Exploring the Remnants of Ancient Rome

While going through old pictures of Ancient Rome from my very first trip to Italy, I realized I needed to make a post of my favorite Roman monuments specifically from Ancient Rome! So here I am sharing the remnants of Ancient Rome with you. But before that a little introduction.

Rome was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus. They fought for leadership in the city until Romulus killed Remus and laid the foundation of Rome on the Palatine Hill. The Roman Empire was one of the longest reigning empires in history, having lasted for an impressive 844 years. At its height in AD 117, Ancient Rome had ruled an estimated 50 to 90 million people spread out across 5 million square kilometers. I understood a lot about Ancient Rome from the book SPQR by Mary Beard.

The Roman Empire left behind a huge legacy in many various regions – but none more than its epicenter- Rome. Here are some of the Ancient Roman landmarks that have stood the test of time.

Exploring the Remnants of Ancient Rome

1. The Pantheon:

The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian between AD 118-125. It was a temple built to honor all the Roman gods and was later on converted into a church. Today it stands as a testament to the grandeur and engineering of Ancient Rome. The Pantheon is the most well preserved structure from all of Ancient Rome. Situated in front of the beautiful Piazza della Rotonda, the gigantic dome of the Pantheon is breathtaking! Entrance to the building is free but Rome may be imposing a fee sometime to help cover the high maintenance costs. Not sure when!

The Pantheon is a jaw dropping site

2. The Colosseum:

The most iconic and marvelous of all Ancient Roman attractions is the Colosseum. An amphitheater that can seat up to 55,000 people, the Colosseum has towering arches, impressive columns, and massive windows! Despite its age of more than 1,900 years, the Colosseum is still an impressive sight to behold. I’ve previously named it as one of the most Instagram-worthy attractions. The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheater and is known to be the largest elliptical amphitheater ever built during the Roman period. Imagine it stood witness to thousands of gladiator and animal fights!! Today there are many popular games, tours, and TV shows set in the Colloseum. They sure keep the interest in modern Rome alive.

The Roman Forum:Image Credits: Wikimedia

3. The Roman Forum:

Another major centre of Ancient Roman life is the Roman Forum. Located near The Colosseum, this forum was once a simple valley between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills. It is a huge complex of temples, basilicas, commercial establishments, and municipal buildings. Today most of these are ruins but a impressive sight to behold. Remember, these structures were built between 400 BC and AD 500!

Capitoline and Palatine Hills:Image Credits Wikimedia

4. Capitoline and Palatine Hills:

The Palatine Hill was known as the stomping grounds of Ancient Rome’s elite, with many emperors and aristocrats having lived in this area for over 300 years. The earliest residents of the hill lived there in the 10th century BC. Currently, the surviving ruins reveal the existence of ancient palaces and vast gardens. Meanwhile, the nearby Capitoline Hill is the symbolic and political centre of the city that held the temple of Jupiter-the chief Ancient god. Today, the hill hosts Rome’s city hall, Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori.

Trajan’s Market: Image Credits: Wikimedia

5. Trajan’s Market:

Last but not least is Trajan’s Market, widely regarded as the world’s oldest shopping mall. The Tarajan’s Market was also the administrative offices of Emperor Trajan built against the flank of the Quirinal Hill. The surviving buildings and structures include delicate marble floors and even the remains of an ancient library. 

Check here for Further Reading on Rome

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Did you know??

The Colosseum has underground rooms where gladiators prepared for their deadly mission and sharpened their tools.

Don’t forget to PIN:

Do you have any favorite Ancient Rome spots?? Let me know in the comments below!