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.
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.
Discover more about Romans
—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?
Latest about Romans
Ancient Roman tombstone found beneath undergrowth in New Orleans yard
A New Orleans couple doing yard work behind their house unexpectedly found a Roman headstone of a solider who died 1,900 years ago.
Skeleton-filled well in Croatia likely holds remains of Roman soldiers, study finds
Archaeologists have discovered a mass grave of Roman soldiers hidden inside an ancient well in Croatia.
Miniature Skeleton: A ghostly 2,000-year-old party favor from a Roman banquet
This spooky skeleton was likely made to remind Roman banqueters that life is short.
Statuette of a Comic Actor: A 2,000-year-old depiction of a Roman actor letting one rip
The ancient Romans had a soft spot for physical comedy (aka fart jokes), as exemplified by a bronze figurine of a comic actor.
1,900-year-old 'treasure' found in Roman-era family's scorched house in Romania
A discovery in Romania shows the remains of an elite family's treasures from the Roman era that were scorched in a fire.
1,900-year-old oil lamp that provided 'light in the journey to the afterlife' found in Roman cemetery in the Netherlands
Archaeologists excavating in a Roman cemetery in the Netherlands have uncovered a unique oil lamp dating to the second century A.D.
'Extraordinary' Roman helmet from war-ending battle found in the sea off Sicily
Archaeologists recovered the "Montefortino"-style helmet in an underwater excavation in the Aegadian Islands off the coast of Sicily.
Skull of bear held captive to fight Roman gladiators discovered near ancient amphitheater in Serbia
Archaeologists determined that the bear had an infected injury and had been held captive for a significant amount of time.
