The Romans gave Europe its first taste of a common culture and awe-inspiring art that tells the story of Europe's greatest empire. From its groundbreaking architecture to the statues, mosaics, and frescos that decorated its grandiose buildings, Rome engineered bigger and better than anyone before. At its peak, the Roman Empire was a society of unprecedented luxury, with colossal arenas for entertaining the masses and giant monuments designed for egotistical emperors. RICK STEVES ART OF ANCIENT ROME explores this fascinating period of Roman art and architecture.