If you are given the chance to travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go? Sure there would be some answers of Australia, China, France and Madagascar. While these sites are truly amazing places to visit, there is one place that is so steeped in history and culture that it would surely impress even the most savvy of minds. Rome is the place that I am describing. Its history predates the birth of Christ by many centuries, and it has undergone a myriad of changes that would intrigue any visitor. Since there is so much to see in and around Rome, I came up with the top five historical sites that I think are the most important to see. Someone else's top five might be different, and probably is different, but these are sights that lend themselves to all periods and significance of Rome.
5) Hut of Romulus
http://home.att.net/~b.b.major/hutstructure.jpg
Romulus and Remus are known as the founders of Rome. Some have even pinned the exact date in which they founded Rome, April 21, 753 BC. Who knows if this is true or not, but 753 BC is known as the year in which Rome was officially founded. The story of Romulus and Remus is largely based around folklore. The story goes that the two were raised by a she-wolf. Whatever the case may be, there is a sight in Rome between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills that exhibits postholes from a hut that date back to the 8th century BC. This is truly one of the oldest sites in Rome, and should give you a great feel of where Rome came from: from a hut to great Imperial Forums.
4) The Aqua Claudia
I know what you are thinking, "an aqueduct, are you kidding me?" No, I'm not at all, as I think the Aqua Claudia played an important role, as did all aqueducts, in the success of Rome. These aqueducts are truly an amazing feat, as they brought water from far reaching springs. Although this wasn't the first aqueduct to be built, it is definitely one of the greatest. At one time, it was able to get water to all parts of Rome. Its ducts were mainly found underground, but are most visible right through the center of the city where it winds its way to the Palatine Hill. Aqueducts were so vital to the survival of Rome that invading forces often tried to find the buried ducts in order to cut the water off to Rome. Rome is next to the Tiber River, but it was believed to be far too dirty to take water from (sewage was dumped into the Tiber). It won't be hard to miss if you're in the city, so take a look around and admire its grandeur and innovative designs of the time.
3) New St. Peter's and the Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican is definitely an amazing sight. Located northwest of the center of the city and across the Tiber River, this site is one that has a history that is almost unmatched in terms of who worked on it. Dating back to the 15th century, St. Peter's actually went through four different planning processes. Bramante and Michelangelo were two of the developers that designed the first stages of St. Peter's. Today's St. Peter's includes a tomb by Michelangelo for Pope Julius II and Bernini's Baldachino over St. Peter's resting spot. With those names alone, one should definitely take a look at this site.
2) Colosseum
Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, this has to be one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. It is also recognized as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The Colosseum was once the center of Roman society and culture. From gladiator fights to triumphal parades, the Colosseum served many purposes. With its completion in 80 AD, this amphitheater could even be flooded to hold mock naval battles. Everyone has probably seen the movie Gladiator, so getting a feel for what it could have been like isn't too difficult. What is left today is the aftermath of centuries of quarrying. After the Colosseum's glorious history as a site of spectacle, it was later used as a place of worship and even as a place to house livestock. The gladiatorial history is enough to get one to come here.
1) Pantheon http://www.uh.edu/engines/pantheon.gif
This is a building that really is an amazing piece of history, and its architectural feats is what I believe sets it apart from other sites. Originally created by the Emperor Hadrian and completed in 125 AD, the Pantheon served mainly as a temple to the gods. The building that Hadrian built is actually the second or third building to be on the site. Its most impressive feature is the dome. How large this dome is really sets the standard for this type of architecture. At the top of the dome is a giant oculus that acts like a sort of sundial. Many popes take over this site and do with it as they please. Today there are many tombs within the Pantheon because of its importance as a trademark of Rome. This importance is what makes it so spectacular.