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

ancient wine inside a glass urn

2,000-year-old funerary urn found in Spain contains the world's oldest known liquid wine

By Kristel Tjandra published

Scientists discovered the oldest known wine in liquid form inside a Roman-era tomb in Spain.

Romans
A pair of leather sandals with nails on the soles.

2,000-year-old Roman military sandal with nails for traction found in Germany

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Archaeologists used X-rays to analyze the remains of a sandal unearthed near a Roman fort in Bavaria.

Romans
Two close-ups of the Roman coins found at the site

1,600-year-old coin discovered in Channel Islands features Roman emperor killed by invading Goths

By Laura Geggel published

Archaeologists on the Channel Islands off the coast of France have found two coins from the Roman era.

Romans
Dozens of silver and bronze coins

1,700-year-old 'emergency hoard' of coins dates to last revolt of Jews against Roman rule

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Many of the silver and bronze coins were minted during the Gallus Revolt during the Roman era.

Romans
Drawing of a two-story farmhouse with a wooden ceiling and a wooden partition between the floors that was destroyed in a fire in the last quarter of the third century B.C.

'It was not a peaceful crossing': Hannibal's troops linked to devastating fire 2,200 years ago in Spain

By Tom Metcalfe published

Researchers think a farmhouse in the Pyrenees was set on fire by Carthaginian troops on their way to attack Rome.

Romans
An aerial view of a cathedral undergoing an archaeological excavation.

1,900-year-old Roman legionary fortress unearthed next to UK cathedral

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Ongoing excavations have revealed Roman ruins that were once part of a legionary fortress.

Romans
Scuba divers swim in shallow water to observe the shipwreck

1,700-year-old Roman shipwreck was stuffed to the gills with fish sauce when it sank

By Tom Metcalfe published

The wreck near a beach on Mallorca gives a snapshot of sea trade in late Roman times.

Romans
The early villa at Somma Vesuviana

Villa near Mount Vesuvius may be where Augustus, Rome's 1st emperor, died

By Tom Metcalfe published

Researchers say a villa buried by the eruption in A.D. 79 corresponds with records of the Roman emperor's death in A.D. 14.

Romans
Aerial view of graves in an ancient Roman cemetery unearthed in France.

1,430 ancient Roman graves scattered with funerary festival leftovers unearthed in southern France

By Sascha Pare published

Archaeologists in southern France have excavated an ancient Roman cemetery containing 1,430 graves and traces of a funerary festival, during which families feasted by the graves of relatives.

Romans
An aerial view of the papyrus during the analysis.

Plato's burial place finally revealed after AI deciphers ancient scroll carbonized in Mount Vesuvius eruption

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

Researchers used AI to decipher an ancient papyrus that includes details about where Greek philosopher is buried.

Romans
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