Roman holiday

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers march in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome, April 21, 2013, in Rome, Italy.

The capital celebrates its founding annually based on the legendary foundation of the Birth of Rome. Actors dressed as the denizens of ancient Rome participate in parades and re-enactments of the ancient Roman Empire. According to legend, Rome had been founded by Romulus in 753 BC in an area surrounded by seven hills.

All photographs taken in Rome, Italy, April 21, 2013.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman maids march in front of the Coliseum.

An actor is dressed as an ancient barbarian soldier.

Actors dressed as ancient barbarian soldiers get ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman maids march in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

An actor dressed as an ancient Roman soldier gets ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers get ready to march.

Roman soldiers march in front of the Coliseum in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dressed as barbarian soldiers get ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers march in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dressed as ancient gladiators march in front of the Coliseum.

Actors dressed as ancient gladiators march in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dress up as ancient Roman soldiers.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers march in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers get ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers get ready before the parade.

A costumed actress dressed as the Goddess Roma marches in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman maids get ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers cover themselves with shields as they march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman maids get ready to march.

Roman soldiers march in front of the Coliseum in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers get ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers repair a shield before marching in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman soldiers get ready to march.

Actors dressed as ancient barbarian soldiers rest before marching in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome.