The Colosseum

Rome - Day 3, Part 2

The second excursion of the day was a visit to the Colosseum. Rome is simply incredible. Everywhere you look there is an ancient ruin or artefact. They are not cordoned off as this would make living and moving about the city impossible. 

The Colosseum forms an area not unlike the sporting precinct around the MCG in Melbourne. As you walk towards the Colosseum you pass Circus Maximus (where the chariot races were held) and the Forum (the marketplace). The Colosseum is an imposing building and given its age, very well preserved. The area was for ‘the amusement’ of the citizens of Rome, although women were not allowed to attend. Many of our previous understandings of the Colosseum were challenged by our guide who assured us that much of what we have seen in blockbuster movies is actually not true. Yes, Christians were fed to the lions and gladiators fought there but Nero lived well before the Colosseum was finished and so the story of Nero giving the thumbs up or thumbs down is simply a myth. As they say, never let truth get in the way of a good story. 

At the end of our tour we trudged back to our coach for the hour long trip through Rome’s peak hour traffic. That in itself was something to behold. The way they drive is hysterical and the way they park unbelievable. It is like a big game of chicken or who dares wins. Dinner tonight was at a very typical Italian Ristorante and it was delicious.

My Gladiator!