Arch of Constantine

Arches are one of the prides of Roman Empire, built usually after great victories of Roman army. The Eternal City is full of such examples – Arch of Titus, Arch of Septimius Severus or Arch of Constantine are among most important. There is though one arch that is unique among the others, Arch of Janus (Italian Arco di Giano) located just near to the Church of Saint Mary in Cosmedin. This is the only arch that was not built to celebrate the victory, but on the crossroad in the Velabrum and Forum Boarium, moreover the only quardifron arch remain in Rome.

Unlike most suspicions, name of the arch does not refer to the two-face god – Giano. The most probable theory says that it’s name comes from Latin word “ianus” which means subway or a gate. This arch in contrary to all others was used by bankers and financiers that were working in Foro Boario.
The massive arch is built with marble and decorated with the reliefs of ancient goddesses. Two of them are easy to be recognised, seated Roma and Juno, there are also two standing figures that probably represent Minerva and Ceres.

Unfortunately most of the decorations especially the top of the construction got destroyed during the years. In Middle Ages arch was used as a fortress for Frangipani family, so that all the entrances got closed. Afterwards, when in XVIII th century the arch was reconstructed many of the ancient decorations were damaged. Nevertheless impaired during the years and a bit forgotten among other splendid sites in Rome, the Arch of Janus remain very notable construction from the ancient Roman Empire.

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The Eternal City, Rome

As an old city, Rome for centuries gained famous nicknames, it is being worldwide called “The Eternal City” (from Latin Urbae Aeterna) and Caput Mundi, which in Latin means the ‘capital of the world’. Apart from those Rome is also called the ‘capital of two countries’, because as the only city in the world hosts another state – Vatican City. The Christian Capital became even one of the symbols of the Eternal City, specially the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica which with pride overlooks the city. Among the symbols of Rome there is also Colosseum – one of the most recognized touristic attractions in the world and moreover one of the New7Wonders of the World. Official flag of ‘la capitale’ is red and yellow and its emblem is represented by purple gothic shield with Greek cross and famous motto: S.P.Q.R.

S.P.Q.R stands for ‘Senate and People of Rome’ (Latin: Senatus Populusque Romanus) which symbolized the unity and communion between people and Senate of Rome. The motto is still present in many places in the city.

Another very important symbol of the city – the Capitoline She-Wolf. According to the legend Rome was founded by twin brothers, sons of semi-goddess Rhea Silvia. Rhea was a daughter of a king of Alba Longa, so her sons were supposed to be the successors. Jealous brother of Rhea killed the king and ordered to his servants to kill also sons of Rhea – Remus and Romulus. Executors decided somehow to save the babies and put them in a basket so they would go with the flow of the river.

Twins were miraculously saved by a she-wolf, who feed them with her own milk and then found by peasants. Brothers while growing up in the village, eventually discovered their origins. Instead though of inherit their city, they decided to found a new one. Unfortunately each of twins had a different idea where to settle the community. After many quarrels they decided to let the priest choose, but the troublesome character won and after an argument who gave this idea, Remus was killed. Romulus set a city that was spreading and developing quickly and called it after himself – Rome.

Since 753 BC, when as reported by the myth Romulus founded the city, the breast-feeding she-wolf with twin brothers are the symbols of the Eternal City.

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Around Rome with bicicletta and gelato

Rome is a unique city with rich history and very strong traditions, but it could be the most unpleasant visit during August. The economical crisis has kicked everyone, and August seems to be the best time to visit Rome, the only way to find a good rate for the hotel. Sure, we are talking about the heat that is insupportable during August, you will meet few Romans here and all you will be doing eating gelato in-between Colosseum and Vatican. But we do have a solution for you , don’t be worried, there is also Summer charm, the streets are less crowded, and shops are still opened, cos the crisis, trying to recuperate the lower revenues of the previous months, I assure you that there will be the positive side of it, so much less traffic and just few Romans around, I mean just less people, nothing against the Romans 🙂

So get a bicycle to get around, since many years now all around the Europe you have this great opportunity to get a bicycle from every where to go anywhere, leaving it at bicycle stops, and so does Roma finally fallowing something more European, Vespa would be the best option, but in the city center, centro storico, it’s not recommendable,even Romans avoid it. So pick it up anywhere and leave it everywhere, it will be so easy, you could go all around the city avoiding smelly over-packed buses and metro, you can buzz around Rome with complete freedom of access and without all the hassles associated with parking and timetables.

In August specially for toursist many museums open from evening until midnight, giving you a chance to avoid the heat, so during the day you can run around with your bicicletta visiting places like Villa Borghese, Largo Argentina, Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona , Pantheon and so many others and during the night, visit Colosseum which opens from 8.30 Pm until midnight on Thursdays and Saturdays with guided tours in English and Italian. Or Castle S. Angelo opening every night except Monday. Famous museum Ara Pacis or amazing Tivoli Gardens opening from 8pm until midnight. So don’t take it for granted and don’t be scared to get to Rome in August, it will be still Rome with it’s charm and marvellous atmosphere. And don’t forget to get a GELATO!!!

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Roman paradise, Colosseum

You don’t have to wonder around, which is the most recognisable buildings of Rome’s classics and of Romans in general, Colosseum takes the first place, it’s a classical template for the stadia of today. In fact, the name Colosseum came up a lot later, before it was known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it was actually a gift, nice one, it was conceived as a peculiarly Roman political gesture. Enormous gift from a new dynasty of Roman emperors to keep the famous ones happy, that’s how they were treated.

Consider that Coliseum is huge, it was built 2000 years ago, with no machines and no modern technical miracles, pure hands of….slaves. It’s 188m long and 156wide, seated for more than 60.000 spectators seated and 10.000 s, just imagine that originally there were 240 masts were attached to stone corbels on the 4th level. People still nowadays are wondering, how back than such a thing was possible, well, good will and strong hands were all they needed. Back in AD 72 the amphitheatre was commisioned by Emperor Vespasian, after it was completed by his son Titus in 80, and with some final improvements by Domitian.

Believe it or not, that was the best entertainment ever invented for men… many Roman emperors enjoyed the spectacles that Colosseum offered and many of those shows were financed by themselves. Everyone have visited Colosseum, the Emperors, Senators, Citizens, Soldiers, slaves, Women, the Vestal Virgins and something still missing, sure the Gladiators. Remember that Colosseum was and still is the most impressive arena even in the Classical world that we can experience till now.

The sad part of this amazing monument were the souls that died, over 9.000 animals at inaugural games in AD 80…and the Roman gladiators, who were usually slaves or prisoners of war or simply criminals, most of the gladiators were men, but also few women were there. Nowadays it stands still and proud, as a glorious but troubling monument to Roman imperial power and cruelty, but back than for centuries Romans were cold-bloodedly killed.

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