History Trips to Rome

The Coliseum (Coloseum, Colosseum), was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasiano c. 72 AD and dedicated in 80 AD by his son Titus. The popular name of Coliseumcame about because the immense oval stadium was situated next to a colossal statue of Nero. The original name of this ancient Roman sports arena, the largest arena of its kind, is The Amphitheatrum Flavium.

Standing alongside the Colosseum, Constantine's triumphal arch was one of the last great Roman monuments, erected in AD 315, shortly before he abandoned the city for Byzantium. Standing alongside the Colosseum, Constantine's triumphal arch was one of the last great Roman monuments, erected in AD 315, shortly before he abandoned the city for Byzantium.

Now a sprawl of ancient ruins, the Roman Forum used to be the centre of life in Rome during the Roman Empire with public squares, temples and law courts. The forum also served as a city square and central hub where the people of Rome gathered for justice and faith.

Built in 27BC,as a temple the Pantheon has been also used as a church and a market. It's main feature of what is the best preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings, is the 9 metre circular hole in its dome which casts down a beam of light.

The Imperial Forums, built around 1AD, were the centre of Roman society and consisted of temples and public squares. Nowadays all that remains are ruins, although it is still a very impressive site

A number of palaces dating from the 1st century can be found on the hill overlooking the Roman Forum. Open: Mon & Wed-Sat 9am till two hours before sunset, Tue & Sun 9am-1pm.

From the 4th century BC, Circus Maximus was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome. The chariot races were held here for audiences of up to 150,000 people and it became the model for all other circuses in Rome. Today, the site is a public park.

The Appian way is the oldest and most famous road built by the ancient Romans. Built in 312 BC it ran south to Brindisi and was more than 350 miles long. Near Rome the road was lined with tombs, of which the ruins of many can still be seen.

With preservation in places matching that of Pompeii, the ancient Roman port of Ostia Antica is an extraordinary site. Once a thriving city of around 60,000 people today it gives an excellent look into ancient lives with docks, warehouses, apartments and mansions, shops, baths and temples.

The Roman National Museum, founded in 1889 is spread across 4 locations around the city. Its collections illustrate the history of the city and provides a magnificent showcase for some of the most beautiful paintings, mosaics and sculptures of the Roman age.