Archaeological sights in Rome
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Imperial Forums
The ruins over the road from the Roman Forum are known collectively as the Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali). Constructed between 42 BC and AD 112 by successive emperors, they were largely buried in 1933 when Mussolini built Via dei Fori Imperiali. Excavations have since unearthed much of them, but work continues and visits are limited to the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Markets), accessible through the Museo dei Fori Imperiali.
Little that's recognisable remains of the Foro di Traiano (Trajan's Forum), except for some pillars from the Basilica Ulpia and the Colonna di Traiano (Trajan's Column), whose minutely detailed reliefs celebrate Trajan's military victories over the…
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B
Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Today an impressive, if rather confusing, sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was once a gleaming complex of marble-clad temples, proud basilicas and vibrant public spaces: the gleaming heart of an ancient city.
Originally an Etruscan burial ground, it was first developed in the 7th century BC and expanded over subsequent centuries. Its importance declined after the 4th century until eventually it was used as pasture land. In the Middle Ages it was known as the Campo Vaccino (literally 'Cow Field') and extensively plundered for its stone and marble. The area was systematically excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries, and excavations continue to this day.
Entering from Largo…
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C
Palatine Hill
Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) is an atmospheric area of towering pine trees, majestic ruins and memorable views. According to legend, this is where Romulus killed his twin and founded Rome in 753 BC. Archaeological evidence cannot prove the legend, but it has dated human habitation here to the 8th century BC.
As the most central of Rome's seven hills (and because it was both close to and above the Roman Forum) the Palatino was ancient Rome's poshest neighbourhood. The emperor Augustus lived here all his life and successive emperors built increasingly opulent palaces. However, after Rome's decline it fell into…
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D
Area Archeologica del Teatro di Marcello
Rising from the ruins to the east of Via del Teatro di Marcello, the Teatro di Marcello is the star of this recently opened archaeological area.
The theatre was originally planned by Julius Caesar but remained unfinished at the time of his death in 44 BC. Augustus then inherited the project and named it after his favourite nephew Marcellus, who had died earlier in 23 BC. By 17 BC the theatre was in use, and was formally inaugurated in 11 BC.
Capable of holding more than 20,000 people, it was frequently restored after fires and earthquakes until it eventually fell into disuse. In AD 365 it was partially demolished and the stone used to restore nearby Ponte Cestio.
Beyond…
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E
Circo Massimo
Now little more than a basin of yellowing grass, the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) was Rome’s biggest stadium, a 250,000-seater capable of holding a quarter of the city’s entire population. The 600m racetrack circled a wooden dividing island with ornate lap indicators and Egyptian obelisks. Chariot races were held here as far back as the 4th century BC, but it wasn’t until Trajan rebuilt it after the AD 64 fire that it reached its maximum grandeur.
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F
Roman Insula
At the bottom of the Campidoglio, next to the Aracoeli staircase, are the ruins of a Roman apartment block or insula, typically used to house the poor. The unexcavated ground-floor shops of this building are now 9m below the current road level.
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