Saturday June 12

Douglas arrived early once again, with the intention to be at the Coliseum by 8:30. We were to meet MaryAnn and Annie. We realized we needed 2 cabs since walking would bring us there too late. It was determined to get as early a start as possible. We finally met up with each other (after Lenny and I walked right by the girls) and Douglas got tickets for a guided tour. It was overwhelming to say the least. It was built by Jewish slaves after the conquest of Palestine during the latter part of the first century AD. The coliseum was opened to the public and entrance was free. 50,000 or more spectator s would be there on any given day. The gladiators who participated in these contests of savagery were usually convicts or prisoners of war. Survivors of these contests would sometimes become bodyguards for senators and/or the prominent populi.



Some exhibitions included man against man, man against animal and beast against beast. The arena could also be flooded to simulate naval battles. The intricacy of pulleys and equipment to move and provide the settings for these “extravaganzas” reminded me of what present day Cirque de Soleil uses behind the scenes.
Very little was said about the persecution of the Christians (yum, yum) as the focus was more on the architecture of the day and glory of the Roman know-how.
We then parted ways – Richard, Chris and Anna doing the pagan thing ie: the Forum, while we continued in a Christian vein (churches and more churches).
Forum First - the forum was the center of political, social and commercial life.



The site, which was a low-lying marshy area, was made habitable by the construction of a sewer system which drained the area and made the building of the Forum possible. Building ruins included various temples, basilicas, and triumphant arches that depicted Roman conquests. A particular area of interest was the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. These were women who were invited in from prominent families and/or people of virtue. They dedicated 30 years of their life to keeping the sacred flame of Rome lit –( 10 years were spent training, 10 years doing, and 10 years training the young initiates). Maintenance of this flame insured the symbolism of Rome as the ever “Eternal City”.




Douglas led the rest of us to St Peter in Chains – here are the chains that bound Peter as a prisoner in both Palestine and again in Rome. It is Catholic belief that these 2 separate chains welded themselves together after Peter escaped. The star attraction of this basilica is Michelangelo’s MOSES. Words can’t describe the beauty and size of this sculpture. It is so realistic, that it was said Michelangelo screamed at it “Speak to me” and then he smashed the knee of Moses with a hammer! (A little nuts – do ya think?)



Onward to St John Lateran – with a quick stop at Clemente – this is a12th century church built over a 4th century church which in turn was built over a 2nd century pagan temple to the god of Mithras. This was a first for Lenny and me. It was so interesting to see the multiple levels and imagine what life was like for the early Christians.
Then onto St John Lateran – This was the first cathedral of the Catholic Church, belonging to the Lateran family. The popes set up residence here after the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity in the Empire. Beautiful frescoes adorn the sacristy and relics of Saints Peter and Paul reside here.
We all met up back at the apartment with plans to meet in Trastevere for dinner. Dinner was grand (with first a quick visit to the church in the piazza) and we were feeling no pain. Then a quick cab ride to Piazza Navone for tartufo and various other desserts.
Another fine day!