When was Rome built? Who founded Rome, the year Rome was founded - no legends, just bare facts

According to one version of the history of the founding of Rome, the following happened. After the destruction of ancient Troy, few defenders of the city managed to escape. They were led by the same Aeneas - the “motor boy”. The fugitives wandered the sea on their ships for a long time. And after a long journey, they were finally able to land on the shore. On the shore they saw the mouth of a wide river flowing into the sea. Along the banks of the river there is a forest and dense bushes. A little further under blue sky a fertile plain stretches out, illuminated by the gentle sun.

Exhausted by the long journey, the Trojans decided to land on this hospitable shore and settle on it. This coast turned out to be the coast of Italy. Later, the son of Aeneas founded the city of Alba Longa on this site

Decades later, Alba Longa was ruled by Numitor, one of the descendants of Aeneas. Numitor was not very lucky with his close relative. His younger brother Amulius fiercely hated the ruler and longed to take his place. Thanks to insidious intrigues, Amulius overthrew Numitor, but allowed him to live. However, Amulius was very afraid of revenge from the descendants of Numitor. Because of this fear, his own son was killed on his orders former ruler. And their daughter Rhea Silvia was sent as a vestal virgin to. But, despite the fact that priestesses should not have offspring, Rhea Silvia soon gave birth to twin boys. According to another legend, their father could be the god of war, Mars.

Having learned about everything, Amulius became very angry and ordered that Rhea Silvia be killed and the newborns thrown into the city. The slave carrying out the order carried the children to the river in a basket. At this time there were large waves on the Tiber due to a strong flood, and the slave was afraid to go into the raging river.

He left the basket with the children on the shore in the hope that the water itself would pick up the basket and the twins would drown. But the river only carried the basket lower to the Palatine Hill, and soon the flood ended.

She-wolf

The water went away, and the boys fell out of the fallen basket and began to cry. In response to the children's cries, a she-wolf, who had recently lost her puppies, came to the river. She approached the children and maternal instinct overpowered the predator instinct. The she-wolf licked the children and gave them her milk. Nowadays, installed in a museum, it is a symbol of Rome.

Who raised Romulus and Remus

Later, the boys were noticed by the royal shepherd. He picked up the children and raised them. The shepherd named the twins Romulus and Remus. The children grew up in nature and became strong and agile warriors. When Remus and Romulus grew up, the named father revealed to them the secret of their birth. Having learned the secret of their origin, the brothers decided to return the throne to their grandfather Numitor. They gathered a detachment each and headed towards Alba Longa. The indigenous inhabitants of the city supported the uprising of Romulus and Remus, since Amulius was a very cruel ruler. So, thanks to the townspeople, the grandchildren were able to return the throne to their grandfather.

The young men fell in love with their way of life and did not stay with Numitor. They headed towards the Palatine Hill, to the place where the she-wolf had once found them. Here they decided to build their own city. However, in the process of deciding: “where to build the city?”, “Whose name should it be named after?” and “who should rule?”, a very strong quarrel broke out between the brothers. During the dispute, Romulus dug a ditch that was supposed to surround the future wall of the city. Rem, in mockery, jumped over both the ditch and the embankment. Romulus became angry and impulsively killed his brother with the words: “Such is the fate of anyone who crosses the walls of my city!”

Founding of Rome

Romulus then founded a city on this site, starting with a deep furrow that marked the boundaries of the city. And he named the city in his honor - Rome. In the beginning, the city was just a group of poor huts made of mud and straw. But Romulus really wanted to increase the population and wealth of his city. He attracted exiles and fugitives from other cities and carried out military raids on neighboring peoples. To get married, a Roman had to steal a wife from a neighboring village.

Rape of the Sabine Women

Legends say that once war games were organized in Rome to which neighbors and their families were invited. At the height of the games, adult men rushed to the guests and, grabbing the girl, ran away.

Since most of those abducted belonged to the Sabine tribe, the incident became known in history as the Rape of the Sabine Women. Thanks to the kidnapped women, Romulus managed to unite the Sabines and Romans into one, thus expanding the population of his city.

Development of ancient Rome

Years, decades and centuries passed. Rome developed and provided the basis for the most powerful of ancient civilizations - Ancient Rome. When Ancient Rome was at the height of its power, its power, culture and traditions spread across most of Europe, northern Africa, Middle East and Mediterranean. And the heart of this state was Italy.

Ancient Rome created the basis for the development of European civilization.

Thanks to him, some unique architectural forms, Roman law and much more. Also, it was on the territory of the Roman Empire that a new faith was born - Christianity.

The capital of Italy has more than once experienced periods of both decline and revival. This Eternal City, standing on seven hills, harmoniously combines different eras with their diversity of styles. Antiquity and modernity, a certain freedom and religion created a multifaceted image of the great city. In modern Rome, the ruins of ancient temples, majestic cathedrals, luxurious palaces coexist with advertising of popular companies on billboards and house facades, and numerous retail outlets with their noisy merchants.

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ETRUSIAN(TUSKI) – Slavic tribes Northwestern Italy, settled in these lands since the 20th century BC.

The self-name of this people is Rasen. Some Italian annalists consider the first leader of the Russian settlers to be Rasen.

There is even a version put forward by Thaddeus Volansky, based on the opinion of more ancient authors that Prince Razen brought his Family from the Volga-Oka basin of Rus', or rather from the Ryazan region, since Razan, Rezan and Ryazan are just different pronunciations of the same word, meaning in translation - “ A Section of the Native Land").

And they were Fire Worshipers, that is, Getae. “GE-YOU” – those who worship the Spirit of Fire. And these are, first of all, the Slovenian-Aryan tribes. So, by the word “Geta” the Romans and Greeks meant all Slavs, although they distinguished them according to their tribal characteristics.

Hence the names: Massagetae, Mirogetae, Tissagetae, Tiragetae, Samogetae, Fracogetae, etc. Particular attention should be paid to the name “Etruscan” in this list. Many try to translate this word as “These are Russians,” but THIS is not entirely true.

The very name of the Etruscans is Rasen, and since these Russians came from Razani, they were also “Fire Worshipers”, and also fit the definition of “Geta”, only the “Russians” are “Geta-Russians”. Hence the word: Get-Russian (in Latin transcription - Etruscan). Ancient Etruria was located between the Arno and Tiber rivers, becoming the cultural basis of the future Rome. The main arrival of the Etruscan tribes in Italy occurred in the 13th century BC, after the fall of Troy (the main city of Mediterranean Rus').

The surviving population of Rusena (Arsava), having lost the war to the Greeks (Achaeans), moved in different directions of the World, some tribes went to the South (to Palestine), others to the East (to Lake Van), others to the North (to the Northern Black Sea region), and the ancestors of the Etruscans to the West (to Italy). They were a highly developed people who laid the foundation for the future Roman Empire.

Magnificent builders, architects, craftsmen who made beautiful products from ceramics, metal, leather and stone, knew painting and art, and even minted their own coins. Among other things, the Etruscans were excellent navigators, in whose honor even the sea along the Apennine coast was named - the Tyrrhenian Sea, since the ancient Greeks called the Etruscans - Tyrrhenians.

Famous Roman statesman, patron of the arts Maecenas Guy Tsilnius (70 - 8 BC) was very proud of his Etruscan origins. (Thanks to him, the word Patronage has spread throughout the world as disinterested patronage of art). The first kings of Rome were also Etruscans: Tarquinius Priscus, Serbius Tullius, Tarquinius the Proud. Etruscan fist fighters took part in all Roman festivities. And the entire basis of urban construction was the work of Etruscan engineers and architects. The Roman system of underground canals designed and built by the Etruscans is still part of the urban economy of the "Eternal City".

This was confirmed by Livy Titus (1st century BC), Strabo (1st century BC), Diodorus Siculus (1st century BC), Pliny the Elder (1st century), Ptolemy (2nd century) and many other pre-Christian authors, as evidenced by numerous Etruscan letters. However, in Christian times, the cunning Latin priests, in order to hide the truth from the world, said: “Etruscan is not readable...”.

And this went on for a very long time, although Etruscan inscriptions were scattered on antiquities throughout the Mediterranean. Thus, in Egypt, thanks to the efforts of Bratislava antiquities lover Mihail Baric, the mummy of a woman was discovered in 1848, which subsequently, after Baric’s death, ended up in the Zagreb Museum. In 1892, the German Egyptologist Krall, while examining the mummy, discovered Etruscan inscriptions on its linen bandages, which were fully photographed only in 1932.

This text was called “The Zagreb Veil”. The Etruscan alphabet was studied and completely restored, BUT, it was still not possible to read the texts, since they tried to understand them through Ancient Greek and Latin transcriptions.

Help in deciphering the Etruscan texts was provided to everyone by the Pole Thaddeus Wolansky (1785 - 1865), who placed the Slavic runic and many archaeological monuments of this writing next to the Etruscan alphabet. But when writing the book “Monuments Slavic writing before the Nativity of Christ,” fearing religious censorship, he just tells readers:« I extend to you friendly assistance in deciphering ».

And yet, for this book, Wolanski was sentenced by the Polish Catholic Church to be burned at the stake, made from his own books. Thaddeus was saved only by the fact that Poland was then part of Russian Empire

and the Emperor's permission was required. Nicholas I requested the book for review, and after studying it, he ordered several copies to be left in his personal library and the rest to be burned (but only books), so as not to quarrel with the clergy. We will consider only one inscription mentioned in Volansky’s book. This is a spiral inscription made by runic about 3 thousand years ago on the gravestone of the Trojan king Aeneas (the stone was found in Italy, near Creccio, in 1864), :

the inscription reads “The Almighty God spoke from heaven to Vim and Dim - the Holy Men of Russia: take care of the house and children, raise the Saints, stay away from the spirits of the Underworld, wander through this world, have the faithful faith, like the king of the clan Aeneas, sitting in peace in Elisha. .

Do not forget your chronicles, for then the good path ends."

According to Volansky, Etruscan is the Umbrian-Ocian alphabet, which has undergone some changes over thousands of years, and Italian came from the merger of these two languages. The most recent monuments, which preceded shortly before the complete latinization of the Slovyan-Russians, already have an alphabet that was more advanced for that time. Volansky’s attentiveness to the forms of letters and their assessment testify to his high knowledge of the issue, and reveal in him a deep connoisseur of ancient writings, which was the reason for the desire to be burned by the Judeo-Christians, since even the idea that the Latins were descended from the Slavs appeared to Catholic Church!

– wild sedition

Sedition - conspiracy, unrest, rebellion, evil intent. Hence the words: Muddy (indignation) and Gloom (dark). However, if we discard Christian dogmatics and take the direct (syllabic) translation as a basis, then it turns out - K-RA-MOLA (prayer addressed to God RA). Hence the above meanings, but they were formed already in Christian times, since Praying to God RA is sedition (in the Judeo-Christian understanding), which is fully consistent with the dogma of all modern religions.

For such “Sedition”, Witches and Sorcerers were supposed to be burned at the stake, and Magi were to be cut in half, and only then burned (that’s how the Greek clergy were afraid of the Slovenian Vedic Spiritualists).

Materials used by Thaddeus Wolandsky and

BC. , however, new research indicates that Rome is much older. Archaeologists say they have found evidence that the Italian capital had some kind of infrastructure that was widespread at least 100 years before the founding of Rome.

How many years have passed since the founding of Rome?

Patrizia Fortini, the leading archaeologist at the excavations (Foro Romanum), states that the technology used to build the walls of the ancient structures in the Eternal City was most popular in those times when the construction of Rome was not even discussed. The wall discovered by archaeologists was built using volcanic tuff, which allowed groundwater to flow freely into the Spino River, a tributary of the Tiber. Not far from the building, archaeologists found fragments of ceramic dishes and food remains.

“We needed to conduct a thorough study of the ceramic material, which allowed us to approximately determine the date of construction of the wall. We assume that it was built between the 9th and the beginning of the 8th century BC," says Fortini. Scientists already know that Rome was settled gradually and that the date of its founding, April 21, 753, arose from the discovered writings of a certain author. Recent finds and discoveries indicate that the first settlers came to Rome around the 10th century BC. – this means that the city is at least 3000 years old!

The "Black Stone", a square surface of black marble located in the Roman Forum, is located near the (Arco di Settimio Severo), a famous monument built in the very center of the forum back in 203 AD.

Many historians believe that it was under this stone that one of the founders of the city, Romulus, was buried.

Archaeologists have been excavating here since 2009, using some surviving photographs, images and other materials obtained from scientists who previously explored the site. So, initially archaeologists worked here under the leadership of Giacomo Boni, who headed the excavations of the Forum from 1899 until his death in 1925.

According to photographs taken at the site, Fortini and her team created a 3D model of the Forum and used laser scanners and high-quality imagery to uncover what the archaeologist calls the "first structure" of the city.

The Roman Forum was originally the most important square of the empire and Rome; in ancient times there was a regular market there. Today, it is one of the most popular of the Eternal City, visited by tourists every day. The prospect of walking around all the ruins under the scorching Italian sun does not frighten visitors to the city, who strive to take photographs here against the backdrop of ancient buildings, where the “hum” of the voices of the ancient Romans can still be heard.

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Rome (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Rome with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Rome (Italy)

Rome is the capital of Italy and the Lazio region, one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. The Eternal City is located on the legendary seven hills on the Tiber River, approximately 25 km from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rome is the cradle of a great civilization and the center of one of greatest empires in the history of mankind. Here, on almost every street there is some kind of attraction and you can easily come across architectural and cultural monuments that are several thousand years old. Therefore, exploring Rome in a couple of days is simply not possible.

Historical Center city ​​is included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO. In Rome, you can touch the period of Antiquity and the history of the Roman Empire: see the famous Forum, the legendary Colosseum, the ancient Pantheon and many other ancient monuments and grandiose ruins, stroll along narrow streets with smooth paving stones polished by millions of feet and centuries, sit in cozy street cafes and trattorias, visit famous Roman squares and fountains, palaces and gardens. In addition, Rome is the center catholic faith: Vatican, its museums, square and St. Petra and Castel Sant'Angelo are also popular among tourists.

Rome has many epithets - " the eternal City", "city on seven hills". Eternal Rome began to be called back in Antiquity. The city carried ideas about “eternity” through millennia, despite the fall of the powerful Roman Empire.

Rome is called the “city of seven hills” because historically the city was located on seven hills: the Palatine, the Capitol, the Quirinal, the Caelium, the Aventine, the Esquiline and the Viminal. Palantine Hill was the first to be settled, then the Capitol and Quirinal.

Founding of Rome

Founding of Rome by famous legend associated with the brothers Romulus and Remus. They grew up on the banks of the Tiber at the foot of the Palatine, suckled by a she-wolf. It was they who founded the settlement here. Then a quarrel arose between the brothers. Romulus killed Remus, becoming the first king of Rome. He also founded a fortified settlement on the Palatine Hill.

Geography and climate

Rome is located in central Italy between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The historical center of the city is spread over seven hills.

The climate of Rome is subtropical Mediterranean. Spring is a relatively mild and rainy season. It is usually cool until mid-April. It can already be hot in May. Summer is hot and dry. Autumn is warm and humid, sunny days alternate with rains, which gradually become more frequent.

Rome in the snow is a very rare phenomenon

Winter, from December to February, is quite mild, considering that average temperature in January it is about 7.5 ° C. Frosts are possible at night. February usually feels more like spring.

Best time to visit

You can practically visit Rome all year round. The only thing is that the city is very hot in summer. Some establishments close at the end of July-August. Therefore, if you do not like the heat, it is better to come to Rome at another time.

Practical information

1. Population - 2.9 million people (agglomeration 4.6 million). In terms of population, Rome is the 4th city in the EU.
2. Area - 1.3 thousand square kilometers.
3. Language - Italian.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.

Districts

• The modern center is Piazza Veneto, the Republic and Barberini, the Trevi Fountain and the surrounding area of ​​the Quirinal. There are many restaurants and shops located here.
• Old Town - Renaissance squares, Piazza Navona, Pantheon.
• Colosseum - ancient place Rome, Capitoline Hill, which houses the legendary amphitheater, Forum, ancient ruins and many museums.
• The Vatican is the Catholic capital of the world: museums, the cathedral and St. Peter's, St. Castle Angela.
• North Center - Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese.
• Trastevere is a charming area south of the Vatican, on the west bank of the Tiber, an area of ​​narrow cobbled streets and cozy squares that have served as a source of inspiration for creative people.

Administrative divisions of Rome

Rome is divided into 19 municipalities (municipi), 22 historical districts, 35 neighborhoods, 6 suburbs and 53 zones.

Story

The history of Rome is rich and unique, so it would take a whole book to tell it. Here we will limit ourselves to listing the main historical figures and events.

The rise of Rome began in Antiquity, during the royal period. According to tradition, there are seven kings. The first was Romulus. At this time, the first temples appeared in Rome (Temple of Vesta and Temple of Janus), and the famous Servian Wall was built.

Rome in Antiquity

After the Royal period, Rome became a Republic. Then a significant expansion of the Roman state and the strengthening of its power began: roads were laid, magnificent temples and palaces were built. Culture, crafts, architecture, and art developed. The Roman Republic becomes very powerful, and Rome becomes the center of the Ecumene. The central square became the famous Forum, the ruins of which can now be seen. The growth of the state accompanied the change in Rome, which began to rapidly expand, new buildings and structures were erected.

Roman Forum - the center of ancient Rome

The imperial period of Rome is closely connected with the personality of Gaius Julius Caesar. Caesar erects a new Senate building, creates a new territory for public buildings on the Champ de Mars. During this period, the power of the Roman Empire increased.

During the reign of Emperor Nero, the city suffered from a severe fire. After him, Rome was rebuilt.

The decline of Rome coincided with the fall of the Roman Empire. In the 5th century, the city was sacked by the Visigoths and Vandals.

In the early and mid-6th century, Rome changed hands six times during the war between Byzantium and the Ostrogoths. At this time, the city's population decreased to 30-40 thousand people. The once greatest city on Earth has fallen into disrepair. Magnificent buildings were slowly destroyed and plundered.

This is followed by the period of Papal power in Rome. With its rise, the center of the city became the Vatican Hill with the Church of St. Petra. At this time, old buildings are being destroyed without hindrance. Only those buildings that were used by the local nobility or the Church have survived.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Rome was again sacked.

IN modern times the city became a Republic again. Napoleon abolished the Papal State, although after his defeat the power of the Pope was restored.

In 1870, the troops of the Kingdom of Italy occupied Rome, and it became the capital of the kingdom.

During World War II, Rome escaped major destruction, although it was subject to German occupation.

How to get there

Rome has a modern international airport - Fiumicino, which connects the Italian capital with most major cities in Europe and the world.

Almost in the center of Rome is the main railway junction of the city - Termini Station, from which you can get to anywhere in Italy.

Public transport in Rome consists of three metro lines, trams and buses. Suburban connections are very well developed. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco kiosks and public terminals. A one-time ticket costs 1.5 euros and is valid for one trip for 100 minutes.

Shopping and purchases

Rome is a great place for shopping. Brand stores can be found in the area of ​​del Corso. Cheaper shops in via del Tritone, Campo de' Fiori and in the Pantheon area. If you need a large shopping center, that is:

• Euroma2 - 230 shops and restaurants. Line B "EUR Fermi" or "EUR Palasport".
• Cinecitta Due

Food and drink

Italy is famous for its cuisine: lasagna, pizza, pasta and many other dishes are very tasty. In Rome it's easy huge selection restaurants and cafes. But the main advice is to avoid tourist places. The food there is often more expensive and not as good. Step aside a little and take a closer look to see if there are any Italians sitting in the establishment. This is where you can enjoy real Italian cuisine. From my experience of Roman tours, I can say that the most tasty food in Rome in the area of ​​​​Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere. For drinks, wine is preferable, which is simply excellent here and even in restaurants is not very expensive. Also be sure to try the gelato (ice cream).

Attractions

There are a huge number of attractions in Rome. Probably, the number of historical, cultural and architectural monuments here is the largest per square meter. To explore at least the main attractions of Rome you need to spend more than one day, but to explore this ancient city totally - need to come here several times.

Or the Flavian Amphitheater - a symbol of the greatness of ancient Rome and the pride of the present. It is one of the most famous attractions in the world, visited by 6 million tourists every year. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in Antiquity, which could accommodate about 50,000 spectators. Surprisingly, this grandiose structure was built in just 8 years. Construction of the amphitheater began in 72 and was completed in 80. The Colosseum was used for 500 years. It hosted gladiator fights, executions, and exhibitions of exotic animals. Despite earthquakes, looting and even bombing, the Colosseum still makes a strong impression.

Interesting facts about the Colosseum:

• In the Middle Ages, the inhabitants of Rome used the travertine from which the amphitheater was built to build churches, houses and roads. Therefore, it can be called a miracle that the Colosseum survived at all.
• original name The "Flavian Amphitheater" was modified in the Middle Ages. The name comes from the Latin word for "colossal".
• The opening of the Colosseum was accompanied by 100 daylong games, during which about 2,000 gladiators died.
• Initially, the amphitheater had a rich external marble finish.
• In order to protect the spectators in the stands from the sun, a special fabric was stretched.
• Cages with animals and gladiators were located under the arena.

One of the oldest places in Rome, the center of the political and religious life of the city. These legendary ruins are located between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. After the fall of the empire, the Forum was forgotten, plundered and buried underground. Excavations were carried out only at the beginning of the 20th century.

In addition to the large number of temples that are located in the Forum (Saturn, Venus, Romulus, Vesta, etc.), it is worth paying special attention to the following buildings:

• Via Sacra is the main street in Ancient Rome that connected Piazza del Campidoglio with the Colosseum.
• The Arch of Titus is a triumphal arch dedicated to the victory over the Jews. It was built after the death of Emperor Titus.
• Arch of Septimius Severus, built in 203 AD to commemorate the third anniversary of Severus's tenure as emperor.
• The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, built in the second century, stands out as the best-preserved temple in the Roman Forum.
• Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine - this was one of the most important buildings of the Roman Forum.
• Curia is the Senate building founded by Julius Caesar.
• The Phocus Column is over 13 meters high, created in 608 AD in honor of the Byzantine emperor.

The Trevi Fountain is the largest and most beautiful fountain in Rome. It was built at the end point of an ancient aqueduct. The Trevi's final appearance dates back to 1762, when, after many years of work on it by Nicolo Salvi, it was finalized by Giuseppe Pannini.

It is one of the greatest domed structures in the world and one of the best preserved structures of Antiquity. It was built between 25-27 AD. consul Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. After several fires it was rebuilt in 126 AD. under the Emperor Hadrian, who ordered the following lines to be engraved on the facade - “M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT”, which is translated from Latin as “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consul, erected this.”

In 609 the Pantheon was consecrated as christian temple. This event made it possible to preserve this unique building almost in its original form.

The Pantheon is a true masterpiece of ancient Roman architecture and engineering. Structurally, it is a concrete-brick rotunda with a giant 43-meter dome. It is assumed that the dome was previously decorated with golden rosettes similar to stars, but no exact evidence of this has been found.

The Palatine Hill is located fifty meters from the Forum. This is the oldest place in Rome. It is believed that the Italian capital was founded on the Palatine. During the Republican period, the Roman nobility settled on the Palatine Hill and built luxurious palaces.

On the Palatine Hill you can see hundreds of ruins of imposing buildings that were created for noble Romans in ancient times. Of these, they deserve special attention:

• The Flavian House (Domus Flavia) is a magnificent palace built in 81 BC by order of Emperor Domitian as his state and official residence.
• The House of Livia is a rather modest house that was built in the 1st century BC. It is one of the best preserved buildings on the Palatine Hill. You can still see the remains of mosaics and frescoes that once decorated the ceilings and walls.
• The House of Augustus is the residence of Octavian Augustus, which still has much of the valuable and colorful frescoes that decorated its walls.
• Farnese Gardens - designed in the mid-16th century on the ruins of the Palace of Tiberius. The Farnese Gardens were one of the first botanical gardens in Europe.
• Hippodrome of Domitian - it is not known for sure whether it was a stadium for racing or simply used as a garden.
• Palatine Museum - This small museum displays rarities found during excavations carried out on the Palatine Hill. The exhibitions contain sculptures, frescoes, mosaics and other objects.

The Arch of Constantine is the most beautiful, largest and best preserved of the ancient triumphal arches of Rome. Built at the beginning of the 4th century AD. and is dedicated to the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The arch is tricuspid and made of marble. Decorated with inscriptions and bas-reliefs.

Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome, often called the “Piazza of the Three Fountains”. It was formed at the end of the 15th century and retains the shape of the stadium of Domitian, which stood here in Antiquity. The stadium was built in 86 AD and was larger than the Colosseum. The stadium was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. The buildings surrounding the square are built on the foundations of ancient stands. Today Piazza Navona is one of the most popular places in the capital of Italy.

Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is famous for its fountains:

• The Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of the most famous and beautiful fountains in Rome, built in the first half of the 17th century according to the design of Bernini. Interestingly, he, like Trevi, takes water from the ancient aqueduct - Acqua Virgo. The sculptural composition of the fountain symbolizes the four great rivers: the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges and La Plata. The sculptures are made of white marble. The dominant feature of the sculptural group is the Egyptian obelisk (which was actually made under Emperor Domitian and adorned the circus on the Appian Way). The height of the obelisk is more than 16 meters.
• The Moor's Fountain is located in the southern part of the square. At first the fountain was without sculptures. The sculpture of the Moor was made by Bernini in the 17th century, and all the other sculptures were made in the 19th century.
• The Neptune Fountain occupies the northern part of the square. Until the 19th century, it did not have a sculptural composition.

Directly opposite the Fountain of the Four Rivers is Sant'Agnese in Agone, a beautiful 17th-century Baroque church with two bell towers by Borromini. Although the original architect was Rainaldi. The church has a magnificent and rich interior decoration. Dedicated to Saint Agnes - an early Christian torment.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are a popular tourist attraction in Rome. The Spanish Steps were built in the 18th century and lead to the top of Pincho Hill. At the foot of the stairs there is a beautiful fountain - Barcaccia.

The Altar of the Fatherland (Vittoriano) is one of the most controversial landmarks of the Italian capital, located in Piazza Venezia. The structure was built at the beginning of the 20th century and dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy. Inside there is a museum - the Risorgimento. The colossal monument is 135 meters long and 70 meters high. The Vittoriano consists of many majestic Corinthian columns and staircases, which are carved from white marble. In the center is a bronze equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel.

From Vittoriano you can walk along Via del Teatro di Marcello to the Cordonata, the majestic staircase leading to the Piazzale Capitoline, designed by the great Michelangelo in the 16th century. In the corner of the square there is the famous Capitoline Wolf - a small bronze sculpture. The sculpture depicts a she-wolf feeding the infants Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, with her milk.

Castel Sant'Angelo or Hadrian's Mausoleum is a monumental structure on the right bank of the Tiber in Hadrian's Park. It is a tall fortified cylindrical building. The history of this structure begins in the first half of the 2nd century AD. Emperor Hadrian (who literally rebuilt a third of Rome) conceived it as a tomb for himself and his family members. The mausoleum was completed after his death. The funeral urns of Hadrian and Septimius Severus were placed in it. The last person buried there was Caracalla. During the Papacy there was a fortress and a prison here. Currently, Castel Sant'Angelo is a museum, one of the most visited in Rome. The castle can be reached via the St. Bridge. Angela is a pedestrian bridge over the Tiber, decorated with statues of St. Peter and Paul and ten angels.

In 1277, an 800-meter fortified corridor was built that connected the castle with the Vatican so that the pope could take refuge in the fortress in case of danger. This corridor was used only once - in 1527.

The Vatican is a miniature state within Rome, the center of the Catholic faith. If you are an art connoisseur, then be sure to visit the Vatican discount museums. They contain hundreds of unique, valuable creations, paintings, and sculptures. The Vatican Museums are very popular among tourists, so there are usually long queues. It is best, of course, to visit them in groups.

One of the main attractions of the Vatican is St. Peter's Basilica - the largest Christian church in the world, the main Catholic church. This is the largest and most grandiose building of the Vatican. They worked on the creation of the cathedral greatest masters of that time: Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini. The cathedral's capacity is about 60 thousand people. The interior of the cathedral amazes with its harmony of proportions and its enormous size. There are a lot of statues, altars, tombstones, works of art by outstanding masters. You can enter the cathedral absolutely free. Entrance from St. Square Petra.

Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome and one of the largest city parks in Europe. The state acquired the gardens of the Borghese family in 1901 and soon turned them into a park. Villa Borghese is an interesting combination of nature and art, a place where interesting architectural elements, sculptures, monuments and fountains are located, created in different time famous artists and sculptures.

What interesting things you can see here:

• The Borghese Gallery is one of the most important museums in the Italian capital. It features paintings by artists such as Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.
• The zoo contains more than 1000 animals.
• Pincio water clock from the 19th century.

Trastevere is one of the most pleasant areas to walk in Rome, with a typically Italian atmosphere. This is one of the best places for lunch or dinner in the Italian capital. A walk through the narrow cobbled green streets of Trastevere will reveal hidden treasures such as modest medieval churches, small shops with the most unusual objects or scenes Everyday life Romans

The center of the area is Piazza Santa Maria, where you can see the ancient basilica and fountain.

The catacombs are an extensive network of underground burial places of early Christians and Jews that date back to the 2nd-5th centuries. The catacombs were founded by Christians who did not accept the pagan customs of burning bodies. Therefore, to solve this problem, due to the lack of space and the high price of land in Rome, they decided to create these huge underground cemeteries. The catacombs have a huge amount underground passages that form real labyrinths several kilometers long, along which rows of rectangular burial niches were dug.

Rome has more than sixty catacombs, consisting of hundreds of kilometers of underground passages containing thousands of tombs. Currently, only five of them are open to the public:

• Catacombs of San Sebastiano (Via Appia Antica, 136). These catacombs are 12 kilometers long and dedicated to St. Sebastian. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
• Catacombs of San Callisto (Via Appia Antica, 126). A network of passages more than 20 kilometers long. The Tombs of San Callisto were the burial place of 16 pontiffs and dozens of Christian martyrs. Opening hours are from Thursday to Tuesday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
• Catacombs of Priscilla (Via Salaria, 430). They contain some frescoes with great importance for the history of art and the first images of the Virgin Mary. Opening hours: Sunday to Sunday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
• Catacombs of Domitilla (Via delle Sette Chiese, 280). Discovered in 1593, these catacombs, more than 15 kilometers long, owe their name to the granddaughter of Vespasian. Opening hours are from Monday to Monday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.

Trajan's Market is located opposite the Forum. Was built between 100 and 110 AD and is considered the first covered " shopping center Europe." The complex, consisting of red brick and concrete, had six levels, in which there were up to 150 different shops and apartments.

Baths of Caracalla - located near the Appian Way. They are among the largest and most impressive baths built in the Roman Empire. Visiting the baths was a favorite pastime of the Romans, who regularly came here not only to maintain their hygiene, but also for social relations. In the vast area where the baths were located, the citizens of Rome could not only use public baths, but also devote your time to fulfilling physical exercise, visit the library, walk through the gardens or pray to the gods. The Baths of Caracalla, covered in marble and decorated with valuable works of art, were the most luxurious baths that were and will be built in ancient times.

Piazza del Popolo Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is a large oval square in northern Rome that has existed since Roman times. At one time, an important road leading to the north began here. Three churches border the square, but the main attraction is the obelisk of Ancient Egypt. On the north side of the square are the Porta del Popolo, which lead to Via Flaminia, the road connecting Rome to the Adriatic coast.

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a small basilica built in the Middle Ages that houses several Christian relics (such as the skull of St. Valentine).

The Mouth of Truth is a huge marble mask that, according to legend, bites the hand of those who lie. Located in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

The Circus Maximus is the largest stadium in Rome, located between the Palatine and Aventine. It was built for chariot racing. The stadium could accommodate up to 300,000 spectators. Nowadays, the ruins of what was once Maximus' circus barely survive. Now there is only a huge terrace that follows the shape of the stadium. This often disappoints tourists who visit it hoping to find at least some ruins.

The Janiculum is a very pleasant place to walk, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and also has an excellent viewing point. Many call the Janiculum the eighth hill of Rome.

The Acqua Paola Fountain is a monumental marble fountain created in the 17th century to celebrate the opening of the old Roman aqueduct.

According to a beautiful legend, Rome was founded by Romulus, one of two brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf in her lair. But since you started reading this article, you are probably wondering how far the legend is from reality.

Today we will find out how titled Italian historians explain the origins of Rome.

I am sitting at a lecture on Ancient Rome at the University of Bologna, many of you know that I am studying as a historian in Italy. Our professor tells...

What evidence do we have in our hands? Literary sources and archaeological finds!

Who founded Rome - Romulus

Alas, not one literary source does not name the person who personally saw how Romulus outlined the boundaries of the new city. There are no direct eyewitnesses and there could not be. Because writing in Rome appeared only at the end of the 7th century BC, that is, more than a hundred years have passed since the founding of Rome.

But even the advent of writing does not shed any light on the mystery, because the history of Rome really began to be interested several centuries later - when it grew, strengthened and began to threaten its neighbors. Approximately from the middle of the 4th century BC. The ancient Greeks paid the most attention to Rome. But the historians on whom we can rely today - Titus Livius and Dionysius of Halicarnassus - lived in the first century BC!

They, of course, also relied in their works on other authors who had heard folk legends about Romulus and the first seven kings of Rome... But today no one can establish what share of the truth reached them after so many years...

Greek historians tried to show that the Romans owe their origins to... who else, the ancient Greeks!

Dionysius of Halicarnassus writes directly in his “Roman Antiquities”: “The inhabitants of Arcadia were the first of the Hellenes to cross the Adriatic and land in Italy. They were led by Enotres, the son of Lycaon, born 17 generations before the Trojan War... Enotres and the Hellenes who sailed with him, They found here many lands useful for grazing livestock and for agriculture. Some of them were deserted, some were inhabited by local peoples, but these settlements were small in number. Liberating Italy from the barbarians, Enotre founded new cities, close to each other, as they did. in ancient times, the lands occupied by him were called Enotria, and the inhabitants who inhabited it were called Enotres."

Titus Livy dedicated 142 books to Rome. The first of them tells entirely about his formation... Titus Livius mentions the legend of Aeneas, who, after the Trojan War, also sailed to Italy.

So, it turns out that Italians are direct descendants of the ancient Greeks?

Of course no. In modern historiography you can read about many nationalities that lived in Italy back in bronze age. "Golasecca" - in modern Piedmont and Lombardy; not far from Padua there is another culture, it is called the “Este culture”; on the territory of today's Tuscany and Emilia - the "Villanovian civilization", from which the Etruscans emerged...

However, we digress. Who founded Rome?

Surprisingly, all ancient historians answer unequivocally: Romulus. The only doubt is whether it was a real man. Or, due to the fact that the city was already called Rome, the legend attached the founder with consonant name- Romulus? Yes, this often happens: with a lack of facts, cause and effect change places...

In Italy, archaeologists constantly find something interesting...

Both Titus Livius and Dionysius of Halicarnassus tell how Romulus took the plow in his hands and outlined the boundaries of the new city. The god Mars was declared the father of Romulus. You can read this beautiful legend on the website, go

However, the authors themselves are not very sure of it. Titus Livy writes: “It is excusable for antiquity, confusing the human with the divine, to exalt the beginning of cities; and if any people are allowed to sanctify their origin and elevate it to the gods, then the military glory of the Roman people is such that if they called Mars himself their ancestor and father their ancestor, the human tribes will demolish this with the same obedience with which they demolish the power of Rome. But I do not attach great importance to such stories, no matter how they look at them and no matter what people think about them.”

Who founded Rome? - our professor summed up. - Let's assume it was Romulus, not forgetting that confirmation of this is legend. But in fact, we do not know exactly why Rome was called Rome. According to one version, it is based on the word ruma , which means a woman’s breast, shaped like a rounded hill (the city was born on such a hill). According to another version - from the word Rumon , in ancient Latin, this was the name of the Tiber River, on which Rome stands. ( Note: in Italian the name of the city is Roma).

Year of foundation of Rome - 753 BC

If the name of Romulus is named by a legend recognized as vague even by historians, then how did scientists calculate with such accuracy the year of the founding of Rome?

The answer is archaeology!

“First of all, Romulus fortified the Palatine Hill, where he was raised,” writes Titus Livius.

Today the Palatine Hill in Rome looks like this.

No, no, yes, you can see how scientists in heavy boots are excavating on the territory of the Palatine.

We've come to the most interesting part...

In 1988, Italian archaeologist Andrea Carandini and his team conducted excavations on the southern slope of the Palatine. He discovered a semblance of a palisade, and parallel to it, closer to the center of the hill, the remains of a wall; they date back to the 8th century BC.

Scientists' hypothesis: a stone wall enclosed Ancient Rome, it was founded by Romulus. And the palisade encircled the boundaries of the city’s holy possessions; it encircled a larger territory. It was forbidden to plant trees, bury the dead, or build houses and workshops... A kind of “no man's land.”

Another historian who lived in the 1st century BC, Marcus Terentius Varro, describes the ancient ritual of laying the city:

"In Lazio there was a custom to lay out a city in the Etruscan manner. A bull and a cow were harnessed to a plow, and this is how the city's border was outlined. It was a religious custom, the ritual was performed on the day designated by a sign. The boundaries of the city were marked by a ditch and a wall. A ditch is a furrow, which the plow left behind. The wall - the land that emerged from under his knife. The wall was built inside, the moat - outside, the boundaries of the city were no longer marked by columns."

Varro mentions that the day for the founding of the city was chosen specifically. Scientists today name not only the year of the founding of Rome, but also the day - April 21, the holiday of pastures and grazing animals.

The border of the city's possessions and the stone wall were not always close to each other; sometimes there was a significant space between them. The wall was built for protection purposes and covered the territory that needed it. And the border of possessions in Rome ran with a large margin, as if implying that the city would grow.

The expansion of the city's boundaries could only happen in special cases. Then the old columns were preserved, and new possessions were designated as new, as the rituals dictated. In Rome, it was possible to expand the boundaries of the city only at the expense of territory conquered from another people. The next time, after Romulus, the border was delineated in the 1st century BC. And the last time was under Emperor Aurelian in the 3rd century AD.

Another find of archaeologists, translated from Latin, is called “Black Stone”.

On January 10, 1899, during excavations in the Roman Forum, the scientist Giacomo Boni discovered this tombstone. There is an inscription carved on the stone that warns: anyone who touches it will bring great disasters upon his own head.

Scientists believe that the stone may mark the burial place of Romulus. According to another version, Faustulus, who sheltered and raised the brothers Romulus and Remus, is buried here. If you are ordinary tourists visiting Rome, you can easily find in the Roman Forum the place where Lapis Niger rests.

As soon as the find was discovered, it was immediately associated with a written source that mentions a black stone near the site of the comitia, not far from the curia. The grave of Romulus is marked with a black stone, the chronicle says.

Of course, no one dares to name the exact year the stone appeared; they only say that the age of the find allows us to be sure that the monarchs of Rome were very ancient. None of the scientists are talking about whether human remains were found anywhere near the Black Stone.

They don’t yet know where to look for Romulus...

There is a version that Romulus could have been killed at one of the “meetings” of the Curia, which took place not far from the “black stone”, his body could have been cut into pieces, and taken outside the city...

Who founded Rome, the year Rome was founded - today I tried to answer these questions without guile, with maximum frankness. To the extent obtained in one of the best universities world of knowledge.

I hope the article was useful. Although, probably, it did not live up to the hopes of some readers 😉