Getting to the Colosseum was fairly easy and, after a nice lunch of spaghetti carbonara, we walked to the Colosseum. The lines weren't bad at all and we were quickly inside. A temporary exhibit giving the history of the Roman Colosseum, particularly that regarding the Emperor who commissioned it, Vespasian, was the first thing we toured.
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After learning about how expensive it was, how everyone gambled, and about how Mussolini ruined any chances for a unified historic district in Rome, we were able to walk outside and around the inside of the Colosseum. The weather was a little bit dreary, with misty rain dominating most of the day, but it didn't diminish the experience at all.
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As part of the ticket deal for the Colosseum, you also get access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Good deal! After marveling at the Roman ingenuity that is the Colosseum, we walked a little west and were soon on Palatine Hill. As I walked up the old, brick stairs, I couldn't help but imagine Roman Senators in their togas walking up those same steps or the sound of Legionnaires running down the stairs, attempting to make a last stand against the Germanic hordes. Hundreds of years of history were passing beneath my feet with every step.
The ruins on the hill were very well preserved, and excavation projects are ongoing. Piles of artifacts and marble are scattered around the site, and every once in awhile a university student would walk out to remove or replace something from them.
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Scenes of the Classical era were interrupted by an alien structure: Mussolini's villa. Egotism at its best, Mussolini constructed a home for himself upon the site which the Roman empire was ruled from.
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The thorough combing of the hill complete, it was time for the Roman forum. It, too, is nicely preserved, though I can't help but think they could've done better. If I have time and remember to do it, I'm going to try to do a little bit of research into the conservation attempts at the site. Any other info would be appreciated. Anyways. Lots of interesting things were there, but my favorite were the remains of the Roman Senate. Nothing is left standing but a row of columns and the foundation, but it still has a monolithic presence. Lasting from 753BC - 476AD, the Roman Senate has the distinction of being the longest serving representative institution.
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| From 3 Rome |
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When leaving the forum, the Italian government buildings are right in front of you, so a quick look at the Italian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was in order.
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After yet another pleasant dinner, it's time for bed once again. Tomorrow's goal is Vatican City and The Pantheon - I'm excited.
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