World -> Europe

Italy - Specifics

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Baths of Caracella: Named after emperor Caracalla, the baths were constructed in the early 3rd century. The baths were the largest thermae in the world, accommodating up to 1600 visitors. The baths held not only pools and baths, but also a public library. The Colosseum: Completed in 80 AD, this structure is the greatest architectural legacy of ancient Rome. The Colosseum could hold as many as 50,000 spectators and had 80 different entrances for expediting the entering and exiting of large crowds. Deadly gladiatorial combats, wild animal fights, and even mock naval battles were staged by emperors and wealthy citizens to the delight of the Roman crowds who flocked to the arena. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into disrepair, and centuries later it was used as a quarry, with its rich marble facing being stripped away to build palaces and churches. The Forum Romanum: Forum Romanum, or Roman Forum, was the central area around which ancient Rome developed, in which commerce and the administration of justice took place. The communal hearth was also located here. The main street of ancient Rome, the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), leads into the forum.
Side building of the Baths of Caracalla	Detail of a mosaic of the Baths of Caracalla	Catacombs below the Colosseum, and the remains of the stadium
The Colosseum	The Colosseum at the end of a street in Rome	Ruins of Forum Romanum
Temple of Saturn at Forum Romanum	Ruins at Forum Romanum	Forum Romanum and Altocumulus clouds