To discover the history of Rome we had booked a guided tour for the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum. The tour was already at 9am and our group consisted of five people. It was almost like a private tour and we had an excellent guide. Really great service for what we booked and definitely and advantage when you come in the off-season.
Already the walk to the Colosseum was impressive, especially since we passed the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland). This monument which is really called Victor Emmanuel II National monument was built to honour the Italian king. Since he probably felt like an emperor, the monument is in classical style. So it fits right in with the roman history.
Victor Emmanuel II National Monument @Rome
Arriving at the Colosseum it is first of all breathtaking. On second look it is under construction. There is work done inside and outside, and it took a while to get the best shot without too much construction details. With the second picture you can get a clearer view on how it was constructed. It must have been huge and very busy with 50.000 visitors during the spectacles.
Colosseum @Rome
the Colosseum had three archways @Rome
Once inside it was amazing. This structure from the 1st century AD just blows your mind. That this is still standing and that they were even able to build it. Just wow!
walking inside the Colosseum @Rome
see the oval of the Colosseum @Rome
After a couple hundreds of more pictures and endless information on how it was used, where the emperor sat, the public restrooms in ancient times and more construction details, we moved on to the Arch of Constantine. As you can see they are right next to each other. Also the arch is 200 years younger than the Colosseum, proudly commissioned by the senate to honour Emperor Constantine. That’s is quite an achievement to get a monument for eternity. Because that’s what it is, when it is standing for almost 2000 years.
Arch of Constantine and Colosseum @Rome
Arch of Constantine @Rome
A walk through the Palatine Hill revealed more ancient buildings and leads you eventually to a terrace from which you have a great view. Not only on the Colosseum but also onto the Forum Romanum directly below. It’s really well worth the money to have a knowledgeable guide with you, otherwise this would have been just piles of old stones.
Circus Maximus @Rome
the Forum Romanum below and the Colosseum in the back @Rome
the rest of the Forum Romanum @Rome
Passing the Arch of Titus I noticed the commemoration of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
destruction of Jerusalem on the Arch of Titus @Rome
We finished our tour after three hours inside the Forum and even though we could have spent more time on our own there, we just left. So much history is quite exhausting when it comes in such a concentrated form. But if you find it in you, it must be so worth while to stay longer and explore the Forum. Yours, Pollybert
