Rome - Echoes of Empire
"All Roads Lead to Rome" was a popular
saying during the Empire, and during the five-century
span of Roman dominance it was literally true.
Master of an empire that stretched deep into the deserts
of Persia to the East, into the wilds of North Africa
to the South, to the barbarian-filled Scottish borders
to the North, and to the Atlantic coast of Iberia
in the West, Rome wielded a power unrivaled in ancient
times. Modern day Rome contains spectacular vestiges
of this imperial past, as well an amazing array of
other attractions that make it an important part of
any Italian odyssey.
Founded in 776 B.C. by the semi-mythological Romulus
and Remus, Rome has for most of its history been an
important city, often fought over by rival political
factions and nations. A walk through the back streets
of Rome will reveal the international flavour of the
city, and the legacy of past empires and dynasties.
The oldest treasures in the city are not in fact Roman,
but Egyptian obelisks that are now scattered throughout
the city.
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The wealth and ingenuity of Roman architecture
is most spectacularly represented by the Coliseum
and the Pantheon. The Coliseum amphitheatre is
infamous as the sporting and gladiatorial arena where
thousands perished in the elaborate and bloody games
held by a succession of Emperors. Today, the Coliseum
rises majestically from the Piazza de Colosseo, its
tiered seating and huge scale providing the prototype
for the modern sporting arena. While much-plundered
by the builders of later periods, the Coliseum and
its pivotal role in the political and social life
of the Romans has continues to fascinate visitors
for nearly 2,000 years.
The Pantheon is the best preserved ancient building
in Rome. Completed in AD 125 by the Emperor Hadrian,
this "Temple Of All The Gods" features an
imposing façade that partially obscures the
vast hemispherical dome that is seen at its best from
the interior of the building. The Pantheon contains
the tombs of nineteenth century Italian monarchs and
a monument to the Renaissance painter Raphael.
A stones throw from the Coliseum is the Forum
- centre of Roman political and commercial life during
the height of the Roman Empire. Extensive - if
somewhat confusing - remains of temples, palaces,
and triumphal arches are echoes of the imperial splendour
that once existed here. It was here that Julius Caesar
was murdered in 44 BC, Roman laws were passed, rituals
were performed, and where Emperors celebrated their
triumphs over other nations in succeeding centuries.
Overlooking the Forum from the southwest is the Palantine
Hill, once the residential quarter of Emperors and
aristocratic families. Now a pleasant, tree-covered
hill with jumbled remains of palaces, courtyards,
and gardens, the Palantine is a great spot to escape
Rome's often blistering temperatures and take
stock of this ancient centre of the city.
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More than one thousand years after the collapse of
the Roman Empire, the Renaissance again saw Italy
lead the Western world, this time in the arts. This
fertile period has gifted Rome with an array of impressive
piazzas, fountains, monuments, and world-class museums.
The Capitoline Hill features paving and facades designed
by Michaelangelo, and the museums that occupy the
hill are filled with Greek and Roman sculptures and
art works by Masters such as Titian and Veronese.
To the northeast is the wide open space of the Piazza
Navona, dominated by the Fontana dei Fuimi, Bernini's
magnificent fountain that depicts the four great rivers
of the world. Only the stunning Trevi Fountain
(pictured) draws more visitors, many of whom throw
in coins and make a wish at this picturesque spot.
Within Rome lies an independent state - The Vatican
City. The capital of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican
has been the residence of the Pope for hundreds of
years. Many are buried in the great Basilica of
St. Peter, perhaps the world's most impressive church.
The artistic and material wealth of the Vatican is
breathtaking - from the frescoes of Michaelangelo
in the Sistine Chapel, to the priceless artworks of
the Museums.
Off the beaten track are the fascinating Catacombs,
a stones throw from the ancient Roman Appian Way.
These underground complexes were hacked into the rock
in Roman times and were the burial tombs for millions
of Christians, including the early Popes. Millions
of bones and tombs litter these subterranean cities
of the dead.
If Rome's rich history proves too much, the city's
inexhaustible supply of cafes, shops, and atmospheric
piazzas should restore your enthusiasm. The beautiful
Spanish Steps is a great place to rest with
a cappuccino or espresso, or perhaps to sample some
Frascati, a well-known local wine.
There is such a wealth of sights and areas of interest
both within Rome and its surrounding districts that
any visit could only hope to scratch the surface.
But with a bit of planning, plus plenty of time
to relax and enjoy the shops, cuisine, and street-life
of this dynamic capital, Rome will yield up her great
treasures to the patient traveller.
More Information
Visit the official Rome
site or that of the Italian
Tourist Board.
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