Legends of Ancient Rome

What to Expect

Colosseum and Circus Maximus: the world of ancient Roman spectacles
The tour will start with the main landmark of Rome - the Colosseum, where we will talk about the times of its glory and the events that took place in its arena during its long and eventful life. The Palatine Hill will be a reason to remember the origin of the city itself. I will introduce you to a bright example of ancient architecture - the Arch of Constantine - and explain why the monument is a symbol of the decline of the great Roman Empire. And near the Circus Maximus, one of the oldest and most legendary places associated with the ancient games of Rome, you will learn about King Tarquin the Ancient, chariot races, which, according to legend, were first held here under his rule, and other exciting events of the hippodrome.

Remains of the ancient forum and the bridges of Rotton and Fabricius
You will see two temples from the 1st and 2nd centuries BC - Portunus and Hercules Victor: the only reminders of the ancient Forum Boarium. Here I will tell you about the legends of the temples, the patron of triumphators, and the traditions associated with celebrations in honor of commanders. Not far from the legendary Mouth of Truth, located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, you will encounter the remains of the Rotton Bridge, or Emilio, and a little later you will walk along the ancient Fabricius Bridge, about which I will tell separately.

Grandfather of the Colosseum, Theatre of Marcellus
We will not overlook the miraculously preserved in Rome the only ancient theater, built almost 100 years before the Flavian Amphitheater. You will hear stories about Octavian Augustus and his approach to the decoration of the theater. And near the ruins of the Portico of Octavia, you will learn about the works of art that were inside one of the most elegant architectural complexes in Rome and the remarkable fate of Octavia herself, in whose honor this portico was named.

The charm of ancient temples
You will get acquainted with the ensemble of the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere with embedded columns and ruins of temples from the republican era. You will visit the religious monuments of the 7th-6th centuries BC, where near the Church of Sant'Omobono we will recall the era of the last Roman kings. You will walk along the road that Julius Caesar took to the Senate meeting at the Pompey Theatre on Piazza Argentina, and hear myths about the world-famous assassination. You will learn what else was remarkable about the portico of the theater, the temples of the republican period from the 1st-4th centuries BC, and the excavations found here, as well as hear about the events during the rule of the dictator Sulla. And, of course, you will explore the Temple of all the gods - the Pantheon, the only ancient temple in Rome that has survived intact, giving a complete idea of the beauty of ancient architecture and the peculiarities of their religious cult.

Capitoline Hill - the embodiment of the glory and grandeur of Ancient Rome
Through the Cordonata staircase - a creation of Michelangelo - you will ascend to the places where, according to legends, Roman gods inhabited pagan temples. In the most magnificent - the Temple of Jupiter - the Pontifex Maximus ascended to offer sacrifices to the gods. It was here that all solemn processions and triumphal marches headed. On the square, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity, learn about the Master's masterpieces, created under the influence of ancient inspiration, and try to solve the riddle left by the creator.

Roman and Imperial Forums
From the viewing platforms of the Capitoline Hill, you will examine in detail the famous forums. There will be a brief introduction to the ensemble of the Roman Forum, the center of public urban life. And then I will introduce you to the complex of the Imperial Forums and tell you about the early period when the fates were decided here, emperors were elected, laws were passed, and history was made.