[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 families, for the magistrates, the senators, the priests and the vestals. Thousands of Christians in this place suffered martyrdom, by becoming the prey of wild beasts. The picture presents the imposing spectacle of the interior of this monument at the present day.] [Illustration: PANTHEON, ROME, ITALY.--This is the only ancient edifice at Rome which is still in perfect preservation, as regards the walls and vaulting. The original statues and architectural decorations have long since been replaced by modern and inferior works, but the huge circular structure with its vast colonnade still presents a strikingly imposing appearance. The walls are twenty feet in thickness and were originally covered with marble and stucco. The height and diameter of the dome are each one hundred and forty feet. The opening of the dome at the top is thirty feet in diameter, and through this aperture the ancients supposed the gods to descend. The building is supposed to have been constructed in the first century B. C.]