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A lavish Pompeii villa, preserved in time by the eruption of Pompeii, showcases the very different lives between the wealthy and the enslaved. In Jordan, a newly uncovered tomb tells the story of the city’s history and archaeologists analyze the construction of a theater where all citizens were welcome.

Archaeologists crawl underground to study the complex heating systems powering the Stabian Baths of Pompeii. Next to the Vatican, they discover a magnificent amphitheater built to boast Emperor Nero’s ambition and pride. And outside Naples, they dive underwater to see the granaries whose trade profits fueled innovations throughout the Empire.

From England to Turkey, archaeologists discover weapons from the frontlines and military bases, proving that the Roman war machine spanned all corners of the empire. They test the true power and might, using ancient designs to build new ships and catapults. The power of Roman propaganda becomes evident in recent findings from gladiators’ tombs.