Page 397 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

ROME : THE ANCIENT CENTRE  395

. Basilica of Constantine VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
and Maxentius
The basilica’s three vast barrel Practical Information
vaults are all that remain of the Entrance: Via della Salara
Forum’s largest building. Like Vecchia 5/6.
other basilicas, it was used for Map 3 B5. Tel 06 39 96 77 00.
the administration of justice Open 8:30am–1 hour before
and conducting business. sunset. Closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec.
& includes entry to the
Colosseum and the Palatine.
=98
Transport
@ 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 810.
q Colosseo. v 3.
The Temple of Romulus,
now part of the church
of Santi Cosma e Damiano
which stands behind it, Arch of Titus
retains its original 4th- This arch was erected by
century bronze doors. Emperor Domitian in AD 81
to commem orate the sack
of Jerusalem by his father
Vespasian and brother Titus,
13 years earlier.

Antiquarium Forense
This small museum contains
V I A D E I F O R I I M P E R I A L I
finds from the Forum. Exhibits
V I A S A C R A
range from Iron Age burial urns
to this frieze of Aeneas from
the Basilica Aemilia.

The Temple of
Venus and Rome
was built in AD 135,
V I A S A C R A
and was largely
Colosseum designed by Hadrian.
Palatine
The Vestal Virgins
Santa Francesca The cult of Vesta, the goddess of fire, dates back to at least
Romana the 8th century BC. Romulus and Remus were allegedly
The Romanesque born of the Vestal priestess Rhea and the god Mars.
bell tower of Santa Six virgins kept the sacred flame of Vesta burning in her
Francesca Romana circular temple. The girls, who came from noble families,
towers over one of a were selected when they were between 6 and 10 years
number of churches old, and served for 30 years. They had high status and
built among the financial security, but were buried alive if they lost their
ruins of the Forum. virginity and whipped by the high priest if the sacred
flame died out. Although they were permitted to Honorary statue
marry after finishing their service, few did so. of a Vestal Virgin

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