The Roman Forum
If you happen to visit Rome, you will find it loud, crazy and completely addictive. The eccentric Rome is a living masterpiece with as much history, art and culture as you can handle. Although this seat of one of the world’s most powerful kingdom is never less than frantically busy, it is fairly easy to find your way around. Most of the historic sites are within walking distance of one another. Otherwise a taxi or a bus is the recommended means of travel. Remember though the saying goes, Roma, non basta, una vita. (for Rome a lifetime is not enough), so fitting it into few hours will be a squeeze.
Start the day like a local. They would not dream of doing without the morning espresso or frothy cappuccino. Whether you decide to visit a well known coffee house or the most unlikely back street cafe, you will find one of the tastiest coffee imaginable. It is usually consumed al banco (standing up at the bar). You can linger as long as you want!
The Roman Coliseum
Suitably refreshed now make for the Coliseum. This massive arena, Rome’s most famous site once hosted gory battles- death guaranteed- between gladiators, slaves, prisoners and wild animals. Fortunately for all concerned, the battles were outlawed in the 5th century. The architecture in this mighty site, capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, includes an impressive array of Doric, Lonic and Corinthian columns and temples. Even in its ruined state it is not hard to imagine the spectacular events once staged here. The stark beauty cuts through the centuries.
Linger a while at the Arch of Constantine a stone’s throw from the Coliseum. It was erected in the honor of Constantine’s defeat of the pagan Maxentius in AD 312.
The Roma Forum used to be the heart of ancient Rome and was once the central meeting place for the movers and shakers of the day. It was also when they traded goods and did their shopping and banking. A huge market dominated the Forum where grains and wines were sold in the past. So of course it is brimful of history. It has to be said however it is now a rather confusing expanse littered with marble fragments and columns, so it makes sense to bring along a guidebook to make sure you leave with a decent understanding of what you have seen.
Don’t miss a stop at the Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth) which you will find in the doorway of St. Mary’s Cosmedin Church. It used to be an ancient sewer grate, but don’t let that put you off. If you put your hand inside this marble mask, according to legend, it will be bitten of if you have told lies. So why to take a risk?
Also Read:
Cyrus the Great: The Persian hero and an Influential Military Leader.
Hannibal’s leading the Carthaginian army across the Alps.
The Roman Empire (264 BC-565 AD) at the time of its zenith.
History of Zambia – Struggle for Independence against Colonial Rule.
The Barbarian invasions from central Asia during 4th and 5th centuries.
The 5th and 6th centuries BC were a period of consolidation in India and China.
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