a HOT day in ROME

Today we got off bright and early and started off for the Colosseum. We got there and decided to join a tour group who showed us through the great amphitheater (It's real name is actually the Flavian Amphitheater...who knew?). It was pretty impressive to see but sad to think that 3/4 of a million gladiatiors have died here. They would have trained gladiators fight others here (sometimes to the death), but they would also have prisoners fight as well, often times wild animals. They would keep these animals in the basement and then had elevators that they would use to bring them up to the main floor and release them into the stage area through various holes in the wall. That way they never knew what type of animal they would be fighting, when the animal would attack, or from what direction it would attack. They had all sorts of animals that they used including: bears, tigers, lions, panthers, etc.

A lot of the Colosseum is actually no longer standing. Apparently a long time ago one of the rulers decided to start tearing it down and did so until a Pope declared it a holy place ((since so many people died there)and began its restoration of the place.

We then went on and saw the Palentine Hill, which is the home to many imperial palaces. We learned about the story of how Rome began. The ruins of the palaces were huge...i cant even imagine seeing the actual palaces themselves.

We then went and visite the Roman Forum which is the birthplace of ancient Rome. All of the political and commercial activity occured there. We saw a few basilicas and arches. We also saw the spot that they burned Ceasars body after his assasination in the Senate. We also saw the building where the Senate was held, however, the Senate was being held in a temporary different location when his assasination occured (so we didn't see his actual place of death).

Another intersting thing that we saw was the Temple of the Vestals. This temple was a round shaped temple representing the huts that Romans used to live in. There was a big flame in the middle that was sacred and was never allowed to go out. The Vestal Virgins were in charge of monitoring this. These women were chosen when they were 6-8 years old and it was chosen on looks alone. These women were the most beautiful women in Rome. By being chosen to be a Vestal Virgin this promoted you to almost god status. Since women were the lowest of low in ancient rome this appealed to many. You were cared for very well, lived in a fabulous palace, and only had to make sure that the flame didn't burn out. You also--obvious by the name--had to maintain your status as a Virgin. If anyone was found out not to have maintained this, they would be strapped to a funeral car, paraded through the streets of the Forum, taken to a crypt, and then given a loaf of bread and a lamp, and buried alive. Apparently many women suffered this fate. We've really begun to learn that there have been so many terrible things that have happened in history.

We also saw the speakers corner where Mark Anthony offered the Kingship to Caesar. He publicly refused this, but privately became dictator. This was also the spot that many political people would try to sway public opinion.

The streets of the forum were lined with large stones, however, they are not all at the same level. We aren't sure if they at one time were or not, but currently they are definitely not. I learned something today...don't try to be tour guide (aka read out of the guide book) at the same time as walking down these paths. It doesn't work. You definitely need to have your eyes on the rocks! I might have almost biffed it once or twice : )

The day itself was very intersting and we saw some great sights. It was about 90 degrees out today so it was hot hot hot. Lots of people out selling hats and umbrellas. Both our guide book and our hostel owner said the key to surviving touring Rome was to take the afternoon siesta and get out of the sun. We took ours a little later than we probably should....tomorrow we will be smarter, and realize that while we are young, this sun can still kick out butt.

Tonight we will be doing a city strolL!