Why you should see Rome with an archaeologist guide
To truly understand Rome, you need to understand what lies beneath – to learn about the layers of history piled on top of each other, and the secret history of the city that’s still in the never-ending process of being excavated. When you walk around the city on your own, strolling through the ruins of the Roman Forum or exploring the Colosseum, it’s easy to appreciate the beauty of the Eternal City, but not so easy to understand it. What’s the story behind that evocative arch in the Forum? How do we know what really went on in the Colosseum? To answer these questions, you need an archaeologist.
At Roads to Rome Tours, all of our Rome guided tours are led by expert archaeologists, who know the city intimately. Who better to show than you the Roman Forum than someone who’s actually taken part in excavation work there? As you explore the archaeological sites and monuments of Rome in the company of an archaeologist, you’ll discover new perspectives of the Eternal City and its extraordinary history.
Rome guided tours in the city centre
The highlight of any private tour of Rome is a visit to the three big archaeological sites – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Too many visitors wander through these fascinating sites with only the vaguest idea of what they’re actually looking at. In the company of a knowledgeable tour guide, however, you’ll get to find out the stories behind magnificent ruins such as the Temple of Saturn in the Forum, or the Palace of Domitian on the Palatine Hill, and learn how archaeology holds the key to discovering what these buildings were like in the glory days of Ancient Rome.
Some archaeological knowledge will also enrich Rome guided tours in the historic centre, when you visit famous squares like Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori and Largo Argentina. Did you know that Piazza Navona owes its unusual oval shape to the Ancient Roman stadium that now lies beneath the square? Or that the remains of the Theatre of Pompey – the location of Julius Caesar’s assassination – are visible in the basement of a restaurant in Campo de’ Fiori? Your guide will provide expert insight into these famous sites, and help to bring Roman history to life.
The best archaeological sites around Rome
Rome is full of amazing archaeological sites, all of which are worth exploring on Rome guided tours:
- Baths of Caracalla – the remains of a vast complex of thermal baths, a short walk from Circus Maximus. The ruins contain mosaics and subterranean tunnels, and are definitely worth a visit in the summer, when they become the spectacular venue for outdoor operas.
- Basilica of San Clemente – an extraordinary church sitting above the remains of a 4th century basilica, the house of a Roman nobleman, a pagan temple, and an underground river. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
- Appian Way – this ancient Roman road is lined with intriguing archaeological sites, including Rome’s best-known Christian catacombs and monuments such as the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. Venture a little further down the road to see the atmospheric ruins of the Villa dei Quintilli, once home to the emperor Commodus, who exterminated the Quintili family in order to get this amazing residence.
Cecilia Metella’s mausoleum and the Caetani Fortress on the Appian Way - Ostia Antica – just 30 minutes on the train from Rome, this incredible archaeological site bears more than a passing resemblance to Pompeii, only without the crowds. For the best experience, go with a tour guide who can show you the must-see sights in this maze of ruins.
For an unforgettable journey through the history and archaeology of Rome, book a private tour with Roads to Rome Tours.
