The physical geography of Rome City is closely related to the distribution of wealth. One of the city's most impoverished neighborhoods, called "The Poverty Zones", has more than 60% black people. In contrast, in the wealthier neighborhoods, more than 80% of the households are white and only one in twenty is black. In Rome, the distribution of wealth reflects the region's economic and social status.
While Rome is renowned for its complicated streets, public transportation is a convenient way to get around the city. Metro trains run from 5:30 in the morning until 11pm, except for Saturdays. Metro tickets are valid for a single ride, so be prepared to spend a little time exploring the city. Popular metro stops include the Spanish Steps, Spagna, the Vatican Museums, Ottaviano, Circus Maximus, and the Catacombs.
The ancient city of Rome was founded on seven hills along the Tiber River about two thousand years ago. It is the most ancient city in Europe and is now home to nearly three million people. The city is a large, sprawling city with a latitude that runs parallel to that of New York state. During the Renaissance, Rome had an economy based on the tourist industry, and the city grew to become a hub of industry after World War II (1939-45).
The eighteenth century saw the city's appearance undergo a major transformation. The Renaissance era saw the construction of new churches and private palaces for wealthy families. The construction of these buildings was interrupted by economic crisis in the late eighteenth century, but the city's richness was preserved for the future. During this time, the papacy was relocated to Avignon, which left the city in poverty and strife.