Catacombs of Domitilla

The Roman Underworld: Catacombs, the Cloaca Maxima and hidden routes

Tunnels and Passages: The Hidden Routes of Roman Engineering. The Roman underworld include various underground structures such as catacombs, underground passages, and sewers, notably the … Read more

When Fascists Dictated Pronouns

Names, Words, and Pronouns: Italianization Under Fascist Rule

Italianization and Linguistic Policies during Fascist Italy. Caption of the cartoon in the featured image: Here Lies the LEI, whose delicate constitution could not withstand … Read more

Mithraic relief, Tauroctony, about 160 CE, Royal Ontario Museum

Ancient Roman Magic and Superstition: Superstitions and Mystical Symbols

Magic and Religion in the Roman Society. In ancient Roman society, the realms of magic and superstition occupied a unique and often complex space. Far … Read more

Apartment Living in Rome: Insulae Life and Culture

Apartment Living in Ancient Rome: Insulae Life and Culture

Ancient Rome’s Urban Dwelling: Insulae’s Daily Life and Culture. In the bustling city of ancient Rome, a significant portion of the urban population lived in … Read more

A-kiss-by-Lawrence-Alma-Tadema-(1891)

Roman Vacations: Leisure and Pleasure in Ancient Times

How Ancient Romans Spent Their Holidays. The Roman Empire, which spanned from Western Europe to parts of Asia and Africa, is renowned for its military, … Read more

A Marriage in the Moon, 1910, Pioneering Italian Sci-Fi

“A Marriage in the Moon” (1910): A Pioneering Italian Sci-Fi Gem

“A Marriage in the Moon” – Italy’s Early Foray into Sci-Fi Cinema. In 1910, Italian cinema offered its audience a whimsical vision of interstellar love … Read more

Why Did Futurism Leave Behind Cinema?

The Cinematic Paradox of Futurism: Why Did the Movement Leave Behind Movies?

Futurism and Cinema: An Unexpected Disconnection. In the context of 20th-century art movements, Futurism is notable for its emphasis on modernity and technological advancement. Born … Read more

View of Lake Averno extending to Baia and Capo Miseno, from the Domitian Way

The Mythical Gate of Hell at Lake Averno

Lake Averno has long been seen as the portal to the netherworld, a belief echoed by figures like Dante and Aeneas. This mystical body of … Read more

Sovereign-State-of-Antarctic-St-George

How Hundreds Fell for Italy’s “Sovereign State of Antarctic St. George”

What Made Hundreds Believe in a Fictional State? The “Sovrano Stato Antartico di San Giorgio”—the Sovereign State of Antarctic St. George—was a phantom nation that … Read more

Ancient-Pompeii-Reveals-Room-of-Slaves

Ancient Pompeii Reveals Room of Slaves: Casting Light on Pompeii’s Lower Class

Artifacts from 2000 Years Ago: Casting Light on Pompeii’s Lower Class. In the Roman villa of Civita Giuliana, just about 600 meters from the ancient … Read more

piazza-san-marco---corno-dogale

Venetian Graffiti:  Inscriptions Reveal City’s Secrets, Interview with Alberto Toso Fei & Desi Marangon

Mapping the History of Venice, One Inscription at a Time. Venice, with its intricate network of canals and architectural marvels, has served as the backdrop … Read more

The-Italian-Job,-1969,-Villa-della-Regina,-Turin

Italy’s Cinematic Landscape: Iconic Film Locations in Italy

In cinema, the locations depicted often play a significant role, acting as a silent character, contributing to the narrative, and affecting how the story unfolds. … Read more

The Miracle of the Desecrated Host

Shadows and Light: Uccello’s Tragic Tale in ‘The Miracle of the Desecrated Host’

Echoes of a Burning Past: Uccello’s Heart-Wrenching ‘Miracle of the Desecrated Host’. “The Miracle of the Desecrated Host” portrays a charged historical event from 1290 … Read more

Solfatara-di-Pozzuoli

Campi Flegrei: The Stirring Giant Beneath Italy

Campi Flegrei Seismic Activity: Interpreting Recent Geodynamics. Italy’s Campi Flegrei, also known as the Phlegraean Fields, has been a significant point of discussion in recent … Read more