| Where to Start
You can start exploring ancient Roman culture and history easiest at the following places:
(see the tourism page for information about how to move around the ROMA Estate)
The Lupanar of Africanus and Victor
(ROMA Traveling Litter stop: the Lupanar District)
This building is a reconstruction of the famous brothel in Pompeii. The lower floor has a small exhibit that explains the character of prostitution in the Roman world. Look for the signs in the prostitute cells. On the upper floor you can find a special exhibit on ancient sexuality that explains the constructs at play in the Roman libido.
The Mithraeum of Felicissimus
(ROMA Traveling Litter stop: the Gardens of Maecenas)
This is a reconstruction of the famous temple to Mithras from the RL port city of Ostia. Its mosaic displays icons from each of the grades of initiation into the mysteries of Mithras. Informative buttons explain the facts about this ancient cult. Immediately outside is a reconstruction of the Milliarium Aureum.
The Capitoline Museum
(ROMA Traveling Litter stop: Capitoline Hill and Forum)
Almost all works of art inside this museum have explanatory notecards that give information about ancient Roman history and art. The gallery on the top floor hosts changing exhibits.
The Theater of Dionysus
(ROMA Traveling Litter stop: Theater of Dionysus)
You can sit and watch a 20 minute version of the Euripides play “The Bacchae” performed by scripted actors. It also involves sound so make sure your speakers are on!
The Street of Tombs
(take the Ostia Express chariot and dismount after crossing over from ROMA to ROMA Transtiberim)
As with all ancient cities, ROMA has a street of tombs that stretches out the road leaving the urban center. All of the inscriptions are based on real examples so you can practice your Latin epigraphy. Be sure to investigate the tomb invested with ghosts to play the mystery game for a special funereal prize.
ROMA Archaeology Exhibit
(use SL search for “ROMA Archaeology” and teleport)
Ten stations are arranged around a large open trench. By visiting each of the stations, an avatar can participate in activities that will explain the basics of archaeological theory and method. There are also several free prizes to be won along the way.
Headquarters at the Ostia Settlement
(take the Ostia Express chariot)
Several of the groups who participate in ancient culture re-enactment in ROMA have their headquarters in the Ostia settlement. The fort for the ROMA SPQR LEGIO XIII GEMINA group, the gladiator arena for the LVDI ROMANI group, and the temple complex for the College of Roman Priests group are all located at the northern edge of the ROMA Transtiberim sim.
Subura Gate
(walk from the ROMA Harbor District across into the ROMA Subura sim)
The large double gate that marks the entrance into the ROMA Subura is a reconstruction of the reconstructed gateway at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, Newcastle England.
Subura Fullonica and Latrinae
(take the Subura Loop chariot and hop off in the southeastern corner of the Subura)
Popea Heron and Lef Leven have built several historically accurate structures including an ancient Roman latrine, small baths, and a Fullonica (laundry).
The Binchester sims
(search for "ROMA Binchester" and teleport)
The Binchester Roman Excavations is an archaeological project that is excavating the ancient Roman fort of Binchester (ancient Vinovium) and its civilian settlement (vicus) in the UK. The archaeological project represents an important collaboration between Stanford University in the US and Durham University in the UK, and works with the archaeological unit of Durham County Council as well as the local community. The two new sims, ROMA Vinovium and ROMA Vicus, have joined the estate north of the ROMA Transtiberim sim. They will house a full scale reconstruction of the Roman fort at Binchester and its adjacent civilian settlement. In addition, both sims will contain interactive installations explaining the history of the site, the Roman invasion of Britain, native culture, and many other aspects, including daily updates on the progress of the excavations during the summer seasons.
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