On Friday we took a guided tour of some of the highlights of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, the Forum and other central areas of the ancient city.

A view of part of the Colosseum where the outer wall is missing. Contrary to what I used to think, Christians were not killed in the Colosseum, but more likely in Nero’s Circus (where St. Peter’s square is located now). Though there was plenty of blood and gore in the Colosseum. That’s my beloved in the front.

The Arch of Constantine. A symbol of the marriage of Christianity with Imperial power, for better or worse.

Near the Forum. On the right is a temple that was dedicated to the deified Emperor Antonius (d. 161 A.D.) and his wife Faustina. Later became a Christian church.

Forum area again. The remains of the Temple of Julius Ceasar on the left. Also, check out our tour guide’s spiffy vest!

Yours truly (right) and my buddy Patrick. Somewhere near the Piazza del Poplo I think.