Old Rome: A Handbook to the Ruins of the City and the Campagna

This compact handbook offers a clear, walk‑through tour of Rome’s surviving ancient monuments, arranged by neighborhood for easy use by the modern visitor. Each entry supplies a brief description of the ruin, its historical background, and a summary of its archaeological significance, drawing on contemporary scholars and a few classical sources. The author avoids conjecture, keeping the focus on what can be seen and verified on site.

Beyond the city walls, the guide extends into the Campagna, explaining how the region’s soil, climate, and topography shaped Roman building practices and later settlement patterns. An appendix lists the major antiquities displayed in Rome’s museums and galleries, helping readers identify ancient objects among later artworks. Whether a student of history or a casual traveler, the book serves as both a factual reference and an invitation to feel the layers of Roman life beneath every stone.