Roman Coliseum and Forum

Our visit to the Coliseum and Forum occupied most of a day.  The city of Rome is currently building a couple of new subways, one of which will run almost directly under this area. as a result some access was curtailed limiting the visit.

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Basilica Amelia

Tomb of Caesar

panorama of the Coliseum

teh seeds of flowers will find their place even in ruins of the creations of men. 

The Temple of Castor and Pollux (Italian: Tempio dei Dioscuri) is an ancient edifice in the Roman Forum, Rome, central Italy. It was originally built in gratitude for victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus (495 BC). Castor and Pollux (Greek Polydeuces) were theDioscuri, the "twins" of Gemini, the twin sons of Zeus (Jupiter) and Leda. Their cult came to Rome from Greece via Magna Graeciaand the Greek culture of Southern Italy.

panorama of Forum area

staging area for archeological findings from Forum area

shoeing the Palatine hill area of  the Forum

History and details of the Coliseum.

showing the tiered seating area and top row of the Coliseum 

showing the underground rooms 

best overall view I could get of the interior. the section the left is a newly constructed stage area used for presentations.

Arch of Septimius Severus – is one of the many triumphal arches in ancient Rome and was excavated in the 19-th century. The arch is very well preserved and was erected in AD 203 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the accession of Emperor Septimius Severus. It has beautiful relief panels witch commemorate the emperor’s victories in Parthia (todays Iran and Iraq)

looking up toward Palatine Hill in Forum.  Temple of Vestal Virgins was on this hillside.

photo proof of our presence

hallway in original coliseum that led to hot dogs and beer stands.  Not really, it led to toilets.

Flowers and remains of centuries old column

original bronze doors at temple of Romulus.  interesting note these doors still swing open and the original lock still works.  Doors are opened only once a year to commemorate anniversary of  death of Romulus (legend attributed to guide and not verified)

Temple of Saturn has eight surviving columns and was built in 42 BC. The older temple dated from 497 BC but the ruins are from 42 BC. Saturn was regarded as the god-king of Italy and every year at the end of December the Romans celebrated Saturn with the festival called Saturnalia. During the holidays the Romans couldn’t declare war or punish prisoners and the aristocrats would eat and drink with their slaves. 

Senate Forum area where Romans in togas would argue the fate of their world.  Red Poppies gather during this season to discuss similar topics.

Archway into Forum

it seems that even in ancient times the leaders liked to have their name in BIG letters. careful look shows Caesar on this entrance sign into Forum arena.

Top most row of blocks in Coliseum.  So, how did thee huge blocks of granite get up to top and then positioned ?