The Forum/Coliseum

( I was having trouble uploading photos...so there is a delay)
A busy and productive day visiting The Forum and the Coliseum. As our class first identifies power and authority, our day focused on the origins of power and the types of authority imposed on in Roman society.

The Forum was home to many statues, etc to honor past Roman leaders. Many leaders would tear down one monument to put up another.  Much of the Forum has stone upon stone upon stone.  Also, much of the marble was stripped from the monuments for other monuments, including St. Peter's (which is on tap for Thursday!) I was stunned with the enormity of the building capacity. You are immediately struck at how hard many had to work to have this level

The arc of Titus represents true oppression.  Titus ruled Rome and war and exile forced over 50,000 slaves from Palestine, to walk to Rome. Titus killed 1000 jews each day till the end of the end of the war.  The Arch represents Romes spoils from the war.  Notice the menora on the head of a soldier.

 

The Colisuem was also enormous and a vivid portal of the use of authority. I didn't know there was an  entire "lower level" where animals and gladiators where kept. 

tomorrow is the 4th...we are visiting the Spanish Steps and having an celebration pizza party!