Two thousand years
ago, Rome reached to the ends of the known world, amalgamating its
conquered peoples, cultures and traditions into the greatest empire history has
even seen. Even under dictatorial rule, they laid the foundation for modern
democracy, art, food and an Academy Award for Russell Crowe.
And then it all crumbled. Through a
combination of disease, religious turmoil, political infighting and constant
barrage attacks from those nasty barbarians, the Empire disintegrated. Power in
Europe shifted to other shores, leaving Rome abandoned to its own
squalor and forgotten for years.
Modern day Rome has
bounced back, of course, built around the stunning remains of its once great
empire. You can’t spend a few days exploring this magnificent city without
literally bumping into or stepping over its historical treasures.
But to fully experience Rome, you
need to look a little closer, listen to your audio guide just a little more
attentively. The stories behind the ruins bring them to life and make them so
much more than just piles of rocks. If you listen and read in addition to look,
some of the fascinating intricacies of this ancient city and its people materialize.
One of my favorite sites in Rome is
the sprawling Forum. It is a history lesson you don’t want to fall asleep
during. Every visitor truly gets a sense of how the Empire revolved around
these few acres, and their religion and government flowed from each doorstep.
You literally get to walk the streets once walked by the titans of early
civilization. Columns, arches, temples and pulpits still stand, beckoning you
to touch and feel. Interesting snippets of information hide among every fallen
pillar and worn statue.
Take, for example, the story of the
Vestal Virgins. In ancient Rome, young women called were recruited at an early
age to tend an everlasting flame. They were revered by all, lounged in their
own luxury box at the Coliseum and given a nice severance package after 30
years of celibacy and service to the Empire. But a vow of celibacy was not the
easiest thing to adhere to. The punishment for breaking the vow? The impure
Vestal Virgin was led out of town, given some food and lamp oil and buried
alive. Permanently.
Nearby the Forum, the Coliseum
beckons with the promise of action, intrigue and maybe a decapitation or two.
Although worn and broken, this iconic arena remains one of the world’s most
enigmatic sites.
For a traveler, it is an invaluable
and efficient stop because it provides a multitude of enticing details about
ancient Roman society, from the games and battles that took place to the
architecture and technology used to bring it all to life.
For example, my Coliseum audio guide
revealed some insight into the Roman calendar - not the months and days, but
their work week, or lack thereof. Romans had around 170 holidays or festival days
throughout the year, leaving plenty of opportunities to attend events at the Coliseum.
Then there is the Coliseum itself. Walking
from level to level, the grandeur – although dulled and worn by time – is
explicitly evident. The structure rises all around you, engulfing you in
ancient aura. The decorations and people dance to life in your imagination, and
you can almost hear oohs and ahhs raining down from the nosebleeds seats.
The Forum and Coliseum are just two
of a seemingly endless array of worthwhile sites scattered across Rome. I
recommend climbing to the top of Palatine Hill for a splendid view or to the
summit of the Victor Emmanuel Monument, where there is a cozy café.
From each vantage point, Rome’s once golden majesty shimmers into vision. This
city changed the world and then went away, but in the process leaving an
indelible mark on history.
There are stories and lessons around
every corner, on every plaque and in every ear bud attached to an audio tour.
Some are well-known and others less so. But woven together they tell an epic
tale of rise, rule and ruin. Armed with just a modicum of this eclectic
information instantly elevates any Roman vacation.
But of course it is impossible to
consume the entire civilization in one trip. That is why a stop at the Trevi
Fountain is a must. Toss in a coin over your shoulder and legend says you’ll be
destined to return to Rome in the future.
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