The Colosseum

The welled renowned Collosseum known for gladiator contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramatic plays. Of course, my boys will love this.

Just east of the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. The construction started in 72AD under the emperor Vespasian and completed in 80AD under Titus.

The ruins remain partly damaged due from devastating earthquakes and stone robbers.

The name Colosseum has been believed to derive from a colossal statue of Nero (the statue of Nero was named after the Colossus of Rhodes).

The statue was later remodeled into the likeness of Apollo, the sun god. The statue remained well into the medieval era and was believed to have magical powers.

The building, capable of seating 50,000 people, ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era.

The Colosseum was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine.

The ruffly cobblestoned road is the path to the Roman Forum. Several important ancient government buildings at the center of Rome are surrounded by ruins. This area was originally a marketplace for the citizens. This has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, in all history.

The Forum today, is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and excavations attracting numerous sightseers.

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome.

These were ruins found in the Colosseum. They stated most of the building had been rebuilt over the years. The only thing they did not redo were the sewers. They were able to find many items that show us how they lived back in that era.

Gladiators were slaves and well fed by their masters. The best and most robust were sent to Rome. Fighting was their way to freedom.

The Colosseum is currently one of Rome's most popular attractions. This building marks the period of great change of the history of Rome and thus the history of the entire world.

Vatican City - Sistine Chapel

Entrance to Vatican City.

Vatican city is a wall enclaved sovereign city-state within the city of Rome, Italy. The population is just over 800 which makes this the smallest independent state in the world both by area and population.

Upon entering the building, there was an old styled vessel that Evan said he MUST take a picture with, then the little turkey wouldn't even smile.

A miniature replica of Vatican City.

The view of Saint Peter's Basilica dome.

This is one of the first cars of the pope. Before that, it was horse drawn carriages.

Our tour guide stated, that once Rome conquered other cultures, they brought in their symbols and Gods to worship too decrease the bad spirits they may have disrupted. There are many statues of Egyptian Gods around and the symbol of the phoenix is for renewal.

These are the statues walking towards the Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel is the well known chapel in the Apostolic Palace. It is known for it's architecture and decoration and was frescoed by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo.

This image is over looking Rome.

Laocoon and his sons sculpture

Our tour guide was an art history major. He told us of the find of the statue and the lost play only mentioned by other Greek writers. The sculpture suggests that the youngest son innocence as his head is tilted backwards, obviously from the pain of the serpent biting into his torso. Meanwhile, the older son is looking towards his father, possibly for guidance with an expression of terror on his face, but is concentrating on removing the serpent from his leg. The bodies transmit their suffering. Laocoon muscles in his body are taut and his veins are bulging to the surface all the way down to his toes which are curled in pain as he attempts to free himself and his sons. The sculpture portrays different emotions of fear, pain and disbelief.

These are pictures of the many statues and paintings in the hallways of Vatian City. There were several areas where you were not allowed to take pictures (such as in the Sistine Chapel) but you get the jest of things.

These are many painting on the ceilings in their natural colors.

Modern Day geographers are also amazed by the accuracy of these ancient maps.

Leaving the Sistine Chapel, you can see Saint Peter's square in the background.

It was said the Pope's office was the middle building with the last two windows on the right hand side.

Saint Peter's Basilica is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the tqelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, the first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in line of the papal succession.

Through tradition and some historical evidence that Saint Peter's Tomb is directly below the altar of the basilica.

A close up of the altar of the basilica.

A nativity scene in the basilica.

Vatican Guards

The fountain in St. Peter's Square.

The two light's left on is supposed to be the Pope's office. A flag is hung outside when he is on site.

Saint Peter's Square at night with the temperatures dropping in the 30's.