A Virtual Tour of Rome

Rome: A virtual Tour of The Forum and the city’s great historical monuments.

I have decided to imagine that I am setting off early in the morning of September 15 2013 to meet up with my tour guide for The three hour walking tour of Ancient Rome as found on the travel guide Lonely Planet. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/rome/activities/walking-tours/ancient-rome-half

I have chosen the month of September for it is stated that the weather is the most reasonable during this time and I am imagining being outside for a good period of time. I do not want anything to distract my experience of this ancient city, weather included. The advertisement for the tour promises a walk-through of Rome’s 2000 year old history. Beginning near the Coliseum and strolling through the majestic monuments and landscape. 

Once inside the Coliseum I will consider all of the ways in which the citizens of Rome were divided through class and wealth. Only the wealthy were able to enter the Coliseum in its day, with the most significant of them sitting nearest to the action. As the tour states “In three hours you'll relive life in ancient Rome as a gladiator, emperor, slave, Vestal Virgin, senator, merchant and goddess!” Hopefully, when reliving the life of a gladiator it will be the life of a successful one.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/rome/activities/walking-tours/ancient-rome-half#ixzz2IAMetgos

A wonderful program on the street life of ancient Rome by the BBC and toured by Professor Mary Beard. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00r6kfy

About six minutes away from the coliseum is the Roman Forum. The site of political activity for all of the Roman Empire. Julius Ceasar attempted to give the forum a new political vision. Unfortunately, he was murdered near the Theatre of his rival Pompey.[i]

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[i] Professor Greene, Class Notes from Ancient Cities, Sept-Dec 2012

The Regia, was the resting place for Ceasar and it was created for the members of political life to hold their meetings and discuss the urban life of Rome. 

Pirro Ligorio, Regia, http://museu-digital.blogspot.ca/2011/01/o-foro-romano.html accessed January 22 2013

..... To Be Continued Wednesday January 23 2013 ....