ITR25 DEM CAE Visit Coliseum & Antic Forum

This activity allows students to discover the heart of Ancient Rome by visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. The visit gives participants the chance to explore how power, politics, justice, and daily life were organised in ancient times, and to make links with today’s ideas of gladiators, citizenship, and human rights. Students take part in a guided visit of:

The Colosseum: Students learn about this famous amphitheatre where gladiator fights, public games, and imperial ceremonies took place. They discover how the building was constructed, who could attend the shows, events about Roman society, violence, and entertainment.

The Roman Forum: Walking through the ruins of temples, arches, and public buildings, students explore the political, religious, and commercial centre of Ancient Rome. They learn about the Senate, public speeches, trials, and daily life in the city.

Viewpoints & reflection moments: At selected points, students stop to observe the landscape, take photos, and listen to short explanations linking the past to the present (for example, ideas of citizenship, law, public space, and collective memory).

Italian guide talks in English, explaining historical facts, telling stories about emperors and ordinary citizens, and answering questions.
The group is encouraged to compare ancient Roman values and practices with modern European principles, especially around justice, public power, and the protection of people.
They may complete a short observation sheet or take notes for a later debriefing or presentation.

Students gain a clearer picture of how people lived, ruled, and participated in public life in Ancient Rome.

They improve their English listening and speaking skills in an authentic cultural context.

The activity helps them reflect on the evolution of values from antiquity to today and strengthens their sense of belonging to a shared European history and heritage. The experience also encourages curiosity, teamwork, and open-mindednessas students explore the links between ancient traditions and modern citizenship.