Rome began as an Iron Age hut village, founded in the mid-8th century BC. In 616, the Romans’ sophisticated Etruscan neighbors seized power, but were ousted in 509, the inception of the Roman Republic. It conquered most of the rest of Italy, then turned its attentions overseas, and by the 1st century BC, ruled Spain, North Africa and Greece.
The expansion of the Roman Empire provided opportunities for power-hungry individuals, and the clashing of egos led to collapse of democracy. Julius Caesar ruled for a time as dictator, and his nephew Octavian became Rome’s first emperor, assuming the title Augustus. During the reign of Augustus, Christ was born, and though Christians were persecuted until the 4th century, the new religion took hold and Rome became the main center of Christianity.
Even though it was the seat of the papacy, during the Middle Ages Rome went into decline. The city recovered spectacularly in the mid-15th century, and for over 200 years was embellished by the greatest artists of the Renaissance and the Baroque.
Finally, in 1870, Rome became the capital of the newly unified Italy.
This is my 3rd visit to ROME, the eternal city, is now steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique. We visited St.Peter’s Square and Basilica, Iconic Colosseum the largest amphitheater ever built, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Campidoglio and other important monuments.