Just before Mile 7 on the course (6km), we make our way toward Isola Tiberina --- an island in the Tiber River. It is associated with the temple of Asclepius and has had the Fatebenefratelli Hospital on it since being founded in the 1500s. Depending on which legend you prefer, the island was formed either by angry Romans throwing the body of tyrant Tarquinius Superbus into the river, or them throwing his wheat and grain into the river – either being the basis for the formation of the island. Who’s to question a legend that is over 2500 years old? Certainly not me.
The hospital here also has a positive connection to the Holocaust. While the Nazis were rounding up Jews from the Rome Ghetto, the head of the hospital (Dr. Borromeo) "invented" a contagious, deadly disease – “Il Morbo di K” – which kept the Nazis away, protecting Jews that were hiding inside.
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