b'Romes Colosseum is probably the most photographed spot in the city.Rome makes theNEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLDlistspans more than 2500 years, dating backits founder, however the colossal statue to Before Common Era (BCE), where itof Nero nearby gave it its popular name. was once the center of civilization. Amassiveearthquakein1349caused Thecityhasbeenruledbypopes,the outer walls to fall. Rather than restor-kings and dictators, but it has always sur- ing it, the precious marble was used to vived as one of the most glamorous citiesconstruct nearby palaces, hospitals and in the world. Today it is considered thechurches. The bronze clamps, used to JONATHAN VAN BILSEN 11th most popular metropolis for tourists. hold the marble in place were also pried One of the reasons many visitorsockor hacked out of the walls, leaving its cur-On my continued quest of visiting theto Rome, aside from its Mediterranean cli- rent pockmark like appearance.new Seven Wonders of the World, I ammate, is the archaeological history. AsideThe present state of the Colosseum always thrilled to return to beautiful Romefrom the Colosseum, Rome has a wealthmakes it impossible to host large events; andexploretheColosseum.Whereverof ancient ruins, such as the Forum, thehoweverpeoplelikePaulMcCartney, you look these days, there seems to beCatacombs and the Pantheon, which hasElton John and Billy Joel have performed a resurgence in the interest of gladiators.been named a UNESCO heritage site bythereforsmallervenues.Manylarge Nowhere is this more evident, than in thethe United Nations, and all are worthy ofhappenings are held outside, using the centre of one of Europes most spectacu- a visit. Colosseum as a backdrop. The largest lar cities. TheColosseumhowever,de nitelyevent ever held in the Colosseum was Flying to Rome is easy, as there aretopsthelist.Builtbetween70and80in 107 CE, when a famous battle was many directights which should not takeA.D.,itwascapableofseating50,000reconstructedusing11,000animals more than eight hours from Toronto. Oncespectators. Gladiatorial contests and pub- (most of them brought in from Africa) and there, the bright lights, lively trattorias andlic spectacles such as re-enactments of10,000 gladiators. The entire event took sidewalkcafsmakeyouwonderhowfamous sea battles, executions and dra- 123 days.you will ever be able to leave. mas based on classical mythology, wereWhen visiting the Colosseum be sure Thiscity,Italyscapital,hasnearlyfound here. to take in the network of subterranean 3,000,000people,makingitsimilarinThe original name for the arena was size to Torontos core. Its history however,theFlavianAmphitheatre,namedafterPlease turn to page 32FOCUS - MARCH 202031'