Italy August 2001

Ancient Rome

Central southwestern Italy
Ancient Rome - Coliseum. It's not easy to get a shot without tourists in the picture.

Ancient Rome - Coliseum. It's not easy to get a shot without tourists in the picture.

Ancient Rome - Via Sacra, Roman Forum. Where the Roman legions marched in triumph.

Ancient Rome - Main road up to the Arch of Titus. It overlooks the city-center of ancient Rome. A local artist tries to get the attention of tourists.

Ancient Rome - City-center. Every structure in this photo is ancient.

Ancient Rome - City-center. Government buildings (many reconstructed). Unfortunately, the tour was on a tight schedule so we did not get a chance to explore these ruins.

Ancient Rome - Imagine the millions of people that have walked (and marched) along this main road to the Coliseum.

Ancient Rome - Coliseum - inside wall.

Ancient Rome - Coliseum open floor. The modern wood structure (on the other side) covered with sand, was built to simulate the surface where gladiators and other "entertainers" fought and died. Animals and men were sent up through shafts and trap doors via manual elevators. Two rows of elevator-shafts form the grass-covered central path.

Ancient Rome - Coliseum - off-angle shot of lower level structures.

Ancient Rome - Coliseum - exterior columns at the exit.

Ancient Rome - Caesar memorial.