Day 5 ~ Ancient Rome

We were up bright and early to take a taxi to the Roman Coliseum where we met our private guide, Sev.  He was recommended by my good friend, Jeanne, a former colleague in Coeur d’Alene. Sev is a US citizen whose first job is as a professor of archeology at University of Rome. With his background, he was an excellent guide.

Built of concrete and stone, the Coliseum is the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was completed in eight years. The Coliseum held an average audience of 65,000. It was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.  Below, we are inside the Coliseum with our travel partners, Kathy and Dodie.

Just outside the Coliseum is the Arch of Constantine which was completed in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Manutius.  He was the first Emperor to convert to Christianity and summoned church officials to the Council of Nicaea in 325.

The Roman Forum is a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city.  Originally, this area was a marketplace but developed into the center of Roman public life for centuries. It has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world and in all history.

The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian in about 123 AD. It is one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings and has been in continuous use throughout its history, Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a church dedicated to "St. Mary and the Martyrs."  Its dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.

The interior of the Pantheon is so beautiful and well-preserved. Because it was turned into a church, the original marble was not removed to be used elsewhere. Below, Sev stands for a quick picture before he ends our tour. 

Not from ancient Rome, but an impressive site we passed while walking, was the Il Vittoriano Monument.  This monument was built to honor Victor Emanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy in 1861. It was inaugurated in 1911 and completed in 1935. It also contains the tomb of the unknown soldier from WWI. The Italians call this monument “The Wedding Cake,” thinking it is too big, too white, and pompous.  I, on the other hand, thought it was really cool. 

We have had such delicious food so far on this trip.  But then, it’s Italy, so what should we expect?  Below is my dinner of mixed grill, Pomodorino style.