Hotel Champagne - how apropos

Settled into Hotel Champagne along a quiet street several blocks from the Termini (train station). Scooters and motorcycles buzzing around everywhere.

Common mode of transportation

First stop on Day 1 in Roma was the Coliseum, built when the Roman Empire was at its peak in 80 A.D. Home of the Gladiators (mostly prisoners of war, slaves, or freedmen who desired to test their manlihood and athletic prowness), who fought to their death.

Colosseo

Next door was the Roman Forum, the birthplace of Rome and it’s great civic center.

Foro Romano

Then onto Palatine Hill raising above the Forum, home to many emperors and filled with remnants of palaces, including the great stadium of chariot races and other athletic competitions.

Stadium of athletic competitions

The National Museum of Rome was like entering a house of marble – the floors, the stairs, and oh my, the statues! It houses the greatest collection of ancient Rome marble statues, mosaics, and frescos. Love those Roman athletes, and their appreciation for well-toned and healthy bodies, great  minds and social skills for to lead a well-rounded life. Here is the best-preserved Roman copy of the Greek Discus Thrower.

Infamous Greek discus thrower

Apollo

Athlete in bronze

Oh my - check out that deltoid!