On Tuesday evening Chris Caesar led us through the streets of Rome and treated us to a potted history of the Eternal City beginning from the 9th century BCE up to today. He talked of the seven hills of Rome, the myths surrounding the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, their falling out and Romulus' victory. Chris mentioned the Sabine women from the next door hill and the arrival of the Eutruscans.
We saw pictures of the Circus Maximus, the chariot racing arena, and Chris explained the meaning of the ubiquitous logo 'SPQR' (Senatus Populusque Romanus) the Senate and People of Rome, to be seen on so many structures in the city.
Julius Caesar made an entrance and his well known sound bites explained - 'The die is cast!', 'Crossing The Rubicon', 'I came, I saw, I conquered'.
Then on to The Appian Way, its construction and its bloody history of punishment of the slaves of the Spartacus rebellion, 6,000 prisoners nailed to crosses every 60 yards!
The emperor Trajan his column, a carved history of war and invasion, his building of what is believed to be the first supermarket and the first use of concrete in construction.
After the break we saw some beautiful pictures of the Pantheon and its oculus, its eye in the roof open to the sky. In the 1400's Piazza Navona was constructed and this breath-taking open area still retains the shape and dimensions of the original circus on which it was built.
Piazza del Campidoglio, beautifully designed by Michelangelo, is the masterpiece of the Capitoline hill and beautifully photographed my Chris. More excellent views of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza del Popolo.
We walked along the banks of the Tiber on Lungo Tevere and admired the bridges, the Ponte Rotto and the Vatican church and state.
Chris ended his Roman Holiday with a brief tour of the fountains, the 'typewriter' monument and the 'bocca della verita'. You know, the drain cover which bites your hand off if you don't tell the truth!
Great photos, great explanations and an evening to remember. Our thanks to Chris.
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