DAY 4 EUROPE TRIP - ROME – ANCIENT ROME – COLOSSEUM, ROMAN FORUM

20 May 2009


DAY 4 EUROPE TRIP
ROME – ANCIENT ROME – COLOSSEUM,  ROMAN FORUM

We saw so much today. So many impressions, so many thoughts and very tired feet.

We woke up this morning to the sound of birds. We really enjoyed the view from the apartment.

After breakfast we set off to find an Information Centre. According to our map there was one not far from the Colosseum. My brother had left us with directions of what bus to catch where. So we set off for Fori Imperali. We couldn’t get over the way the traffic moves and the way little scooters zip in and out of the traffic. It was quite amusing to watch the traffic from the safety of the bus.

Before long we had our first glimpses of ancient Rome as we drove past the old city wall. We got off at the right bus stop but didn’t check in which direction we had to go. So of we walked admiring the views of the Fori Imperali but no Information Centre.

However, we had reached a fascinating building – monument - the Altare Della Patria. We climbed the stairs to see the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the eternal flame burning and being guarded by guard of honours.

The views of Piazza Venezia from here were very spectacular.

So we retraced our steps and just past the bus stop in the other direction we found the place. The information Centre was in no way like anything we have in Australia. Very limited information was provided. A free map was the only information that was given out. So off we headed for ancient Rome. Even though it was my third trip to Rome the ruins of Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Colosseum were still an awesome sight. The last time I visited the ruins entry was free. This time we had to cue to pay. Had hubby had his European passport with him he would have got in at a concession price as a pensioner. We now know that we need to carry our European passports with us all the time.

We entered the Roman Forum first and were immediately immersed in the history of ancient times. We walked along ancient pathways strewn with fragments, ruins, and columns soaring into the air.

As we wandered through I kept thinking of how people lived here, of what life must have been like. Temple ruins, broken fragments of walls, and columns, stately arches – what stories could they tell.

I tried to imagine Julius Caesar and others pacing along these paths whilst it was all in its glory.
What a mixture of ancient temples and early Christian buildings.
As I walked past what had once been the House of the Vestal Virgins I was reminded of what I had read recently read in a novel “Anthony and Cleopatra”. It is hard to comprehend that the columns, arches have survived for so very very long.

It was very hot and dusty as we wandered along the well trodden paths. In places it felt very barren now with just a few blades of grass growing.

And then there was like a little oasis – lush plants, water, and fish. It would have looked so grand at the height of the power of the Roman Empire.

We were very fortunate that we were able to visit the House of Augustus and see some rooms where the frescoes have survived.

We wandered why they would have painted columns on the walls, as there were so many intricate columns outside.

Beautifully carved fragments were everywhere as one strolled along the various pathways.

It was surprising to see the colour in these tiles just before Circus Maximus.

The stadium was impressive.

And finally we reached the colosseum - a wonderful architectural legacy for all times.

The museum on the top level presented a wonderful overview of some facets of ancient times. The terra cotta lamps from 1st century AD were so delicate and had survived for so long.

The bone sewing needles from between the second half of 1st century AD to first half of 3rd century AD were obviously well worn.

As we wandered through the Colosseum we tried to imagine the noise, the crowds, the smells that may have been around at the time as well as the type of events that were staged here.

Looking down into the levels below the main floor of the amphitheatre the intricate design elements of the building are very evident.

By late afternoon we made our way out to collapse on the sidewalk with a gelato to cool down.

After returning home we relaxed and tried to cool down. It must have been at least 30 degrees today. Soon my brother arrived and we chatted away into the night.