Places
Read MoreThe Roman Colosseum
Construction of the Colosseum began under the emperor Vespasian in 70 AD, and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir, Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius). The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Franciscan Order, and is located in Assisi, Italy, the city where St. Francis was born and died. The basilica is one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy.
The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of a hill and comprises two churches known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church, and a crypt where the remains of the saint are interred. On the morning of September 26, 1997, two earthquakes hit that region of Italy in rapid succession, registering 5.5 and 6.1 respectively on the Richter Scale. There was widespread devastation and many ancient buildings were destroyed or damaged. The church was closed for two years for restoration.San Elizario Chapel
One of three historic churches on the mission trail in the El Paso, Texas area, the San Elizario Chapel's roots date back to 1789 when the Spanish military built a chapel within the walls of its military presidio in the area now known as San Elizario, Texas. The chapel was later destroyed by flood in 1829 and a replacement structure was built that lasted until 1877 when the larger, present structure was built to accommodate the needs of the growing community. While technically not a "mission," as religious conversion of Native Americans was not the intended purpose of this facility, the Chapel shares the Spanish colonial architecture and history common to other missions found in the southwestern United States.