After an incredibly long line, we got inside the Colosseum. This is where barbaric entertainment took place. I can't believe the things they did here to people. It was started in 70 AD and completed in 80 AD. It could hold 50-80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on mythology.
The view of The Forum from the Colosseum. These are the ruins of several important ancient government buildings and the center of the city. It was where elections took place, public speeches, criminal trials, gladiatorial matches and the center of commercial affairs.
Arch of Constantine
Holly, Heather, Anna Kay
One of the statues recovered in the Colosseum. We look really similar, don't we?
Riding the metro. I wish I could show you the entertaining elderly lady that sang the whole time and paced. Many gypsies near the metro begging for money. They carry their kids with them.
Entering the Vatican. Here is our German tour guide that interpreted in English. I had a hard time paying attention to her, I must say.
Inside the garden in the Vatican.
This is where the Pope walks to his living quarters.
We went into the Sistine Chapel but were not allowed to take pictures. There were a lot of naked people painted on that ceiling.
We went to the Pantheon after. It was built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome. Built between 27 BC and 14 AD.
The Spanish Steps. It is the widest staircase in Europe.
Trevi Fountain. This fountain is at the junction of 3 roads that mark the terminal point of one of the aquaducts that supplied water to Rome. The Fountain was completed with this current design in 1762. Oceanus (the god of all water) is in the center.
You are supposed to throw a coin using your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain. This is to ensure you'll return again someday. The money is used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome's needy.
The next day, we drove to Pompeii. This was a much larger and affluent community than I had realized. This is near the city of Naples. Pompeii, along with nearby villas, was mostly destroyed and buried under 13-20 feet of ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. These people appeared to be wicked so one has to assume this was an act of God. You be the judge. They had a pretty obvious brothel in the city.
Inside their colosseum.
Just outside their colosseum.
You can still see where their wagon wheels carved into their stone roads.
They plastered the bodies of some of the victims they found. Many of them were in positions that showed they were in distress.
This is on the opposite end of the Colosseum. This was their city center with a temple and government buildings.
On the outskirts of their city. We guessed this was a stable.
Some statues we found near their cemetery.
A plaster of a pregnant woman and some of their artifacts.
What's the first thing you do after touring an ancient village that was destroyed tragically? Enjoy a gelato nearby.
Reggia di Caserta. This palace was right next to our hotel. A scene from Star Wars was filmed here.
Hotel Jolly.
What, no mention of the rainbow shower you could take at the hotel?
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