The History of Rome: A View That Never Grows Old
- ssuiters
- Jun 4, 2023
- 4 min read
By Sloane Suiters
Tour guide Lavinia Francesca, standing in front of one of the older historical sites of her tour, joked, “Across from us, the arch (of Constantine) is only 1700 years old … so it’s pretty modern.”
Rome, Italy, is home to a variety of ancient marvels and cultural wonders, including some of the world’s most iconic historical sights. The most visited city in all of Italy, Rome hosts over 10 million tourists each year. These sights serve as eternal testaments to Italy’s rich, old, yet intriguing history.
The Crown Jewel
The giant gem of Rome’s city center is the largest ancient amphitheater built during the Roman Empire: the Colosseum.
Construction was started in 72 AD by the Flavian emperors, during the rule of Vespasian. It was completed in 80 AD by his son, Titus. It took just eight years to build an architectural marvel that has survived weather, wars, and modernization, enduring for nearly 2,000 years.
The amphitheater was built as a gift to the Roman people, drawing spectators from all social classes. It held anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 spectators and was primarily designed as an arena to host events such as animal hunts, prisoner executions, and, arguably the most enticing, gladiator combat.
Gladiators were prisoners of war, criminals, or slaves who were trained in specialized gladiatorial schools. Their fights, oftentimes ending with death, were used as a source of entertainment for the Romans and were typically funded by wealthy individuals or the government. Each gladiator was equipped with specific weapons and armor, depending on his fighting style.
The fights were viewed as a method to demonstrate Roman power, showcase military strategies, and serve as a distraction for the public. While an activity such as this one would be both unethical and illegal today, the fights were extremely popular, and the results of the human blood sports were frequently the subject of bets and wagers. It is estimated that an astonishing number of people died in the Colosseum as a result of gladiator fights: 400,000.
Over the years, the Colosseum suffered from neglect, natural disasters, and looting. Gladiator combat faced a decline in popularity due to the fall of the Roman Empire, as well as the introduction and spread of Christianity across the city. However, the Colosseum was later repurposed as a fortress, storage for construction materials, and a housing area.
In the 18th century, the Colosseum was preserved and restored, becoming an iconic symbol of Roman engineering and grandeur.
Jane Petrie, a college student whose family comes to Rome every summer, explained, “This is the fifth time I’ve been here. To me, this view never gets old.”
Today, with more than 6 million tourists visiting the Colosseum each year, it is the primary attraction for anyone choosing Rome as a vacation destination.
The Power of Water
Holding court in the middle of one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in Rome is a timeless masterpiece and source of inspiration and curiosity: the Trevi Fountain. The word Trevi is developed from the Latin word trivium, which means “intersections of three streets.”
In 1732, Pope Clement XII held a competition to see who was the most qualified to construct the Trevi. When an artist from Florence won, the people of Rome insisted a local do the work. So, the Pope bowed to popular demand and selected Nicola Salvi. In a desperate attempt to obtain enough money to pay Salvi, Clement reinstated the lottery; meaning that some of the proceeds would go toward the creation of the fountain.
Built more than 2,000 years ago, the Aqua Virgo aqueduct supplied the fountain. Despite several renovations throughout the years, the original tunnels are still in use today. The stone used to build the fountain, known as Travertine, originated in the tiny Italian town of Tivoli, located approximately 20 miles outside of Rome. It is the same stone used to construct the mighty Colosseum.
Today, the Trevi stands as a bold reflection of the Roman importance of water and power.
The Heart of Roman Life
The breathtaking array of architecture and spectacular views from various spots in and surrounding the Roman Forum.
Across from the Colosseum sits the Roman Forum; a less imposing structure but highly impressive archeological site that was once the social, political, and commercial center of ancient Rome. Dating back to the 7th century BC, it advanced over time, at one point becoming the heart of Roman life.
Although it began as an area for grazing animals, as Rome evolved, so did the Forum. It developed into a public area where trade, religious rituals, and important political discussions all took place.
The Roman Forum was home to political life in Rome. Political discussions and speeches were held there, as well as Roman Senate meetings. While it served as an active trading hub where dealers, merchants, and craftsmen often did business, it doubled as a leisurely spot.
According to Francesca, “The Emperor and his family would come here often. They enjoyed relaxing and spending time in what used to be a fountain.”
A number of significant public structures were also located there, including the Basilica Emilia, the Curia Julia, and the Arch of Septimius Severus. It also
contained several temples devoted to various gods and goddesses. The Temple of Saturn was dedicated to the god of agriculture and wealth, and the Vestal Virgins’ sacred light was kept inside the Temple of Vesta.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, massive excavations were completed to unearth and repair the Roman Forum’s ruins. The site’s historical and cultural value was the focus of several initiatives to conserve, restore, and highlight its significance to Roman history.
Vibrant Views
While cities around the world invest in new attractions, it’s the ancient history of Rome that draws millions of visitors each year. The ancient bloodsport in the stately Colosseum, the symbolism in the power of water flowing from the Trevi fountain, and the original “internet” within the Roman Forum, are not just architecturally impressive. They house stories that compel people to see them, in person, one to two thousand years after their creation. They are views that, somehow, never grow old.
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