Plebs had power too

Today was a warm one. Maria might say it was warm-ish. The temperature plus all the walking we did made it feel down right hot. Today we had our guided tour with a handful of others of the Roman Forum where much of the legal and economic activity took place during much of Rome's history, the Palatine hill where we saw the residences of Octavian (the first Augustus) and Livia, and finally through the Colosseum. When we were done there we headed to our accommodation, grabbed a bite to eat and headed up to the Pantheon. After going inside the Pantheon, and getting some very-much-over-priced gelato, we met half of Rome at the Trevi Fountain. They all said to say hi. We came home, melted a bit, and got some food. After dinner we capped our evening in the shadow of the Colosseum and Constantine's triumphal arch and headed home.

We met our tour guide at 9am outside the Colosseo metro (aka tube aka underground aka subway) stop. He was a fellow on the verge of elder status who seems to have been well travelled as he interjected his experiences elsewhere into the tour. We began our time on the way to the Roman forum where he talked about Constantine's triumphal arch, and we moved our way into the forum. The Roman forum was the heart of Rome. It was where everything from money changing to worshiping Apollo went on. You could buy some cabbage after you signed a legal document, and later hear what was going on (get the news) in the republic (or empire) in the same general location.  

After the Roman Forum we were afforded the opportunity to see something even ticket holders to the Forum don't get to see--Octavian and Livia's living accommodations on the Palatine hill. These are brightly (Libby may use other adjectives) colored frescoes that show how elaborately decorated the wealthy's homes were during the time period. Our guide pointed out that some statues in areas of the world that fell under Roman control that are less humid have been found with color still on them. He even mentioned that before the war in Syria he had an opportunity to go there and saw a Roman-Era statue with blonde colored hair on the sculpture. He also mentioned that he thinks Livia's residence will be closed soon due to the extra humidity there that is destroying the art on the walls. 

After our time kicking it in the first Roman emperor's digs we walked to the Colosseum where we met the unwashed masses. There were thousands in and around the Colosseum. We were in a group and still waited a good 15 minutes to get through THE GROUP LINE! The guide took us floor by floor to the highest point we were allowed in the tour and talked about the details of the actual building like how the slaves got people and animals from under the floor to the floor (elevators), and how most gladiators didn't die because: A. Gladiators were popular with the people that watched them. They were the athletes of the time, and were revered. And B. The emperor would have to pay the gladiator's "representation" (agent's!? am I right?) if the gladiator died in the games as that was one less source of income for said representation. They would make money off bets regarding who would win. There were rules of engagement in the colosseum that even changed depending on the weaponry used. The whole system around the games is quite fascinating. That's where the tour ended. 

We went home, grabbed some grub, and went to the Pantheon. I had a "Caesar salad" that had a very small portion of the most garlicky dressing I've ever tasted. It was chicken, croutons, hard-boiled egg, lettuce, and tomato. I didn't' expect it to be like Caesar salad at home, but I would have liked more dressing despite the high level of vampire-deterrent within. I ended up using some oil and vinegar to finish it. Libby had pizza. 

We walked up to the Pantheon where another 1/4 of Rome seemed to be. It's free to get it in which is nice, and it could have been more crowded I suppose, but it would have been great to get it with like half the people there. I think a lot of Italy would be great that way. Anyway, the Pantheon was a temple to multiple Roman gods. It has since then been changed into a Catholic church, and is the longest, continuously used building from Rome. What's amazing about it is the design of the dome. The dome is as wide as it is tall, and the Dome is enormous for being a free standing structure (no extra support like columns towards the middle) made at the time. The Florentine duomo's dome (over a thousand years later) was modeled after it to a certain degree. 

After overpaying for gelato in the piazza we then met the final 1/4 of Rome at the Trevi Fountain! It's a cool big fountain. It's the width of a whole building practically and has some great details, but the people---ohhhh, the people. I can't believe how many people there were. It seems like everyone (I say everyone but I mean all the youngish girls) think they are models and pose for pictures accordingly. Anyway, we left there in a hurry, went home, ate, visited a much quieter colosseum, and came home again. 

It was a good day. We're tired though. Tomorrow is Ostia Antica and a mystery location/activity that has yet to be agreed upon.