The focus for today was on Republican and Imperial Rome, mostly touring (on foot) the central area where Roman government, business, and entertainment took place..

(Click on the small picture to see a larger version)

	Inside the "Church of St. Peter in Chains" (yes, that is really the name of the church) is this case, which tradition says contains the chains with which Peter was held when imprisoned by the Romans.
	To the right of the chains is the place where Pope Julius II was buried.  He is the one who commissioned Michelangelo to do the Sistine chapel.  He also had Michelangelo plan his tomb, and this is what Michelangelo did - a statue of Moses that was so lifelike when he finished he hit it on the knee and commanded "Speak!"
	Linda stands inside the Coliseum.  Not much to say about this facility, particularly if you saw Gladiator.  One clarification - there is no evidence that any Christian was ever killed here.  However, before it was built, the site was used by Nero to punish Christians he wanted to blame for the great fire.
	This is a good view of the Roman Forum, a central place for administration, worship, and public discourse.  In the middle of this picture is the temple of the vestal virgins, who watched over the eternal flame to protect the empire.
	This is the building where the Roman senate met - it is the place from which Rome ruled the world for 1000 years.
	Here is an altar dedicated to Julius Caesar.  Flowers are left here in remembrance of this Caesar that formed a strong bond with the common people.  Unfortunately, a few senators felt otherwise.
	This is the little dungeon where Paul was held for a day or two while awaiting a trial in Rome.  Most of his stay was not in these conditions, as the New Testament and other documents describe his regular teaching in the area.
	This is the head of a large statue of Constantine.  You can see the relative size.  Linda says she wanted to take a picture of two big heads.  She has such a sense of humor.
	The legend of Rome's founding includes two twins, Romulus and Remus, who's lives are sustained by a she-wolf.  Later, they fight, and one of them kills the other.  Of course, Rome is named for the victor.
	The emperor Trajan built this column, which is ornamented with marble carvings that spiral around with historical events from the bottom to the top.  A copy of this massive column is erected in Paris.

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