Rick Steves' Europe

S12E04 Art of the Roman Empire

Ancient Rome, with its expansive empire, introduced Europe to a shared cultural identity. We journey from England to Turkey, discovering the magnificent Roman cities adorned with extravagant art, impressive aqueducts, and vibrant theaters. As the Roman Empire crumbled, saints took the place of emperors, and Christianity emerged to fill the void, leading to the construction of art-rich churches that upheld the splendor of imperial Rome and laid the foundation for the future of Europe.