Happy Birthday, Rome!
Every year on April, 21, Rome is celebrating its birthday. On this day the doors of numerous museums and archeological sights are open to public, and the streets, richly decorated with flowers, are flooded by sumptuous processions of gladiators, senators, and other heroes of the Roman many-century history.
The fairy tale called “Rome” began in 753 BC. Everyone heard a legend about the two brothers, Romulus and Remus, who miraculously escaped death in their infancy, and were nursed by the she-wolf. But the evidence of the story was found only some time ago. During the excavations in the Forum area, which have been held for 20 years, were found the remnants of the ancient palace, which is considered to be founded some 750 BC. On the place, where stood the Temple of Romulus (which is now the part of the Santi Cosmo e Damiano), was found the frame of the historical building, which was unsuccessfully searched by many generations of scientists. Thereby, Rome has proved once again that it is the “Eternal City”.
This year Rome is celebrating its 2759th birthday. Only one day, on April, 21, the entrance into all archaeological attractions and museums will be free. The most lengthy archaeological area of Rome is in the area of Fori Imperiali street, near the Capitoline Hill. Here is situated the famous Forum, which used to be the political and trade center of the Roman Empire. Emperor forums built by Emperor Trajan are located nearby. Besides, one can see the remnants of ensemble of the Basilica Ulpia, which are evidence of its past magnificence, and a monumental complex of the Trajan market with several tiers of stores and a splendid trade hall.
It’s hard to believe that the triumphant battle of Augustus took place so long ago…however, since that time remained only the ruins of the splendid Forum, where found their deaths Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Gaius Julius Caesar. The ruler was murdered during the session of the Senate in the Pompei theater. Today the place is inhabited by…cats. By the way, it is strictly prohibited to feed them!!!
The most ancient part of the Forum is the Saturn Temple with only 8 Ionic columns remained. Due to the fact that the temple stands in the vicinity of the observation area on the Capitoline Hill, it can be easily seen in every detail. The temple attracts spectators because it used to be a state treasury as well as a place for running Saturnalias, the feasts in honour of Saturn. The week-long events were held at the end of December. Nearby the Temple of Saturn stands the Temple of Agreement and the Septimi Severi Arch, which was erected in 203 after the victory over the Parthians. The ancient legend tells that Romulus was buried in the Temple.
To understand the scales of the ancient buildings and to see Rome at the turn of our era, buy a book
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