Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide
(Oxford Archaeological Guides)

The city of Rome is the largest archeological site in the world. If your idea of a good Roman holiday is uncovering the archeological mysteries of the Roman Empire, then Oxford Archeological Guides: Rome is your ideal guidebook. For such a detailed guide, this book is remarkably readable.

Of the Field of Mars (Campus Martius), Claridge writes, It is the one part of Rome which continued to be quite densely inhabited after the C9 AD, becoming the center of the late medieval and Renaissance city, and is still densely inhabited today, an extraordinary blend of past and present even for Rome.

The Stock Exchange occupies a Roman temple, the boiler-rooms of the offices of the Senate are set in the ruins of Roman thermal baths, a modern theatre nestles in the shell of a Roman theatre. Many of the streets are on the lines of ancient streets, and the walls of the buildings on either side of them are often balanced directly on top of Roman walls. Among this Oxford guide's special features are 200 site plans, maps, diagrams, and photographs; a cultural and historical overview; a chronological overview; and a glossary of essential terms.

It uses star ratings to help you plan your days and divides Rome into 12 main areas: the Roman Forum, Upper Via Sacra, Palatine Hill, Imperial Forums, Campus Martius, Capitoline Hill, Circus Flaminius to Circus Maximus, Colosseum Valley and Esquiline Hill, Caelian Hill and the Via Appia, other sites, museums, and catacombs. Shaded sidebars add anecdotal interest, covering issues such as the Seven Hills, Jupiter's Dining Room, Tomb of Bibulus, the "Province" Reliefs, Madam Lucretia, Nero's New Palace, and Gladiatorial Shows. --Kathryn True Book Description Capital and showcase of the Roman Empire and the center of Christian Europe, the city of Rome is the largest archaeological site in the world.

Here, Amanda Claridge presents an indispensable guide to all significant monuments in Rome dating from 800 BC to 600 AD. Included are such breathtaking structures as the Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian, the Circus Maximus, and the Catacombs. Divided into twelve main archaeological areas in central Rome, and four in Greater Rome, this accessible guide provides a detailed overview of the sites, as well as historical reference tables listing archaeological periods, emperors, and principal surviving buildings.

The introduction offers an assessment of Roman achievement along with its status as the capital of the Roman Empire, and explains Rome's survival as the world's most complex archaeological site. Ingram The largest archaeological site in the world, Rome includes such breathtaking structures as the Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian, the Circus Maximus, and the Catacombs. Maps & diagrams.

Brunelleschi's revolutionary design for the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is generally accepted as the first expression of Renaissance ideasin architecture. A fascinating city between sea and sky, like Venus rising from the waves, Venice welcomes tourists from the five continents drawn to her by the charm of her water and pellucid light, free from all dust and cooled by the sea breezes. She also offers the intellectual pleasures to be derived from her masterpieces which mark the meeting of East and West.

The monuments of ancient times and the splendours of the Baroque are the backdrop to the hectic buzz of swarming scooters and the animated talk from street cafés. Florence, the principal Tuscan City, is the world's most celebrated storehouse of Renaissance art and architecture.

• HOT Map of Rome - dynamic street map of the city

Attractions Hit List:

• Arch of Constantine
• Trajan's column was erected A.D. 106 to 113 in honor of emperor Trajan.
• The Uffizi is the world’s oldest gallery and the most popular museum in Italy.
• Vatican Museum - one of the most magnificent treasure houses in the world
• Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece - The Last Supper.
• Capitoline Museums - In the 16th century, Michelangelo unified two medieval palaces and built a third palace to create the set of buildings
• Domus Aurea - When much of Rome was burned down by the fire of 64 CE, the Emperor Nero took the opportunity to build a new residence
• Galleria Borghese- After several years of restoration, the Galleria is once again inviting visitors to view the collection of masterpieces
• Vatican Gardens -Before the Renaissance, what has since become the Vatican Gardens was merely vineyards and orchards.
• Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire.
• Piazza del Campidoglio
• Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome

Neighborhoods of Rome

• Trestevere - Once a working class neighborhood in a corner of Rome and pretty much Rome's Left Bank, the shops and artist's haunts are giving way to pizzerias and restaurants. There is still a vibrant night life that attracts visitors, however.
• The Jewish Ghetto - a maze of narrow alleyways makes this part of Rome easy to get lost in. While you'll find kosher restaurants and bakeries throughout Rome these days, this is still the place to come to see where it all started.
• Testaccio - A neighborhood built around a huge hill consisting of ancient broken amphoras. Once a quiet, working class neighborhood of shops dug out of the amphora hill, the shops are giving way to hot clubs for upwardly mobile youth. The remnants of the old ways of life are still around, so visit it while you can. The cuisine is still heavy on organ meats, just like the "old days."
• Via Veneto - Ah, La Dolce Vita! Pricey bars, embassies, and shopping for luxury goods are what you'll find here, along with the tackiness that's creeping in as the beautiful people find better things to do.

Simply stated, Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. To get a good sense of what the capital of Italy has to offer, you would need at least two weeks of solid sightseeing, and then you might start to understand and appreciate Rome’s place in the world, both historically and in modern times. You need not be reminded that Rome was once the center of all civilization.

The old saying, “All roads lead to Rome,” was not a cliché, but a statement of fact during the heyday of the Roman Empire. Even after Rome’s eventual fall, so much of what started there still impacts the world today. The art, architecture, and codes of law still resonate today, nearly 2000 years after the empire’s fall. Because you are working on a limited time budget, this guide will try and help you fit in all there is to see here in as short a time as possible.

But you may have to be resigned to the fact that you will not get the chance to see it all. You will be awed by the sheer sanctity and enormity of Vatican City. You will be floored by the Renaissance masterpieces found in the city’s museums and art galleries. You will be amazed by the colossal Colosseum. And you will be charmed by the seemingly seamless combination of the old and the new in Rome, The Eternal City.

There are visitor information centers seemingly everywhere in Rome. Two separate organizations are in the business of helping you find your way around the dizzying streets of Rome. In Stazione Termini, Rome’s main train station, you can visit either Comune di Roma (tel. 06/4890-6300) or Aziebda Provinciale di Turismo (tel. 06/487-1270). Organized tours are one way to fit everything to see in Rome into a short time. Unfortunately, the tours are designed to focus more on breadth than depth, so you will only get a thumbnail sketch of Rome’s best highlights.

It’s better to plan your day ahead so you can maximize your time efficiently, spending more time at the sights that interest you most. Any visit to Rome has to begin with a trip to Vatican City. You do not have to be Catholic to appreciate the amazing architecture, cathedrals, museums, and art galleries all within walking distance of each other.

The Vatican City Tourist Office (Piazza San Pietro, tel. 06/6988-4466) is a tremendous resource in helping you get started. St. Peter’s Basilica (Piazza San Pietro, tel. 06/6988-4466) is one of the more awe-inspiring sites in the world. There is no rationalizing or diminishing the wonder you will feel when you enter this massive edifice. Artwork from some of the greatest Renaissance artists surrounds you. The Vatican grottoes are downstairs, where popes throughout the centuries have been buried. Also inside is the tomb of St. Peter himself.

If you are in good shape, it’s imperative that you climb the 491 steps to the top of Michelangelo’s dome. The view from the top of the dome, overlooking the Vatican Gardens and the rest of the city, makes the exhausting trip completely worthwhile. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, as the cathedral enforces a strict dress code prohibiting shorts and skirts above the knee. You can expect to sweat if you visit during the summer. After leaving St. Peter’s Basilica, make your way to the richest collection of art in the world, the Vatican Museums (Viale Vaticano, tel. 06/6988-3333).

Like the Louvre in Paris or the Uffizi in Florence, there is far too much to see here, so much so that you could go to the museums every day for a month and still not get to appreciate every piece. But of course, no matter what you decide to view here, you will be funneled towards a true masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Photography is not permitted in the Sistine Chapel, and although the room is full of tourists, you can hear a pin drop. Words fail you, as the sheer beauty of what you see above you awes you.

Across town are the remnants of Ancient Rome, starting with the still awesome Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo, tel. 06/700-4261). Built in 72 AD, the Colosseum was the bloody theater for some epic battles between man and beast, and sometimes between man and man, to the delight of the sadistic Roman populace. An earthquake damaged the Colosseum, and it was later stripped of much of its grandeur to help build cathedrals and other monuments. It is currently being restored. Don’t bother taking a tour or renting the audiocassette accompaniment. Just walk around inside and let your imagination run wild. It truly is an amazing sight to behold.

The rest of Ancient Rome’s sights, including Circus Maximus and the Imperial Forums, deserve a cursory glance, and not much more if you are short on time. The Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda, tel. 06/6830-0230) is an architectural masterpiece, not to mention a great spot for people watching, or for visiting the tomb of Raphael. The Piazza di Spagna is where you’ll find the famous Spanish Steps, so named because the Spanish Embassy used to be located here.

Experience Italy's timeless treasures in some of her most beautiful and historic cities. Rome, the 'eternal city', exerts an enduring fascination over its countless visitors. Capital of Italy and the country's largest city, it can boast relics of over 2000 years of history.

St. Peter's Basilica