1. The columns on the left of this picture is the Temple of Antonius and Faustina. Directly to the right of that is the Temple of Romulus, the founder of Rome. According to legend the twins Romulus and Remus were brought up on the Palatine Hill by a wolf. Here Romulus having killed his brother, is said to have founded the village that was destined to become Rome. Traces of mud huts dating back to the 8th century BC have been found on the hill, lending support to the legend. 2. The Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius. The basilica's three vast barrel vaults are all that remain of the Forum's largest building. Like other basilicas, it was used for the administration of justice and conducting business. 3. Temple of Castor and Pollux. Although there has been a temple here since the 5th century BC, the columns and elaborate cornice date from AD 6 when the temple was rebuilt. 4. Santa Fancesca Romana. The Romanesque bell tower of Santa Francesca Romana towers over one of a number of churches built among the ruins of the Forum. 5. Coliseum. Rome's greatest amphitheater was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 72. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights were staged by emperors and wealthy citizens, largely to gain popularity. Slaughter was on a huge scale; at the inaugural games in AD 80, over 9,000 wild animals were killed. The Coliseum could hold up to 55,000 people, who were seated according to rank. I will tell you more about the Coliseum when we go inside for class.