After more study, however, the first confusion begins to adjust itself into a kind of order. It is possible, for example, to recognize directly in the foreground a small and comparatively abrupt hill crowned at either end by temples of peculiar magnificence. This is the _Capitol_, particularly the seat of the fane of _Jupiter Optimus Maximus_ (“Jupiter Best and Greatest”), officially the chief temple of Rome. Beyond it at a certain distance rises a gray cylinder of enormous bulk. That, of course, is the _Flavian Amphitheater_, and in the hollow between it and the capitol but nigh concealed by many structures stretches the _Old Forum_ of the Republic--the most famous spot in Rome. To the south of the Forum, and in no wise concealed, lifts another hill covered with a vast complex of buildings, which, even when seen in the distance, is of extraordinary splendor. This is the _Palatine_, the present residence of the Cæsars and the seat of the government. [Illustration: CAPITOLINE HILL AND TEMPLES AS SEEN FROM PALATINE: restored according to Von Falke.] Just to the south and right of the Palatine there runs a long hollow, the edges of which flash with settings of marble; it is the _Circus Maximus_, the chief race course. These are the structures or localities that stand out clearly at first glance. Close at hand, in the Campus Martius itself, is a perfect labyrinth of covered promenades, dome-capped public baths, theaters, and circuses, as well as the remarkable _Pantheon_ and other far-famed structures, the details whereof can wait. Behind the onlooker is winding the Tiber, spanned by at least eight bridges; and across the river, before the view wanders off into the hills of Etruria, are seen numerous suburban settlements and heights whereof the most conspicuous is that around _Mount Janiculum_ crested with verdant gardens. But our attention must be centered upon Rome itself. Before descending from the coign of vantage it is needful to distinguish her Seven Hills. =7. The Seven Hills of Rome.=--The two most famous of these hills (the _Capitoline_ and the _Palatine_) have been named already, but they have five distinguished rivals. Probably in prehistoric days all these “mountains” rose like separate islands from a treacherous marsh or even from a lake connected with the Tiber; but long since they have silted down, and presently man came to add his drains and channels. They are now, therefore, connected by valleys which are crammed with habitations, although in any case the most desirable residences are near the summits of the hills and the humble folk are compelled to live in the gulleys. Each of these hills has a history: for example, the Aventine is alleged to have remained apart from the others for long after the founding of the city, merely as a fortified outpost for the protection of shepherds; but we cannot stop to recite pleasant legends.