free afternoon in the colosseum and forum
Computer purchased tickets allowed us to zoom by the long ticket lines to join our free afternoon choice of the Colosseum underground tour. Up close this is a massive intricate architectural site using stone, without cement or reinforcing used in today's construction. The stone supporting arch in photo is impressive. This visit was with some reservation when considering the orgininal purpose of the structure. Perhaps it is similar today with the US Universities major football programs and the professional NFL stadiums. Their cost of construction is seldom ever repaid to their communities. Then again maybe the motivation is similar, to give the masses an outlet and keep them under control. I spent 46 years working in an area that involved stadiums and have often wondered about this. When Rome defeated Israel and required the Jews to worship the Emperor as a God, the Jews who believed in One God revolted. Rome then enslaved the Jews, brought them to Rome, and they were forced to do the heavy lifting building the Colosseum.
Forum
Rome was born in this Valley. The Via Sacra is a rocky path from the Colosseum through the Arch of Titus into the valley of the Forum past the Senate building, and up to Capitoline Hill. Long ago Huge columns once fronted bright marble structures with shining metal roofs and were adorned by many statues. Visualize this ancient Forum picture from one of Rick's Guide Books. A victorious Roman force returns to a celebration, and parades before cheering locals along the Via Sacra. The display was in a military parade order first with booty, then captured exotic animals, followed by prisoners, then the defeated leader, and concluded with the sounding of trumpets as the hero General entered in a horse drawn chariot.
Rome was born in this Valley. The Via Sacra is a rocky path from the Colosseum through the Arch of Titus into the valley of the Forum past the Senate building, and up to Capitoline Hill. Long ago Huge columns once fronted bright marble structures with shining metal roofs and were adorned by many statues. Visualize this ancient Forum picture from one of Rick's Guide Books. A victorious Roman force returns to a celebration, and parades before cheering locals along the Via Sacra. The display was in a military parade order first with booty, then captured exotic animals, followed by prisoners, then the defeated leader, and concluded with the sounding of trumpets as the hero General entered in a horse drawn chariot.
The ancient forum buildings looked a lot like this overbuilt Victor Emmanuel Monument to Italy's first king. The King, on a horse statue, unified the modern country of Italy in 1861. It is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI, who is watched over by military guards and an eternal flame.