The Roman Empire - Ancient SuperpowerFor over 500 years, Rome could lay claim to being the centre of the world. How did one city acquire such an extraordinary wealth of power?
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Seven Wonders of Ancient Rome
Discovery.Channel.Seven.Wonders.of.Ancient.Rome
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Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most stunning squares. The square is domainted by three stunning fountains and a beautiful church. For more info on Piazza Navona, Rome, visit: http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/piazza-navona/
"..The site for today's square is built on the ancient Stadium of Domitian. The stadium was also known as "Circus Agonalis" -- "the competition arena". It was built by Emperor Domitian in year 86 AD and was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. Today's square follows the same shape as the old stadium, hence the long, oval look of Piazza Navona."
"..The site for today's square is built on the ancient Stadium of Domitian. The stadium was also known as "Circus Agonalis" -- "the competition arena". It was built by Emperor Domitian in year 86 AD and was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. Today's square follows the same shape as the old stadium, hence the long, oval look of Piazza Navona."
The Spanish StepsThe Spanish Steps is not only one of Rome's most popular gathering places, but the steps are also one of the longest and widest staircases in all of Europe. For more info on The Spanish Steps, Rome, visit:
http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/the-spanish-steps/ "..The first plans of building a staircase in front of the church, Trinità dei Monti, came from Pope Gregory XIII as early as in the late 16th century. However, the history of these steps dates back to the late 17th century. During this time, the church was under French ownership. In order to connect the church with the popular piazza below, the French ordered the construction of a massive, elegant staircase -- the very one that stands today." |
Trevi FountainThe Trevi fountain is not only Rome's largest Baroque fountain; it is also highly regarded as the most beautiful one and one of the most stunning fountains in the world. For more info on Trevi Fountain, Rome, visit:
http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/trevi-fountain/ "..Trevi Fountain has a long history. Its origins date back to ancient Roman times and when it served as the terminal point of the aqueduct Aqua Virgo. Aqua Virgo translates to "the Virgins Water" and derives from an old Roman legend." |
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Arch of Constantine, 315 C.E.
Arch of Constantine, 315 C.E., Rome; Speakers: Valentina Follo, Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker; http://www.smarthistory.org/arch-of-constantine.html
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National Geographic Inside : the Vatican
A rare glimpse inside the secret archives and private chapels of the Vatican.
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Pope Benedict XVI - My Vatican
Join us as the heavy bronze gates of the Vatican City are thrown open for an exclusive tour of the worlds smallest state. There can be no greater guide than the man who knows the basilicas intricacies best: Joseph Ratzinger, better known to the world as Pope Benedict XVI. In this intimate documentary, he provides a first hand glimpse into life at the Vatican, where the Pope is absolute ruler and the official language is still Latin. From the archives of the Inquisition to the catacombs and museums, he guides us around numerous locations inaccessible to the public. Many have never been filmed before.
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Inside the Vatican - Pouncing on the Sistine Chapel
When Michelangelo was asked by an aging Pope to rush his painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he had to get creative with classic techniques.
The Sistine Restored
This is an in depth retrospective on the decades long restoration of the Sistine Chapel.
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The Michelangelo Code: Lost Secrets of the Sistine Chapel
Clips from the documentary The Michelangelo Code: Lost Secrets of the Sistine Chapel by ZCZ Films.
Sistine Chapel Panorama
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St Peters Basilica, RomeMany rate St. Peter's Basilica and as the most beautiful building ever made. For centuries, this basilica has been the center for the Catholic faith and it is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites of all. For more info on St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, visit: http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/st-peters-basilica/
"..The history of St. Peter's Basilica dates back almost 2000 years. The basilica is named after Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and according to the tradition, the first Bishop of Rome. Saint Peter is therefore the first in the line of the papal succession." |
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The Colosseum
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Colosseum - A Gladiator's StoryDramatized film which uses reconstructions, stunt fights and computer-generated images of ancient Rome to tell the story of Verus, a gladiator who fought in the opening games of the Colosseum in AD80. The film also tells the story of the Colosseum itself, built to accommodate a staggering 55,000 spectators for the bloody spectacle of gladiatorial combat.
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Roman Forum
he Roman Forum is truly one of the most unique places in the world, where one can find the excavations of several ancient Roman buildings in the middle of modern Rome. For more info on the Roman Forum, Rome, visit:
http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/roman-forum/ "..The history of the Roman Forum dates back thousands of years. According to tradition, the birth of the Roman Forum is closely linked to the battle between Romulus, the first king of Rome controlling the Palatine Hill and his rival, Titus Tatius who occupied the Capitoline Hill." |
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Pantheon
The Pantheon, Rome, c. 125; Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker
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