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!