For those who have a love for European history, thoughts of Rome should set hearts racing. Gates to the ancient Roman civilization have been unlocked to show the Chinese its glorious past. The exhibition was kicked off with an opening ceremony at the National Museum of China on Wednesday morning.

Many high-profile Chinese and Italian guests, including China's Minister of Culture Sun Jiazheng and diplomatic envoys from the Italian embassy witnessed the largest governmental cultural exchange program between the two countries.

Ma Shuo said, "The Chinese would've gotten the chance to see these roman treasures last June if it hadn't been for the unfortunate outbreak of the SARS epidemic. But some things are worth waiting for... Chinese history-lovers were finally able to admire one of history's most powerful civilizations. For them, one old saying is proved to be true here: All roads lead to Rome."

The 173 authentic pieces, shipped from Italy, have never set foot on Chinese soil before. Many aspects of Roman history are displayed such as the political structure, regime transfer of the Roman empire, its culture and economy. Most of the items on display are from collections of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Also, treasures from the Pompei ruins, which were buried under ashes for centuries, were unveiled before Chinese eyes for the first time.

Umberto Vattani, secretary general of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy, said , "I image that this will have a great success in China and many young people will be able to see for themselves.... "

The show also flared some fashions from the 13th to the 18th century Venice. With the lights dimmed low and the faint music playing in the background, the nostalgic sentiments set in.

Co-sponsored by the National Museum of China and the Italian culture and heritage department, the exhibition will later set up its Roman columns in central China's Henan and Shaanxi provinces after its six-month run in the Chinese capital.

(CCTV.com June 10, 2004)