Hokie ClubROME – On day number six abroad, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team paid a visit to two more famous attractions, the Spanish Steps in Rome and the Colosseum, a centuries old amphitheater known perhaps most famously as an arena for gladiator battles, one of the main attractions in the Rome of old, as depicted in 'Gladiator'.
🏟 » Roman Colosseum 🤩#VTinEurope pic.twitter.com/WNNhcJIex3
— Virginia Tech Women's Basketball (@HokiesWBB) August 15, 2019
The contingent had free time in the morning, utilized by some to head to Piazza del Popolo where many shops and restaurants were available to sample. Just down the road was the Spanish Steps, a staircase famous for its 135 steps, are the widest in Europe and take you to the Trinità dei Monti church.
Following lunch, the entire group boarded the bus to head to the Roman Forum and Colosseum Tour.
Along the way was the Arch of Titus which was constructed around the year 81 to commemorate Titus' victory over the Jewish rebellion. On the interior of the Arch is a relief depicting the goddess Nike by his side with large wings, assisting in the campaign. Nike of course is the goddess of victory. The Arch is said to be the inspiration of several other arches throughout the world including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. One of just three remaining arches from that period in Rome, there were once some 30 of them.
But the main attraction was the Colosseum, the famous gladiator arena, which was constructed in between 70 and 80 AD and used by Roman Emperors for gladiator battles, mock naval battles and other shows and events. They would appease the people by offering free admission and handing out wheat and other foods while providing entertainment to foster goodwill and thus ruled without too much dissent for a long time.
Although much of the top tier, outer wall and what were the seats have been relocated, torn down or are otherwise not standing, the group was able to climb inside the world-famous landmark and get a sense of what it was like all those years ago, with the steep staircases and expansive views of the surrounding area.
Gallery: (8/15/2019) WBB Spanish Steps and Colosseum Tour
For dinner the team had a meal that consisted of seemingly endless Italian food, that began with starters; bruschetta, a meat tray and then various plates of cheeses. For entrees, there were two different kinds of pizzas as well as two different pastas. The dessert was a delicious tiramisu.
Tech is back on the court tomorrow afternoon, but not before first visiting the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
For full recaps of the Hokies' Foreign Tour, stay tuned to Foreign Tour Central and our social media channels.