The Colosseum began construction in 70 AD and was used as the site of gladiator battles, spectacles, executions, plays of classic mythology, animal hunts, and wild animal fights . In fact, Dio Cassius recounts 9000 animals killed at the inauguration of the colosseum. The Roman emperors also enjoyed murdering Christian martyrs by throwing them to beasts and other creative measures. There's now a large cross inside to remember those martyrs.
Right away you notice the the amazing architecture with three rows of arches. This almost 2000 year old amphitheater held more than 50,000 spectators with the rich on the bottom closest to the arena and the poor in the top cheap seats. In the end, materials were taken to build churches such as St. Peter's in Vatican City. Seeing the architecture and how the underground was designed to lift up animals like lions and elephants was amazing. This was my favorite site in Rome.
The Roman Forum is a stretch of ruins that date back to 800 BC!!! Can you believe that!? Our United States government is only a couple hundred years old! This was a governmental and religious center of ancient Rome that was used for around 1400 years. Imagining Julius Caesar and Augustus standing here gave me goosebumps. Here was the site of governmental speeches and decrees, gladiator marches, Senate announcements. It was all very sophisticated and jaw dropping to research the culture and look at the foundations of our civilizations today. For the Anthropology major in me, I was absolutely mesmerized. As you can see from my photos, the sky was beautiful and made the perfect dreamy backdrop. Like the Colosseum, many materials were taken from here for building up Vatican City.
Tip: If you're visiting the Forum, Rick Steve's audio guide was amazing as we walked through to identify the ruins and offer us a brief history.
Can you spy the Colosseum?
Palatine hill is another area that is next to the Colosseum and overlooks the Forum. Palatine hill is one of the oldest areas of Rome, with evidence of use from 1000 B.C. !! For 3000 years old, this place looks great. The original Romans were said to live here, and then from the start of the Roman empire in 27 BC Augustus built his palace here which transformed the area to be exclusive to emperors from then on. The ruins of the palaces of Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian are still here.
More Posts from Italy:
Trevi Fountain // Venice // Venice Video // Florence Duomo // Florence Video // Florence Itinerary // Positano // Spiaggia Grande // Capri // Positano Video // Tuscany Wine Tour // Baboli Gardens // Vatican City // Evening Stroll in Rome