the Origins of Rome
The origins of Rome are the stuff of legend and prehistoric archaeological work. Today we look for a balance between the stories the Romans themes told and what we learn from new excavations and the scientific analysis of older discoveries. Below is a detail of a wolf from a coin of 77 BCE.
Readings
Claridge: Villa Giulia sections, First sections of Historical Overview (stop at 2nd cent BCE)
Alive! chapter 1: The site and Foundation of Rome
In CultureSmart! review sections on Museums and Monuments in chapter 6, and the shopping section in chapter 5, and the chapter 2, esp for the topics of loudness and loyalty.
Logistics
10 am – Mercato San Cosimato (Google Maps)
This open air is the best place to buy fresh produce as well as other things, even clothes. In this and similar public markets is where most Italians traditionally shop. We will discuss using such markets as away to build local connections and community.
You need your own shopping bags! Perhaps buy these there and give them as souvenirs to family after the trip?! You’ll learn how order at a bar (think standing coffee shop, not nightlife spot), where the pharmacies are and how they work, and why you might want to drop into a tabacchi even if you are adamantly against nicotine products.
3 pm – Villa Giulia (Google Maps)
You will become familiar with riding urban public transportation as we make our way to a gorgeous museum in a historic villa and gardens.
THemes
What survives and why? How does the Museum try to help us imagine the past? How do we use later texts to interpret older images? What makes something sacred? Why so much terracotta?
Blog Prompt
What seemed especially old and what seemed surprisingly modern? Was there one myth or god or symbol you kept seeing? Why do you think it was so ‘popular’? As you moved through the city on your own did any of the same style of architecture or images re occur? Where and when?
Gallery
Rome via Brooklyn 