A Study Travel Guide To Romes Ancient Wonders

As one of the mightiest seats of power in the ancient world, and a fascinating palimpsest of history, religion and culture across the eras, Rome is the ultimate study travel destination for those learning about ancient history and classical civilisations. Within the modern bustle of this endlessly fascinating, many-layered city, some of the most striking monuments of the ancient world can still be found and there is still much that can be learned from them. Visitors often talk about the palpable sense of history that can be felt in the streets, where a short stroll can bring you face-to-face with the bricks of ancient walls or pre-Christian stone carvings. Here are some of the most important sights for budding historians, classicists or archaeologists to see.

The Forum

When Tarquinius Priscus became the fifth king of Rome, at the end of the 7th century BCE, he committed himself to an extensive building programme, creating the hilltop Capitol temple complex and, below it, the Forum. This was an open piazza at the heart of the city both literally and metaphorically: it was where all of Romes roads met, and it was to be the citys most important public space, the venue for elections and assemblies, ceremonies, games and processions. Today, it is still one of the best places for study travel groups to gain an impression of the life of ancient Rome, by exploring the remains of the religious and public buildings that still stand there including the House of the Vestals, the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, and the Arch of Titus. As well as a glimpse of the cultural and political life of the city, these ruins offer insight into Roman building techniques and artistic styles.

The Colosseum

Perhaps the most iconic structure of ancient Rome, the Colosseum is sure to feature on any study travel itinerary, and for good reason. Built in the first century CE, it is one of the crowning achievements of Roman engineering, and offers a sense of the awe that ancient visitors would have felt upon witnessing the theatrical productions, gladiatorial fights and battle re-enactments that were regularly held here.

Roman Streets and Shops

The ancient world, however, was not just composed of grand monuments: much more everyday structures had a vital role to play in the life of every great civilisation and, in Rome, some of these structures can still be seen. The remnants of ancient streets and shops show study travel groups a different side of Roman life, and one that was vital to the functioning of the Republic. They can be found in several places: Via Biberatica, in Trajans Market, is a wonderfully preserved cobbled street lined with shop buildings, while the Clivus Argentarius, behind the Forum Caesaris, is home to the grand ruins of more shops.

About the Author:
Angela Bowden works for STS (School Travel Service), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing school trips for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. Study travel with STS can encompass art/design, foreign languages, history, science/nature, geography and more, to worldwide destinations.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/A-Study-Travel-Guide-To-Rome---s-Ancient-Wonders/4227414

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