A little history of Rome by slabeaume
From its early days as a settlement of shepherds on the Palatine hill, Rome grew to rule a vast empire stretching beyond western Europe. Later, after the fall of the Roman empire, Rome became the center of the Christian world. The legacy of this history can be seen all over the city. The Pope still resides in Vatican City, an independent enclave within Rome. In 1870, Rome became the capital of a newly unified Italy, and now has over 2.6 million residents. In summer, many of the grand Baroque piazzas and narrow medieval streets are crammed with sidewalk bars and restaurants -- and tourists.The feel of the Roman Empire is strong here. It was easy to imagine what it was like to be there thousands of years ago.