I travelled to Rome a couple summers ago when I took a high school course abroad. While there we visited some important historic sites that were part of the itinerary designed for us by the school. However, most of us, including myself, didn't have previous knowledge of the sites we were set out to see, nor did we have any control over which places we were to visit, so naturally I was very excited to take on this assignment.
The walking tour starts off at the Circo Massimo, a long rectangular green that was once used to house sporting events. From there I head northeast crossing the Piazza di Porta Capena and up Via de San Gregorio where the stunning Arch of Constantine, with the monumental Colosseum to the right, greets me. The guide book goes into great historic detail for both these structures, providing the reader with extensive knowledge from when it was built to its present day uses. Additionally, the book thoroughly describes both sites and their physical location. For example, it illustrates the Arch of Constantine as a "gateway, welcoming visitors into the fold of this historic site," when approached by way of the Via de San Gregorio. For the Colloseum it describes, "its monumental proportions rising up majestically and towering over its surroundings." The books description of the physicality of these structures is accurate as I view them virtually on Google Maps.
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| Arch Constantine - Source: http://www.mmdtkw.org/RT04ArchConstantine.jpg |
Moving on down the Via dei Fori Imperialli, the Roman Forum quickly comes to view on my left. As I virtually walk down the street, I am in awe of the juxtaposition between the ancient ruins on my left and the modern-day cars "passing" by on the paved streets. As I switch to a birds eye view and scan over the Forum, I cant help but imagining how the ancient romans lived, re-constructing what was left of the site in my mind.
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| Roman Forum - Source: http://www.destination360.com/europe/italy/images/s/italy-roman-forum.jpg |
From the Roman Forum we move on to the Imperial Forums or Fori Imperiali. The guidebook highlights the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, and the Forum of Peace with very little detail unfortunately. The book spends a little more time on the Trajan Forum, however I am still lost in terms of information and the significance behind this site.
My last stop is the Colonna Trianna or Trajan Column, which stands close to the Trajan Forum and surrounding markets. This column rises 40 ft into the air and signifies the many military victories of Emperor Trajan. The guidebook illustrates this column with great detail of both its physical appearance and historical context.
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| Trajan Column - Source: http://images.travelpod.com/tripwow/photos/ta-00bc-2d5e-e827/trajan-s-column-rome-italy+1152_12912415803-tpfil02aw-28637.jpg |
After concluding my virtual tour, I am left educated about some of Rome's ancient structures I hadn't even heard about before. By using Google maps, I was able to really grasp and see what the book was describing and I really recommend this method to anyone who wants to truly get to know a city without visiting it, or even if you are planning a trip this is a great way to do so.
I think the guidebook was very well routed - all sites followed a linear path and were very close to each other. Additionally, it provided me with extensive knowledge of the historical context of each site as well as the physicality of them. I was a little confused when it came to the Imperial Forums because of the lack of information provided. Overall, I would definitely consider this walking tour if I were to ever travel to Rome again.
That's it for this week! Until next time...
-Mays
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