Discovering the Eternal City

By Corey Fiske

Taking a trip to Rome is a once in a lifetime experience. From the cobblestone streets to the ancient ruins, Rome is busting at the seams with all the history it contains. Archaeologists are still learning more about Roman history today. Walking can be treacherous in Rome, but it is so worth it when you discover all of what the Eternal City has to offer.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum has stood the test of time for almost 2,000 years. It contains a deep and rich history that draws in people from around the globe. Generations of people have been fascinated by this modern amphitheater. The Colosseum is not just any old building, it is a testament to the heart of Rome.

Nestled between the vibrant streets and bustling metro lines, the Colosseum stands out from the crowd. It took eight years to construct and was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater. It could hold up to almost 80,000 spectators and served as a venue for many spectacles, like gladiator fights.

The Colosseum’s famous gladiator battles featured professional fighters, usually slaves or prisoners. They would fight against each other or wild animals for the crowd’s enjoyment. They didn’t strike to kill but rather to draw blood which would excite the crowd.

Erik Rossi speaks to a group of students about history of Roman landmarks.

According to Erik Rossi, a local tour guide, “The spectacles at the Colosseum were propaganda since the emperor made them free to keep people happy.”

In the fourth century, attendance to the games decreased due to the rise of Christianity which condemned the games for their cruelty. At the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum went into disrepair. Earthquakes and weathering caused the building to decay, yet it still maintained its iconic status. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, many restoration projects went underway to preserve and restore the Colosseum. It was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Today, the Colosseum attracts millions of visitors each year. It is a must-see in Rome.

The Colosseum has a network of once-underground passageways that were used as a backstage to its many spectacles.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the center of public and political life in Rome. It is a rectangular square surrounded by government buildings.

Originally, the Roman Forum was a marketplace, dating back to the seventh century BC. Eventually, it evolved into the political and religious center that it was known for.

The Senate House was located in the Roman Forum. While the Senators were inside, citizens would stand and talk in the square.

The Roman Forum's vast ruins are accessible to the public. Be sure to wear walking shoes.

The people in Ancient Rome were not quite walking at the same ground level that people do today, which is why the ruins needs to be excavated.

Local tour guide Erik Rossi says, “Today, Rome is 27 feet above the ruins of Ancient Rome.”

This is because over time, decaying vegetation built up and covered over the historical ruins. Sedimentation also played a role. Parts of the Roman Forum are still being excavated today, which involves digging into the ground that has formed since ancient times. Visiting the Roman Forum is like taking a step back through time and is a great opportunity to learn more about the Eternal City.

Ancient Rome was famous for its system of aqueducts.

The Temple of Caesar

Julius Caesar was born in 100 BC and as a military commander he increased the size of the Rome’s territory.

Julius Caesar was appointed governor of Gaul (modern-day France) and established Roman control. His success in Gaul made him more popular with Romans but he had many rivals in the Senate. The Senate ordered him to return to Rome but instead a civil war began between Caesar and the forces in the Senate. Caesar won the war and became the ruler of Rome. He increased his own power and decreased the power of the Senate. In 46 BC, he was declared the dictator in perpetuity.

People leave flowers and coins to honor Julius Caesar at his tomb.

Senators saw Julius Caesar as a threat to the Republican system, so they began a plot

to assassinate him. Led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius, Caesar was stabbed 23 times on the Ides of March

Later, they built the Temple of Caesar which is Julius Caesar’s final resting place. The Temple of Caesar is located in the Roman Forum and draws in many visitors today. It’s worth paying a visit to see what is left of the man who shaped Roman history.

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is an architectural marvel located in the center of Rome. Its Baroque style inspires intrigue and awe in the millions of visitors it gets each year.

Constructed in 1762, this fountain has stood for hundreds of years. While not as old as the ancient ruins, it certainly is an important landmark in the Eternal City.

Sherry Kay photographs her travels for family and friends.

Visitor to the fountain, Sherry Kay, says she has been dreaming of coming to Rome and seeing the Trevi fountain for the longest time. She spoke, “Seeing the Trevi Fountain is a dream come true. I even threw a coin into the fountain!”

Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand into the fountain that you will one day return to Rome.

The Trevi Fountain stands 26 meters tall and stretches across the Palazzo Poli. As it is in the Baroque style, it features intricated details and lots of grandeur. The fountain depicts Oceanus riding a chariot pulled by two seahorses. This statue only adds to the fountain’s intrigue and draws in viewers.

Rome – The Eternal City

Rome is a vibrant, modern city filled with a historic past. The history of Ancient Rome is still being uncovered today within the walls of a contemporary metropolis. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum to the Trevi Fountain, you can never run out of things to do or see in Rome. It truly is the Eternal City.