Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill

Today we did some mammoth Roman ruins sight-seeing. We could hear Chocolate Moose muttering under his breath 'not another pile of old stones...'

The Colosseum was Rome's first purpose built blood-sports arena and at the opening games in AD80, 9,000 beasts and scores of gladiators were killed. Wild beast fights were so popular that the whole of North Africa was emptied of elephants, hippos and lions. Gladiators were usually slaves or criminals, sometimes if a gladiator was badly wounded, he would raise his hand and place his fate at the mercy of the crowd. 'Thumbs up' meant he lived to fight another day, 'thumbs down' meant he died.

The Roman Forum is a large complex containing many temples, basillicas and was the seat of government of the Roman Empire.
Palatine Hill was home to Rome's elite and had many beautiful palaces. There was a modern art exhibition being held which allowed us access to areas usually closed. We also saw a baby eagle, who was waiting for mum to come back with some grub and was trying to fly. Very cool!

The Colosseum

One of the temples at the Forum

Dad and Charlie overlooking the stadium on Palatine Hill

Eagle chick on Palatine Hill

Bubster says Hi!

Inside the Colosseum

Charlie gives the 'thumbs down'!