Currently trending is the surprising notion that many men think frequently about the Roman Empire – something that speaks to the enduring appeal of an empire that thrived some 2,000 years ago. And there are few cities better for exploring its legacy than the city of Rome, the caput mundi of the Roman Empire itself.

Most tourists to the city will seek out the best-known ancient sites – but there is far more to Rome than the Colosseum and the Pantheon. The capital is also thick with hidden gems, many of which are every bit as fascinating, if not more so, than the city's showstoppers.