Day spent going through the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum and touring the Colosseum. Several large arches (the Arch of Titus and the Arch Septimius Severus) remain unscathed after nearly 2000 years, but other artifacts of the Roman Empire are much less recognizable as they exist in piles of stone with a few remaing columns standing. One of the best is the Basilica of Constantine (see picture). Lots of broken columns with capitals lying on the ground. The location where Julius Caesar was killed has fresh flowers placed on it every day. Amoung other structures partial visible are the house and temple of the Vestal Virgins who were responsible for keeping the Vestal flame. Those who lost their virginity before they had fullfilled their alotted years of duty were punished by being buried alive. Apparently human nature had much to with the demise of that career path . . .
Adjoining the Forum is the Colosseum. Built in only 10 years and seating 60,000, it witnessed 100 days of grand opening events that took the lives 2000 animals, slaves, Christains and gladiators. With the decline of the Empire it became a squater's haven and a new source of building materials for other sites. As the symbol of Rome it was saved from total distruction after setting empty for years when it was finally seen as an historical artifact to be save. Much of what was scavenged from the site in the early years ended up in building of St. Peters.
The best decision made was the prior purchase of the Roma Pass when landing at Rome's airport. Having that eliminated standing in line for an hour or better just to buy admission tickets for getting into the Colosseum.
