Rome was a militarized society, and they were not shy to boast about their many victories. The Romans held great victory parades and built many large triumphant arches (arches that inspired the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris). They also built triumphal columns. Four of these can still be seen today in Rome (they were all dedicated to Roman emperors).

Rome is full of ancient monuments. Sometimes these stand isolated and dotted around the city, and to the casual observer occasionally, they may even appear to be a monument of the Middle Ages (like Trajan's Column). The most incredible Roman building to explore is the Pantheon - an ancient Roman temple (now a church) that is the oldest building still in use. It is in such good repair that it may also appear to be from the Middle Ages.