Monday, April 25th, Liberation Day, also known as the Anniversary of Italy’s Liberation, Anniversary of the Resistance, or simply April 25 is a national holiday in Italy that commemorates the victory of the Italian resistance against the Nazis. The Viking Star docked in Civitavecchia, the port serving Rome. Our excursion took us through the verdant countryside for two hours before arriving in the “Eternal City.” We passed the Aurelian Walls, the Pyramid of Cestius, Capitoline Hill, The Colosseum, and Circus Maximus.
The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today, despite its age. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 72 and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir, Titus The Colosseum is built of travertine limestone, tuff (volcanic rock), and brick-faced concrete. It could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at various points in its history, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Roman mythology, and briefly mock sea battles. The Colosseum’s huge crowd capacity made it essential that the venue could be filled or evacuated quickly. Its architects adopted solutions very similar to those used in modern stadiums to deal with the same problem. The amphitheatre was ringed by eighty entrances at ground level, 76 of which were used by ordinary spectators. Each entrance and exit was numbered, as was each staircase. The northern main entrance was reserved for the Roman Emperor and his aides, whilst the other three axial entrances were most likely used by the elite. All four axial entrances were richly decorated with painted stucco reliefs, of which fragments survive. Spectators were given tickets in the form of numbered pottery shards, which directed them to the appropriate section and row. They accessed their seats via passageways that opened into a tier of seats from below or behind. These quickly dispersed people into their seats and, upon conclusion of the event or in an emergency evacuation, could permit their exit within only a few minutes. Amazing!
Circus Maximus, initially constructed in the 6th century B.C., was the largest chariot stadium in ancient Rome. The 1968-foot-long stadium was located between the Palatine and Aventine hill and could accommodate as many as 150,000 spectators. Various activities took place in the Circus Maximus stadium at the time, the most famous being the horse drawn cart competitions. Mostly ridden by slaves who could fight for their freedom by winning the race. Other activities included the simulation of famous battles conducted by young Roman aristocrats, gladiator fights and athletic competitions. Little is left of the old stadium, only a large field in which the shape is still recognizable and a few small ruins. The Circus Maximus was in use until 549 A.D. After the decay, the stands were demolished, so that the stones could be used for new churches and palaces. In the 20th century, the site was already full of many industrial buildings, but Mussolini demolished them again because he wanted to use the site for large public events.
After lunch at Piro, we walked to Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, the large church built on the site of the crucifixion of St. Peter. We took an elevator to the balcony of the massive dome. Half of our group chose to climb to the top of the dome.
We stayed and saw Pope Francis who was attending the funeral of His Eminence Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan of the Title of Santa Doroteo, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Healthcare Workers in the Papal Chapel. What a surprise!
After those who climbed to the top of the dome rejoined us, we descended (by elevator) and toured the Basilica with our expert guide. Michelangelo Buonarroli’s “Pieta,” which he sculpted in 1499 when only 23-years-old, was only one of the memorable sculptures awaiting us. We have now visited the major sites of Christianity.
Once we were back on the ship, we watched the port talk on Livorno from our stateroom TV. We also watch David Burgess’ presentation on “Florence, Pisa & the Tuscan Countryside.”
A Battling Bishop 