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Archeological, topographical and scholarly research on Rome's ancient monuments progressed markedly between 1980 and 1990. This research centered on six main subjects: the Forum Romanum built under the Republic; the Campus Martius where the patricians vied for power; upper-class homes; the Palatine hill where the emperors dwelt; the Imperial Fora; and the circuses, amphitheaters and baths with which the emperors sought to amuse and placate the people. Research on these monuments will improve understanding of the aristocratic disunity and other causes of the shift from Republic to Empire.

The archaeology of Central and Southern Italy were examined to review influential approaches and to provide for an overview of trends regarding the archaeological work. The method of excavating urban and rural sites was combined with field-surveys, topographical surveys, aerial photography and the study of artifacts to come up with new insights regarding the history of Italy. The combined approach has been contributory to the understanding of issues such as the economic aspects of wine production and the Samnite heartland in pre-Roman and Roman times.