Rome

Rome, nicknamed "Eternal City", is home to several historic landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.http://www.rome.info/sights This ancient city, located in the Lazio region of Italy, has persevered through over 2,700 years and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Rome is the capital of Italy and is presently home to a population of 2.8 million people.http://www.rome.info/sights The history of Rome is brimming with tales of mythical gods, ancient empires, and renowned artists. http://www.rome.info/ancient

Rome is home to Vatican City, the residence of Pope Benedict XVI. Vatican City is considered the smallest state in the world and houses several museums, gardens, and the Sistine Chapel.http://www.rome.info/vatican/

In December 2010, 50,000 protesters marched the streets after Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won a vote of confidence with 314 to 311 votes.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704828104576021420964101068.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://www.realtruth.org/news/101216-001-europe.html The protesters consisted of Anti-Berlusconi trade unionists, students, and unaffiliated anarchists who set cars on fire and beat policeman.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704828104576021420964101068.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Berlusconi, fighting scandals in his personal life and over tax affairs, has advanced proposals for tax cuts and a simplified tax code to aid in controlling Italy's public debt.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704828104576021420964101068.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Some of the other measures he proposes, such as cutting government spending, have met with less popularity.

Rome has been continuously inhabited since its discovery nearly three mellennia ago. Legend states that mythical twins Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome on April 21, 753 BC.http://www.rome.info/ancient/history/ The history of Rome can be divided into thee distinct periods:

• Before the rise of Rome: everything prior to 500 BC
• Roman Republic: approximately 500 BC - 30 BC
• Roman Empire: 30 BC - 476 AD
• After the fall of Rome: 476 AD - Present

The biggest distinctions in each era were regarding the style of leadership and government. Rome's rise as the center of Christianity marked its passage into modern history. By the 1400s the city flourished through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, slowly shaping into the Rome that it is today.http://rome.info/ancient/history/

Rome, Italy is located at latitude 41 54'N and longitude 12 29'E.http://www.mapsofworld.com/lat_long/italy-lat-long.html With an area of 580 square miles, Rome is the largest city in Italyhttp://mapsofworld.com/lat_long/italy-lat-long.html. Rome features a Mediterranean climate and the summers can become considerably hot and dry. Spring and early autumn are considered the most desirable time to visit.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/rome/weather

• Vatican City
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Pantheon
• St. Peter's Square
• Trevi Fountain
• Sistine Chapelhttp://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/rome_italy_travel.htm

• Julius Caesar
• Emperor Augustus of Rome
• Roberto Rossellini
• Sophia Loren
• Isabella Rossellinihttp://www.aboutroma.com/famous-people-rome.html