Huge LEGO Ancient Rome Diorama Has Over 200,000 Pieces, Brings the World of ‘Gladiator’ To Life

This massive LEGO diorama of the ancient city of Rome includes thousands of pieces and hundreds of detailed buildings.

The City of Rome has long captured people’s imagination, and the world of LEGO is not immune to this. While there have only been a handful of official LEGO kits related to Rome, that has not stopped fans. Rome is a common theme among MOC builders, but almost none have the crazy ambition to recreate the entire city in LEGO.

Of course, the City of Rome has undergone many iterations and changes over the years. However, by far, the most popular era for building is ancient Rome, either in the Late Republic or Imperial Eras. While plenty of people have built MOCs of famous buildings or scenes, we’ve never quite seen something as ambitious as this brick-build.

LEGO Ancient Rome Diorama

This kit was built by Rocco J. Buttliere, an insanely talented LEGO builder. He’s spent the last few years working on SPQR, his vision to replicate the entire City of Rome circa the 4th Century CE at a 1:650 scale. The project’s first two phases have now been completed and use over 200,000 bricks. However, the final project will use more than 1 million all told. It’s an impressive and breathtaking build.

This is just an insane project, and every inch is packed with details. This section of the build includes some of the most iconic buildings and locations in ancient Rome. You’ve got the Palatine Hill and the Forum. The Colosseum and the Temple of Claudius dominate one end of the Phase I construction.

The single biggest building has to be the massive Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. The natural features are on display here as well, with the Tiber and the Tiber Island being standout features. I mean, this thing is just packed with houses, places, monuments, aqueducts, and more.

Below is a great overview of the project in its current state. Check out Rocco’s YouTube channel for a ton of other great videos and his Flickr for tons of detailed pics.

I mean… just look at the crazy details on this thing!

Pyramid of Giza

Looking to build a part of the ancient world yourself? Why not go for something even the Romans thought was classic: the Great Pyramid? This amazing LEGO kit brings this wonder of the world to life at its height. Fun fact: the City of Rome MOC is closer to our time than to the setting of this kit.

Take a leap back to the 26th century BC and build one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This cross-sectioned model reveals the main tunnels and chambers within the pyramid, as well as the system theorized to have been used to move huge stones during its construction. Outside of the pyramid stand two small pyramids, two mortuary temples, Sphinx statues, and an obelisk. You can even take a boat down the Nile.

• 1,476 pieces
•  8 in. high, 13.5 in. wide and 12.5 in. deep
• Get a light kit to complete your display

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Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.