Of this vast empire Rome was the metropolis, now a city of innumerable
streets and buildings, and containing, it is calculated, a population of
about two millions and a half. It was in this period that Rome became
truly a splendid city. Augustus was able to boast that “he found the
city brick and left it marble.”
ITS EXTENT AND CHIEF BUILDINGS.--In the days of its greatest prosperity
the circumference of Rome enclosed by walls was about twenty miles; but
there were also very extensive suburbs. The walls were pierced by thirty
gates. The most remarkable objects were the Coliseum, the Capitol with
its temples, the Senate-House, and the Forum.
The great circus, or Circus Maximus, a place reserved for public games,
races and shows, was one of the most magnificent structures of Rome. It
was capable of containing two hundred thousand spectators.
The Flavian Amphitheater, whose massive ruins are known as the Coliseum,
could seat from eighty to one hundred thousand persons. In the arena
were exhibited the fights of gladiators, in which the Romans took such
savage delight, together with races, combats of wild beasts, etc.
Theaters, public baths, etc., were erected by the emperors, who seemed
anxious to compensate the people for their loss of liberty by the
magnificence of their public shows and entertainments.
THE ANCIENT ROMAN FORUM.--In the valley between the Palatine and
Capitoline hills was the Forum, or place of public assembly, and the
great market. It was surrounded with temples, halls for the
administration of justice (called _basilicæ_), and public offices; it
was also adorned with statues erected in honor of eminent warriors and
statesmen, and with various trophies from conquered nations.
TEMPLE OF JANUS.--In the Forum was the celebrated Temple of Janus, built
entirely of bronze and dating back to the early kingly period. From some
early circumstance the custom was established of closing the gates of
this temple during peace; but so incessant were the wars of the Romans,
that during eight centuries the gates of the Temple of Janus were closed
only three times.
CAMPUS MARTIUS.--The elections of magistrates, reviews of troops, and
the census or registration of citizens, were held in the Campus Martius,
which was also the favorite exercise-ground of the young nobles. It was
surrounded by several splendid edifices; ornamental trees and shrubs
were planted in different parts, and porticoes erected under which the
citizens might continue their exercise in rainy weather. Nearby was the
celebrated Pantheon, or Temple of All the Gods (erected in the reign of
Augustus), the most perfect and splendid monument of ancient Rome that
has survived the ravages of time.
THE ROMAN AQUEDUCTS.--The Aqueducts were among the most remarkable Roman
structures. Pure streams were sought at a great distance, and conveyed
in these artificial channels, supported by arches, many of which were
more than a hundred feet high. Under the emperors, not fewer than twenty
of these stupendous and useful structures were raised; and they brought
such an abundant supply of water to the metropolis, that rivers seemed
to flow through the streets and sewers.
COMPARED WITH ATHENS.--Rome was inferior to Athens in architectural
beauty, but it far surpassed the Grecian city in works of public
utility. To enumerate all the notable edifices would be impossible here;
but the “Eternal City” in the zenith of its glory contained four hundred
and twenty temples, five regular theaters, two amphitheaters, and seven
circuses of vast extent. There were sixteen public baths, built of
marble, and furnished with every convenience that could be desired. From
the aqueducts a prodigious number of fountains was supplied, many of
which were remarkable for their architectural beauty. The palaces,
public halls, columns, porticoes, and obelisks were without number, and
to these must be added the triumphal arches erected by the later
emperors.