It goes without saying that time has a way of taking its toll on everything in existence. Humans watch as their bodies and minds wither away from old age, and buildings crumble to the ground from years of wear and tear. To this day, adventurers from all over the world flock to Rome, Italy to get a taste of ancient times. Unfortunately, the buildings are mere skeletons of what they used to be, but tourists are still able to feel the energy from the city’s golden age.The temple, which was built in 135 AD, was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix and Rome Aeterna, also known as “Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune” and “Roma Aeterna.” An earthquake destroyed the temple in the 9th century, but Pope Leo IV ordered a church to be built in its place.
Unfortunately, the Temple of Saturn suffered from several disasters, including a massive fire, and it was destroyed and rebuilt. Located on one of the preserved pediments, reads the words: “The Senate and People of Rome restored [the temple] consumed by fire.”
Even though it’s been a victim of use and time, there are several sections of the Theatre that are still standing today. Sadly, there isn’t much left of the temples that were dedicated to the Roman gods Apollo and Bellona. Even though it was rebuilt throughout the years, there are only 3 columns of Apollo’s temple that are still standing.
Providing a breathtaking view of the Roman Forum, officials were able to complete their work in a peaceful atmosphere. Despite the fact that it was built in 78 BC, the great corridor is still beautifully preserved.
In its glory days, the amphitheater could hold up to 80,000 spectators, and the townspeople were surely dying to attend. The Colosseum was once the entertainment hub of the community, hosting animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of past battles, gladiatorial contests, and mythology-based dramas. The Colosseum is now one of the most popular places in Rome for tourists to visit, even though it has been severely damaged throughout the years by earthquakes and stone-robbers.
Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of Castel Sant’Angelo to use as a resting place for his family. The structure, which was built between AD 134 and 139, was used as a final resting place for Hadrian in 138, which started the tradition of using the Mausoleum of Hadrian as a resting ground for other emperors. Eventually, the structure was used by the popes as a fortress. It’s now used as a museum for the tourists who flock to the area from all over the world.
In 527, the Basilica of Santi Cosma E Damiano was Christianized and dedicated to Sancti Cosma et Damianus. With its 6th-7th century mosaics, the Basilica of Santi Cosma E Damiano is one of the most popular tourist spots in all of Italy.
After the Stadium of Domitian suffered fire damage in AD 217, it was used to host gladiator shows. Once the Empire began to fall, the Stadium of Domitian was used to house poor people. After the Renaissance was over, the Stadium was mined and robbed of its materials. Piazza Navona currently stands over the Stadium of Domitian.
It was originally dedicated to Dioscuri, who apparently supported the Republic by fighting on the battlefield. Sadly, there are very few parts of the temple that still exist. In 29 BC, the Temple of Caesar was added to the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the dedication of Julius Caesar, who was the first person of Rome to be worshipped by the people.
Often used to host ludi, which were public games to entertain the people, Circus Maximus was the perfect place to meet up for social events. Considering that the structure is 2,037 long and 387 feet wide, the Circus Maximus was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome. 150,000 people could fit into the venue, which is probably why it’s used as a public park today.
When the Roman Forum was up and running, the Roman Empire used it as a venue to host criminal trials, gladiatorial matches, and public speeches. Throughout the 17th-19th centuries, the Roman Forum was used by different artists and architects that were studying in Rome. Like the Colosseum, the Roman forum attracts the attention of tourists year-round.
