Much of the active excavation on the Palatine looks like the world's biggest jigsaw puzzle. I suspect they've given up on reassembling these columns, as they are within public reach. Note the brick building in the background, with a bit of a painting still on the wall. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to tell one of these ancient brick buildings from another, so I don't know what building is in the background.

A part of the Domus Flavia, the palace of the Flavian emporers.

This part of the Domus Flavia overlooked the Hippodrome, a small area which may have been used for footraces or may have simply been a garden in the shape of a stadium. The odd angle was required to clip out my fellow onlookers.

As far as I can tell, this area is just identified as third court. It is a lovely little courtyard in the middle of the Domus Flavia.

Some parts of the Palatine Hill still have the palace decorations intact. This one resides on the wall of the Domus Augustana. At least one site claims that the Third Court was actually part of the Domus Augustana, the private residence of the emporers, rather than part of the Flavian palace.

I don't know what part of the Domus Augustana this little room was. It was much taller than wide, and the walls were covered in grottos suitable for placing statues. I can only assume that that's exactly what it was for in its time. It must have been spectacular with its marble statues in place. Whether it was a kind of mini-temple or just a quiet place to appreciate art, I don't know.

Eric, with Palatine ruins in the background.

The House of Livia, one of the best preserved parts of the Palatine.

Europe's pigoens come in two colors. Did one evolve to blend in with the brick? It certainly seems plausible. It matches the reddish dirt of Rome nicely, though, too.

There are a few non-brick decorations still hanging about in the Palatine.

Eric tries to fit in with the locals.

It is entirely understandable why the wealthy of Rome must have wanted their homes and palaces here. The view from any angle is spectacular, and the view over the Forum perhaps most of all. From this vantage you can really take in the Basilica of Maxentius.

It's also the only way to get a good look at the inside of the Arc of Titus.

An imperial view of the Round Temple of Romulus and the Temple of Antonius and Faustina.

The greenery on the hill makes a nice frame for the view, as well. Probably this is a relative late addition - terracing of the sides of the hill was done in the Renaissance .

A lovely view of the entrance to the Forum. Even the Victor Emmannel monument looks good from here.

The sun came out for just a moment, highlighting the Temple of Antonius and Faustina. The golden hour works its magic.