5 Ancient Sights in Rome that Will Make You Believe in Time Travel

The history of Rome dates back to several centuries. It was one of the largest empires of the ancient world and several legends centre around the founding of the city. Starting off as a kingdom, then a republic (as early as 450 BC) and later as an empire under Caesar, Rome’s history can be traced through archeology. Many relics of the past still stand in modern-day Rome, amidst the hustle and bustle of the 21^st century. These spectacular ancient sights bear testimony to the city’s glorious past.

Colosseum

Step outside the Colosseo metro station in Rome and you are confronted by the massive Colosseum; it’s the most surreal experience! Completed in 80 AD, this elliptical stone and concrete building was erected for hosting games to entertain the Romans – comic acts, animal shows and the most famous of them all, gladiatorial battles. More than 55,000 people could be accommodated in the Colosseum at a time and you only have to take a step inside to be transported back in time. There are several guided tours and audio tours that you can take. Remember, if you do pose for a picture with one of the ‘gladiators’ near the monument, be prepared to pay for it. It’s best to settle on a price beforehand to avoid a cash drain!

Roman Forum

Right in the centre of the city, very close to the Colosseum is a rectangular plaza that contains ruins of several important buildings of Ancient Rome. The area was originally a marketplace and hundreds of years ago daily life revolved around it. Temples, shrines, memorials, statues, government buildings – all stood in the Forum at various times in history. When Rome became a republic in 450 BC, the first Roman legislation was etched on 12 tablets made of bronze and was displayed at the Forum for all to read. These have unfortunately been destroyed. What does stand today is the triumphal Arch of Constantine, several columns from the temples of Saturn and Vespasian, the Rostra (an ancient dais) and the arches of Titus and Septimius Severus.

Palatine Hill

On one side of the Roman Forum rises the centremost of Rome’s seven hills – the Palatine Hill. Rome is believed to have originated from here and recent archeological excavations have even found evidence of this area being populated during the Bronze Age. There are remains of many imperial buildings here, including the Palatine House which is said to be the birthplace of Emperor Augustus. The hill looks out over the Circus Maximus (an ancient chariot racing stadium, now a public park) on the other side. The Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill can all be visited on a single ticket.

Pantheon

One of the best preserved monuments of Ancient Rome is the Pantheon – a temple dedicated to all Roman Gods. According to legend it is built on the site from where Rome’s founder Romulus was taken by an eagle into the skies after his death. The Pantheon was built in 25 BC and later restructured by Hadrian in 126 AD. It is an engineering marvel as the dome is unreinforced and the oculus at its centre is the only source of natural light (apart from the entrance door). Since the 7^th  Century, the Pantheon is used as a Roman Catholic Church and entry is free.

Baths of Caracalla

One of the most underrated sights in Rome, these Roman baths were built in early 3^rd Century and were in use till the 6^th Century AD. The Baths of Caracalla were truly leisure centres, housing libraries, galleries and gardens apart from the public baths. The massive ruins can be visited for a fee and give an idea about public life in Ancient Rome.

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