Colosseum and the Forum

The day started off with a visit to the colosseum where 50000 romans would sit and cheer for their favorite events.

The games took place in the oval shaped  arena which was 280 ft long by 165 ft wide. This was also known as the golden ratio of 5:3. The arena was originally covered with a wooden floor where they could retract platforms to create trapdoors or lift things into the arena such as animals or props. The seating in the arena was segregated where the emperor had a front row seat (where the cross is in the picture), political members had their names carved in marble seats, and the vestal virgins all had great seats. The next level was people of noblr birth, followed by tourist, and  then then for the poorest peopler, slaves, foreigners ansf women, there was the top section.

The games would begin with a few warm up acts followed by the main event which usually wasnt till the evening. All that entered would say "Hail Ceaser, We who are about to die salute you." An interesting fact is that after a gladiator had fallen or been knocked down, his foe would approach the emperor and ask whether he should live or die. Sometimes the emperor chose, and sometimes he let the crowd chose.

Next on the list was to visit the forum which was very interesting. The forum consisted of many different buildings dedicated to certain aspects of roman culture. For instance you had the home of the vestal virgins, basilicas, squares for markets, rooms for God's, temples, and an amazing amount of architectural work. 

The forum was a vital part to rome back in the day where people came to hangout, shop, and listen. It is where senators passed laws and where citizens passed time.

So much to see along with so much history behind every building, definitely glad we were able to get an opportunity to visit these sites.