Category Archives: Daily Journal

Moving through the Roman Forum to the southeast, one passes the Tempio del Divo Giulio (Temple of Caesar). Construction of this temple was begun after the Roman Senate deified Julius Caesar and was dedicated to the cult of a comet … Continue reading →

The Curia Julia in the Roman Forum holds several important objects including the Plutei of Trajan, a pair of stone balustrades found in the Forum. These balustrades were not part of the Curia Julia, but they are historically important because … Continue reading →

The Curia Julia was one of the buildings where the Roman Senate gathered. The reason why the Curia Julia has survived while most others have not is that the building was converted into the Basilica of Sant’Adriano al Foro in … Continue reading →

The Forum was the center for public life in ancient Rome. Today, the Forum lies mostly in ruins. At the northwest corner of the forum stands the Arch of Septimius Severus dedicated in 203 AD to commemorate the victories of … Continue reading →

The Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) is located near the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Its façade is modest. If one did not know the basilica was there, one might pass by, thinking that the structure … Continue reading →

As the Tiber River winds through Rome, Italy, pedestrians can stroll along at the level of the river itself or on the streets above the walls that protect Rome from flooding. From the north, one passes a number of bridges … Continue reading →

The Palace of Justice is located along the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome. Over the front door is a sculpture of Justice flanked by Law and Strength. In front of the building are statues of Cicero, Papiniano, … Continue reading →

Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy is in remarkably good repair considering that it is over 1800 years old .  The fact that the structure has been in nearly constant use since it was built undoubtedly has contributed to its preservation. … Continue reading →

A tour inside Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy gives visitors the clear understanding that this structure was used as a fortress, a residence, and as a prison. A passageway tall and wide enough to accommodate a horse-drawn wagon spirals from … Continue reading →

Castel Sant’Angelo began its existence as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. By the 14th century, Castel Sant’Angelo was conscripted by the popes for use as a fortress and a prison. Today, the structure is used as … Continue reading →