Rome, Italy is one of the great cities of the world. With its history spanning thousands of years, its monumental architecture, fabulous piazzas, colourful markets and character-filled streets, it's truly dazzling at every turn. But if you're embarking on a trip to Rome, you need a strategy. Otherwise, you risk getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things to see in the Eternal City.

For well over a millennium, Rome controlled the destiny of all civilization known to Europe, but then it fell into dissolution and disrepair. Physically mutilated, economically paralyzed, politically senile, and militarily impotent by the late Middle Ages, Rome nevertheless remained a world power—as an idea. The force of Rome the lawgiver, teacher, and builder continued to radiate throughout Europe. Although the situation of the popes from the 6^th to the 15^th century was often precarious, Rome knew glory as the fountainhead of Christianity and eventually won back its power and wealth and re-established itself as a place of beauty, a source of learning, and a capital of the arts.