Ancient Rome, 312 A.D.

Welcome to Rome! You have now arrived in 312 A.D., when Rome is in its heyday. A new road, called the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way) has been just recently constructed so that officials can travel more easily. You find out that the Colosseum (an ampitheater which is pictured above) is scheduled to hold a very big and important gladiator fight tonight, and you consider going. But until then, you decide to look around and find out what you can about the Romans.

After wandering around a short while, you come across an old history buff. He is pleased to find someone so interested in hearing about what he knows about. You decide to write down what he says so that you don't forget it.
The city of Rome has been considered the center of the world ever since Augustus, who came into power shortly before Christ. From then until the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome has ruled most of the known world. But Rome did not set out to dominate the world. In fact, the Romans gradually came to power, using the philosophies and political ideas of the Greeks, to take control from them. The Romans were much more skilled in warfare, engineering, and government than the Greeks, however, who were very artistic and philosophical. It is for this reason that the Romans conquered so many cities and lands. Citizens of small villages who had been conquered by Rome were often given many of the privileges of Romans. They were allowed to govern themselves and could trade and marry in Rome.

He then tells you about the city now, where you find out that the Colosseum has been somewhat destroyed by vandals and religious fanatics who cut off the heads of the Roman figure. However, the Arch of Constantine and the Baths of Caracalla are still in good condition. The Pantheon, he says, is a very beautiful building full of gold. The city itself is centered on Campus Martius (the Field of Mars), which are narrow streets and small squares. The Forum, which is the city center, is still in good condition.

At that point, the man excused himself and said that he had to leave. So that pretty much cut the conversation short. All in all, you decide, it was a good place to visit. You go back to the time machine and decide to visit another era.