After the Colosseum, our guide took us to the Capitol, and the square redesigned by Michelangelo.  From there, we got a spectacular overview of the Roman Forum and then a quick side trip to see the Circus Maximus, made famous in the movie "Ben Hur"

Of all the events of the trip to remember, certainly for me it was the first view of the Forum, the entire ancient city of ruins spread out below me in the late afternoon sun.   What a splendid sight it must have been, so many temples and important buildings crowded together.  Whereas all of my dreams about my future visit to Rome centered around Renaissance and Baroque Rome, what an education, a re-definition of what Rome was to see that scene.  Of course the Pantheon so well represents that Rome, but the Forum is Rome.   

I am so indebted to Sally and Neal, whose expertise and experience so made my Rome visit so much more that I could have dreamed.  

Walking up the  long ramp to the Piazza del Campidoglio, with the Palazzo Senatorio on the right, 
The Palazzo Nuovo in the center, and the Palazzo dei Conservatori on the left. 

Either Castor or Pollux

The Palazzo Nuovo, with a banner expressing support for the protesting women of Iraq. 

Michelangelo's Piazza, with the stature of Marcus Aurelius

One wing of the massive King Vitorio Emanuele II memorial.

And walking behind the square, we come to this incredible view of the Forum Romanum
 

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina on the left, Temple of the Dioscuri on the right (three columns),
and the Colosseum in the far distance. 

The Temple of Saturn, left, and the House of the Vestal Virgins on the right. 

The Circus Maximus.  
The film "Ben Hur" was not filmed here but on a huge set. 

Today it is mostly used as a park, and for an occasional large rock concert. 

Roman Royal palaces on the Palatine Hill

Again, an eye-opening lesson in history.