A large part of my interest in visiting Rome was to see the ruins of the ancient city. 

         
  < The ruins of the forum are amazing.  The detail in the stone work boggles the mind.

That the bits and pieces of the great buildings  have survived and can be partially reconstructed gives the Forum an enhanced     sense of gravitas.  They were built to last and have. 

The Temple of Saturn site dates to the years of the last kings and was inaugurated at the beginning of the republic (circa 497 BC).  These ruins date from around 42 BC. >

 

 

 

 

  
         
Off in a corner of the forum, behind the Capitoline sits the Mamertine Prison.  It is here that legend says St. Peter was held in chains on his second visit to Rome.        (right)

There is a little sanctuary above the actual "holding" area below.              (far right) 

   
The Roman Forum (below and far right) affords glimpses of life in ancient time amongst shards of ancient architecture.  

Below: the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the Roman Forum.

    
   
         
  <  Il Colosseo dominates the view looking down the Via dei Fori Imperiali.

 

Just another example of detail work from the forum.  >

  
         
  < The temple of Antoninus and Faustina was later incorporated into The Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda.

 

This was some pavement or an old entryway (not sure which) on the Palantine Hill. >

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
  < As noted elsewhere, the Pantheon was built in the Second Century AD for the Roman Gods.  In the Seventh Century it was turned over to the (Catholic) Church.  It's majesty is marred only by the MacDonalds located across the Piazza from it.

 

This tile work was on the remnant of a wall in the Imperial Forum.                                      >

  
         

Titus' Arch

  

 

I liked the echo of the columns in the trees.

   

Statue in the Palantine Museum

    
         

  < Just before we left the Palantine we came upon this vantage point overlooking the Colosseum.  Could there be a more traditional backdrop for a photo of us?

 

 

Ann and Beth at the Temple of Vesta.  >

 

 

 

  

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