I've just got back from Rome, sadly not in 2008, but from a virtual Rome in ancient times.

I downloaded the Ancient Rome 3D layer into Google Earth. I must admit it took me a while to get to grips with the controls to get the best 3D view, so if you are thinking you may use it in a lesson on an interactive whiteboard, be sure to have a trial first. I found the most success by zooming in while in birds eye view before tilting to eye level view.

You can visit places such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum and get really close views. It certainly helps you to appreciate the grand scale of Ancient Rome's architecture. If you want historical information it is available by clicking on the yellow information points. The facts are quite detailed and suitable for older students and adults.

All in all, it is fun and definitely worth a virtual visit!