Moving from the Colosseum to the Forum, we passed the Constantine Arch. During this tour, we walked on mostly original Roman cobblestone roads. Think how many others over the centuries have walked the same path...
Entering the Forum area. As with many, many of the locations we visited, it is still an active dig. Modern day construction must always build time in the schedule for archaeology digs...sometimes months...sometimes decades.
Roman Senate building on the right. Note it is still in tact. The ancient buildings you can still go into that have truly withstood the test of time were re-purposed along the centuries. Since they were actively being used, they weren't scavenged for materials and were actively maintained.
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Another example of a building being continually used over the centuries. As with many ancient temples, it became a church.
The Arch of Septimius Severus. The carvings (below) were amazing as with all of the buildings. They could work in stone!
The Flavian Palace from the Forum. Flavius had a lovely view of the city from the top of the hill.
A small hippodrome in the palace for private races, games and working out.
And back to construction...this is a marble nail that hasn't been re-purposed. An example of what they used to hold things together.
Next stop...Vatican!
1 comment:
I've only been to Europe the one time, but your comment about them being able to work in stone reminded me of the thing that really struck me. It's so amazing to see the intricacies they accomplished without benefit of modern tools. Beautiful!
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