Volumina, the Park’s reading group: Il più grande uomo scimmia del Pleistocene at Museo del Foro Romano

Volumina, the reading group of the Parco archeologico del Colosseo, meets on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Museo del Foro Romano, in Santa Maria Nova, with entry through the Arch of Titus gate, to discuss Roy Lewis's «Il più grande uomo scimmia del Pleistocene» (The Evolution Man) with archaeologist Andrea Schiappelli of the Park staff. Admission is free, with required booking by email.

Updated October 26, 2026.

The official presentation

Volumina. The reading group of the Parco archeologico del Colosseo: Il più grande uomo scimmia del Pleistocene by Roy Lewis. SPECIAL EVENTS. NOVEMBER 4, 2026. Museo del Foro Romano. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 16:30. Museo del Foro Romano, Santa Maria Nova. Entry through the Arch of Titus gate, booking required. Those interested can send an email to pa-colosseo.eventi@cultura.gov.it. Membership Card holders can book at the usual address pa-colosseo.membership@cultura.gov.it. The validity of the Card will be checked at registration.

Volumina is a free reading group for those who love exploring worlds, eras and ideas through books and through conversation with others. We offer a diverse and stimulating route across different genres and styles, combining fiction, nonfiction and great contemporary classics.

The common thread is curiosity: each month a different book becomes an occasion for dialogue, reflection and shared discovery. Under the auspices of the Centro per il Libro e la Lettura of the Ministry of Culture, Volumina is open to all, with no obligations or formalities: you read, take part when you can and contribute freely to the conversation. It's a welcoming space where stories become a meeting point and ideas take shape through the voices of the participants. A date to slow down, read and share.

On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 16:30, we discuss Roy Lewis's book Il più grande uomo scimmia del Pleistocene together with archaeologist Andrea Schiappelli. Venue: Museo del Foro Romano, Santa Maria Nova. For: Membership Card holders of the Parco archeologico del Colosseo, visitors to the Parco archeologico del Colosseo and reading enthusiasts. Free admission to the event. Curated by Astrid D'Eredità and Lucia Marsicano, archaeologists at the Parco archeologico del Colosseo.

Text from the official Parco archeologico del Colosseo website, translated from Italian, source

How the reading group works

The Park describes Volumina as a free reading group that moves across genres and styles, from fiction to nonfiction and contemporary classics. Each month a different book becomes an occasion for dialogue. You take part when you can, with no obligations or formalities, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture's Centro per il Libro e la Lettura.

The November 4 meeting is devoted to Roy Lewis's novel and to the discussion led by archaeologist Andrea Schiappelli. The event is curated by Astrid D'Eredità and Lucia Marsicano, archaeologists at the Park.

Where it takes place: Museo del Foro Romano

The meeting is held at Museo del Foro Romano, which the Park lists as Santa Maria Nova, with entry through the Arch of Titus gate. The Roman Forum page on the Park's website notes that in the 9th century the church of Santa Maria Nova was built in one of the cellae of the Temple of Venus and Rome.

The event is for Membership Card holders, visitors to the Park and reading enthusiasts. For another site in the circuit you can read Domus Aurea Highlights 2026, and on the civic museums side there's also Linea C, an urban journey between center and suburbs.

Practical information

• Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
• Venue: Museo del Foro Romano, Santa Maria Nova, entry through the Arch of Titus gate
• Admission: free, booking required
• Booking: email pa-colosseo.eventi@cultura.gov.it
• Membership Card: book at pa-colosseo.membership@cultura.gov.it. Validity is checked at registration
• Book under discussion: «Il più grande uomo scimmia del Pleistocene» by Roy Lewis
• Public transport: use the ATAC route planner
• Official page: colosseo.it

Frequently asked questions about Volumina, the Park's reading group

What is Volumina?

A free reading group of the Parco archeologico del Colosseo, open to all, with a different book each month.

Which book is being discussed on November 4?

«Il più grande uomo scimmia del Pleistocene» by Roy Lewis, with archaeologist Andrea Schiappelli of the Park staff.

How do you sign up?

Send an email to pa-colosseo.eventi@cultura.gov.it. Membership Card holders write to pa-colosseo.membership@cultura.gov.it.

Where do you go in?

Through the Arch of Titus gate, to reach Museo del Foro Romano at Santa Maria Nova.

Article written by the editorial team of Tour Leader Pro, contact them for Private/Corporate/V.I.P. Tours and Experiences.

Planning a trip to Rome? The English-language guides for visiting the city are on ItalyPlanner.com.