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Despite its humble start, ancient Rome was the cradle of Western civilization.
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Standing at the centermost point of seven hills, Palatine is the origin of ancient Rome.
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The hill was the residential district of Roman aristocrats, with elegant houses characterized by beautiful frescoes.
Later, the hill turned into the domain of emperors, starting with Augustus. The emperor chose this site for his palace, symbolizing his authority over the city.
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At the foot of Palatine Hill is the Roman Forum – the center of ancient Rome.
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Originally, it was covered by a swamp. But by the late 7th century B.C., the swamp was properly drained and the plaza began to take shape.
Throughout its history, the Roman Forum constantly developed, with various monuments added over time.
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Steps away from the Roman Forum is Italy’s most renowned landmark, the Colosseum.
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It is the world’s largest amphitheater, with a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators. It features four lofty stories, 240 exterior archers, and 80 entrances.
Apart from its sheer size, the Colosseum is impressive because of its capability to incorporate a complex backstage.
The arches are particularly durable as it was made out of a unique cement.
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The Imperial Fora is a collection of four grand plazas built between 46 BC and 113.
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It was the heart of ancient Rome, where politics, social activities, and economic decisions took place.
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Another landmark of ancient Rome is the Pantheon – the temple of all gods.
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Made of bricks and concrete, it contains a portico with columns, a rotunda with a vast domed ceiling, and a rectangular area connecting the other two sections.
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Its chunky round walls had protected the popes from invaders for centuries.
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The structure was initially designed as the mausoleum for Hadrian and his family.
The fortress consists of five floors which are accessed only by a spiral ramp. The upper levels are the papal apartments adorned with magnificent frescoes.
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26m wide and 21m high, the Arch of Constantine is Rome's most imposing.
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Completed around 315, the triple triumphal arch was built to honor Constantine’s victory over his co-ruler Maxentius.
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Romans loved bath houses and their social life centered around them.
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The Roman bathhouse functioned more like a spa or a recreation area.
The baths of Diocletian were the grandest Roman baths. It occupied up to 13 hectares and could accommodate over 3,000 patrons at the same time.
A bath hall in the Baths of Diocletian.
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