Who has not heard of the powerful Roman Empire, whose territory extended far west and east, north and south. This is a state that has conquered hundreds of peoples and has existed for more than one hundred years. We will try to figure out where Rome was located, the first capital of the empire, its heart and soul. Are there monuments of that majestic era left in modern Italy?
A bit of history and geography
The eternal city, as historians call it, is truly amazing. Where was Rome, whose domination over the world lasted over six centuries? Probably every schoolchild knows this. This is Italy, part of its modern capital, a place on the banks of the Tiber River. In the past its influence was so great that the ancients said: "All roads lead to Rome." It was the true center of the universe, because it created laws, built roads, built amazing temples and palaces, improved water supply, and brought the art of war to perfection. Rome became the soul and heart of cultural and religious life, the cradle of Western civilization. The inhabitants of the city and the empire, although they belonged to the Ancient Era, were distinguished from the Greeks by their practicality and rationality, which allowed them to create an empire that had aroused strong fear for enemies for a long time.
Blood city
So, where Rome was and where it is located now, every educated person knows. This is the region of Lazio in the Roman province, Italy. The founding date of the city is considered to be April 21, 753 BC, and the legendary brothers Romul and Rem are the founders. But it is worth noting that, despite all its greatness, the city was always washed with blood and stood on its bones: everyone here was hungry for power and eliminated rivals and objectionable. From the time of the Etruscan ruler Amulius, who nearly killed the babies of Romulus and Remus, to Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor of the empire, conspiracies, assassinations of senators and supreme rulers, philosophers and orators, the elimination by any means of all pretenders to the throne, have been practiced.
The heart of the Christian church
But the place where Rome was was destined to again become the religious center of the world. It is here today that the papal residence, the main shrines and museums, the library and the archive of the Catholic Church are located. The successors of the Apostle Peter, that is, the pope, taking care of the beauty of the temples, contributed to the development of culture, art, architecture. So where is the Vatican? In Rome! This is an enclave, that is, a state inside another, the creation of which was officially fixed on February 11, 1929.
Sights Cities on seven hills
The question of where the city of Rome is, you will not puzzle anyone today. And if you ask people what interesting things can be seen in this city, then there will be a lot of answers. Over its long history, the city has collected so many attractions that only their list could take more than one page. We will focus on the most interesting of them.
- The Vatican, located in the western part of Rome (we mentioned it above). It is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter, Sistine Chapel.
- The Colosseum is a visiting card of the Italian capital, a symbol of the greatness and world domination of Rome. Built more than three thousand years ago, it still amazes with its colossal size and perfect architectural lines.
- Aqueducts, which the Romans still use, were erected in ancient times.
- The Capitoline Museum is a complex of galleries located in the historic heart of the city, on Capitol Hill. It was founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus the Fourth.
- The Pantheon is a brick building dedicated to all the gods of the Roman pantheon, erected at the beginning of the second century AD. It is perfectly preserved to our times.
- Castle of St. Angela is a former papal residence, a palace, a tomb, a castle and a prison, and today a museum.
- Trevi Fountain - a fountain of amazing beauty, decorated with sophisticated sculptural compositions.
- The Roman Forum - located between the Palantine and the Capitol, the square served as a venue for public gatherings.
In addition, the city has an uncountable number of bridges, columns, triumphal arches, ancient houses and palaces that create a unique atmosphere in the city.
Now the reader knows where ancient Rome was, what was its peculiarity and what he left behind for the coming generations.