The pavement of the Via Sacra culminates in front of the Colosseum in the heart of the Imperial Forums in Rome - stock photo

Rome, Italy, October 28 -- A view of the majestic Colosseum and the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), in the historic heart of the Eternal City. The majestic Flavian Amphitheater, known as the Coliseum due to a colossal statue that stood nearby, was built in the 1st century AD at the behest of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty, and hosted, until the end of the ancient age, shows of great popular appeal, such as hunting with exotic animals and gladiator games. The Via Sacra (in foreground) is a road axis that crossed the entire Roman Forum longitudinally since the foundation of Rome, connecting the Campidoglio hill with the underlying valley of the Forum. The Roman Forum, one of the largest archaeological areas in the world, represented the political, legal, religious and economic center of the city of Rome, as well as the nerve center of the entire Roman civilization. In 1980 the historic center of Rome was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Image in high definition image.