Throughout the research process, I really wished I could afford a library. If I were rich, I would buy my own copy of Broughton's Magistrates of the Roman Republic, and Platner's Topography of Ancient Rome. I would have all of Plutarch's Lives (not just five of them), Cassius Dio, and everything by Cicero.
But, alas, I am the breadwinner for our family with two young children. It just isn't prudent to drop that kind of money for something which is (for now) just a hobby. And as a poor researcher, I've found a few valuable internet sites that contain complete works on Ancient Rome.
I hope these can save the future researcher some time and energy.
Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology--William Smith, on AncientLibrary.com
A Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome--Samuel Ball Platner, from the University of Chicago
LacusCurtis--numerous translations of ancient texts, thanks to Bill Thayer (who I emailed--incidently, he is a Very Nice Guy)
Map of the Forum--It was hard to find a map of Republican Rome, but Emerson Kent has two: one detailed map of the forum, and another map of Republican Rome in 40 BC.
NovaRoma--I haven't gotten the courage to join these guys yet, but I keep carrying my copy of Asconius everywhere in case I meet one of them. Instant conversation starter!
Digital Roman Forum--it's from the imperial era, around AD 400, but just pretend the Curia Julia is the Curia Hostilia, ignore the arch, and the Basilica Aemelia. Lots of differences, but the Temple of Castor is there, which is where the tribunes often met.
