Emperors and Art

Today we went to the Capitoline Museum, which was chock full of old Roman art and archaeology. Of course we know the kids wouldn't last too long there, so we made sure to hit the highlights quickly. There were some really cool pieces!

The first we saw was the remains of an enormous statue of Constantine.

Giant foot!

Stinky feet

I was surprised that such ancient statutes were in such good condition, and that they were outside in the courtyard open to the elements.

Next we went to the inside galleries, saw the model apartments, and saw the sculpture of the she-wolf, Romulus, and Remus. The legend of Rome is that Romulus and Remus were supposed to be drowned in the Tiber River, but were saved by a wolf and protected. They later founded Rome. There are wolf sculptures scattered all around Rome.

We also saw a bust of Medusa. We told Levi J that all the other busts in the room were men turned to stone by Medusa!

One of the coolest things there was an enormous bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius. It was erected in Rome in 175 AD!

The bronze was so beautiful The picture just doesn't capture it.

Quintana laid down and colored for ever. I think she was falling asleep!

High five Constantine!

The museum had gorgeous views of the Roman Forum. It was almost better than actually going to the Forum, haha.

This picture is so awesome except for that he's so shadowed!

Upstairs was the Hall of Emperors and the Hall of Philosophers, basically lots and lots and lots of sculptures and busts. We saw the Venus Capitoline there also.

This is one of the weirdest and creepiest statutes ever.

Venus Capitoline

Quintana had had enough at that point, but we got to see a lot! The piazza of the museum was designed by Michelangelo himself. The Marcus Aurelius statute used to be in the square but was replaced by a replica to preserve it. Nearby is a cathedral at the top of a million steps, and also the Altar of the Fatherland, which is called the wedding cake.

Capitoline Museum

The Wedding Cake

And that was our day!