{"id":7226,"date":"2012-08-01T09:34:58","date_gmt":"2012-08-01T13:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=7226"},"modified":"2015-07-02T15:20:44","modified_gmt":"2015-07-02T19:20:44","slug":"rome-the-colosseum-and-surrondings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=7226","title":{"rendered":"Rome – The Colosseum and Surrondings"},"content":{"rendered":"

No adjectives can properly describe this area, so we will go with minimal facts and photos.<\/p>\n

The Palatine Hill<\/strong> is one of the seven Hills of Rome \"\"<\/a>and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. \"\"<\/a> The Palatine is the spot on which the first settlers built their huts,\"\"<\/a> under the direction of Romulus. In later years, the hill became a residential district, complete with gardens\"\"<\/a>and enormous columns,\"\"<\/a> attracting the nobility. In time, however, the area gave way to imperial palaces\"\"<\/a> and drew the famous such as Caligula (murdered here by members of his Praetorian Guard) and Nero.<\/p>\n

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The Roman Forum<\/strong> has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world and in all history.\"\"<\/a> Originally a marketplace and home to (among others) the Temple of Vesta (7th century B.C.)\u00a0\"\"<\/a>and the Vestal Virgins.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There is also the\u00a0Portico Dii Consentes (Portico of the Harmonious Gods).\"\"<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>The Basilica of Maxentius\"\"<\/a>The Temple of Romulus (original solid brass doors)\"\"<\/a> was dedicated by Emperor Maxentius when his son died\u00a0in 309 and the Arch of Titus\"\"<\/a>(phenomenal detail) built in 81 AD.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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When construction was completed on the Colosseum<\/strong> in 80 AD it was the largest amphitheatre built in all of Rome\"\"<\/a> and could house over fifty thousand people! \"\"<\/a>The engineering skill and technology of the day was pushed to its limits by its construction and design (amazing).\"\"<\/a> The stadium was even designed to be flooded in order to provide for mock navel battles.\"\"<\/a>Incredible structure.\"\"\n\t\t