Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum

ALL THE RUINS! All in one day...

Another early start to the day we adventured off into where all the Roman ruins were. This was due to the Colosseum only being able to hold up to 3,000 people at a time and the queues were going to be massive, even with a ticket. Also known as Flavian Amphitheatre, it is probably the most iconic building to represent Imperial Rome and the culture itself. The Colosseum was estimated to hold 50,000 and 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles (for only a short time as the hypogeum was soon filled in with mechanisms to support the other activities), 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.

Located in the small valley between Palatine and Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum is the central place for Ancient Rome. It includes several important ruins, such as the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Temple of Saturn, and Basilica Julia. The picture to the right shows 'The Arch of Constantine', right next to the Colosseum. It is the largest Arch in Rome, depicting the battle Milvian Bridge (the first victory for Constantine I) and was built around 315AD. In the picture below is the Temple of Saturn, built around 497BC, even though this may not be accurate. Only 8 columns remain of this temple showing the front of the temple. In Roman mythology, Saturn ruled during the Golden Age, and he continued to be associated with wealth. His temple housed the treasury, where the Roman Republic's reserves of gold and silver were stored.