Like the Romans did...
- Andrea Castiblanco
- Jun 4, 2023
- 4 min read
From its humble beginnings as a small village to becoming the capital of one of the world's most formidable empires, Rome has left an indelible mark on history. Located along the banks of the Tiber River, the enchanting city of Rome stands as a living testament to the marvels of human civilization.
With a history spanning over 2,700 years, Rome has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of cultural movements and the evolution of Western civilization. Within its borders, visitors can explore iconic landmarks, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, as they embark on a journey through time to a city that traces back to 27 B.C.
Now to dive into Rome’s glorious past…
The Colosseum
During ancient Rome, the Colosseum was an architectural marvel (and still is) and the center of entertainment. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, was primarily built as an amphitheater for hosting public spectacles and games that entertained the Roman citizens.
Roman citizens would gather to watch thrilling gladiatorial contests, mock naval battles and animal hunts.
The gladiator contests were by far the most popular event held at the Colosseum. Typically, the “gladiators” would be enslaved prisoners, criminals or volunteers, and were put to fight against either another gladiator or a wild animal in brutal battles.
Antonella Salluci, Roman local and a student at the Sapienza Università di Roma, said “the spectacles that happened within the Colosseum were not solely seen as displays of violence but also symbolic representations of the Roman virtues of bravery and endurance.”
The Colosseum's interior featured a complex system of corridors, ramps, and elevators that facilitated the movement of gladiators, animals, and props
The Colosseum’s popularity waned as the Roman Empire declined and slowly fell into disuse. Yet, during the Middle Ages, it found a new purpose as a fortress and a residential area for friars of a nearby covenant.
Starting in the 18th century, efforts were made to restore the Colosseum through structural repairs and ongoing archaeological and conservation work. Today, the Colosseum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome and is a symbol of the city’s ancient history and culture.
The Roman Forum
Located on the left of the Colosseum was the center of public life during ancient Rome: The Roman Forum.
The origins of the Roman Forum can be traced back to the 7th century BC when Rome was still just a small village on the banks of the Tibet River.
Over time, the Roman Forum evolved into a political center, becoming the place where the most important gatherings were held and the most important decisions were made.
Beyond politics, the Forum held profound religious and cultural importance. Temples dedicated to gods and goddesses dotted the landscape, such as the Temple of Vesta, as well as the Temple of Cesar, a construction built to honor the defied Julius Cesar.
The Temple of Caesar became a sacred space where rituals and commemorations honoring Caesar took place. At the Temple, celebrations and sacrifices, were held in Caesar's honor, reinforcing his divinity and cultivating a sense of loyalty among the people towards the emperor.
Visited by millions of tourists, Temple of Cesar now stands as a symbol of ancient Rome’s intersection of religion and politics.
The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain traces its origins back to ancient Rome when the Aqua Virgo, an ancient Roman aqueduct, supplied water to the city. Roman local Massimo Moscetti says that according to legend, “La Fontana Di Trevi (the Trevi Fountain) marks the spot where a young virgin led Roman soldiers to discover a hidden spring around the 1st century BC.”
Initially designed by architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the fountain was eventually completed by Nicola Salvi in the 18th century.
Aside from being an architectural marvel, the fountain is steeped in legend, with its most well-known custom being the tossing of a coin over the shoulder into the fountain.
Moscettti adds that, “if you throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you are guaranteed to return to Rome.”
Each day, thousands of visitors participate in this timeless tradition, contributing to the fountain's reputation as a symbol of hope and wishes.
Inspired by classical mythology, the fountain's central sculpture is Oceanus, the sea god, riding a chariot pulled by two sea horses
St. Peter's Basilica
Within the center of Rome, lies the smallest independent city-state in Europe, the State of the Vatican, also known as Vatican City.
Just 121 acres, the Vatican is headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the home of the Pope. Within the Vatican also lies one of the Catholic Church’s holiest temples, St. Peter’s Basilica.
Aside from liturgical celebrations. St. Peter’s Basilica serves as a primary venue for papal Masses, as well as the election of popes in the Sistine Chapel.
The beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica is not solely on its architecture. As one steps into the structure, one is immersed into in a breathtaking world of artistic brilliance. Artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini left a mark on the basilica’s artistic legacy, creating some of the most influential artworks within the Catholic religion.
The walls and ceilings of St. Peter's Basilica are adorned with mosaics, as well as sculptures along the walls, that create a celestial ambiance to the structure.
A visit to the basilica, reminds one of the beauty and delicacy of human creation and the influence that religion has on the history of the Vatican and the city of Rome.
Whether one takes a stroll through the corridors of the Colosseum or makes a wish at the Trevi Fountain or possibly finds themselves wandering among the ruins of the Roman Forum, Rome invites all visitors to immerse themselves and become a part of its living history.
Comments