Uncover Rome's Treasures with Rick Steves' Secret Caesar Shuffle

When you think of Rome, you probably think of emperors, gladiators, and a fair amount of thumb gestures that would send a shiver down your spine. Most tickets grant you access to a lovely little adventure through the neighboring landmarks, though some, like those tantalizing guided tours of the Colosseum at night—because who doesn’t want a little darkness and drama?—might just tempt you into opening your wallet a tad wider. But let’s be honest: for most of us, when we say we want to experience Rome, we’re really just trying to channel our inner Julius Caesar. After all, who wouldn’t want to strut through the Colosseum, stand in the Forum where Caesar himself was laid to rest, and sip espresso in front of the Pantheon, that 'best-preserved temple' which, if it could speak, would share tales of toga-clad intrigue?

You can also snag a *barrier-free ticket* that covers the Forum and other gems in the Colosseum Archaeological Park, but don’t get too excited—this ticket won’t escort you through the Colosseum itself. Yes, that grand old lady is also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, a title that rolls off the tongue with a slight flourish, as if to remind you that it was brought to life by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty during the steamy years of A.D. 70 to 80. It’s such an old timer that you can practically hear it chuckling as it shakes off the dust of countless years.

Now, let’s talk about the parallels between modern-day spectacles and this ancient coliseum. Rick Steves—our charming guide to European escapades—has noted that, in the realm of spectator sports, the Roman 'taste for violence' was something even modern America might raise an eyebrow at. Picture a football stadium, but instead of players having a friendly skirmish for a trophy, we’re talking about blood, sweat, and tears... and perhaps a few unintentional fashion statements in the form of togas. As we watch our own gladiators chase after touchdowns, it’s worth pondering if they’d really want to trade places with those ancient warriors who had to literally fight for their lives.

Marvel at the Colosseum, where you can practically feel the weight of history wrapped around you like your favorite shawl. And as Rick pointed out in one of his delightful episodes of *Rick Steves' Europe*, this monumental structure showcases ‘all three Greek orders of columns’—that’s right, folks, the Greeks really knew how to throw a column party! So the next time you find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets of Rome, remember: beneath all that glamour lies a tale as rich and complex as a well-aged Italian wine, complete with a hint of irony and just a splash of blood sport.