Palatine Hill and Circus Maximus at Sunset

Seen at sunset, the Palatine Hill rises above the Circus Maximus. As the legendary birthplace of Rome, the Palatine became the residence of emperors, whose palaces dominate the skyline (1st c. BC–4th c. AD). Below, the Circus Maximus, once Rome’s largest chariot racing stadium, symbolizes imperial spectacle and mass entertainment.