Rome via Brooklyn

474 words, 3 minutes read time

Today was a day filled with ups and downs. For a moment yesterday, I felt so good about my public transportation skills and feeling like I could go anywhere and do anything – just to be burned by Roman traffic and end up late for our first meeting at the temples.

The temples were really cool and tickled the archaeological part of my brain in all the right ways. I loved learning about what the temples were like when they were first constructed, how they changed/were changed by people over time, and how (like always) the fascism ruins everything. Particularly, thinking about the fallen temple we saw across the street and learning that Mussolini tore it down for whatever ridiculous, fascist reason.

However, on a lighter note, it was actually really cool learning about how much the Tiber has influenced Rome over time – such as the construction of these temples and their proximity to the water wasn’t just by chance. It’s just so incredibly fascinating to think about the amount of planning, time, and work went into these elaborate and intricate structures and monuments that most people don’t really think about. We spent so much time today talking about elevation and observing the different layers of rock and sediment and what that tells us about time and how Roman society evolved – as time went on, they used better materials to create stronger structures and reinforce old ones. It offers the smallest glimpse into history and is only just one small piece of the giant puzzle.

My walk back along the Tiber was serene and just beautiful. I really slowed down and took my time to just take in my surroundings and remind myself that I was really here, in this present moment in Italy. I haven’t been back in almost twenty years, and I feel so blessed that I get to experience it on my own (sorta) as an adult. I get to appreciate things more and soak them in, learn about them and carry that with me in whatever way I choose.

Etruscology is such a unique interest of mine and I was beyond excited to see the Sarcophagus of the Spouses in person! I learned about it last year in the Roman Art History class, so it was such a cool full-circle moment for me. Villa Giulia was really beautiful and I loved the museum. The grounds were stunning and (again) I wish I had taken more pictures. I often find that I get so wrapped up in reading and observing everything that I forget to take photos. I don’t want to forget this trip – and I know I won’t just because I don’t have “enough photos” – but I want to be able to savor it a bit more later. I’ll have to remind myself somehow!