Rome Day 3 - Colosseum, Palentine Hill, & The Forum

Yesterday we spent the day being overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the Colosseum. This architectural masterpiece is nothing less than amazing and even it's ruined state did well to inform us of just how vast and large the Roman Empire was. We learned that not many (if any) Christians died there; they were executed at the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum was reserved for gladiator fights and animal shows. The columns of St Peter's were made with salvaged marble from the Colosseum once the games ceased.
The Forum and Palentine Hill were also quite amazing. Learning about the history of Rome was interesting and the ruins were impressive. It did leave much for us to imagine as to what the original town looked like...I think we'll buy one of those "Rome then and Now" books that has helpful overlays to help fill the gaps. Anyways, here is the Flickr set with ample pictures for you to see...
Tomorrow we are off for an early Christianity and Catacombs tour....

Comments

[len]

ok, now you have to read The Up-Side of Down.. he talks a lot about the fall of Rome in comparison to similar forces today..

[John Santic]

Thanks Len, I'll make a note of the book. I am intrigued about what we can learn from Roman Empire. the similarities are scary.

[Italy Accom]

It can be quite chilling to visit the Colosseum once you hear about the bloodshed that took place there. However it is still a magnificent monument.