Rome, Italy
By Kayleigh Dees period 5
Why go to Rome?
History: The history of Rome.
Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world dating way back. Most Romans will tell you it was founded 753 BCE, though most historians believe it was closer to 625 BCE. In early Rome, it was ruled by kings, but that did not last very long before the Romans decided to rule themselves. They used a senate that ruled over them and this system was known as the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic lasted for a very long time, it lasted from 510 BCE until 23 BCE. The Roman empire was eventually overrun because of the huge migrations that were happening across Europe. It was finally completely over when it was conquered in 476 CE. It is now the modern Rome that people know about today.
website: roman empire.net
Culture: Rome's culture
The culture of Rome revolves largely around their art and architecture, which the city is very famous for since they have produced many great artists."In Italy you find more than half (some say two thirds) of the works of art (monuments and masterpieces) and sights of the entire world." Says the Roman Homes website, and they are right. They also can be famous for their fashion ideas, though the whole of Italy, especially Milan, can take credit for that also. Their cuisine is also a big part of their culture, as they have helped with the invention of several types of Italian food of which that we know of today (such as traditional flat bread pizza which we have Americanized). But, the things that come to mind when you think of Rome are art and architecture.
website: Wikepedia
Getting There: I will be flying with Delta Airlines
Flights: Denver to Atlanta, Atlanta to Paris, Paris to Rome (getting there)
Rome to New York, New York to Denver (coming back)
Cost: $2,929.80 to get there. $1,464.90 to get back
website: Travelocity
Hotel and Lodgings: I will be staying at the Eurostars Roma Aeterna Hotel
Hotel Name: Eurostars Roma Aeterna
Hotel Price: $149.00 a night
Description: A roomy space with a TV, and two single beds. Free wifi with an included breakfast. There is a computer and desk in the room. There is not a pool or refrigerator, though.
website: Hotels.com
Activities to do around Rome
Activity 1: Tour of the Colosseum
Description: A huge amphitheater, also called the Flavian Amphitheater that was used for reenactments of battles, animal hunts, executions, etc. It is also considered one of the biggest engineering feats in ancient Rome. It was built starting in about 70 CE, and finished in 80 CE, but they continued to add to it all through 81-96 CE. Later on after it was used as an amphitheater it was re-purposed as housing, workshops, and a Christian shrine. The Colosseum is definitely a must see when you go to Rome.
Cost: $63.00 (46 euros)
Activity 2: Walk around the city (by Trevi fountain)
Description: The Trevi Fountain is a huge fountain with statues dedicated to the Roman gods in the middle of it. The fountain has lots of legend surrounding it. One legend that I found on the Trevi Fountain official site states,
"legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome." There are 3 statues in the fountain. One is a statue of a Roman figure called Ocean, one is called Abundance, the other one, Health. This fountain is a beautiful work of art that you just can't skip.
Cost: Free
Activity 3: See the Pantheon
Description: The Pantheon is a temple that was dedicated to the Roman gods, and it is one of the most well preserved ancient temples in Rome. It was built in 27 BCE-14 CE, but it was re-built once again in 126 CE. The architectural structure is amazing, with it's intertwined arches and towering dome, it is a very cool sight to see. I'm not the only one who thinks so either. According to Rome.info, "Probably one of the most fascinating features of the Pantheon is the Architecture." The Pantheon is probably one of the most cool and famous places, plus it's free!
Cost: Free
websites: nationalgeographic.com, tripadvisors.com, romanempire.net
Problems and Solutions: What I ran into planning the trip to Rome
Money: Rome is on a different currency system than us, they use euros. But if you just remember that one euro equals $1.37 then you should be fine. Also, talking about money in a different way, trips out of your country are very expensive. Most of your money will probably be spent on your flight, and you don't know how much money you are going to have left for activities. I found a way to go see really cool things for free. And all you have to do is type into to Google "free things to see around Rome" and I was all set.
European Outlets: In Europe, they have different outlets than we do in America. And no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to put your electronics from America into the outlets. But you can by an outlet transfer kit, which will transfer your outlet so you can use your American appliances in Europe.