Part V –  ‘Stone memorialisations’

Not every building in ancient Rome had a practical function. Monuments such as obelisks and arches cemented their builder’s legacy into the landscape of the city forever.

I visit the monuments which still stand (such as the impressive Trajan’s Column and the Arch of Constantine) in Rome today and look at digital reconstructions of these, as well as buildings that don’t survive. I show you coins that depict arches now lost to us and discuss what they tell us about the message Rome’s leaders wanted to pass throughout their empire.

As you watch this video, you may like to think about:

• Whether the commemorative landscape of ancient Rome is similar to cities today.

• Many of these monuments celebrate the military conquests of Roman emperors. Did you spot any such features in the video?

Share your thoughts in the comment area below.