Museums

Our wandering the streets and noting the ruins scattered throughout the city led us to splurge on a museum pass good for nine sites. Our first visit was to the colosseum, built about 200 BC, where 12,500 spectators could enjoy executions in many imaginative forms, all sorts of exotic animals slain, and gladiator fights. 

Alas, all good things come to an end and in the third century AD the colosseum was defiled when a church was built on the floor of the arena. It too was destroyed during one of the many pillage cycles this city has undergone. It was rebuilt again then finally destroyed for good when the Muslims ransacked the country. Not that there is anything wrong with being Muslim (to paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld). 

The long bridge leads to the church ruins. 

De Anne following the Gladiator path to the arena floor looking for a fight.

The Roman circus (think racetrack) exists in bits and pieces scattered around the old city. The chariot races were free to the general public and heavy with symbolic meaning. Four chariots for each of the four seasons, ran twelve laps for the months of the year. Pick your favorite driver and place your bet.

The tower anchored one turn. The steps in front of the tower were for spectators to walk to the top of the stands. The next picture is inside one of the tunnels behind the stairs.

Looking down from the back wall of the circus.