Ancient Rome, Italy - 9 August 2006

I stayed almost 3 weeks on Elba, so there was plenty of time for another excursion. Two days Rome!

I have been to Rome in December 2004.

The coin in the Trevi fountain worked! I was back. This time for a bigger tour.

To see where this photo was taken exactly, have a look at the interactive map and zoom in and out for a better overview.

In front of the Collosseum

Who doesn't know the Collosseum? One of the new seven world wonders. And Youssouf was there.

For more info see The Collosseum on Wikipedia.

Inside the Collosseum looking at the tiers

The inside of the Collosseum. Mighty impressive!

Inside the Collosseum, looking at the arena and hypogeum - Rome, Italy - 9 August 2006.

The arena itself was 83 metres by 48 metres (272 ft by 157 ft / 280 by 163 Roman feet).[2] It comprised a wooden floor covered by sand (the Latin word for sand is harena or arena), covering an elaborate underground structure called the hypogeum (literally meaning "underground"). Little now remains of the original arena floor, but the hypogeum is still clearly visible. It consisted of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. Eighty vertical shafts provided instant access to the arena for caged animals and scenery pieces concealed underneath; larger hinged platforms, called hegmata, provided access for elephants and the like. It was restructured on numerous occasions; at least twelve different phases of construction can be seen.
For more info see The Collosseum on Wikipedia.

Looking out over the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum)

I did not see ancient Romans somehow. But their Forum was still there. Covered with old buildings, ruins and temples.

For more info see Roman Forum on Wikipedia.