multiculturalism that defined Imperial Rome, a city of nearly a million people drawn from across the Roman Empire. Much like the melting pot of modern New York, ancient Rome was home to a vast array of cultures, with immigrants bringing their own customs, languages, and gods to the capital.

How Rome Fed A Million People (Before Modern Farming)

S1 E2 / 9m 59s

Ancient Rome was a city of 1 million inhabitants. How were they fed? With bread! We’ll explore feeding Rome by baking bread just as they did in Rome and Pompeii. We’ll also explore ancient bakeries in Ostia Antica and the tomb of a baker!

Gladiators, Sports and Entertainment in the Roman Era

S1 E1 / 10m 10s

The episode looks at the historical significance of sports in ancient cultures, emphasizing the immense popularity of events like the Olympics in Greece and the Ludi Romani, or "Roman Games," in Rome. Arya explains how these events were deeply intertwined with religious rituals, aimed at venerating and appeasing the gods who were believed to protect the city and its people. The spectators were not

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