Up Next
Back to Show
Rick Steves' Europe
Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Roman Empire
Season 12
Episode 1204
With its vast empire, ancient Rome gave Europe its first common culture. From England to Turkey, we explore the greatest Roman cities, marveling at their over-the-top art, soaring aqueducts, and crowd-pleasing theaters. As Rome fell, saints replaced Caesars and Christianity filled the vacuum with art-filled churches—preserving the grandeur of imperial Rome and inspiring the Europe to come.
Support Provided By
Season
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:17
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:36
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:39
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:18
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
25:18
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:19
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
25:18
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.
26:47
In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel?