Roman cuisine Times of the Empire, about which many sources reported, and later, at sunset of the empire, quite fully described in the culinary book Apition (about 400 AD), at first glance it seems incredibly distant from us. The distance, however, decreases when we realize that it is based on the main features and medieval cuisine, and the Renaissance kitchen, and much, in its development, has come to this day, becoming the basis of the generally accepted Mediterranean cuisine - the most healthy and useful in the world.

Diversity

To the V century BC, public bakeries began to appear in the rich cities of the ancient world. Breadless bread (very useful) was considered at that time food of the poor. More prosperous preferred wheat bread.
Bread and cereals were the main products in the ancient world. Of them were preparing praise and cereal, such as MAZ - a mixture of flour, honey, salt, olive oil and water; Touron is a mixture of flour, chopped cheese and honey. Many products before cooking sprinkled with barley flour. Beans and other legume plants were used abundantly.

Already in the bronze age knew and used a large number of vegetables. Usually they were flavored. Sometimes lamb or beef was added to vegetable dishes, but the domestic meat was expensive, and hunting trophies were widely used - the meat of wild animals and birds, which were then abundant.

The National Soup of Ancient Romans was a borsch - a lot of cabbage and swarms were grown specifically for him. Even the Great Poet of Horace considered its main affairs to grow cabbage. Subsequently, this beautiful soup spread among many nations of the world. (To attribute to the invention of borscht Ukrainians or pancakes by Russian, or kebabs of Caucasian peoples - the same thing to attribute to any of our contemporaries invention of wheels; these ancient dishes appeared long before the emergence of modern peoples).

Ancient Romans has known a method for preparing products in deep fryer. Thus, they prepared very popular "globuli" - balls made of dough roasted in olive oil or fat salted, lubricated honey and poppy sprinkled, as well as many other products from dough or seafood.

Salads came from ancient Rome in international cuisine. Under Salat, he was first understood one single dish, consisting of chopped endivia, parsley and onions, seasoned with honey, salt, vinegar, sometimes with the addition of olive oil (and after the I century AD and with the addition of ground black pepper). Thus, the salads were known 2500 years ago, although only at the end of the XVI - early XVII century, salads went beyond the Apennine Peninsula and got into France, first as an exquisite court dish supplied to the hot. Enriched by French cooking, a variety of salads quickly spread all over the world, becoming an indispensable dish of international cuisine. In the second half of the XIX century, salads were included in the Chinese imperial cuisine, and then became the usual dish of the kitchens of all Southeast Asia.

Antique peoples loved dairy dishes and cheeses. It is curious that all-piece milk was considered to be excesses, harmful to adults, and it was always diluted with water. It was one of the common drinks, along with barley water (like modern kvass) and diluted wine.

Products made of chopped meat minced meat, from which flat round (with a diameter of about 8-10 cm and 2-3 cm with a thickness of 2-3 cm) of modern chopped steaks were fried on the lattices. Such "cutlets" were an ancient Roman version of modern fast food - they were usually roasted right outside and sold, laying out on a piece of bread.

Of course, in ancient Roman cooking in abundance, all the wealth of fresh fish and seafood, which generously supplied the sea was used. So even the feet of the poor was and diverse, and full.

The menu has always completed milk, cheese, honey and olive oil. In the first century BC e. Eastern fruits appeared in Italy's gardens: cherries, peaches and apricots. Lemons and oranges fell to Italy, much later - from Spain, where the Arabs were delivered.

The Romans developed strengthened viticulture, and they usually diluted with cold or hot water diluted with cold or hot water - in a hot form, this drink served them instead of tea they did not know. The Romans were considered a beer with a drink of despicable barbarians ("Wine - drink of heroes, beer - a drink of barbarians") and viticulture and winemaking were distributed in their colonies on the Mediterranean coast. During the Roman domination, Gallium has turned into a country of winemaking (for which modern French is extremely grateful to the ancient Romans). Both in Spain and in Gaul, the original drink of local unquilized peoples was beer, which came out there from consumption only in the first centuries of our era, when the wild inhabitants of these provinces approached the level of development towards the Romans and Greeks.

Spices, seasonings and taste shades

In ancient Rome, the spices called "Salsu" - caustic, sharp, tasty. The Latin word "scitamente" is the same value - the name of the family of spicy plants. It means "tasty, selected, delicious dish." This belonged to the spicy plants of the tropics - Kardonomu, Ginger, Galgana, etc.

The ancient Romans knew most of the exotic spices known to us now and, moreover, some completely released now from the use, like Nard and Costa. From South Asia, they received black peppers, Pipul, Kuba, Cinnamon, Kinamon and Kassia, Carnation, Ginger, from the Middle East - Asafetud, from Africa - Mirrier and Amomum, from Malaya Asia - Saffron, from the Mediterranean - Bay Leaf and Libanotis (Issop ).

Also, as spices, Roman cuisine used "Laser", a resin with a garlic taste and a caustic smell, which was mined from Feruli's root, and later (this plant disappeared for unknown reasons already in the first century) - from the plant "ASA Foetida" which today is used in the east, as well as backgammon, Trubile Sumy, sausage and myrth berries.

In the first century, pepper, Pliny in "Natural History" is rapidly the success of this seasoning. In the book Apiciization Pepper enters almost all recipes, including sweets and even wines. Other spices are used almost exclusively for medical purposes and in the manufacture of spirits.

The Panorama of Spice Applications is already expanding already in Excepta, an application to the culinary book Apicius, represented as an excerpt from the same text, but in reality written in the century later (between the V and VI centuries), a certain Vinidarius, probably, who lived in northern Italy is probably the isothed. Here new spices appear, including ginger and saffron, and the last - with a specific goal of staining, which will later become a typical feature of medieval cuisine. In one of the medieval manuscripts, which retained the text of the Culinary Book of Apition, the carnation is also mentioned in the products attached to it.

The acquisition of spices in ancient Rome was one of the most important items of expenses, because they were valued extremely high. Pliny complained that annually on exotic aromatic drugs is spent up to 50 million sterns (about 4 million rubles in gold) and that these products are sold in the markets of the Empire 100 times more expensive than the initial cost.

However, despite this, none of the Roman merchants retributed to independently go to the distant land for spices, and beneficial intermediary trading for the eastern merchants continued to flourish until the Roman Empire is sunset.

Nevertheless, even through the intermediary trade, the slave-owned Rome has accumulated not only the treasures in the form of gold, silver and precious stones in the form of gold, silver and precious stones, but also inconsistent at that time the number of spices from Asia and Africa. It is interesting that when the Hordes of the Varvarov of the Westgoth King Alarich I collapsed in 408 on Rome, they demanded not only 5,000 pounds of gold, but also 3,000 pounds of pepper - as even greater jewel!

The famous acute garum sauce in the Roman Empire was particularly popular - he was prepared from fish grooves, painted in olive oil with different herbs and weathered for 3-4 months. The Romans were all seasoned by Garum. In cities, the manufacture of sauce was prohibited due to the spread of the smell. Throughout the empire, the sauce was sent in small amphoras and completely replaced salt in some regions.

In the era of Rome, the sour considerable vinegar, sweet meant honey. Many Apition Recipes provide for the simultaneous use of both these products.

In the same way, sweet and salty are mixed, and in many dishes honey is adjacent to Garum. In most prescriptions, apicies recommends it with a specific goal - salting the dish. He writes: "If the dish is fresh, add Garum; If Solono is a little honey. "

The sour-sweet taste is generally a tendency to mix tastes from generation to generation, adapting to the historical situation, but never disappearing at all. The same can be said about the use of spices, sharp and sharp tastes, mixed with sweet, salted and sour tastes: This is also a distinctive feature of the cuisine of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, whose origins should be sought in the culinary traditions of ancient Rome. In other words, if German culture has played a paramount role in the establishment of subsequent medieval preferences related to resources and food, then at the level of taste perception, on the contrary, did not introduce new elements on the merits: here, as in other areas, the Roman tradition won a victory , conquering German conquerors.

Footprints of the Roman culinary model are visible in the message "DE OBSERVATIONE CIBORUM", written at the beginning of the 6th century by the Greek doctor, Antimi, who arrived in Italy to the Ravenskiy Yard Theodorich, the king is ready. This is the first treatise on diettics and gastronomy in medieval Europe.

Mention of such aromatic plants like backgammon and sums, custom cooking in honey and vinegar, a description of typically Roman sauces, for example, «Issimele» (based on honey and vinegar) or "Enogaro" (based on wine and garum), the use of honey as seasonings to blame and water - all these signs of culture, not just not buried, but firmly included in everyday life.

It lasts many many centuries: In the VIII century, merchants from Komakkio traded Garum along the PO River; Even in the 9th century, the inventory inventory of the monastery in Bobbio (in Piapacy Apennines) register the acquisition of two vessels with Garum in the market in Genoa for the needs of brethrenation. Perhaps it was about imported products: the mention of Komakkio and Genoa, maritime trade centers. In addition, the production of Garuma was definitely located in the Adriatic basin, in Istria - as we know from the letter of Catchyidor (vi) - and in Byzantium. By this way, through trade relations with Byzantium, directly inherited from Rome, has also been maintained with the Roman gastronomic tradition.

How to cook...

Caroenum (Carienum)
Boiled grape wort. Young wine or grape juice is boiling until the fluid is pressed halfway.

Defritum (defritum)
Very thick syrup from figs. (For other information, it was also prepared from grapes). Juice is boiled until two thirds are popped up.

Passum (PASSUM)
Very sweet wine sauce. Even more dense than caroenum and defitum. Prepared from young wine or grape juice. It is boiled until it thickens.

Garum (Garum) - Salty Fish Sauce. Here is his approximate recipe:
Take small fish or scumbers, put in Lohan, fall asleep with salt at the rate of 9 parts of the fish 1 part of the salt (by volume). Good all stir. Leave for night. Then everything is shifted into the clay vessel and put in the sun. Ensure, periodically stirring 2-3 months. You can add a weathered wine at the rate of: 2 parts of wine per part of the fish.

Chapter "Gardens of Ancient Rome". "Gardens through the century." Randhava M.S. Translation from English: Ardashnikova LD, Publishing House "Knowledge", Moscow, 1981 (Mohindar Singh Randhawa, "Gardens Through the Ages", Macmillan Co. Delhi. India. 1976)

Italy, who was once the center of the Roman Empire, is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This is the earth of vineyards, olive groves, villas and gardens. The climate of the country is soft, winter - rains, in spring and summer - the abundance of sunlight.

Men here are talkative and noisy, but not stupid. Italians with dark hair and whales of the ivory decreasing the glory of beautiful women in the world. It was from them that the great artists of the Renaissance era wrote their Madonn.

From 800 to 600 BC e. Italy's population was divided into three ethnic groups. In the north, between Tiber and Po, lived Etruscans, the people of Asian origin, which conquered the Aryan tribes of Northern Italy. Etruscles were large masters of fresco painting, pottery, skillfully performed work on the metal.

South of the Tiber and the software were the settlements of the Greeks.

In the intermediate territories, various Romanesque people who were engaged in agriculture lived. They worshiped Jupiter and in his honor built a temple on Mount Alban.

Romanesque nation and Etruscan engaged in Tomber trade, where in 753 BC. e. Rome was founded.

Etruscans have undergone two disasters that have significantly weakened them: the destruction of the fleet of the Greeks in the battle of syradakuses in 474 BC. e. and raid galls north. Galla locked and Rome in 390 tons to n. e. By the end of the III century. BC e. The Romans won the Etruscans and the Greeks and seized all Italy.

Rime's rival was Carthage, a city founded by Phoenician merchants on the northern coast of Africa. Possessing a strong fleet, Carthage controlled the entire trade in the Mediterranean. Rome and Carthage fought three times among themselves, with the result that Carthage was completely destroyed, the domination of the Mediterranean was transferred to Rome.

The history of the Roman Empire can be divided into four periods. The first - from 201 to 133 BC. E.- This is the birth of Rome, the century of expansion. Then was the age of the republic, which lasted from 133 but 31 g. e. The third period is the century of the empire, he lasted from 31 BC. e. On 211 N. e. And then a period of decline and complete decay of the Empire came.

The Roman Republic on social characteristics resembled the Aristocratic Republic of Greece. Society, as there, was shared on the plebeian (slaves, chernobira, artisans) and patrician (rich landowners, merchants, priests and major officials). In the hands of the latter was political power.

In the countryside, independent farmers owned small farms, each of which could be called the garden than the farm. The magnitude of the land was on average from one to four acres. Farmers grown wheat, shell and barley on their land and grazed cattle on a public pasture. The main products of cattle breeding were milk and cheese. Very loved meat of rabbits, poultry. Bulls were used for plowing, and donkeys - for the transport of weights. Beans, salad, garlic and cabbage were grown out of vegetables. Fruits were widely cultivated figs, apples and pears. Some farmers were grown in a small amount of grapes and oils. Arriving in Rome, farmers attended the temples of their gods, and then changed grain, oil or wine on salt, economic tools and other iron products.

The growing empire was needed a large occupation army. Recruits for Roman legions were mainly gained from among small farmers. Their farms fell into decline and were absorbed by major land tenure, in which the work of slaves was used. Small farms survived only in mountainous areas

With the occurrence of large landowners, rich villas with parks and pools appeared.

The large achievement of Roman agriculture should be considered the breeding of legumes, which came to replace the wasteful plowing system for steam. Beans, peas, Vika, Lupine and Lucerne alternated with non-ecological crops - wheat, rye, barley and oats, which made it possible to maintain soil fertility at a certain level. The Romans understood well and the value of the fertilizers of different types. Large farms that Roman colonists have created in the conquered provinces, served as a sample for barbarians.

E. Khaims indicates that the present art of the creation of gardens in Italy was born with the appearance of parks during the gymnasiums, which were created by Cicero, contemporary Julia Caesar. Such parks were pretty large, with grass borders, with galleries and statues, with plain groves and cypresses. Platan was brought from Malaya Asia and served the Romans to protect against the sun.

In 27 BC e. Oktavian commander accepted the name of Augustus Caesar. The time of the reign of August is called the Golden Age of Rome. During these years, Vergiliy, Ovidi and Horace and Horace were already lived and worked. Inspired by love for rustic life and nature, Vergil created "Georgiki" - a monograph consisting of four books (37-30s. BC) and dedicated to the problems of agriculture, forestry, beekeeping, animal breeding. Virgil believed that physical work is necessary for a person that this work has led a person on the path of chastity.

During the reign of August, trade between India and Rome received great development. Trading walked and sea, and ground paths. India exported precious stones in Rome, perfume, pass, as well as pepper, cinnamon and other spices. The use of fragrant seasonings stimulated the development of culinary art.

Years passed, one other Roman emperors replaced. But none of them showed interest in gardening.

Some idea of \u200b\u200bthe gardens that existed in the I century, we can get from the works of Pliny and Columella. Pliny (23-79) was a naturalist and served under the emperor Vespasiana. For some time he was the ruler of Spain. Energetic and talented person, he lived intensive spiritual life. When he ate, the servant read him. Wherever he went, he was accompanied by a scribe. Even dressed after the bath, he dictated anything to record.

The result of his life was the "history of natural science" in 37 volumes. It summarizes the observation of the author over nature, contains data on the origin and use of plants and animals, attracts the richest materials of 146 Roman and 327 Greek authors. The book also concerns the problems of geography, mathematics, physics and anthropology. Pliny's performance was very favored by a relaxing atmosphere. His villa was in a magnificent spacious garden. Pliny loved to walk barefoot under pergolas from grapes, in groves where figs grew up and mulberry.

Grain plants were grown on his farm, grapes were hives and flowers, grazing for the other.

Louges-Yong-moderat Columella (I century. BC) - a warrior and writer, owned huge lands. His monograph "Rustic business" is devoted to the organization and technical techniques of agriculture and consists of 12 volumes; The 10th Tom is devoted to the problems of gardening. This book is written in verses, it seems to continue "Georgika" Vergilia. The great importance of Columella attached to growing grapes and olives.

Martialis (III century) wrote a book on agriculture and paid special attention to the breeding of trees. Palladium Ratilius Taurus (IV century) wrote 14 books, of which one is a poetic allowance for the vaccination of plants.

The Romans were vividly interested in agriculture and horticulture, which was widely reflected in their legends.

Ceres was the goddess of agriculture. Her daughter Proserpina is crowned with the colors of goddess vegetation. Many temples in Italy were built in honor of Ceres and Proserpins.

The leisure hours, tells the myth, Proserpina attended Sicily Island, collected flowers on the green slopes of Mount Etna and danced with nymphs in the fields of Eniches. Once, Pluto, the God of the underground kingdom, who drove by in the chariot drew attention to it. Enchanted by Beauty Proserpina, Pluto kidnap her and took him to him.

Cercher, having learned about the disappearance of his daughter, was very sidewrd. She abandoned her affairs and retired to a dark cave. The country covered hunger. People appealed to Jupiter with a prayer about the return of Proserpines. Jupiter allowed Proserpine to return, but under one condition: it should not touch food while is in the underground kingdom. After learning that Proserpina ate several grains of the grenade, Jupiter ordered every eaten grain to keep the transcel month in the dark king of Pluto. Thus, Proserpina was sentenced to spend half of the year in the dungeon, and the other half - on Earth. As soon as she appeared, heaven were illuminated by the sun, the grass began to grow and the gardens bloomed. And every six months, her departure from the ground served as a signal to the beginning of the fall and the next winter behind it, when the vegetation freezes and goes into rest.

According to another legend of Flora, which married Zephyr - the god of the southern wind was the goddess of flowers. Flora worshiped young girls; They brought fruit and garlands of flowers to her altar. The festivities of the goddess were celebrated in May, and young girls decorated altari flora with ears, roses, cloves and violets.

The vertium and Pomon were patrons of decorative and fruit gardens. The vertium has always been depicted with knives for trimming, scissors and other garden tools, and Pomona - with fruits and flowers. The vertium married Pomona, and she allowed him to help her in the cultivation of fruits. The images of the vertium indicate that the Romans attached great importance to the use of tools in gardening.

The preserved works of painting give an idea of \u200b\u200btastes and customs of people of that time. The Romans loved beautiful women and gardens, and it was reflected in the paintings and drawings. Frescoes II century BC er, found on the walls of houses and palaces in Rome, Herculaneum and Pompei, they say that the artists have already had an idea of \u200b\u200bthe future.

This is confirmed by later works. One of them is a magnificent painting "Marriage of Aldobrandini" (now located in the Vatican Museum in Rome). She depicts a magnifying half-day young woman with a sensual mouth and an unequivocal expression of the face worried about the column. This is the bride at the time of cooking for the wedding ceremony. The picture shows that the ideal of women in the Romans was distinguished from Greek.

Some idea of \u200b\u200bthe Roman gardens gives fresco painting of the period I in BC. e. - 50 g. e., whose samples are preserved in Pompei, buried under Lavoy Vesuvia in 79 N. e.

There were two types of gardens in this city: the first were created at inner courtyards, where the plants were planted in pots, vases or small areas located around the pool; Another type of garden suggested planting plants in galleries leaving home to the garden. In this case, the structure and garden as if continued each other.
It should be noted the axial layout of such a garden. Later, this method was used when creating gardens in Italy and France.

In the gardens of Pompeii, the Italians grown almonds, peaches, pears, apples, grenades, quince and cherries. Kiparis also grew here. Roses, lilies, violets, as well as ordinary field flowering plants, which met in early Greek gardens were widely cultivated. Pinkish-lilac Florentine Iris, dense-purple Germany, yellow water iris, daffodils, crocuses, yellow nyondyan, acronytian, anemones, marigolds, amaranth, cornflowers, cyclamen, carnation, instanding, gladiolus, jasmine, lavender and donel. Akanit, Barwin and Adiantum combined well with a dwarf plane feet and cypress, when creating miniature Topia type landscapes (a garden with trimmed trees).

Roman civilization was in the Zenith of Glory from 27 g. e. 180 and. e. This time can be called a century of architecture. It was the Romans for the first time that the cement was used in construction and built arches. In the whole of Italy, beautiful cities, equipped with water pipe and roads, grew. The cities created temples, amphitheats, colonnades and markets. Houses nobility luxuriously decorated. Carpets for them were brought from Babylon. Some house of aristocrats were decorated with excellent fresco paintings. So, Villa Empress Libya at Prima port keeps the wall painting, which creates the illusion of interruption in the garden. Some pictures of that time are erotic and indicate that the search for sensual entertainment was one of the main classes of the ruling class.

Silk, brought from Kitimi, aristocrats used for their clothes. Spices delivered from India contributed to the development of the culinary art of Romans, famous gourmets. It was an age of luxury, sensual pleasures and ... beautiful gardens, with walking paths, fenced skillfully trimmed by alive hedges, with dwarf trees and marble sculptures.

A brass sculpture was widely developed here, which used to be successful.

Bust sculpture, axial location of plants, the art of figured haircut of garden trees is the main contribution of the Romans in horticulture. These achievements were widely used later when creating gardens in France and the British Empire.

URBI ET ORBI - "Grada and the Mire." This ancient Roman expression I used the title of my story about the capital of the Great Ancient Empire, Papal State, the Italian Kingdom and modern Italy. Despite such an ambitious phrase, in fact, my notes are very modest and fragmented. I got acquainted with Rome total for just one day; Naturally, this acquaintance was superficial and point. Figuratively speaking, from a large, complex and diverse dish called "Rome" I tried only a few small pieces. And remained in exceptional delight. The admiration is based on the unusual complex perception of Rome as the city of epically monumental and at the same time light and comfortable.

I arrived in Rome as part of a group tour at the end of September 2013, which began in Rimini. The road takes better time for about 5 hours and passes through the territory of the three Italian regions - Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and Lazio. I consider the most picturesque part of Umbrian - where the Apennins achieved the greatest heights. But it was too difficult to photograph there. Therefore, I will show some pictures made in the metropolitan region Lazio:

These species are also beautiful thanks to the wavy relief and abundance of forests.

Day arrived in Rome - and immediately, as they say, from the ship to the ball, that is, from the bus on the tour. The schedule was generally very saturated, including a bus and pedestrian tour of the night city. But about this later. In my story, I broke the sights of Rome into several blocks, depending on the subject, history or geography.

Monuments of ancient Rome

Using the chronological principle, initially will be talking about ancient Rome. Let me remind you that Rome was founded in 753 to R.Kh. (The date is controversial, but now it is, in principle, it does not matter). A large number of archaeological monuments are due not only and not so much antiquity of Rome, as its status of the capital of the giant power. Moreover, the "weight" of Rome was such that his population exceeded the population of all other cities of the Apennine Peninsula, combined. In ancient Rome, more than a million people lived at the peak of his power!

Coliseum

The most representative and recognizable object of an ancient Rome - Colosseum, a colossal (his name on one of the etymological versions, just happens from this word) an amphitheater of the construction of the second half of the I century from R.Kh. This period is just corresponding to the apogue of the Roman Empire power. The Colosseum is the material embodiment of the famous populist slogan "Bread and spectacle!".

The Colosseum was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the XIV century, after which he began to actively disassemble the building material. But so far this building remains a majestic scale. Of course, his appointment deserves condemnation: it is difficult and scary to imagine how many people and animals were killed and crippled on his arena for several centuries. But I would like to pay attention to another: an amphitheater with a capacity of more than 50 thousand spectators was organized so that its filling and emptying took place in just 15 minutes! This is a vivid example of Roman order, to which the European civilization has never reached. I have been at modern stadiums and know how long it goes to the exit of all the audience.

Big Circus

Nearby (10 minutes walk) from the Colosseum are the ruins of a large circus:

It was built back in 329 to R.Kh. And he was the biggest hippodrome of the empire. But his "highlight" in another: in even more ancient times, at the dawn of the history of the city, at this place a remarkable legendary event called "the abduction of Sabineanok" (hereinafter, I will define this legend in a frivolous style). For some reason, in the long-time the history of the city, there was a shortage of women in ancient times. Then they kidnapped women from the neighboring Latin tribe of Sabinov, whose men were inxicated on the arranged by the Romans of Peir. Przresvev, Sabinians accepted and went hiking to Rome. During a stubborn battle, when the victory was cloning toward Sabinov, women appeared on the battlefield - newly well-known Romans, and stamped their former tribesmen to leave them. Well, if these women instinctively dreamed of a great future for their descendants, then this choice was optimal.

Forums

Next Important Object - Forums:

This word comes from the ancient Roman Foris, that is, "outside." This refers to "beyond your home", that is, a public place. There were temples, markets, squares, that is, elements of the political, religious and economic life of Rome. There was also a large Cloaca - part of an extensive urban sewage system; The name has become nominal. And I also note that there was a small temple (now the ruins) called the "PUP of the city" - the center of Rome. Considering the mentality of the Romans, it can be said that it was an Earth PUP.

Triumphal Arch

The triumphal arch of Constantine is one of the key monuments of ancient Rome, an infinite number of times reproduced by subsequent European civilization in the XIX century:

The arch was built under the emperor Konstantine at the beginning of the IV century and is notable for the fact that this is the only Roman triumphal arch, built on the occasion of victory in the civil war. It can be considered a vivid indicator of the decline of the empire, torn by internal conflicts.

Pantheon

Finally, another monument of ancient Rome, which I will inform about in my story is a "bridge" between antiquity and the Christian era. This is a pantheon.

Next to the Pantheon stands ancient Egyptian obelisk; In total, there are 13 of them in Rome. Almost all of them in the sign of belonging to the new era are crowned with crosses. But back to the Pantheon. This temple structure was created in 125 from R.Kh. Under the emperor Adriana. The magnificent sample of ancient Roman construction art, which easily holds a dome with a diameter of 43 meters. Holds through concrete - material that is the invention of the Romans. The dome is unusual in that in its middle there is a hole with a diameter of 9 meters. Thanks to him in Sunny weather, the center of the temple is permeated by a pillar of light. As for the rain, if it is small, then the drops are blowing out because of a strong ascending flow of air. With intense rain, water flows across the floor into special holes.

At the beginning of the 7th century, Pantheon became the Christian Church of St. Mary and Martyrs. According to the legend, the dice of martyrs, fresh on 28 carts, are stored under the altar. Now there are rafael memorials and the two Italian kings - Victor-Emmanuel II ("Father Nation" is devoted to him, for the country's association in 1861) and Umberto I. The Temple Walls were decorated with a very rare Red Verona Marble.

Obelisk on a pedestal elephant

And at the end of the ancient section, I will demonstrate another obelisk (near Pantheon), which I liked thanks to the pedestal elephant:

It is located in the center of Minerva Square (this is the Roman name of the ancient Greek goddess Athena Pallades). And it is curious to this monument to what it was he who served as an elephant on thin long legs, which is visible in the background of one of the most famous paintings of El Salvador given called "Sleep, caused by the flight of the bee around a pomegranate, per second before awakening." The monument itself was created in 1667 by the Italian sculptor Giovanni Bernini. It is assumed that a xylographic illustration of an anonymous novel of the end of the XV century "Hynotomakhiya polyfila" could be the source of inspiration when creating a sculpture. Obelisk was postponed from the former temple of Isida. Locals call this sculptural composition Il Pulcin Della Minerva, as the elephant resembles a piglet.

Different attractions of the center of Rome

In this section, I will show some places remembered in the center of Rome, among themselves geographically unlocked.

Navona Square

Navona's area in shape resembles a stadium - and, indeed, in antique times it was used for sporting events. The square was a favorite place for the fairs, holidays and rest Romans. The main decorations of the square are the Church of St. Agnes (mid-XVII century) and three fountains. In the picture, the church and fountain of the Maurus:

The church building has an interesting feature - a curved facade. This can be said, the corporate identity architect Francesco Borrombini. I do not very much understand such intricacies, but I heard that this bend the architect considered the manifestation of the Divine Spirit (called her Divine wave).

The second fountain is devoted to Neptune:

And the third is the most outstanding. It is called fountain of four rivers (Fontana dei Quattro FiUmi); Symbolically depicts the main rivers of the four people known in the middle of the XVII century - Neil (Africa), Gang (Asia), Danube (Europe) and La fee (America). In the center there is an Egyptian obelisk. I will show several fragments of the fountain.

Gang holds a long paddle in the navigation sign of the river:

La Plata sits on a pile of silver coins (the word "fee" in Spanish means "silver"); Right Danube:

Danube, as the nearest River River, holds a papal coat of arms in his right hand:

Neil is recognized according to a characteristic sign - the face is closed with a cloth as a sign that no one knows the location of the sources of this river.

Lion (apparently from Africa):

Venice Square and Monument to the Association of Italy

Her name comes from the palace, where the Embassy of the Venetian Republic was located; This can be guessing on her coat of arms over the portal. From the balcony over the portal loved to speak Benito Mussolini, whose theatrical and oratory abilities are known to everyone.

Opposite the Venice Palace there is a monument dedicated to the union of Italy:

The monument is truly grand (monstrous). It is called Vittorian In honor of King Victor-Emmanuel II, whose 12-meter bronze statue is located in the center. The royal figure is surrounded by six 6-meter statues personifying Italian values: bronze thought and action and marble sacrifice, law, strength and consent.

Not far from the square there is a pretty Church of His Holiness Mary on the Trank Forum (I remembered it including because of the unusual sophisticated name):

Capitol Hill and Rome Trees

After the Vittorian Memorial, we came to the Capitolian Hill, to the Palazzo Senatorio. it municipality Rome Before which stands the bronze statue of Emperor Mark Aurelia:

There, I first turned accented attention to the symbol that can be found in Rome everywhere. This is perhaps the most famous abbreviation in the European civilization, outgoing roots from Rome: S.P.Q.R., that is, probably Senatus Populusque Romanus ("Senate and Citizens of Rome"). Although the exact value is not known. The influence of Rome on the European and Russian history is enormous - through religions, the state system (Republic and empire), language and writing, right, philosophy, technology, art and much more.

Comparing with many European capitals, Rome cannot be called a city, abundant vegetation. Nevertheless, in many places (including on the roofs of the houses), beautiful trees are glad. It is said that the symbol of ancient Rome was oak - and now there are almost no in the city. The symbol of medieval papal Rome was elm, and they are also almost no. The symbol of the Royal Rome was Platan, and the symbol of Rome Mussolini is the Mediterranean Pinema Pinea (there is even written in 1924 the symphonic poem of "Ponya Rome"). There are a lot of them in the city, as well as cypresses, oleandrov and many other beautiful trees.

Walk along Tiber

The next section of the description of Rome, I will be devoting a walk along the Tiber River. For me, such walks are a kind of ritual, accompanied by an indispensable chain throwing.

Castle and San Angelo Bridge

The walk began from the San Angelo bridge, which is pretty close to St. Peter's Square (10 minutes):

The bridge goes to the castle of the same name. San Angelo Castle is built on the basis of the initial building of the II century, and the current species in general acquired in the XIV century as a fortress. The castle is crowned by the statue of Archangel Mikhail. In the Renaissance era, there was an extremely strict guarded prison; Only one prisoner ran out of it, and it was the famous sculptor and artist Benvenuto Chellin.

I go downstream of tiber; However, until the time of the flow of muddy green water, it is almost not visible. At first I assumed to descend to the bottom embankment, but he was thinking. First, from there you can see the surroundings worse; Secondly, I noticed a lot of beggars there. And in general, the retaining walls of the embankment look not very beautiful, especially because of graffiti. It is better to go along the top embankment, according to the plane alley, from where the species are much more pleasant.

Bridges through the Tiber in the city center alternate one after another:

Here I picked up a wall image without graffiti; Green plantings of Rome are clearly visible:

Tiberin Island and Palatino Bridge

Next, the island of Tiberin appears before his eyes, a form is very similar to a boat. On the right there is a Cevestio Bridge - one of the oldest in Rome. It was built in the middle of the i century to R.K.; The current appearance naturally is much younger. Approximately 20 years older Bridge Fabricho, which connects the other coast of Tiberina from the embankment, where the main synagogue of Rome is located.

The island has an interesting story. Once, in the early days of ancient Rome, Tiberian had a bad reputation. And once, according to a legend, a snake came out of the boat chuckled on Tiber, which he was considered a symbol of a doctor of an arculap. The Romans arranged here the sanctuary of the Eskulap here, and the island was given the form of a boat, Obokoating the "side" -berg travertine. From 1584, a major hospital of St. Bartholomew called Fatebenefratelli is located on Tiberina: this complex word consists of three - Fate Bene Fratelli, that is, "Create Good, Brothers." It is curious that this hospital, along with many attractions of Rome, is present in the initial frame of the famous comedy "the incredible adventures of Italians in Russia."

The Costo Bridge on the other hand, where a small artificial threshold is arranged on Tiber:

A little away, Tiberin Islands is Palatino Bridge, where I completed a walk along the river:

Near this bridge there is a residue of more ancient, which seemed to me very picturesque:

Vatican - the state of the Holy See

From ancient Rome, I move in Rome Papal. Once Rome was the capital of rather large in the area and a very influential papal state. After the unification of Italy in 1870, the Holy See lost almost all the territory and for quite a long time such a state did not exist; It was formally established as a result of a special concordate with the Government of Mussolini. Vatican (auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See) is the smallest state in the world, the area is only 44 hectares. Headed by the Supreme Hierarch of the Catholic Church - Pope Roman. By the way, the summer residence of the Roman dad is located in the town near the capital.

Vatican visits for me consisted of two stages - museums and St. Peter's Cathedral.

Museums Vatican

Museums are located in a huge architectural complex called the Apostolic Palace, or the Palace of Siksta V. There are papal apartments, government agencies of the Vatican, chapel, a library, numerous internal palaces. We visited one of these inner palaces - the famous Belvedere, whose name naturally multiplied in Europe (for example, the palaces with such a title are in) and Russia.

The inner area of \u200b\u200bBelvedere for the corresponding element of the decor was named the yard of the bumps (Cortile Della Pigna):

This decoration was so liked to me that I could not deny myself in the pleasure of bringing it a larger image:

Giant bronze pine bump in the times of ancient Rome decorated the fountain near the Great Temple of Isis; Water structured from her top. In the Middle Ages, the bump moved to the old Basilica of St. Peter, where Dante saw her, which later used the divine comedy to describe the Old Testament Tsar and Hunter Nymod. In the XV century, the bump was transferred to the present place. On the sides of the bump are two bronze peacocks taken from the Mausoleum of Emperor Adrian in the castle of San Angelo. By the way, the IX District of Rome Pinya (Rione Pigna) was named after this pine cone.

In the Belvedere Palace there is a museum of the Pia-Clement dedicated to sculptures. Here you can see the Roman copies of the famous Greek statues of Apollo (who received the "prefix" of Belvedere) and Laocon with sons in the suffocating arms of snakes. I was interested in images of animals; Although it is necessary to immediately say that they are pretty brutal. This, apparently, the specificity of the Roman view of the world around:

Next, go to the Papal Palace, where we look at two interesting premises (actually more, but I remember two). First - Gallery of geographical maps. It was created in 1578-1580 by Italian Cartographer Ignatio Danut by order of Pope Gregory XIII - patron of science and art. Maps show the regions of Italy and papal possessions. Italian art-cartographic school I do not like (in comparison with the Netherlands), but a number of curious plots can be noted:

The ceiling of the gallery deserves special attention, although we look at it, in my opinion, is physically quite difficult:

At the end of the gallery above the door depicts the coat of arms of Pope Gregory XIII:

A very colorful combination of a dragon with papal tiara and keys from Paradise. By the way, it was this dad that introduced a new calendar of the summer, named in his honor.

The main attraction of the Papal Palace is the Sistine Chapel. It is written very much about it; I just note that it is here that the conclusion is gathering, in which the Cardinals elect a new dad. Place of exceptional importance for more than a billion residents of the world. The Sicstinskaya Capella is painted by Michelangelo, and on one of the visual elements there is its self-portrait. Holy Bartholomew keeps his skin in his hands (which was soldered alive, but the warfolomes in the picture, of course, in normal form), and the face on this skin belongs to the artist himself.

Also add the image of one of the painting fragments - the frescoes "Creation of Adam". The viewer's attention is usually concentrated on the contact of God and his first human creation - Adam. But who is depicted for God? Who is this person, what is so harmful, or at least with a bold challenge, looks at Adam? ..

Square and St. Peter Cathedral

The following was followed by the inspection of St. Peter's Cathedral. But first I mentally come out, on Saint Peter's Square to show the Cathedral Building:

Cathedral is one of the largest Christian temples in the world (capacity of 60 thousand); His architecture asked a widely spread church style. In front of it extends in the form of two symmetrical semicircles Saint Peter's Square, where according to legend in 67 from R.Kh. The apostle was executed, whose power is stored under the Altar of the Cathedral. Ancient Egyptian Obelisk was brought to Rome Kaligula.

A huge number of articles are written about the cathedral, including on the Internet; I do not consider it necessary to repeat them. Personally, I most remembered the dome of the cathedral, which creates an incredibly easy feeling. In general, the bright cathedral impressed me something like an aircraft, ready to be uprooted into the air. Under the dome is a bronze diet, 29 meters high, whose ceiling is decorated with a dove - the Holy Spirit. Under the Baldakhin is the Department of St. Peter.

Of course, the famous sculpture of Petiente's work Michelangelo (the only work signed by the Master) is drawn: The sorrowful Mother of God holds his son's body on his hands. The face and figure of Madonna are amazingly alive. Unfortunately, the sculpture is closed with glass for security reasons, as the psychopath attempted at her.

Finally, by virtue of his worldview, I noted in memory of the memorial of the last representatives of the Scottish and British royal family of Stuarts (Challenger James III and his two sons):

There are no paintings in the cathedral (graphics are represented by frescoes), so you can photograph freely, including flash.

Night Rome and Trevi Fountain

I complete my fragmented notes with a small story about Night Rome. More precisely, evening-twilight. I do not like to look at large cities in the dark, but Rome has become an exception.

During the evening walk, I saw a baroque Spanish staircase - 138 steps leading from the French Church of the Trinity to Spanish Square. By the way, this is the name of the people; Officially, it is called the "Staircase to Trinita dei Monti." Unfortunately, I can't show her photo, as it was simply impossible to shoot a staircase without a huge number of people with a rather close-up, but I would not like to demonstrate such an image. Find on the Internet the inconspicuous number of photos of the Spanish staircase does not represent the slightest labor.

The most famous Fountain of Rome is called Trevi: Baroque (or, using the Portuguese primary source of this word - "Pearl of the wrong form") in its pure form. The name of the fountain comes from the fact that it was in the combination of three roads - Tre Vie. In the center of the fountain is Neptune. There is a belief that a person who threw a coin in him will come to Rome again. Two coins - a love meeting. Three - marriage. Four coins are wealth. Five coins - separation. Even before arriving at Rome, I forgot the exact wording; And how many coins thus threw, I will not say.

And finally, just a view of the night of Old Rome. Here, the illumination of the historic center includes very precisely; No multicolored neon lights. Soft yellow light creates an eternal city of ancient and calm greatness.

The more we extend from the event - the more difficult it is to restore it. In addition, the ancient history of scientists will only know about the preserved lists of retelling of previous generations. Passing through other hands the story is distorted, new myths appear, which are now being taken for the truth. There are many stereotypes in relation to the ancient Rome. Let's try to deal with some of them.

1. The most famous misconception arose in the next century and concentrated popular art is the signs of murder or pardon of gladiators. The history of this misconception was told in the article. And then we only note that only the emperor could give the life of the gladiator. He pulled the thumb, pointing to the heart and offering the enemy to pierce it. Or squeezed his hand in a fist, as if hiding a sword - giving a sign about pardon.

2. By the way, not only men protrude in the arena. Gladiatrix - Women Gladiators - were no less popular and even more spectacles. Women fought the same zealo, with mad azart and rage. Women came to the gladiators most often from the lower layers, hoping to get glory and money. They are mentioned for the first time in the time of Nero, and the latest information scientists detect the Board of Trajan and Flavia. Forbade the appearance of women in the arena of Severia, but ... the ban was not very strict.

3. Popular myth speaks of the impotence of Romans in food. It is believed that they constantly saw, consuming an incredible amount of food. Moreover, it was even customary to regularly move into a special premises of the Vomitorium, where vomiting was called in the help of peacock feathers. And then with the empty stomach, it was fashionable to continue the feast. It turned out that this is just a translation error, and the vomitorium was called wide passages in amphitheaters.

4. The word Plebei received a negative, dismissive coloring. Although in fact it was just a certain class of Rome citizens. Unlike patrichesis, they had several rights. But but the plebeians often had much more money and used no less respect. The only thing for money was impossible to change their class. In addition, they were free and were citizens, which was very important then. Especially considering that almost half of the population was slaves.

5. By the way about slaves. In ancient Rome, special laws were even adopted, prescribing owners to do everything so that their slaves would not stand out among citizens. After all, they could notice how much they are much ... Because slaves often looked better than many free people. They could also use public institutions such as term, stadiums and theaters, wearing ordinary clothes, etc.

6. Clothes in Rome was very diverse. Much in this regard was borrowed from the Greeks. In particular, the usual unofficial dress even the senators was the usual tunic. This very practical dress was reminded of blouse, put on across his head and taped on the belt. The length could be somewhat varied, but most often it was before the knee. The status of senators confirmed the red stripes - one or two - on the chest and back. Toga was a long piece of fabric, which was to be adequately soaked. Among other things, it was scary uncomfortable outfit. Then it was used only on holidays or official events. By the way, the red color was a big privilege, and purple clothes were intended only for the emperor.

7. Shakespeare ascribed the famous phrase Gai Yulia Caesar. Scientists believe that Brurt's betrayal was not surprising for Caesar, as well as the entire conspiracy as a whole. Caesar went to the Senate then consciously. And the death rather words were a warning that such a fate will comprehend others ...

8. Another popular picture of the stories about the ancient Rome. Nero sets on Rome and accompanies the fire from the hill on the violin. The studies of historians showed that at that time Nero was generally in his native antium, where he received a fire message. After that, went to Rome, ordered to investigate, according to the results of which he ordered to punish a certain sect, the followers of which were called Christians. The fire originated in warehouses with a commodity.

9. Despite the southern position, cold seasons happen in ancient Rome. In which the question of insulation becomes particularly acute. There is all - warm clothes, fur, hats, heated floors. Exactly! Rome had warm floors and central heating. They were laid during the construction of houses under them a small underground, in which slaves were maintained with the need to smooth coal burning.

10. Concrete was actively used in Rome. It consisted of sand, pumice, tuff, lime. There was a lot of use options - and for filling the floors, and for the finishing of the walls, filling out of the places. But there were constructions in a modern style. At the same time, the concrete was poured into a formwork, which was filmed after frozen. That is how the adriana built a pantheon. Construction, by the way, stands today! Although incorrect to argue that Concrete is a purely Roman invention, they used another 6 thousand years ago in the interfluve.

11. In addition to famous roads, Akdukhuki became another rime. Their height was usually at least 20 meters. This helped to avoid theft of pure drinking water. Yes, and there was a good protection from enemies capable of poisoning. By the way, many of the aqueducts are not just preserved, they also act right today!

12. In Rome, for the first time began to register in a special book marriage, giving young to put autographs under the record. Immediately born and tradition to wear rings as a sign of marriage.

13. There was no soap in Rome. We used various herbal fees, clays. Another popular way used in terms was cleansing with olive oil. The oil was applied to the skin, and then screamed the blades from the olive tree. At the same time, dirt and dead skin cells were filmed, and she was still moistened and fed. And in Rome, aromatic substances were actively used. It is now easy to fly perfume in Minsk or Moscow, to arrange delivery on Belarus or order it from France. The Romans were deprived of such a service. At the same time, the prices of incense reached unreal heights, unlike today. It is worth a rejoice in the development of modern technologies, allowing you to choose the goods without leaving the house, to pay, it is easy to get it - and fiercely like a real patrician!

14. At the time of the heyday of ancient Rome, about 50 million people lived on Earth. Of these, Million was the Romans. What is interesting, the same amount of London has reached only in the 19th century. And now the population of Rome is only 2.7 million.

15. The famous legend says that Emperor Alba had a daughter-witness. Vesti priests enjoyed special honor, but at the same time they were obliged to keep virginity. Even violence was not considered a softening circumstance in violation of the vow, followed by the execution. But Mars seduced by Mars, although the twins born to be born to Tiber. They picked up and won the wolf. Then the guys came to the place on the hills and laid Rome. And Romulus got rid of his brother Rama ... And the villains scientists say that the name of the settlement came up with Etrusca. They have this word indicated by the river, or the strength ...

16. The Emperor Traian during his reign in the 97-117 years commanded to build a building, where more than 150 shops and shops accommodated on several floors. So the first supermarket appeared, where they traded everything - from buns to horses.

17. Stories about the cruelty of Spartans to their children entered the legends. But the Romans were not softer. After the birth of the child brought to the alleged father. If he raised the baby in his arms, then the child recognized the child, took certain obligations on education and content. Otherwise, this meant the refusal, and the young could even take out the city and leave to die.

18. Shameful crimes, for which even deprived citizenship, was escaped from the army, making an injury to "disappear" and tax evasion!

19. It is customary to consider the main reason for the fall of Rome of the attack of the barbarians. In fact, the empire began to fall apart long before. And the reasons were economic here. In particular, the strongest inflation occurred, in which for 80 years the grain rose from 16 drachms for the measure to up to 120,000!

20. The concept of divorce existed in Rome. And he was accompanied by a section of the property. A woman got all that she brought her husband to the house, and certain compensation was paid. But the children always remained with the Father.

Italian cuisine is world famous due to its pasta and pizza. But, what did you meet on the meal tables in Italy a few thousand years ago, what ate ancient Romans for breakfast, lunch and dinner? All about the menu of the ancient Romans found the correspondent.

Each person has repeatedly took part in solemn trapes with plentiful treats and drinking. It is about the same, only the inhabitants of the ancient Rome did on a large scale. Breakfast and dinner passed unnoticed, but the dinner paid great attention. Let's plunge into the atmosphere of the ancient Radia and find out what solemn tables were broken? The active development of culinary art in Rome began another III century to our era. Already then, the basic principles of healthy food were developed, which were invented by traditional combinations of products and unusual dishes for those times. By the way, some of these ancient culinary discoveries we use today. The food of the poor inhabitants of ancient Rome was simple and practically did not change in centuries, but among the rich population there was a fashion for exquisite food and many hours (!) Peers.
Evening meal sometimes lasted to ten o'clock, and the traditional feast in ancient Rome consisted of three parts. At first, they first served snacks, and then a rich second and only in the end there was time to enjoy dessert. In principle, everything is like now.

Food in the capital of the empire was carried away from all over the rich and powerful country, and the tables were leaving fragrant. Toasted Python, starving wild ducks and swans, giraffe, elephant trothes, piles of candied flamingo languages, baked storks and newborn mice baked in honey, is only a small part of the exotic, which met on the rich tables of ancient Romans. And, of course, all this was richly roamed by the rivers of wine.

Ancient Roggy horn abundance

Bread and different cereals are the main products of an ancient Rome, which were used in their mass in the preparation of various chowers and porridge. In addition, before cooking, most products sprinkled with barley flour, and many other dishes included beans and legumes.

Ancient Romans enjoyed so popular in our time by cooking like a fryer. In the fryer, they prepared them all the favorite dish "globuli" - peculiar balls made of dough, roasted in olive oil, honey acted and sprinkled on top of the poppy. Often they prepared in deep fryer and seafood.

It is the ancient Rome that can be considered the birthplace of the salads who loved us. The prototype of modern salads was known for two more and a half thousand years ago. However, in initially, the salad was called a mixture of sliced \u200b\u200bendivil, onions and green parsley, which was seasoned with honey, sprinkled with salt, watered with vinegar and sometimes olive oil.

In addition, the ancient Romans loved the dishes from chopped meat. The similarity of the modern boiler or bifhtex was roasted on the grill right on the street. Then such cutlets lay hot on a piece of bread and immediately served to the table. Probably, this was the first fast food in the world. First of all, the pork and goat meat was appreciated, the beef was used very rarely, only when the bulls sacrificed to the gods. In any case, the meat was very tough, it was very rarely fried, but he was rareral in broths.

Popular on holiday tables was and game, which decorated the magnificent feast. Especially for Peters, rich Romans bred pheasants, foresters and even peacocks. By the way, with the Emperor Augustus for Pirov prepared dishes from storks, and nightingale languages \u200b\u200bwere especially popular with the Roman Emperor Tiberius!

Of course, all fresh fish and many seafood were used in abundance of ancient Roman cuisine. The fish was much more expensive than meat, so she was her only rich Romans. "Mullus" was considered the most tracked and expensive fish, because its only one did not succeed in captivation. This fish is known for us as a "drum", the truth is more colorful its option.

Favorite national soups of the ancient Romans were various soups and borshs. Many cabbage, beets, as well as onions, were grown specifically for this. Residents of ancient Rome also loved dairy products, cheeses. Milk was added to different dishes, including in baking. Over time, the widespread occupation was the manufacture of cheeses, even the poorest Romans could afford them.

But to drink whole milk was considered a luxury, and an adult harmful to health, so it was always diluted with drinking water. It was an ordinary casual drink, as well as diluted wine.