Beneath Piazza Navona lies an entire chapter of ancient Roman history.
Most visitors walking through Piazza Navona in Rome admire its beautiful Baroque fountains, churches and historic buildings. But few realise that the unusual elongated shape of this famous square comes from something much older: the Stadium of Domitian.
Built under Emperor Domitian and inaugurated in AD 86, this enormous stadium was designed primarily for Greek-style athletic competitions. Unlike the Colosseum, which is famous for gladiatorial combat, this venue hosted events such as running, wrestling, boxing and other athletic contests.
The stadium measured approximately 275 metres in length and 106 metres in width, with an estimated capacity of around 30,000 spectators.
What makes this place fascinating is how history has been preserved beneath the modern city. Over centuries, the ancient stadium fell out of use, and buildings gradually occupied its structure. Eventually, its original footprint became the foundation for the urban layout of Piazza Navona.
Today, people enjoy cafés, fountains and magnificent architecture above ground, while the remains of a first-century Roman sporting venue survive below.
I find this particularly fascinating because Rome didn't simply build a new city over its past. In many places, the ancient city is still physically shaping the modern one.
Sometimes, the most remarkable history is literally beneath our feet.
❤️ My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate. ❤️
Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters.
As Bradley’s mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it’s one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between. So much of Bradley’s short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face.
To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt. 💔
We are a football-loving family who follow Sunderland home and away. I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?
I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were. I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don't, just for him to learn from this.
Behind that photograph is a little boy who was loved beyond measure and a family who miss him every day.
Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know. ❤️
What some people don’t realise is that Bradley’s story didn’t end when his life did.
Because of Bradley, children’s lives are being saved, hundreds of families have received vital support, and children facing unimaginable battles are being given hope.
Through Super Brad’s Pad, families can escape hospital life, spend precious time together and make memories that last forever.
That is Bradley’s legacy. The difference my little boy continues to make in this world. No amount of cruelty will ever take that away.
So rather than let this photograph be remembered for hatred, I want it remembered for what it truly represents.
My beautiful little boy, enjoying one of the happiest days of his life, with the biggest smile on his face. 💙
That is how I want the world to remember him.
#CancerHasNoColours ❤️💙🤍💚🩷🖤🧡
🔵 Il 29 ottobre 1976 usciva al cinema #FebbredaCavallo, pellicola cult di Steno che narrava le peripezie di Mandrake, Pomata e Felice tra ippica e scommesse. La ricorrenza verrà festeggiata oggi all’Ippodromo delle Capannelle di Roma
Bertoni Calcio 🤝🏻 AS Roma
I nostri Pulcini 2016 hanno avuto l'opportunità di confrontarsi con i pari età della società giallorossa. È stata una bellissima giornata di sport e condivisione! ⚽️❤️💙
#Bertoni#Calcio#Roma