Ancient Rome History walk in Rome  

The glories of Ancient Rome are easily accessible to the visitor and some can be seen for free while others are part of Rome Passes and Cards. Most ancient sites are in Rome's historic center so you can visit several places in one day! You might head for Rome's Pantheon, the temple of all the gods, was built between AD 118-125 by Emperor Hadrian. In the 7th century it was made into a church by early Christians and now is lined with tombs. Go inside to see the spectacular dome. Admission is free. The Pantheon is the best preserved building of ancient Rome and today is surrounded by a pleasant and lively piazza!A landmark among many is the Colosseum; Ancient Rome's huge ampitheater, holding up to 55,000 people, was built by Emperor Vespasian in AD 80 and was the scene of many deadly gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Today you may see men dressed in gladiatorial costume as you walk between the Colosseum and the nearby Arch of Constantine, built in AD 315.

On Sundays, the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading to the Colosseum is closed to traffic so it's a great place for a stroll!Nearby you'll have a chance to admire the ancient Roman Forum; a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches. It was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome,to get a good view, walk up the Capitoline Hill behind the museums.

Talking about this last mentioned site the Capitoline Hill was Rome's symbolic center and held the Temple of Jupiter. Today there are two museums, the oldest public museums in the world, the Palazzo Nuovo, with Greek and Roman sculptures, and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, with art galleries, sculptures, and frescoes. One ticket gives you admission to both!