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Latest Rome hotel reviews
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Favorite thing: Six years of secondary school studying Latin (at 8 hours a week) do not keep me free from some mental confusion when I visit the sites of the antique Rome. The essential question for me is not "to be or not to be" but to whom belongs this or that?
Indeed the Antique Rome counts twelve centuries of history, 1200 years of archaeological stratifications of a high complexity.
So please forgive the simple amateur I am not to distinguish at first sight what belongs to the Antoninus dynasty of emperors from what belongs to the Severus emperors.
I am already very satisfied to be able to distinguish (most often) what was before Julius Caesar from what came afterwards.
A now retired Professor of a French university, Lucien Jerphagnon, used to ask new students of the first year in history to situate the philosopher Seneca in the history; before or after J.C.?
All students hesitated… like me. Why?
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DOUZE SIECLES D'HISTOIRE !
Six années d'humanités gréco-latines ne peuvent empêcher que je ressente quelque confusion mentale lorsque je visite les sites de la Rome antique. La question que je me pose souvent est: à qui appartient quoi?
En effet la Rome antique c'est douze siècles d'histoire, 1200 ans de stratifications archéologiques!
Dans ces conditions il faut pardonner au simple amateur que je suis de ne pas faire la distinction au premier coup d'œil de ce qui appartient aux Antonins ou de ce qui appartient aux Sévères. Quant à moi je suis déjà très satisfait de distinguer ce qui est avant Jules César de ce qui vient après. Et comme J. César précède d'une cinquantaine d'années Jésus Christ, la chronologie en ce qui me concerne en est simplifiée.
Updated May 20, 2008
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Favorite thing: According to a popular belief it was said that somebody putting his hand in this mouth and swearing falsely, could not withdraw it.
You find this mouth into the atrium of St. Mary's in Cosmedin church.
The closest metro stop to this church is; Circo Massimo; B line.
Updated Dec 17, 2007
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Favorite thing: Romans were the first who understood the importance of ground connections between the places and the people. Thanks to their very skillfull road constructors, the city of Rome was connected to all parts of a huge imperia, what helped them alot in controlling the territory and developing the commerce. Most of this roads still exist but today we know them as A1, A4 etc., being part of the highway network throughout Italy. In ancient Roman times this roads were known as Via Appia, Via Julia, etc.
Updated Jul 2, 2007
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Favorite thing: Tossed about like children's toys, the remnants of ancient temples lie strewn around the ground. . . waiting for further study or identification or just because they are treasured as historic elements. Hard to imagine most cities assigning this valuable city space to architectural remnants of the past. I'm so glad the Italians have been gentle with their history.
Written Feb 26, 2007
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Favorite thing: This maps can be seen on a wall which is situated in between Colosseum and Foro Romano, showing the development of Rome during the centuries.
The first map shows Rome in the 8th century BC, when the town was founded, being at that time small and insignificant settlement. In that time most of the central part of penninsula was under the rule of mighty Etruscans.
TO BE CONTUNUED
Updated Jan 4, 2007
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Fondest memory: I loved walking from point A to point B and unexpectedly coming across an architectural site. This one was very endearing because it is also a Cat Sanctuary! We didn't notice all the cats at first. They lounge among the ruins like desposed royalty, waiting for their empire to ressurect. This is the Largo Argentina, located south of the Pantheon. These are Repubican era temples that were partially restored in the 1920's. (Of course if you go by it you must descend the stairs and leave a small donation to the sanctuary-please?)
Written Oct 10, 2006
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Favorite thing: I thought the signage was quite good in Rome. Often in a variety of languages too.
This sign is in EIGHT different languages!
They are catering for the tourists of course.
As a tourist, it is really helpful to have signs written in one's own language, or a language that you have a good chance of understanding.
Updated May 23, 2006
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Favorite thing: Discoloured, ancient statues abound.
These are on the Via Appia on the way to the Coliseum, still in superb condition, if a bit discoloured (which is totally understandable!).
They are mostly of the various Roman emperors that have ruled, or of high ranking officers.
Updated May 23, 2006
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Favorite thing: One of the best things to do in Rome is just to pick a direction and walk.
The alleyways are enchanting, opening up into delightful piazzas, lending little glimpses into life for Romans.
Many of the alleys ways are also in the shade, which is a welcome relief sometimes.
Even though I am a South African, the sun gets to me too! haha
Fondest memory: There is something for everyone, wherever you go. Whether you like shopping, ice creams (yum!), architecture or culture.
Updated May 23, 2006
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Favorite thing: With the advent of digital photography and so many thousands of amateur photographers out there, there must be hundreds of thousands of photos of Rome floating around!
In Rome, everything is photo-worthy.
From the cobbles you are walking on, to the old sign post on the side of the spindly road, to the peeling ochre coloured wall of the facade of an ancient building.
It is information overload.
We took an average of 200 photos per day.
Thank goodness we had enough memory cards! haha For most people, coming to Rome is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so one needs to make sure you are well equipped for the trip in this area.
Updated May 23, 2006
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