The glory of Ancient Rome

Rome's age-old treasures Rome - Arabstoday There has been no end of movies and mini series' that attempt to capture the guts and glory of Ancient Rome. But tourists could get a lot closer than they bargained for if plans go ahead to create what is being dubbed 'Romaland'. According to The Times, mayor Gianni Alemanno is pushing for investment in a scheme to create a 240-hectare theme park on the edges of the Eternal City. Visitors will be able to see the forum recreated anew, cheer on gladiator fights in the 'Colosseum' and take part in thrilling chariot races. They might also be able to visit recreations of Roman shops and sample the fare of the day, dodging the wagons in the streets. Tourists will also able to enjoy modern-day comforts in one of the five on-site hotels. 'The idea is to give the visitor a sense of what the ancient life of Rome was. That's the target,' the newspaper quoted tourism official Antonio Gazzellone as saying. The 'Disneyland of Ancient Rome', as it is also being called, is one of a number of initiatives city officials are developing in a bid to attract more tourists, who already number 12 million each year. According to its website, the 'Second Tourist Centre' project has been created in a bid to propel Rome 'into a new dimension harmoniously blending it with its traditional sightseeing and religious features'. The 'new-look Capital' is looking to broaden its horizons with a host of entertainment and cultural attractions. In 2010, officials promised that 'more than half' would be launched over 2012 and 2013. A new aquarium is set to open its doors this year while there are hopes that the little-known seaside port of Ostia will, after regeneration, become a premier seaside destination in 2013. 'Romaland' is not the first project to try to capture a time in history. TravelMail revealed earlier this year how a £180million theme park is being planned for 2017, on the site where the Emperor of France clashed with the Austrians in 1814. And the name? 'Napoleonland'.