The best part of the ruins were the views. Especially of me.
Below is actually an interesting photo of the back of the Pantheon, which is not a part of the ruins, but it does give you some idea that the ruins--which, unlike the photos above--are really unimpressive piles of brick on hills, although they used to be covered with frescos, and marble and columns, and be a really beautiful bling bling place for the emperors to hang out in. You can imagine that there was a fountain here, and a large impressive foyer here, and a wonderful mosaic ceiling here....
Again, the best part of the Forum's ruins and Palatine Hill was the views, and that's what I took pics (above) of...the views of Rome.
