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You have to see it to believe it.

A professor at the University of Virginia (Katie's alma mater, btw) has created something truly unique: a computer simululation of Rome, circa 320 A.D.

According to Reuters:

Tourists puzzled by the jumble of buildings in classical and modern Rome can now find their bearings by visiting a virtual model of the imperial capital in what is being billed as the world's biggest computer simulation of an ancient city.

"Rome Reborn" was unveiled on Monday in a first release showing the city at its peak in 320 AD, under the Emperor Constantine when it had grown to a million inhabitants.

Brainchild of the University of Virginia's Bernard Frischer, Rome Reborn will eventually show its evolution from Bronze Age hut settlements to the Sack of Rome in the 5th century AD and the devastating Gothic Wars.

Reproduced for tourists on satellite-guided handsets and 3-D orientation movies in a theatre to be opened near the Colosseum, Frischer says his model "will prepare them for their visit to the Colosseum, the Forum, the imperial palaces on the Palatine, so that they can understand the ruins a lot better."

"We can take people under the Colosseum and show them how the elevators worked to bring the animals up from underground chambers for the animal hunts they held," he said, referring to the great Roman amphitheatre inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD.

There truly is no place like Rome. Especially as it was 1700 years ago.

For so many of us at CBS News, this is a hard day. Rome Hartman, the executive producer of the Evening News, is moving on.

Rome was one of the reasons I came here to CBS. We’d known each other peripherally for years – everyone in the news business seems to know everyone else, don’t they? – so I knew his reputation. And I have to say: he is truly one of the “good guys,” a man of integrity, character and honor. In the TV news business, those characteristics are too often mutually exclusive. But Rome is the living embodiment of those things. He’s also a guy of great intelligence, dedication and – importantly -- fun. He made all of us work harder, and shine brighter, and made us proud of what we do.

It’s been such a privilege to have him by my side these last six months. He’s been a wonderful partner as I’ve embarked on this new chapter in my life. I’m so grateful for his indefatigability and perseverance. And it’s not surprising to me that he has handled his departure with typical grace, classiness and humor.

He’s earned my unwavering and enduring respect, affection, and love.

And you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone at CBS News who doesn’t feel the same way.

Executive producer Rome Hartman fills in for Katie with a rundown of what's in tonight's show, including more fallout from Saddam Hussein's execution and a heroic story of a man who saved a stranger from an oncoming subway train.

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For today's First Look, Rome Hartman and correspondent Byron Pitts give a preview of tonight's stories, including allegations of sexual wrongdoing that have rocked the evangelical Christian community. Click the monitor to watch.

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It's that time again. Katie is back, and joins Rome Hartman for a preview of tonight's CBS Evening News. Topic A: what if North Korea decides to sell nuclear devices?

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Korea dominates the headlines today, and Executive Producer Rome Hartman has a first look at that, and a few other stories you'll see on tonight's CBS Evening News. Click the monitor to watch.

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While Katie polishes up her piece on Condi Rice for this Sunday's 60 Minutes, Rome Hartman gives us a look at what's coming up on tonight's CBS Evening News. (We hope to have more on the Rice interview later, so stay tuned...) Just click the monitor to watch the First Look.

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For today's First Look, Executive Producer Rome Hartman visits what we affectionately refer to as "The Concierge Desk" -- the area in the middle of our newsroom where Director Eric Shapiro puts together the whole "look" of the program, including the graphics. Click on the monitor and take a look yourself.

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A reader wrote in to tell us how much he likes First Look, which he calls "The Rome Hartman Show." He adds:

By the way, I've also liked the feature this week when Katie has subbed.

Thanks. We think she has potential, too.

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Washington is debating what the U.S. should do with terror suspects. And you'll hear some ideas in tonight's Evening News -- along with some strong words from Senator John McCain.

Rome Hartman and Katie Couric have a preview, in our exclusive First Look.

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