History

Life in Ancient Times

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.

Why Bathhouses Were the Heart of Roman Culture

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.

Episodes

  • Why Bathhouses Were the Heart of Roman Culture: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    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

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.

Similar Shows