Here you are looking out from the balcony of the greatest church in the world. You are gazing upon the most wonderful city that the world has ever known. For centuries the "City of the Seven Hills" was the center of civilization. Here ruled the Caesars (s´ zår), mighty kings whose empire extended over 3 continents. You will agree, that without this historical background, the present city, as you see it here, is a thing of beauty. The piazza directly below you, the winding streets, the smoothly-flowing Tiber, the circular tomb of Hadrian, with house top after house top extending into the distance-this is the Rome of to-day. Over all there is a blue, Italian sky flecked with white-capped clouds. The obelisk (b´ -lsk) in the center of the piazza was brought from the banks of the Nile by the Emperor Caligula (kå-lg´ -lå). It is said to be the only monument in Rome that has never been overthrown. It was moved to its present position in 1586. On either side of the piazza are colonnades covering driveways. The church of St. Peter stands over the tomb of the apostle Peter. It was founded by the Roman emperor, Constantine. It was centuries in building, and many famous architects were called from time to time to assist in the work. The dome was largely the work of Michelangelo (m´ kl-n´ j-l). From the top of the cross on the top of the dome to the pavement, it is 435 feet. It is easily the largest church in the world. The city of Rome now has a population of about 540,000. It has been the capital of modern Italy since 1871. It is built on both sides of the Tiber, across which run 11 bridges. Most of these are very old. The oldest was built 62 B. C. Name some countries that Rome ruled? Keystone ID: 1901 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.