Rome Day Four

Since day four landed on a Sunday we decided that since all of the Catholic churches are closed for Mass, we would venture into the Forum.  The Forum lies right next to Palentine Hill where Rome began.  The story of Romulus and Remus being raised on the hill by a she-wolf and than Romulus killing Remus and starting Rome.  In the Forum are the remains of the oldest buildings and oldest temple in Rome.  The whole thing lies about two stories below street level since Rome just keeps building on top of itself.  All of the really old buildings that are excavated are lower than the city.

Here is a picture of the first temple in Rome, the Temple of Saturn that was built in 497 B.C, crazy!!  All that remains are the columns and that spire.  When they found it back in the 1800's, all that could be seen was about the top six feet of both.

 This is the first Basilica in Rome, although we can't remember the name of it (Jon just told me it's the Basilica of Constantine).  This was seriously massive and all that still stands is the side three arches.  There were three more arches opposite these and then the main room that was about the size of a football field.  I know, I know this whole thing is a history lesson.  Jon and I were both in awe the entire trip and unless you know the history or the age, it isn't as cool.  Just bare with me:)

This is facing Capitol Hill

This is all that remains of Julius Ceaser's temple.  After he was killed in the Senate Hall his supporters burned is body on the steps of the temple.  There are still fresh flowers that are kept where he was burned.

More of the Temple of Saturn.

Here's Jon standing on top of Palentine Hill with the Forum in the background.

Here is the remains of something on top of Palentine Hill.  Since it was so close to the Forum, many emperors built their villas on top of the hill.  Lots of cool things with a gorgeous view!

After we were finished with the Forum, we wandered over to the Baths of Caracalla.  This is a huge bath house that fit up to 3000 bathers at a time.....gross!!!  Thank heavens for modern day indoor plumbing.

By the time we made it back to the hotel is was almost 8pm, so we met up with some Medline folk and headed out to dinner in hopes of making it back and in bed by midnight. Good times!!!