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

We see a group of people standing around the ancient wooden planks of a boat in a desert-like place.

Ancient Roman boat from empire's frontier unearthed in Serbian coal mine

By Tom Metcalfe published

Coal miners found the remains of a Roman boat that likely supplied an ancient frontier city and military headquarters.

Romans
A silver coin against a white background. The coin has two daggers and a hat between them. It says EID MAR for the ides of march.

Rare 'Ides of March' dagger coin minted by Brutus after Julius Caesar's murder goes to auction

By Kristina Killgrove published

Brutus minted the silver denarius as a way to pay his troops in the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination.

Romans
Here we see the ugly face of Medusa with thick facial features and wings coming out of her forehead in a mosaic. She is surrounded by an octagon, geometric patterns and a peacock.

'Exceptional' winged Medusa discovered in Roman-era mosaic in Spain

By Laura Geggel published

The 1,800-year-old Medusa mosaic was discovered in the remains of lavish Roman-era house in western Spain.

Romans
A selection of clay vessels and other artifacts found at a dig site in Rome.

Ruins of ancient Roman emperor Nero's theater unearthed in 'exceptional' discovery in Rome

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Archaeologists in Rome think they may have found Nero's theater during a hotel excavation.

Romans
We see four oil lamps and one human skull against a black background.

Evidence of Roman-era 'death magic' used to speak with the deceased found near Jerusalem

By Tom Metcalfe published

Researchers think the morbid practice originated with pagan people who settled in the region after the Romans drove out the Jews.

Romans
We see many stones lining the burial of a face-down skeleton.

Elite Roman man buried with sword may have been 'restrained' in death

By Kristina Killgrove published

A skeleton found facedown in Wales with a sword, silver brooch and restraints may be that of an elite Roman soldier.

Romans
We see Victorian buildings in the background and a large dig site in the foreground.

Roman aqueduct and 'luxurious' burials unearthed during construction of underground parking garage in Serbia

By Tom Metcalfe published

The finds in Belgrade date from the period when the city was a regional center of the Roman Empire.

Romans
We see a painted fresco on a wall with berries, a goblet of wine, dates, pomegranates and a flat focaccia.

2,000-year-old 'not a pizza' fresco discovered in Pompeii

By Kristina Killgrove published

A 2,000-year-old Pompeian fresco offers a mouthwatering taste of the Roman diet.

Romans
We see a circle-shaped silver disc with the face of medusa in the middle. A person wearing a blue glove is holding it.

Silver medal featuring winged Medusa discovered at Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall

By Laura Geggel published

The snake-covered head of Medusa was found on a silver military decoration at a Roman auxiliary fort in England.

Romans
We see an archaeological site with different levels of dirt and stone. There are five people excavating at the site, which has a stone wall in the background.

1st-century coins from Jewish revolt against the Romans discovered near the Black Sea

By Owen Jarus published

Roman soldiers took coins minted by Jewish rebels in the Holy Land with them to a military camp in Georgia.

Romans
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