All Categories Beach,Coast & Port Sports & Activity Flora & Fauna Culture & Cultural Event Service,Gastronomy & Shops Streetlife, People & Living Architecture & Objects of Art Historical Spot,Building & Object Technics & Industry Hotels & Accommodation

Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Year 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 1905 1904 1903 1902 1901

Slideshow

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Rome

The Eternal City

Brief History

More than 2000 years old, the history of Rome dates back to the 8th century BC according to the modern historians. The city was named after the first king of Rome, Romulus, who together with his twin brother Remus, founded the empire. It was on 21st April, 753 BC, that the city was founded and till today is commemorated with parades and events. Romulus ruled for 38 years from the year 753 – 715BC.

It was during his rule that a strong army was created and the expansion of the Roman kingdom began to take shape. He is also credited with creating the first Roman senate that would become very powerful later on. After him six more kings ruled Rome till the year 510 BC, when fed up of the tyrannical rule of the monarchs, the Romans rose up in revolt and ended the reign of kings forever. The very next year a Republic Govt was formed and the senate chose a new consul every year. The Roman army continued its quest and it was undefeated for 500 years, till the year 386 BC.

Romans expanded their terrain to Europe till the Mediterranean Sea, and became the richest and the most politically significant city in the world. Julius Caesar continued the domination of the Roman Empire by conquering Africa, Egypt, Pontus and Gaul. He also led expeditions to Britain twice but returned empty handed. His dictatorship lasted from 59 BC to 44 BC. He became the first uncrowned Roman emperor.

Another illustrious period in the history of Rome is the reign of Constantine the Great.Christianity became the official religion of Rome during this period. Gradually the Vatican became influential and the pope became its sovereign leader. For thousands of years after that, the pope became all powerful.

The unification of Italy took place in the year 1861, but Rome could become its capital only 10 years later. The dictatorship of Mussolini was another dark era in the annals of the Roman history. It lasted from 1922-1943 and with the execution of Mussolini the era of Italian Fascism too ended.

After the World War II the city has grown from strength to strength and has become a fascinating amalgamation of history, culture and contemporary outlook.

Roman Architecture

Roads

“Rome wasn’t built in a day”, is a popular saying and it certainly reflects in the architecture of the city. Initiated by Appius Claudius Caecus in the year 312 BC, the Romans constructed about 80,000 km of wondrous interconnected roads, helping their empire to maintain its military might as well as becoming an important focal point for all the other activities like trade, commerce and culture in and around its territories. For 7 centuries, the Romans kept up the building of roads, forts and bridges. The engineering of the Romans was so outstanding that no one could surpass them in this feat for the next two millenniums. Most of the construction costs were borne by the locals, rather than the Roman treasury, and the roads were very well maintained till the decline of the Roman Empire. Initially built to move the legions for military exploitation, they began to look at it as an invaluable means of communication. Horse driven carts and horses with riders, became a fast way of corresponding with other parts of the Roman Empire and to other far away places. Dispatching mails or letters between the emperor, the Senate or the civilian population became a child’s play. The time between sending and receiving the letter became very short, making it the most efficient ‘courier’ mail of that time.

Arches and Columns

The arches and columns were introduced to the world by the Romans. Inspired by the Greeks, these were used to create bigger structures and temples. The Romans used three types of columns, the Doric style, the Iconic style and the Corthinian style. The Doric style was used mostly to hold up big buildings and was more functional in nature. The Trajan’s column or the pillar of victory is a prime example of the Doric style. The Iconic style on the other hand, was three columns on top of one another, so was slightly more decorative in nature. However, it was the Corthinian type which was the most decorative and used for ornamental purposes.

The Arches were extensively used for the development of domes, and the largest dome for centuries was the Pantheon. The arches were also used to in the themes of the Gothic and other Romanesque types of cathedrals. Due to the usage of cement in construction, the Romans could create massive buildings. The Coliseum is a fine example of the usage of arches and can house about 50,000 spectators at one time.

The aqueducts were built to carry water from hills to the big tanks in the cities. This was made possible with the use of arches on top of which the covered water pipes were laid which facilitated the movement of water easily. The arches were also used to create awesome fountains and to celebrate the triumphs of the various emperors. A few of the famous ones are Arches of Titus, built to celebrate the victory over Jerusalem by Titus in 70 AD and the arches of Constantine.

Houses

The initial houses of the Romans were very basic but as the money poured in through their conquests, the size of the houses took on gigantic proportions. Usually built around a court with an atrium in the centre, these houses were very opulent. Huge columns, arches, paintings, statues and marble were used in making of these expensive houses. The locals or the poorer section of the society lived in tall buildings called insula. These big buildings were built more like blocks and not very attractively constructed.

Baths

Public baths were an integral part of the Roman life. The largest example of the bath was built by Emperor Caracalla, in the year 200 AD. There were facilities for hot and cold water and changing rooms were provided. Later on, these also incorporated libraries and halls and were decorated with statues and paintings.

Tourist Attractions in Rome

As Rome is full of history art and religion, there are many wonderful places that one can visit and experience the marvel of the Roman architecture that influenced the western world for a long time. There are lots of places which are a worth see in Rome, some of them are featured below -

• Pantheon – House of 12 Roman Gods, one of the most beautiful and well preserved buildings of the olden era.

• The St Pietro – needs no introduction, the residence of the Pope.

• The Trevi Fontana – It’s a colossal water feature with a very ornate façade, also known as the wishing fountain.

• The Coliseum – the most famous building of Rome, an open air amphitheatre, used for all the Roman sports.

• Terme di Caracella – a huge public bath of the ancient era.

• Catacombs – The underground burials for Christians, with frescos and carvings

• San Giovanni in Laterano – Cathedral church of Pope.

• Museo dell'Alto Medioevo - museum of the Middle Ages in Italy.

• The Aventine Keyhole – you can see the Vatican through the ornate keyhole.

Entertainment

The city of Rome in keeping with its ancient traditions of the Romans, offers a plethora of gastronomic delights. There are plenty of restaurants where one can have a laid back leisurely meal. As this the home of the Pizza, there’s plenty of variety to choose from. Rome also offers Operas and ballets at the famous Teatro dell'Opera. Besides this, there are plenty of nightclubs, open air theatres, concerts, cafes and bars.

Since Italy is known for its fashion, Rome showcases top designers labels. Gucci, Prada, Armani, Valentino, Versace can all be found here displaying their top designs. There are many jewellery stores as well, which display the fine craftsmanship Italy is famous for. Antiques are a big business and a discerning eye can get a good bargain here. Children’s clothing though very fashionable, are a bit on the higher side.

 

Getting into Rome

By plane

Rome has two major Airports – the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and the Ciampino International Airport, both are very well connected with the city.

By train

Termini Station is Rome's main railway station, not considered very safe at night.

By boat

Ships dock in Civitavecchia or the new Porto di Roma, Ostia, both of which are linked by train, or the liners will ensure a means of transport.

Moving around in the city

There are various means of transport available to get around in the city as well. There are taxis that run on meter but be beware of the ‘fake taxis’. There are state run buses but the timing can be a bit erratic. There are also trams and the metro available for longer travels.

Rome is a very safe place even for women travelling alone, but beware of the pickpockets. Do not carry too much money or valuables with you while travelling; chances are that your pocket might get picked by the ingenious ways the pickpockets employ there. Do read up the scams regarding tourists, it will help you stay protected from unpleasant surprises. The official language here is Italian but many tourist guides and taxi drivers do understand a little bit of English. Being vigilant is the best form of safety in Rome.

 

 

To support us in developing this site please suggest your description or any additional information of Rome to the operator. You are the one to put it in.
Your contribution makes the difference!

Suggest YOUR description now!

Please make sure you do not violate the personal rights of anyone!