I wasn't all that keen to visit the Colosseum or the Forum while in Rome. I had heard that they are tourist traps and I would have to stand in long lines with huge crowds. I also heard the Colosseum is full of feral cats. None of this proved true and I really enjoyed my time at both sites.
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| We bought our tickets on line at home. In spite of what the touts said, we only stood in line for about 40 minutes. That was enough time to read the guide book and enjoy details. |
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| Margit captured these columns as we waited. The pock marks are from bronze poachers throughout the ages. |
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| The Colosseum is colossal. It's not hard to imagine bloody games in this venue with crazed fans cheering on the bedlam. For me it's hard to believe that this was built in A.D 80. |
As you look at the Colosseum photo above, imagine the platform toward the bottom of the photo extending over the maze of alleys below. That is the staging areas for the Gladiators, criminals, slaves and wild animals who were preparing to enter the arena to kill or to be killed.
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| I know that gladiators, slaves and criminals got killed in the arena, but there were a few peaceful sights looking out the windows. |
After leaving the Colosseum, the home of ancient sports, we walked over to the Forum, the home of Rome's politics, religion and commerce.
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| Interesting photo by Margit, looking down at the Forum buildings |
We rounded off our visit to the classics by going to the Pantheon. It was originally a Roman temple, and is now a Christian church.
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Lots of people, but we didn't stand in line, we just walked in.
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| The open air oculus caught my attention as soon as I walked into the Pantheon. Photo by Margit. |
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| Through chance, I looked to the side and saw the sun shining through the oculus. |
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