A Walk Through Ancient Rome: A Tour of the Historical Sites That Shaped the City

by Philip Matyszak

In this expert guide to the ancient city, Dr Philip Matyszak takes us on a tour of ancient Rome’s most fascinating and important sites and locations, revealing the secrets of the beating heart of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Rome itself was never grander or more magnificent than just before it fell, so be transported back in time to the Empire’s twilight years at the end of the 4th century ad, with almost a thousand years of Roman history to explore. Each chapter focuses on one of Rome’s districts, with maps throughout and explanations of how the same routes would look today. Put yourself in the sandals of a Roman pedestrian and take a walk along the Via Appia, through the Capuan Gate and past all the wonders inside the walls of ancient Rome, from tombs and temples to sewers and shrines, the grand gardens and the humble street markets, from Nero’s Golden House to the slums where Julius Caesar grew up. Walk alongside the ghosts of Trajan, Nero and Cicero; stand where they stood and see what they saw.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2024

About the author

Philip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.

Reviews

[LPosse1 Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m Having an amazing time in Italy my friends This book felt like the perfect companion for anyone who loves wandering Rome with one eye on the ruins and the other on the deeper stories beneath their feet—and it paired beautifully with my own recent walks through the city.

Much like Ancient Roman History in 12 Coins, this is a smart, accessible historical survey—not overly academic, but deeply informed. Matyszak has a real gift for bringing ancient Rome to life through place, using streets, monuments, and ruins as anchors for broader historical narratives. As I read, I often found myself mentally retracing steps I had just taken—through forums, theaters, and public spaces—now better understanding what once happened there.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how clearly it connects locations to stories. Temples, basilicas, and entertainment venues aren’t treated as static ruins; instead, they become stages where Roman politics, religion, spectacle, and daily life unfolded. The historical context added real depth to places I had physically stood in only days earlier.

I especially appreciated the modern 21st-century connections. The reminders that contemporary Rome is layered directly on top of the ancient city resonated deeply after navigating modern streets built over millennia of history. The past never feels distant here—it’s quite literally under your feet.

My main criticism—and the reason this lands at four stars rather than five—is that I would have loved more visual support. Additional photographs and especially more maps would have made this an even stronger companion, particularly for readers actively walking Rome or planning a visit.

Overall, this is a highly readable, well-organized, and rewarding guide for Roman history lovers. A great reference, a great refresher, and a book that deepened my appreciation for a city where every step truly is a step through history.

Recommended for: Roman history enthusiasts, travelers to Rome, and readers who enjoy history told through place and story rather than dates alone.

[The Bibliognost Bampot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever way of providing a gallop through the history of Rome from the Sabines to Romulus and Remus to the Republic, Julius Caesar to the Emperors to christianity, the crucifixion of St Paul and the popes, stripping back the layers and walking through the monuments is a very revealing format. A helpful guide for the 21st century tourist too. Funny and interesting, all in all, a good read. Just a couple of continuity/grammatical errors that should have been picked up by the editor.

[Kayleigh Wolput · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. Each chapter begins with how the monuments and buildings looked during the ancient times. Each chapter ends with which monuments and buildings we can (or can't) see now. This book makes me want to go to Rome again.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea is we are walking through Ancient Rome and getting a guided tour. It’s very informative and well researched I was just very bored. My Goodreads ratings just reflect my personal reading experience. It probably deserved a more careful reading.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the buildings of Rome and the people who made them rise and fall. However, Matyszak moves around rapidly in time, telling, usually in present tense, of what the condition of a place or building was in the Kingdom, Republic, Empire, Middle Ages, Rennaissance, Victorian, 20th century and 21st century Rome, not necessarily in that order, and repeated for every spot in Rome the book visits.

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leuk idee, uitwerking nogal saai. Volgens het boek is het Pantheon gratis te bezoeken, wat bij het uitkomen van het boek niet meer het geval was. Wel een paar leuke plekjes uitgehaald voor een volgend bezoek aan Rome.

[Rob Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to Rome.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

heel grondig maar met vlage saai