Caesar and Empire

Explore the influence of Julius Caesar's rule on the Roman Empire with an expert guide

$358 and up

Private

N/A

Small group

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Rome

Photos & Highlights

Take a deep dive into ancient history of Rome
Led by an archaeologist or historian
Pantheon, Portico D'ottavia, Largo di Torre Argentina, Mausoleo di Augusto, and Teatro di Marcello

Tour Description

Update Autumn 2021: The lines to enter the Pantheon can currently be really long and exhaustive if this tour is booked over the weekend. There's no skip-the-line possibility, just a reservation, which your guide will hold for you. Entry checks might take a long time, so it will be up to you and your guide's discretion whether you want to enter the Pantheon.

With the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, Rome entered a period of political upheaval settled only when Caesar's nephew Octavian defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra, took control of the Empire, and claimed the title of Caesar Augustus. In this three-hour Ancient Rome tour, we will look closely at this period and how, under the influence of the first emperors, Rome rapidly developed into one of the greatest capitals of the ancient world. Along the way we will weave a narrative of power and legacy as we visit some of the most important monuments of ancient Rome, including the Pantheon, the Theater of Marcellus, and Largo Argentina.

Ancient Rome Tour

Our tour begins at the Theater of Marcellus, originally conceived by Julius Caesar as a statement of prestige in his war of status with Pompey, but built by his nephew Augustus after his death. As one of the largest Roman theaters still standing and an amazing testament to Rome's ability to adapt and reuse its buildings throughout history, we'll use this monument as a jumping off point to lay the groundwork of our time together. Depending on our guide, who may be an archaeologist, classicist, architect, or other specialist, our discussion may take any number of paths. However, some central themes will emerge regardless: the story of the Caesars and their political adventures at the turn of the millennium, the intersection of art and power, the development of Rome as the center of an empire, and the role of city-making in history.

In the Footsteps of Augustus

Our path will follow, roughly, a kind of monumental way envisioned by Augustus when remaking the old Field of Mars into a new center for the city. We'll pass many of the structures that played a key role in this, including the Pantheon, regarded during the Renaissance as the most perfect building in the world. We'll also pass the site where Julius Caesar was murdered on the Ides of March. Although Julius and Augustus Caesar will occupy much of our time, we'll also look at many other emperors and their impact on the city as they contributed to the Imperial remaking of Rome. We'll look at how architecture was employed for political ends during the Imperial Period and how one can read that history today in the standing ruins embedded in the historical fabric.

Our walk will end in the vicinity of the Ara Pacis, a museum housing the great altar of peace commissioned by Augustus to signal the Pax Romana, or period of relatively uninterrupted peace ushered in by Augustus and lasting over a hundred years. In the shadow of Augustus' own mausoleum we'll discuss the legacy of the Caesars, both real and imagined, and how successive rulers down to the Fascists of the 20th century drew on the narrative of Julius and Augustus Caesar to validate their own rule. We'll emerge with a new sense of Rome and her relevancy to issues today.

Interested in more Ancient Roman history? See our Forum Tour or Colosseum Tour.

FAQ

What is a private tour?

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

What is a small group tour?

Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. Most of our small group tours require at least three (3) participants to run, although there is some variation from walk to walk. However, there is some variation from walk to walk. As you sign up for a tentative walk we display the minimum number required in order to confirm.

What is the dress code inside the Pantheon?

The Pantheon is considered a holy place. Men should wear slacks, and women should wear slacks or skirts below the knee. Shoulders must also be covered. If you are intent on wearing spaghetti straps or a halter-top, bring a shawl and expect to keep it around you. Shorts above the knee are not allowed. These rules may seem unduly strict, but remember, the Pantheon is also a church so the same dress code standards apply.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Frank

Frank is an art historian and studied at Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He is a former fellow of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and lectures for the museum throughout Europe. After many years in New York, he returned to Rome, where he was raised, and is now part of the art history faculty at Temple University Rome.

Cecilia

Cecilia is an art historian and a native Roman with a Master's degree in Medieval and Renaissance art from the Sapienza University of Rome. Although her specialty is painting and decorative arts, she has a broad knowledge of the history of Rome and a personal passion for ancient history, which she shares on many antiquity-themed itineraries. Cecilia has worked actively in the past as a lecturer, teacher, and curator of exhibitions. She had been a staff member of the didactive service of the Vatican Museums, the Galleria Doria Pamphili and the Galleria Colonna where she still frequently consults. As a licensed guide for Rome and Florence and with a specialized teaching degree, she has more than 20 years of experience in leading highly-qualified tours.

Liz

Liz, a native of San Francisco, California holds degrees in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and Università degli studi "La Sapienza", Rome. She specialized in restoration and urban design. Her restoration projects have brought her to work in direct contact with the rich historical layers of Rome and Italy. She has been leading study walks for Context Rome since its beginning and has lived in Rome since 1988 practicing architecture, researching design and lecturing at university study abroad programs.

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117 Reviews – (4.76)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Jade was amazing, so much interesting information, going way beyond the Classics to link it also to present day.

Polly

Jul. 24, 2021

Thoroughly enjoyed tour with Dimo. He was knowledgeable and passionate about his field and brought it to life in an unique way. Learned so much. Third trip with Context and will keep signing up when traveling. Many thanks.

Julie

Jan. 15, 2020

Veronica is highly qualified and is adept at sharing an intense amount of information

Laura

Jan. 3, 2020

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