The Roman Forum, the centre of ancient Rome from where the modern city of today has grown. I walked down to this vantage point behind Campidoglio well before dawn and waited for the morning sun to fill the skies. As the light started to illuminate the ruins below, it was hard not to imagine what life must have been like back when these structures were newly built. From the noble folk that filled the palaces to the warriors who competed in tournaments, all gathering together in these streets and architecturally rich buildings. It must have been awe-inspiring.

Off to the right of frame in this image is the mighty Colosseum, my next stop on this historically rich day of exploration.