2025 has been a great year for Italy and LEGO with both Trevi Fountain and 21359 Italian Riviera, but for former Junior Classical League kids like me, what we really crave is a trip back to the SPQR. The classical world has only shown up in LEGO via the Coliseum Architecture set and a handful of collectible minifigs, but thankfully, we have fan creations from builders like Michael Crewe to keep the flame alive. Michael shares two minifig-scale scenes of ancient city life on the Ideas platform that I would gladly clear out shelf space to bring home. First up is a magnificent library that could be the famed Library of Alexandria, pre-sacking. The impressive columns evoke a Corinthian style with their ornate fern tops.
Inside the two-story building stand an impressive statue. I might have gone with Athena/Minerva rather than this more muscular fellow, but those marble abs are impressive.
A humble scribe works alongside a miniature orrery. Technic pins tucked into window screens as a scroll case is wonderfully effective technique.
Michael designed the library modular-style with the top floor and roof easily removeable. I love how spacious the interior is with the second floor limited to just narrow walkways and shelves.
Of course a modular-inspired set like this requires minifigues, and Michael suggests a robust mix of eight staff and visitors to this ancient wonder.
Meanwhile, across the Ionian Sea, Michael presents a Roman-themed temple. Excellent brick-built statuary flank the entrance, while the frieze makes excellent use of assorted gold elements. I appreciate how Michael switches up the column technique, incorporating robot arms and flowers.
The interior is just as resplendent with its mosaic floors.
The best twist though is a secret door leading to the Temple’s second floor where the Olympian gods hang out. Neptune bathes, Venus admires her reflection, and Mars takes a drunken nap, while Jupiter plays with the fates of men as if they were toys.
The lineup of minifig characters includes a desperate senator and guard as well as a pair of barbarians to menace at the gate.
What slice of ancient life would you most like to see in LEGO? Tell us in the comments!
This is the kind of build I want Lego to offer. I’m sick of Star Wars, Marcel and other TV, film and game based sets. Give us some Ancient Roman and Greek sets.