Ancient Bridge, Rome
Ancient Bridge, Rome We are standing just above the new iron bridge called Ponte Rotto. We are looking to the northwest, and the bridge we see above the old arch is the Ponte Fabricio, that runs from the left bank of the Tiber to the Isola Tiberina. The Ponte Fabricio runs from the bank to this island, and the Ponte Cestio runs from the island to the right bank. The old arch we see between these bridges is the last remaining arch of the ancient Pons Æmilius, built 181 B. C. On the Isola Tiberina is the church of St. Bartolomeo. This stands, in all probability, upon the site of the ancient temple of Æsculapius. It was built A. D. 1000, by the Emperor Otho III. The island was connected with Trastevere by an ancient bridge built by Augustus. The old arch we see was in its place when St. Paul was in Rome; and as he lived here on his first stay in Rome for two years, we do not doubt that his eyes rested upon it. Rome has seven ancient bridges; five of them are still in use. The o...