were gradually buried beneath the rubbish and debris
of some former centuries, but have recently been excavated.]

[Illustration: FORUM OF TRAJAN, ROME, ITALY.--This forum, which
adjoined that of Augustus, contained a collection of magnificent
edifices, and is said to have been designed by Apollodorus of Damascus.
Trajan's forum must have measured two hundred and twenty yards in
width, and was probably of still greater length; it was considered
the most magnificent in Rome. On the north side of the Basilica
rises Trajan's Column, one hundred and forty-seven feet high,
constructed entirely of marble. Around the column runs a spiral
band, covered with admirable reliefs from Trajan's War with the
Dacians. Beneath this monument Trajan was interred; on the summit
stood his statue, now replaced by St Peter's.]

[Illustration: BATHS OF CARACALLA, ROME, ITALY.--These ancient baths
were begun in 212 by Caracalla, and completed by Alex. Severus, and
they could accommodate 1600 bathers at one time. The magnificence
of these baths was unparalleled; numerous statues, including the
Farnese Bull, Hercules and Flora at Naples, have been found here; and
the uncovered walls still bear testimony to the technical perfection
of the structure. The establishment was quadrangular in form, and
surrounded by a wall.]

[Illustration: COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY.--The Colosseum, originally
called the Amphitheatrum Flavium and completed by Titus in 80 A.D.,
was the largest theatre and one of the most imposing structures in
the world. It was inaugurated by 100 days' gladiatorial combats, in
which 5000 wild animals were killed. It contained seats for 87,000
spectators. Only one-third of the gigantic structure now remains,
yet the ruins are still stupendously impressive. The Colosseum has
ever been a symbol of the greatness of Rome, and gave rise in the
eighth century to a prophetic saying of the pilgrims: "While stands
the Colosseum, Rome shall stand; when falls the Colosseum, Rome shall
fall; and when Rome falls, with it shall fall the world!"]

[Illustration: INTERIOR OF COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY.--The arches
of the first tier are marked by Roman numbers, as they formed so
many entrances, through which, by means of internal stairways, the
upper balconies were reached. The Arena had two openings enclosed
by railings of bronze, through which the gladiators and wild beasts
entered. Above was the Podium, a place intended for the Emperors
and their famili