Rome Aug 5th, 2010

The Moses (c. 1513-1515) is a masterpiece of High Renaissance sculpture by the renowned artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) in Rome. The sculpture was commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb. The famous art work depicts the biblical figure of Moses, with horns on his head, symbolic of wisdom and enlightenment.

A tapestry at San Pietro in Vincoli. Showing Peter at the Holy Gates.

Catholics believe these are the chains that held Peter when he was in jail and when he was crucified upside down.

The white marble arch of Septimius Severus at the Northwest end of the forum. Dedicated in 203 AD to commemorate the victories of Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, against the Parthians. We couldn't stop marveling at how much stuff there is at every turn. It was so amazing to see things that you only read about in books!

Michele stopped along the Via Sacra (the main road through the Roman Forum). Ya know cause we were just out strolling along ancient roads and thought we'd stop to take a pic or two!

The Curia (Roman Senate House) is over my left shoulder. As with many ancient structures, it still stands today because the Catholic Church adopted it as a basillica and thus it was preserved as a holy site.

I cried about every 5 minutes this entire day. To be here, immersed in this history! It was real, it is real. These people existed and lived, and loved, and kept records and we are the lucky recipients of all their art and beauty. I will never forget how I felt the entire time I was in Rome.

The Palatine Hill. Where it all began--the birthplace of Romulus and Remus. Sibling rivalry never dies. ;)

Standing in the Colosseum taking a picture of the Palatine Hill with Constantine's arch to the left.

Arch of Titus. He was the guy who first destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. There is a frieze of all the Jewish prisoner's with a Menorrah, the Arc, etc. being carried away by the Roman's.