8th February 2007- Rome - Colosseo.
Images of the ampitheatre, built in a valley by the Flavian emperors 70-80 AD.
Our first full day in the Eternal City, so we walked down to the Colosseo to explore the inside of this wonderful structure. Ignoring the guided tour touts we did not have to queue for the 45 minutes they suggested we would have to.
)
)
Social classes were segregrated - steep flights of steps seperated the Senators and Equestrians at the front from the Intermediate categories sitting in the middle rows with women and plebians sitting on wooden seats in the third ring which was seperated by a high wall.
)
)
Spectators had tickets (tessera) which told them the enterance and steps to use.
)
)
Steep steps also led down to labyrinths of tunnels for the gladiators and hydraulics to raise items to the surface area.
)
After dark we returned to see the colosseo floodlit.
)
)
The ground here in front of the Colosseo is the remains of a fountain called Meta Sudans, next to the Arch of Constantine.
)
)
13 February
Rome - Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli
13 February
Rome - Basilica San Pietro
11 February
Rome - Papal blessing - Piazza San Pietro
