Rising above the Roman Forum and overlooking the Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill stands as the literal and symbolic foundation of ancient Rome. According to mythology, this is where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf, and where Romulus eventually founded the city in 753 BCE. Archaeological evidence confirms its status as Rome's most exclusive neighborhood, home to emperors and aristocrats whose increasingly opulent palaces transformed the hill over centuries. Walking these elevated grounds today, you explore the sprawling ruins of the Flavian Palace, where emperors once held court; the Stadium of Domitian, an imperial private garden; and the restored frescoed dwellings of the House of Livia. Unlike the crowded Forum below, Palatine offers breathing space among archaeological treasures, with umbrella pines providing shade and spectacular vantage points revealing Rome's ancient urban planning. The hill's stratified ruins—with republican houses beneath imperial structures—physically embody Rome's evolution from modest settlement to imperial capital, making it an unparalleled site for understanding how power literally built upon itself in the ancient world.

Ephesus, an ancient city located in Turkey, is renowned for its incredible archaeological sites and rich history. Once a bustling port city, it is home to the well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can wander through its impressive streets, marvel at the grand Library of Celsus, and explore the remnants of the Roman theater, all while immersing themselves in the stories of this once-thriving metropolis.