The Roman Forum and Colosseum: A Guided Tour

Care to journey back with me 2000 years to Imperial Rome? Did you ever wonder what it was like to attend the Colosseum or Flavian Ampitheatre in its heyday? How about walking via Sacra or Sacred Way through the Roman Forum to attend any number of public events? Well, come along and discover those amazing sites that have survived over 2000 years. In this posting and the one immediately following, I will highlight some of the most interesting facts about these places and share some amazing photos! Journey back with me now.

First stop, the Roman Colosseum.

Also known as the Flavian Ampitheatre because it was built by three Flavian Emperors, the Colosseum opened to the public in A.D. 80. It is uncertain how this structure came to be known as the Colosseum but two theories prevail. The first is for one very apparent reason which has to do with its gigantic size. The second and lesser known but more commonly believed derives from the "colossal" statue of Nero that stood outside the theatre of which only the base planted with five trees remains to this day.

When you first walk up to this amazing building, it's hard to believe that it has been there for almost 2000 years and difficult not to be struck with awe as you gaze around the super structure and try to take it all in. Imagine, 80,000 spectators came to this very place and watched as gladiators battled to the death, public executions were held and all kinds of animal hunted. I stop here with those details.

First, let's examine the facade and then move to the interior. I am sure you will be as fascinated as I was and be sure to check out Italy Guides for more exciting information and photos.

Standing at the outer most area of the surrounding park, you will note that three of the four levels that comprise the outer facade of the Colosseum are adorned with increasingly ornate columns as you ascend from the first level to the third. Ionic columns, the simplest in design, grace the lowest level. The second tier is decorated by Doric columns which feature more ornate capitals. The third level features the most ornate of all, the Corinthian columns. These by far, are the most decorative of the three and feature highly fashioned capitals at the top of the main column. Inside each archway on the second and third levels stood a statues from Classical mythology unfortunately, nothing remains of them today. Finally, the top level or the attic as it is referred is decorated with Corinthian pilasters and it was at this level that an enormous awning protected the specators from the sun and rain. It was engineered with ropes and pulley systems. Incredible!

After making our way through the main entrance, we ascended to the upper tier to begin our audio tour. If you're not on a guided tour, I strongly recommend the self guided audio tour because it's simple to use and very informative. It explains in detail exactly what you're looking at. You start at the top and then work your way down all the time following directions to the next marker that designates the start of your next commentary. Very important - before you begin the audio, be sure to take a good, long look around the interior view. It is absolutely amazing!

Look down and you can see where the wooden floor that covered the pens that housed the gladiators and animals was located. When we were there, part of the floor was reconstructed so you could see how it appeared in the day although at that time it was covered with dirt. Take in all the details. If you've never visited this ancient site, it's not cliché to do so. Actually, it's very important that you do! It is a "must-see" that should be included in all Roman Holiday itineraries.

Tip: Be sure to pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid the long lines and allow for plenty of time to tour this and the Forum together.

Next stop is the Roman Forum.