 The Eternal City: Photos 21 to 42 |
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Rome's history spans over two and half thousand years, starting as a small Italian village to the centre of a vast empire to the capital of today's Italy. Rome was founded as a small village sometime in the 8th century BC surrounding Palatine Hill. The small settlement developed into the capital of the Roman Kingdom before becoming the seat of the Roman Republic at around 500 BC, and then the centre of the Roman Empire from 27 BC. For almost 1,000 years, Rome was the largest, wealthiest and most powerful city in the Western World with dominance over most of Europe.
Today, Rome reflects the many periods of its long history - Ancient times, Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There are so many sights to see in Rome that it is difficult to know where to start, however there are a few attractions that should not be missed, some of which are listed below.
The Colosseum
The gigantic oval of the Colosseum is a must see - 186m long, 153m wide and some 50m high. Emperor Vespasian began construction in AD72 and work was completed eight years later. It was the scene for gladiator fights that one can hardly
Full Text Entry: The Eternal City
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Colosseum
Capable of seating some 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used not only for gladiatorial man-to-man contests but also for animal hunts, re-enactments of famous battles, executions and dramas
The Colosseum arena, showing the hypogeum
Beneath the arena is a sophisticated underground structure called the hypogeum. Whilst little remains of the original arena floor the hypogeum is still clearly visible. This subterranean network of tu... [more]
The Colosseum
The surviving part of the outer wall's monumental façade comprises three stories of superimposed arcades surmounted by a podium on which stands a tall attic, both of which are pierced by windows inter... [more]
The Pantheon
The Pantheon was originally built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, and rebuilt around 126 AD during Hadrian's reign
The Pantheon
It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. It has been in continuous use throughout its history.
Antico Caffè Greco
Antico Caffè Greco is a historic landmark café which opened in 1760. It is the best known and oldest caffè in Rome
Ara Pacis
In 13 BC, the Roman Senate decreed that the Ara Pacis - or Altar to Peace - be built to celebrate Augustus' triumphant return from the war and Gaul.
Panel of Tellus, Ara Pacis
The central figure is usually identified as Tellus, or Mother Earth. The two children on her lap have been interpreted as the nephews and heirs to Augustus, Gaius and Lucius Caesar.
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