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Larry F. Ball/Sopraintendenza Archeologica di Roma

The oldest street in Rome, the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) runs the entire length of the Forum. Wending its way from the Arch of Titus (in the east) to the Capitoline Hill (in the west), it is lined with dozens of monuments and sanctuaries. In ancient times, victorious generals led triumphs along this ancient route—with the victor’s fully-armed soldiers leading prisoners and carrying war booty, signs, and paintings illustrating battles. In 49 B.C. Julius Caesar was granted an enormous triumph to celebrate his victories in Gaul. Riding along the Sacred Way in a chariot drawn by four horses, he was accompanied by a now-immortal placard that read veni vidi vici (I came, I saw, I conquered).