Ancient Rome

Roman Colosseum

Today is a good day for a nice walk to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Weather's perfect and  Ancient Rome is magnificent. Took all day to see the sights but it was worth it. 

The Hypogeum, a series of underground tunnels

The Roman Colosseum or Colosseo was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater. It was commissioned in 72 BCE by Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his son, Titus, in 80, with later improvements by Domitian. The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank. The Colosseum is huge, an ellipse 188m long and 156 wide. Originally 240 masts and cloth shades were attached to stone corbels on the 4th level to provide shade to the spectators.

Vespasian ordered the Colosseum to be built on the site of Nero's palace, the Domus Aurea, to dissociate himself from the hated tyrant. His aim was to gain popularity by staging deadly combats of gladiators and wild animal fights for public viewing. Massacre was on a huge scale: at inaugural games in 80 BCE, over 9,000 wild animals were killed.

Pre booked the entrance tickets and the tour so it was easy to enter the Colosseum. .The English speaking tour guide was excellent. At each point he would explain the facts for a few minutes then give everyone a few minutes to take photos. Worth the extra euros for a tour.

Roman Forum

It’s only 12 euros for the pass that is for Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. We saw all three sights and it was fantastic how the ancient roman city came to life through the ruins.

Caligula's Palace on the Palatine Hill

It was a good day in Rome and tomorrow is the Vatican. Rome is a great place and even better, we’re going back to the St Regis Grand luxury for the night.

Everything here is highly recommended!

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