Emperors, senators, matrons and gladiators are celebrating today the birthday of Rome, the city that, according to legend, was founded by Romulus and Remus on April 21.
The central location of the celebration, as usual, is the field of the former racetrack of the Circus Maximus. They recall the moment of the legendary founding, when Romulus and Remus plowed the boundary line around the future city.
Another well-known scene from the history of Rome is also brought to life, when the gladiator Spartacus fights with Roman soldiers.
Members of the traditional societies bring to life the emperors for a day, including Julius Caesar, senators, matrons, Vesta virgins and legionary soldiers.
Their ornate procession starts from the Circus Maximus, touches the Capitoline Hill and marches along in front of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The annual procession attracts crowds of Italians and foreigners.
The Roman Historical Group, which organized the event, is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year.
Another prominent location of the anniversary is the Pantheon, because at noon on April 21st, through the circular opening on the top of the ancient monument, the sun's rays illuminate exactly the bronze entrance gate of the building. The Pantheon was built this way on purpose, as the emperor entering the gate was illuminated with this light show.
On the feast day of Rome, founded in 753 BC, admission to the city's museums is free.
MTI
Featured image: Illustration from images of the 2021 birthday parade
