Rome via Brooklyn

431 words, 2 minutes read time.

Today we went to Mercati di Traiano – Museo dei Fori Imperiali, and before me and Rachel went back to Ostia, but this time to the free beach. This class reminded me a lot of the material we have been learning these past few weeks, it really made me think of how much I learned about classical history since I started from basically no prior knowledge on it. Trajan’s Forum reminded me of the other forums we visited previously, but I really liked how many diagrams there were in this one to help me visualize how elaborate this forum was. I liked how there was a “shopping mall” included overlooking the basilica that had two libraries attached. The basilica incorporated ceremonies like acquiring the toga for men that turn of age. I also liked how one library was for books all in Greek and the other was all in Latin.

I also learned about the Romans fear of fire (which makes sense, there was always a fire). They would make high walls in order to stop fires. One of the fire barricade walls we saw had holes in them which was apparently due to the fact that the metal inside the walls was scavenged and taken away. This reminded me of the Roman Forum when something similar happened where people would scavenge for the metals the romans used for their structures. Even though the metal joints of the walls were taken, the walls still look sturdy and intact. I learned about the rustication architect method that is used to look like a structure is much more stronger. This interested me and I learned how rustication is a technique where the surrounding surface is smooth, but the central portion, like around a window, is left rough or projecting. This technique makes it seem as though the structure is even stronger and can withstand blows (like fire).

After class today me, Rachel, Mazzy, Elena, and J-dog went to try the neighborhood filipino restaurant. It was really good and the gelato after was also amazing. Since, there’s only a few days ahead I will be doing some last minute shopping for souvenirs and for clothes. I’m happy that I’ve seen the landmarks, and I don’t think I have anything more specific I want to see. It’s a bittersweet moment because I’ve had so many amazing memories on this trip, and I can’t believe it’s about to end soon 😦