The majority of people see cathedrals and ancient ruins when they think of Rome. But many people are unaware that Rome is also home to a massive network of catacombs, which are ancient burial sites that include subterranean tunnels and caverns. If you’re ever in Rome, these catacombs are well worth a visit since they provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. We’ll give you a summary of the Roman catacombs’ history in this post, along with a planning guidance.
Ancient Rome’s Walls
Rome’s historic walls are a striking sight. They previously defended the city from attackers across a distance of eleven kilometers. They now make a great backdrop for a bike trip or stroll.
Rome’s historic walls are a striking sight. They previously defended the city from attackers across a distance of eleven kilometers. They now make a great backdrop for a bike trip or stroll.
The fabled monarch Romulus initially constructed the fortifications in the seventh century BC. They were enlarged and renovated throughout the years, with various parts developing various sizes and forms. The Aurelian Walls, which were constructed in the third century AD by the Roman emperor Aurelian, are the most well-known section of the wall.
Appian Way
Rome’s gates are particularly intriguing. In the past, the city and its vast empire were connected by the broad roadways that radiate from both. The Appian Way is the most well-known of them. It was once the grandest and quickest road in existence, but now days tourists love to explore the area on rental bikes.
The Appian Way runs 400 miles from Rome to Naples and then on to Brindisi, straight as an arrow, as Roman engineers loved to create. Roman ships would depart from there and travel to Egypt and Greece. Today, it’s a great opportunity to get a taste of Rome’s fascinating past.
Roman Catacombs
The tombs of influential people from antiquity formerly lined the Appian Way. Pagans did not benefit from the promise of redemption, but those who could afford it bought a type of immortality by erecting massive monuments to themselves. As a display of riches and prestige, these graves were positioned along the main highways leading out of town. However, early Christians obviously lacked that type of wealth, so they interred their dead in huge subterranean catacombs known as necropoli that they dug beneath the land of the few other Christians who did possess it. Just beyond Rome’s walls, there are several catacombs located across the city.
These centuries-old tunnels, which are kilometers long and have several levels, are filled with graves. Numerous early Christians who were interred here ultimately gained fame as martyrs and saints. Then others built up niches close by to bury their loved ones beside these early Christian heroes. The catacombs were lost and abandoned during the Middle Ages. They were found centuries later by grand tour travelers from the romantic era. As a result of their candlelight visits, rumors of Christians hiding out to avoid persecution spread. The catacombs, however, were not safehouses. Simply enough, these were inexpensive subterranean cemeteries. The catacombs in Rome are now a well-liked tourist attraction and a must-see for anybody traveling to the city.
Roman Aqueduct
The chance to observe how the old city obtained its water is exceptional thanks to Rome’s Aqueduct. Rome had a population of nearly a million people, and the aqueducts delivered a regular supply of water from faraway mountains. The fact that these technical wonders are still intact after 2,000 years shows just how remarkable Roman engineering was. The aqueducts, however, were also Rome’s Achilles’ heel. One of the aqueducts might be easily destroyed if an enemy wished to destroy the city. In actuality, when the Barbarians invaded Rome in the sixth century, this is what took place. The city was unable to subsist without water, and it eventually crumbled. Locals searching for a place to walk their pets or get some exercise these days frequently visit the park.
Pantheon in Rome
The Pantheon is a must-see for tourists in Rome. It’s one of the most well-preserved buildings from antiquity and was once a temple to all of the gods of Rome. The structure that we see today, however, dates back to the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the second century CE. It’s built entirely out of marble and granite, materials that were brought in from all over the empire. The columns are each 24 feet tall and weigh 60 tons. The dome is an incredible design feat, as it’s unsupported by any internal pillars. At its center is a hole, or oculus, which lets in natural light and also serves as a ventilation shaft.
The Pantheon is now a church, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome.
The Roman Colosseum
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum. This massive amphitheater was built in the first century CE and could seat up to 50,000 spectators. It was used for a variety of entertainment, including public executions, animal hunts, and reenactments of famous battles. The Colosseum is an incredible feat of engineering. Its exterior walls are 150 feet tall and composed of three stories of arches. The interior is divided into three tiers of seating that surround the central arena.
