Rambles in Rome: An Archæological and Historical Guide to the Museums, Galleries, Villas, Churches, and Antiquities of Rome and the CampagnaForbes, S. Russell
History
Rambles in Rome: An Archæological and Historical Guide to the Museums, Galleries, Villas, Churches, and Antiquities of Rome and the Campagna
Forbes, S. Russell
Art -- Rome; Rome (Italy) -- Guidebooks; Rome -- Antiquities
Rome still occupies four of them; but the Aventine, Cœlian,
and Palatine are left to ruins, gardens, and monks.
The original Rome was on the Palatine, and as the other hills were
added they were fortified; but it was not till the time of Servius
Tullius that the seven were united by one system of fortifications
into one city. The plan was simple. From the Tiber a wall went to the
Capitoline, and from that to the Quirinal; across the necks of the
three tongues the great agger was built, then across the valleys from
hill to hill till the wall again reached the river under the Aventine.
The aggers across the valleys were built right up towards the city, so
that the hills on either side protected the walls and gates commanding
the approach. Of all the maps of Rome that have been published, the
new one accompanying this work is the only one which correctly shows
the line of the Servian fortifications.
THE PLAN OF OUR RAMBLES.
From the Piazza del Popolo four great lines of thoroughfare intersect
the city, and passing up one of these for a few hundred yards we may
count five lines. First we take the centre thoroughfare; then the two
lines on its right; then the two upon its left: in this way, by
dividing Rome up into five Rambles, pointing out as we go along every
place of interest to the right and left, we mark out for a day's work
no more than can be thoroughly done. Having thus seen the city, we
take the environs outside each gate, commencing at the Porta del
Popolo and working round by the east, with the exception of the Porta
Appia, which leads out on to the Appian Way. As this Way presents so
many points of interest, and as no visitor should think of leaving
Rome without "doing it," we have made it a special Ramble for their
benefit.
HEALTH AND CLIMATE.
Perhaps the health of no city in the world is so much talked about by
people who know nothing whatever of the subject, as Rome. We meet with
many visitors entertaining all sorts of curious ideas of the health of
Rome--what they may and may not do; and when we ask them their
authority they cannot give any, but "they have heard so." There seem
to be mysterious ideas and impressions floating about that get lodged
in some minds no one knows how. People get ill in Rome, of course,
just as in any other place; but more than half the sickness is caused
through their own imprudence, such as getting hot and going into cold
places, and going "from early morn till dewy eve" without rest and
refreshment. In all hot climates certain precautions should be
observed, and then there is no fear.
We ourselves have lived many years in this much-abused climate, never
knowing any illness, and enjoying far better health than when residing
in London. O ye rain, mud, and fog!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account