There's so much to do in Rome that it is nearly impossible for anyone to get bored. Just looking around, tourists are amazed at the beauty of the city's buildings. Thanks to past leaders' support of the arts, Rome was the birthplace of many architectural advances, such as domes, arches, and vaults. The Arch of Constantine and its neighboring Colosseum show off the architectural feats Rome achieved. The Colosseum is also a must-see as the largest amphitheater ever built in the world and the place where gladiators fought for their lives and freedom before crowds of thousands. The Pantheon and Catacombs are other great sights for those interested in Rome's ancient history.
The Trevi Fountain is another stop for all visitors to Rome. It sits at the end of one of ancient Rome's most important aqueducts that served the city for over 400 years. The fountain's facade is enormous, and it is one of the most famous fountains in the world. If you stop, remember to bring a coin. According to legend, tossing one into the fountain brings good luck in love.
For the casual tourist, Rome boasts a plethora of cafés specializing in the local cuisine. Tapas, pastas, espresso, and more are part of the heart and soul of the Roman people. There are also endless shops to explore, offering handmade goods, traditional keepsakes, and the latest trends. Still a center for music, Rome has concerts and shows that are held on a regular basis. If you're looking for another side of Italian culture, take in a soccer game and enjoy the city's number one sport. The best thing is that no matter where you go or what you do, Rome is inviting and magical.
1. When did the city of Rome first begin?
(A) Archeologists found that people lived there only 1,400 years ago.
(B) It was founded around 2,500 years ago when small villages joined together.
(C) The city was established 400 years ago.
(D) According to ancient records, the city was established 1,000 years ago.
2. Which is the correct sequence of Rome's government?
(A) Republic→kingdom→empire.
(B) Empire→kingdom→republic.
(C) Kingdom→republic→empire.
(D) Kingdom→empire→republic.
3. What is the Colosseum?
(A) An ancient theater where gory shows were held for entertainment.
(B) A gateway into Rome that was built to intimidate enemies.
(C) A church where religious followers gathered to pray and worship.
(D) The home of the last Roman Emperor.
4. Which activity is NOT mentioned in the passage?
(A) Visiting one of the world's biggest fountains to make a wish for love.
(B) Finding a café to enjoy local food and drink.
(C) Joining thousands as they cheer for their favorite sports team.
(D) Celebrating festivals with the locals.
在罗马有这么多事可以做，因此几乎不可能有人会感到无聊。只要四处看看，游客就会惊叹城市里的建筑之美。多亏了过去领导者对艺术的支持，罗马是许多建筑发展的发源地，像是圆顶建筑、拱门以及拱顶。君士坦丁凯旋门及邻近的罗马竞技场突显了罗马所成就的建筑壮举。罗马竞技场也是另一个必看的景点，它是世上有史以来最大的露天竞技场，这里曾是罗马斗士在数千人面前为自己的生命及自由拚斗的场所。万神殿（又称：先贤祠）及地下墓室对那些对于罗马古老历史有兴趣的人来说，也是很棒的景点。
特莱维喷泉也是所有到罗马观光客的另一处停靠站。它座落于古罗马时期最重要的引水渠道之一的末端，也为这座城市服务了 4 百多年。这座喷水池的正面外观十分巨大，而且它是世界上最著名的喷水池之一。如果你在此停歇，要记得带一枚硬币。根据传说，丢一枚硬币到喷水池里会为你在恋爱上带来好运。
对于来休闲的观光客来说，罗马以拥有许多专精于当地菜肴的咖啡厅而自豪。西班牙餐前小吃、意大利面、义式浓缩咖啡，还有许多当地美食都是罗马人精神的一部份。还有数不尽的商店供你去探索，并提供手工制品、传统纪念品以及最新时尚潮流。此外还有音乐中心，还会定期在此举办演唱会及表演。如果你追寻的是意大利文化的另一面，可以去欣赏一场足球赛，享受这座城市里最受欢迎的运动。游览罗马最棒的事就是不管你去哪里、做什么事，它都是很吸引人的。
答案： 1. B 2. C 3. A 4. D
罗马竞技场是在公元 72 年，罗马皇帝维斯帕先（Vespasian）为庆祝征服耶路撒冷，强迫 8 万名犹太俘虏所修建，由他的儿子提图斯（Titus）揭幕。罗马竞技场于公元 80 年落成，工程历时 8 年。公元 3 世纪和 5 世纪都曾重新修缮。在文艺复兴时期，罗马大兴土木，竞技场的许多石块被挖去建造宫殿和教堂。此后又经过多次修整，才使这座古老而雄伟的建筑得以保留至今。竞技场从建造至今，已有近两千年的历史。它相当于一个足球场那么大。竞技台底下是地窖，关着猛兽和罗马斗士。而竞技场周围的看台分为 3 区。底层的第一区是皇帝和贵族的座席，第二层为罗马高阶层市民席，第三层则为一般平民席，一般观众只能在此处站着观看表演，再往上则是大阳台。场内看台共可容纳观众 5 万多人，底层地面有 80 个出入口，可确保在 15 至 30 分钟内把场内 5 万名观众全部疏散离场。（数据源：知识百科）
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