Depiction of twins

The legend of Roma, as told by hundreds of historians and poets, starts with the story of Romulus and Remus. Twin brothers, sons of the god Mars, were abandoned on the Tiber River. The river current transported them to the foot of the Palatine, where they were found by a she wolf that nursed them. As adults Romulus and Remus were dividing the land of seven hills. Romulus drew a line around the sacred area of the new city, Remus in jest, crossed the line. In a fit of rage Romulus killed his brother for violating the sacred area. Romulus populated the village by allowing outlaws to settle on the hills and marrying Sabine women.

Etruscan soldier

However strange the legend may seem modern historians have realized that the location of Roma was actually chosen for its strategic location along the hills and waterway. This is what made Roma so attractive for settlers’ way back in the 8th century B.C. Two centuries later the Etruscans had transformed these small villages of shacks and farmsteads into well-organized civilizations with a capital. The Etruscans were ruled by a king until 509 B.C. when the last king "Tarquinio la Superba" was exiled and a consulate was instituted.

Foro di Cesare

Through a series of emperors, elected senators and religious leaders Rome has grown from a small Etruscan village to the grand Capital we can visit today. In retrospect much is left of the ancient city once made almost entirely of marble, however the key classical artifacts and much of the neo-classical works created during the Renaissance still remain. They allow Roma’s visitors to travel through time from its beginnings and back to today.

The Ancient Center

Arco di Constantino

Foro Romano

The Capitoline Hill was where Romans came together to do everything from socializing, worship, making laws, and entertaining. It gets its name because it was the "capital" of ancient Roma. It was on this hill that the most important Roman temples were built, especially that of Jupiter protector of Rome. Around the Capitoline Hill you’ll find most of the sites you’d associate with ancient Rome. The Colosseum (probably the most widely known symbol of Roma), the Arco Costantino, the Foro di Cesare, the Foro Agosto, the Foro Triano, and the Foro Romano high lighted by the Arco di Tito. All of these sites are easily accessible from the main street Via dei Fori Imperiale, which has a metro station right in front of the Colosseum.

Piazza del Campidoglio

Other sites around the Capitoline Hill are the Piazza del Campidoglio, and the Capitoline Museums. The Ancient Center is, overwhelming with Roman influence, and is very limited in Christian sites. The grand Piazza Venezia, is recognized by the monument of Vittorio Emanuele II. The giant Palazzo Venezia, was one time home of Mussolini. The Palazzo is flanked by the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, the only notable church in the area.

Early engraving of Palatine

In contrary to the vast social background of the Capitoline Hill, the Palatine Hill was more secluded and floral. The original site of Romulus’ inhabitance the Palatine was converted to the home of the emperors of Roma. Filled with gardens and monuments, each emperor added something different. The Palatine Hill also offers the best view of the city from every degree.