Crypta Balbi

Part of the Museo Nazionale Romana, the Crypta Balbi displays one of Rome’s more interesting recent archaeological finds, and is packed with displays, maps and models that explain (in English) Rome’s evolution from its bellicose pre-Imperial era, to early Christian times and on through the dim Middle Ages. The underground ruins themselves – visible occasionally through the day in a tour – show the foundations of the gigantic crypta, or theatre lobby, constructed by Cornelius Balbus, a Spaniard much in favour at the court of Augustus. Excavations continue, while upstairs is a display of the minutiae of everyday life in ancient Rome: plates, bowls, glasses, amphorae, oil lamps and artisans’ tools. The upper levels provide a fantastic view of Roman rooftops.