Tag Archives: Rome

Colosseum cleaning yields old frescos/graffiti

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Shelly Martin

ROME —A long-delayed restoration of the Colosseum’s only intact internal passageway has yielded ancient traces of red, black, green and blue frescoes — as well as graffiti and drawings of phallic symbols — indicating that the arena where gladiators fought … Continue reading →

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The Gladiator Tomb

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Shelly Martin

AArrrghh… it’s just maddening! In 2008 archaeologists discover the 2nd century tomb of a wealthy senator, distinguished consul, and highly decorated battle-hardened general who led 20 years worth of Roman military campaigns for Emperor Marcus Aurelius against the Germanic tribes. … Continue reading →

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The Secrets of Ancient Rome’s Buildings

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Shelly Martin

Smithsonian Magazine What is it about Roman concrete that keeps the Pantheon and the Colosseum still standing? The Colosseum, inaugurated in A.D. 80, seated 50,000 and hosted gladiatorial games, ritual animal hunts, parades and executions The Romans started making concrete … Continue reading →

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Today’s Photo: The Pantheon at Night

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Shelly Martin

Built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC, on the Campus Martius (Field of Mars), the original Pantheon burned during a large fire in 80 AD.  Soon after the fire, it was rebuilt by Domitian, only to be burned again in … Continue reading →

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Today’s Photo: Flavian Amphitheater in Rome (The Colosseum)

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Shelly Martin

Building on the site of the Emperor Nero’s private lake, the construction of the Amphitheatrum Flavium (Flavian Amphitheater) was begun in 72 AD by the Emperor Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus, and was completed 8 years later by his successor, … Continue reading →

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Today’s Photo: Arch of Gallienus

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Shelly Martin

Located on Rome’s Esquiline Hill, on the site of the Porta Esquilina, the Arch of Gallienus was commissioned in 262 AD by Marcus Aurelius Victor in honor of the Emperor Gallienus.  Originally consisting of three arches, only one survives today.

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Today’s Photo: Pons Aemilius, The Ponte Rotto, Rome

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Shelly Martin

  Located immediately downstream from Tiber Island, the Ponte Rotto (Broken Bridge) was originally erected during the 3rd century BC.  The bridge was likely constructed as part of the Via Aurelia, the road to Etruria.  The visible remains seen today … Continue reading →

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Today’s Photo: Gameboard in the Roman Forum, Rome

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Shelly Martin

Several of these gameboards can be found scattered about the Roman Forum, in Rome.  This one is etched into the steps of the Basilica Julia.

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The Roman Forum

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Shelly Martin

Located at the center of the modern city of Rome, the Forum was the heart of the ancient Roman Republic, the focal point of religious, commercial, judiciary and political life.  The oldest public structures to be found in the city … Continue reading →

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Public restrooms in the Ancient Roman world

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Shelly Martin

A shy, private person would not have an easy time of things in ancient Rome.  Bathing was typically conducted as a group activity, the baths of Caracalla in the city of Rome could accommodate upwards of 1600 bathers, and “going … Continue reading →

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One last look at Rome…

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Shelly Martin

It seems that I’ve recovered from my jet-lag.  This year it was especially bad.  There are actually gaps in my memory from last week.  I took all the right precautions: regular sleep schedule, time in the sun, exercise, lots of … Continue reading →

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Homeward Bound

Posted on July 10, 2010 by Shelly Martin

I’ve passed the 2000 viewer mark with my blog!!  Thanks everybody for your interest.  As of this morning we are on our way home, with a stop in Roma this afternoon/evening.   We are home tomorrow night and I am ready … Continue reading →

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Ostia Antica…

Posted on June 26, 2010 by Shelly Martin

Wow!  The summer the trains heading out of Rome for the beach, are packed!  Unfortunately, Ostia Antica (the ancient port town at the mouth of the Tiber) lies 3 stops on the line before you get to the beach.  Luckily, … Continue reading →

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In Roma…

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Shelly Martin

We survived our flight, noisy students and mediocre in-flight service aside.  When the airline asks you for feedback on your travel experience, do you think they REALLY mean that?  Anyway… Wednesday is mostly a blur.  We checked into our room … Continue reading →

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New Adventures!

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Shelly Martin

For the next 2 1/2 weeks I’ll be posting from Roma and then Pompeii!  I am returning for a third year to work with the Pompeii Food and Drink Project in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.   After a few … Continue reading →

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