The Clarks: Rome: Day 7

September 10

Colosseum
Rome's most iconic symbol. The magnificent Colosseum.

The backside was doing some restoration, fortunately it wasn't the side you take pictures on!

Built when the Roman Empire was at its peak in 80 AD, the Colosseum represents Rome at its grandest. When killing became a spectator sport, the Romans wanted to share the fun with as many people as possible and thus built the Colosseum. It could accommodate 50,000 roaring fans! Only a 3rd of the original colosseum remains due to an earthquake and stone robbers.

walking into the colosseum you just have to stop and take it all in! Its truly amazing to think that something magnificent like this was built so long ago, and terrifying to also think of what happened in here.

Seating was stritcly segregated. The ringside seats belonged to the emperor, senators, and vestal virgins. The middle level was for ordinary Roman citizens, and at the very top the poorest people-foreigners, slaves, and women.

This cross marked where the Emperors box once stood.

Again listening to one of Rick Steves walking tour.

The original arena was covered with a wooden floor, then sprinkled with sand. This wooden platform gives you an idea of what it looked like.

This subterranean level is where animals and prisoners where held. They imported animals from all over the world. They had everything; hippos, alligators, elephants, lions, and tigers. They were kept in cages then lifted up in elevators to the arena. Gladiators didn't know where or when or by what he'd be attacked. When a Gladiator fell helpless to the ground the opponent would ask the Emperor if he should live or die. Sometimes it was left up to the audience to judge based on how valiantly they fought. The ruling would be made by either a thumbs up or thumbs down.

The stadium was inaugurated with a 100 day festival in which 2,000 men and 9,000 animals where killed. Thats a death every 5 minutes! Employees would squirt perfumes around the stadium to mask the stench of death.

The question was brought up why were the Romans so bloodthirsty? The answer we received was that it it was to control the huge Roman population who are a nation of warriors and the bureaucrats got thrills watching brutes battle to the death. Plus it also kept Rome's growing masses of unemployed rabble off the streets.

Arch of Constantine

This arch marks a turning point in history. In 312 AD Emperor Constantine defeated his rival and the night before he had seen a vision of a cross in the sky. Constantine whose mother and sister where christians became emperor and legalized Christianity. This one battle made a tremendous impact on the city of Rome and was the start in turning Rome into the home of all Christianity.

A view of the Temple Venus and Rome

Directly across from the Colosseum this temple was once the largest temple in Rome.

The Roman Forum
The original Forum was a flat patch about the size of a football field and surrounding it were temples, law courts, government buildings, and arches.

The Arch of Titus. Built to commemorate the Roman Victory over the province of Judaea (Isreal) in 70 AD. and forced 50,000 Jewish slaves to build this arch and the Colosseum. Roman soldiers would parade under here after every victory in war.

Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina. Built first as a pagan temple to honor the Emperor and his wife, and then in the 7th century turned into a Roman Catholic church.

Caligula's Palace. Caligula was not a nice man! He tortured enemies and stole senators wives.

The Temple of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's famous assassination by his friends, his body was brought here to be cremated. Behind the temple in what is now a patch of trees was where Caesars home was.

Behind the wall are some coins and usually flowers left here to remember the man who personified the greatness of Rome.

Temple of Vesta, Rome most sacred spot. A sacred flame burned inside this temple and as long as the flame would burn Rome would stand.

The House of the Vestal Virgins. The vestal Virgins were chosen from Noble families by the time they reached age 10, the six Vestal Virgins served a 30 year term. They were honored and revered by the Romans. The Vestals took a vow of chastity and if she served faithfully for 30 years she would be given a huge dowry and allowed to marry. If they found any virgin who wasn't faithful she would be given a loaf of bread and a lamp and then buried alive!

Temple of Saturn. Rome's oldest Temple 497 BC

The Forum's main square. This was were Rome was born.

Ancient Rome spanned a 1,000 years. 500 years of growth, 200 years at its peak. and 300 years of gradual decay. After years of corruption, plagues, and a false economy based on the spoils of war, the last Emperor checked out in 476 AD plunging Europe into the Dark Ages.

Palatine Hill

Looking down onto the Roman Forum is where the Romans lived.

Palatine Hill Stadium.

What used to be a fountain in the middle of a courtyard surrounded by home/apartments

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Capitoline Museum

This was supposed to be a "must see" museum, and although there were a couple of interesting pieces overall Brad and I were a little disappointed. Especially since one of their most famous pieces was out on loan to another museum.

An old Roman chariot.

The massive Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

The oldest known statue of this symbol of Rome. According to legend, twin Brothers Romulus (Rome) and Remus were orphaned in infancy and raised by a she wolf on top of Palatine Hill, and there Rome was born.