I think if you read up on the history of Rome you will be much more interested in the sites and artifacts.

Also look for Paradise Lost's posts here on Fodors, he lists various walks and historical facts on Rome.

Just take it easy and stroll around late at night when it is magical and not crowded. And don't compare it to Paris!

bookmarking

A contrasting opinion of the Roman forum, after reading Flanner's above:

When I went to Rome for the second time (once in February, the second time in March), I took my husband on a brief walk our first evening there. He had not been with me the first time, so we walked toward the Capitoline hill and climbed the ramped steps designed by Michelangelo. At the top, we walked to the right past the Senate building and looked out over the panoramic view of the Roman forum, with the colosseum in the distance.

My husband took in the scene and we stood in silence for a while. Maybe there was an occasional "wow". I said, "Tomorrow we will go in there." Astonished, my husband said, "They let people in there?" It felt like hallowed ground.

Sorry for hijacking...

Apres_Londee - You're back! Hope you had a good trip and I'm looking forward to your TR as always.

Leely, I also feel a similar connection between Rome and Mexico City, and these are my two favorite cities in the world. Paris, on the other hand - although I have no problem amusing and enjoying myself there, for some reason I have never felt fully connected to it.

Loves2sing, it is hard to say what might work for you in Rome, but maybe try walking around the Giancolo, and around the Borghese, and some of the other more peaceful areas of Rome.