Beyond the temples, palaces, and other magnificent monuments scattered throughout Rome, archaeologists regularly uncover evidence of common people. Using coins, inscriptions, household items, and small artworks we are able to piece together a vivid picture of what it was like to live as a regular person in ancient Rome. This walk, focusing on the fantastic collection of this material in the two main branches of the National Museums of Rome, aims to unveil some of the mystery shrouding the daily lives of the Romans. The walk begins at the National Museum of Rome at the Baths of Diocletian, with particular attention paid to its extensive epigraphy collection. Epigraphy-the study of inscriptions-offers a fascinating and unusual approach to ancient Rome.

Throughout antiquity, inscriptions on stone, bronze, and other materials identified buildings, announced renovations, published laws, commemorated public events, gave credit for benefactions, and much, much more. This section is the best place in Rome to understand the chronological and typological development of inscriptions, while the adjacent courtyard illustrates how museums used to relegate the stones to secondary positions, often as statue bases.

The group will then move on to a second branch of the National Museum of Rome- the elegant Palazzo Massimo. Here, we will explore the impeccable wall paintings and mosaics, mostly discovered in the 1800s during excavations in the Ludovisi-Salustiani area and considered by many one of the best collections of ancient painting. Though the collection focuses on the abodes of the upper echelon of society, it provides detailed insight into the quotidian activities and private spaces of the Romans. Palazzo Massimo also boasts a rich collection of original marble and bronze statues of political luminaries, as well as proletarian characters like the "Boxer" and the "Discobolus Lancelloti". The basement is dedicated to the minor arts, gems and coins-integral to understanding the monetary and economic system of the times. By the end of the walk, you will have a well rounded vision of Rome and life during the Empire and a very good basis for your subsequent Rome explorations