Rome during the Republic

The Colosseum(also called the Flavian amphitheater because it was built during the reign of the Flavian emperors) You can see the underground chambers and trap doors that held back beasts and gladiators. They even flooded up to the first row of seats for mock water battles.

The Arch of Constantine is located right next to the Colosseum. It was built in the early 4th C to celebrate Constantine's victory at the Milvian bridge and his defeat over Maxentius (supposedly with the help of divine intervention). After this battle he became the emperor of Rome, often referred to as the first Christian Emperor because of his tolerance of the Christians and his conversion at the end of his life.

Lots of Arches! This is the Arch of Titus, located up the street from Constantine's arch and the Colloseum. I can't remember much about it other than it was built to commemorate Titus' sack of Jerusalem and the 2nd destruction of the Jewish temple. Under the Arch carved scenes depict soldiers marching through Rome carrying loot from Jerusalem.

Roman Forum: The pic on the far left is the ruins of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. There were 7 vestal virgins in all. Believe me, if you were a woman living in ancient Rome, you'd want to be one of these girls. The Central Pic is also a temple, actaully taken over by the Christians later on and turned into a Church. Interesting fact, Saint Lawrence was martyred (BBQed) on the steps right in front of the columns. The far right pic is the remains of the Roman Forum.

The man himself. Julia Ceasar!