The Flavian Amphitheater

Today we time traveled (according to our guide). Today we went inside the Colosseum (The Flavian Amphitheater), something I've been wanting to do ever since starting Latin in the 7th grade. This tour was even more special, however, because we got to go to some areas that not many people go to. We started off in a section where usually only archaeologists go, and we entered the main part of the Colosseum though one of the arches. 

At the end of the tunnel (which would have been completely covered back in the day), we reached the wooden platform of the first floor of the Colosseum (one of the places where not many people go). 

After taking some touristy pictures like the one above, we went below the Colosseum's first floor to where slaves would have prepared the Colosseum for battles (getting animals ready, turning wheels for trap doors, pulling ropes, etc) and where gladiators would have arrived though the underground tunnels from the Ludus Magnus (gladiator training school) to the Colosseum. Obviously, these lights wouldn't have been installed back in the day, but it provides a cool photo now!

After walking around on what would have been the completely covered underground part of the Colosseum, we went up to the top to see the seating arrangements, where the emperor would have sat, etc. I took this panorama from the top! 

There was also a nice view of the Arc of Constantine, the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel II monument, and more (some of which isn't pictured below).

That took up the majority of the day, but we also went to one of my favorite spots in Rome-- Campo de' Fuori-- which is basically an outdoors farmers market with balsamic vinegars, cheeses, pastas, olives, dishes, and more. However, we got there too late and most of the stands had already left or were packing up. That was a bummer... 

We are spending part of tomorrow in Rome and then we are taking a train to Venice in the afternoon so...

Ciao for now!