The Colosseum and the Forum, March 14

On to the Colosseum, in the process of being cleaned. First, soaking with tap water, then lightly scrubbing with toothbrushes. Here again, all the marble and good stone has been removed, leaving the stone skeleton. The blocks were placed one upon another with iron clamps to secure them. Over the years, the clamps were removed too, to be reused, resulting in one half of the outer wall collapsing.

The Romans had great skills in keeping the people content with their rulers. On holidays or celebration days, the Colosseum was open all day, with executions (remember to be good), wild animals from Africa, and gladiators. All day, free food and drink came with your ticket. Keeping them happy with bread and circuses. 

Also your ticket noted what entrance to use - like today's stadiums, lots of entrance portals. 

Over the years, the Romans captured and brought to Rome - and probably other arenas - wild animals from Northern Africa, in quantities such that some species, like lions are no longer found north of the Sahara. 

Over the centuries, the Forum was slowly covered, after being stripped of usable building materials and ended up as a pasture. Models show it as a crowded space of public buildings and temples. People came there to follow what was happening in government. Notices were posted each day as to what was debated, hence the daily news concept. 

The emperors lived in palaces overlooking the Forum on the Palatine Hill. Nearby was the Capitoline Hill, the center of city government for 2500 years, designed by Michelangelo. And the Circus Maximus. What an amazing place to stroll through today.

Oh, and those column capitals decorated with acanthus leaves? Turns out acanthus is a weed, a pest. Pretty, though. 
Back to the hotel, where the concierge directed us to his favorite gelato option. As we neared, the line out the door was a good sign. Fountains of dark and white chocolate for the bottom of the cone, choice of flavors, plus flavored whipped cream on top. Time for a photo op of Skot's, Amy's and our cones. Outstanding.