Roaming Rome

Yesterday we explored the Piazza Del Popolo (People's Plaza) which is down the street from our hotel. As we entered the piazza we saw twin basilicas and a fountain with an Egyptian obelisk. On either side of the plaza there are roman statues and fountains and a garden behind one. It turns out that this was at one time the entrance to Rome.

The plaza then leads into the streets of Rome where we walked to catch a bus tour of the town. It was 90 degrees and so we just stayed on the bus and enjoyed the commentary and the sights rather than walking around. Everywhere you look there's history and to see buildings that date back to 1^st and 2nd century BC, is pretty amazing.

Today we hopped back on the bus and went to the Colosseum. Construction began shortly after 70 AD, and it was opened by Titus 10 years later. The ceremonies and games on that occasion went on for a hundred days. 70,000 people came to watch gladiatorial combats and wild beast hunts as well as other spectacles. In it's history 700,000 people were killed in the Colosseum and at least three times that amount of animals. An enormous awning protected the spectators from the heat which would have been great today as it was again over 90 degrees.

The heat seems to suck all our energy so we retreat to our air conditioned hotel early evening and just relax from the day's activities.