Rome to Jerusalem UNO

There are a lot of parallels when it comes to Rome and Jerusalem's history. Both cities have disagreed with each other's culture. Rome was known as a military city and was based around the power and control; and had one leader known as the emperor. Where Jerusalem was based around spirituality and religion; and was lead by a high religious leader.

These polar opposites not only existed in ancient history, but to a certain degree it exist today. A good example of this is the relationship between America and Iraq. We have many conflicting idea's on culture, which we will get into in a little bit. However, we can relate to these ancient times by the way we settle conflicts.

The obvious way America and Iraq are conflicting is through war. War for centuries have been the way people settle disagreements. This was true for Rome and Jerusalem because multiple times both would invade each other, trying to change ones culture. This is the same with America and Iraq; America is trying to change the way of life in Iraq, to the way we think it should be. We are forcing a new way of life on a culture through conflict. I personally am indifferent on the idea of war as a means of changing ones culture. If it betters the way of life for the majority of people, then war can be a good. War also can be bad if it takes to many lives of a nation, and has no outcome.

We like to think that we learn from the past, and we will better ourselves from it. However, if we learn anything from the past, it is that not one culture can take over another completely. Traces of culture can be traced back to other cultures in history. A good example is how Roman architectual designs resemble multiple cultures; you can see that Greek and African materials were used to create buildings. This is also true with Jerusalem and Rome, they shared the idea of religion with one another. This is the same for America because not only do we have the same idea's as Iraq but hundreds of other cultures as well. Our food, music, art, religion, and entertainment come from other countries. I relate to this by my way of life, my family likes to share our Italian culture with others, through food and music; and in return we learn about other cultures.

Conflict is always going to happen. However, if we can learn from it and share idea's through it, then it doesn't always have to be a bad thing.

225 Art and Culture of Rome

Ever wonder the real story behind the movie The Gladiator? Or know the history behing the statue of Marcus Aurelius riding his steed? If you said no to both then I would recommend stop reading. However, if you said yes to both, or one of the two questions, then this is the place to be.

So who was Maximus based on, and did he really kill that many people? After seeing the bust of the real Gladiator; Commodus, I began to wondering the symbols behind this one of a kind bust.

The first thing I notice about this artwork is that he is wearing a lion on his head, and the arms are wrapped around him like a cape. After doing some research, I found out that he was trying to look like Hercules the God of Strenght. He also has a golden apple in his left hand which is representative of a God. The golden apple is universally known as a prestigious symbol, and can be traced back to multiple cultures. In the right hand of Commodus is a club which obviouosly represents his heroic fights within the Colleseum. However, if you look closely you will notice that the club looks exactly like Hercules club. This again is because Commodus thought of himself as a God. His bust also sits on a sphere with a detailed crest on top. The sphere shape was a symbol for power in ancient Rome. There wasn't much information on this bust but, thanks to our tour and through the Musei Capitolini website I found useful data.

I also saw the great Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius in the center of the Capitoline Hill. This was not the first statue, but was an exact replica of the original one.

The original statue was created and put up in 176 B.C. It was completely made out of bronze, and was covered with a thin layer of gold. Surprisingly this statue made it through time because, most bronze statues would decay, or be used to make coins. The location of this statue was unknown, but historians believe it was located in the Roman Forum. During midevil times people believed the statue was Constantine, the emperor who brought Christianity to Rome. This is the only bronze statue that is still around before the time of Constantine. This statue is also on the "tails" side of the Fifty Cent Euro.

I found this statue very interesting to learn about because, I had no idea that is the only equestrain bronze statue around. I also had no idea Constantine destroyed statues during his time of reign.

325- Numbero 2

Another week in Rome, which means time for another blog. Every week in Rome is like hearing the Beatles for the first time; it inspires, and sparks imagination. Which brings me to my question, I am to answer this week. The question consists of a quote by a journalist named H.V. Morton. He says the history of Rome is both "exhilarating and oppressive for the traveler." I really could'nt say it better myself, the history of Rome is such an interesting topic, and one could go on about how great it is. However, enough about how great Rome is; the question then asks, "In what ways have I found Rome exhilarating and oppressive?"

This is a really interesting question because, all week we've heard about how great Rome was and that they created some of the greatest structures; but I never thought of the overpowering side of the story. After doing some research about ancient Rome; I found out that alot of powerful people were murdered. This was a surprise to me because after Augustus, leaders became power hungry. This oppressive side shows that Rome had many problems, and was not as perfect as eveyone thought it was. If Rome would have had a structured civilization who knows what they could have achieved.

Now for the easy part of the question, what did I find exhilarating about Rome's history; and the real question is; where do I start? Should I start with the great structures they created? Or maybe, how great the food is here? Or even the modern inventions they created. All of these things are so important that choosing one would be wrong.

So after a long debate I decided to choose the italian way of life to be exhilirating. The reason I think this is because they live a fast, slow paced life. You may be wondering how can you live like that; they're completely opposite? I was wondering the same thing until I really stopped and looked; unless you did the same, you really would'nt notice it any other way. The italians take pride in their history and culture so when it comes to appreciating it, they slow down and relax to enjoy the art and history of their ancestors. There is no rush when enjoying the great Statue of David. However, on the flip side, this is when it is time to work and travel; it is as though someone pushed the fast forward button. It seems like everyone is in a hurry in Termini; or any train station for that matter. Whether they are trying to catch a train, or just getting some Gelato; it is a fast pace walk that will get them there.

There really are no words to describe Rome. It is a wonderful and exciting city, that has so much to offer. Whether you want to enjoy history, food, or modern living, R0me has it all.

225 Art and History

Art is everywhere is Rome, whether your visiting a museum, walking around the Colleseum, or even just walking in a small village. Coming from an artistic family, I have appreciated art throughtout my youth, and now that I'm in the epicenter of art I feel as though I am surrounded by masterpieces. I feel as though art comes in many different forms and that you have to use all five of your senses to appreciate art. My thoughts on art is that a talented chef can be an artist, and a famous musician can be creating pieces of work.


Which brings me to my first piece, everyone has appreciated this work and I'm sure im not the only one who is going to write about it, but it stuck out in my mind; and it was the Fontana della Barcaccia. It is located in the center of beautiful Piazza di Spagna, and was a sight to see by everyone. Shaped like a half sunken boat it was complimenting the surrounding area with its sheer beauty.

This fairly small fountain, but has a large impact on the surrounding piazza. Everyone comes to see this fountain, and fetch water from the drains, loacted on the front of the boat. Its water tasted so pure and clean; it was as if I collected the water straight from the mountains myself. I feel that the artist was really trying to bring the beauty out of the ugly. The sun on the top of the sunken boat really gave it a (excuse the pun) "lifting" experience. Instead of seeing the boat as a bad sign, I saw it inviting and accepting. Which I think is the exact reason why the artist sculpted the sun.

The other reason I feel the artist wanted people to see the beauty in ugly is through the detailed the boat is. Located on the bow of the boat is a floral design that ends and the water fountain. This is full of detail and vibrance and that makes the boat seem royal. Also the shape of the boat is very curvey which makes it seem like there is no other boat like it. This causes the feeling that your walking onto a boat made just for you. This boat makes everyone feel accepted and really brings out the beauty in life.

Another art piece that was not much to see but I feel the most important ruin in the Roman forum is the Temple of Caesar. It may only consisted of ten large bricks but it was the final resting place of Caesar, one of the greatest rulers of all time. The temple before it was destroyed, was the center of the Roman Forum. It was the second place they wanted to have Caesars funeral, however, the first place was not safe.

Before the great temple there was a monument for Caesar that consisted of and alter and column. This was taken down by those who opposed Caesar at the time and then was replaced with a temple. Inside of this temple erected a large statue of Caesar, they wanted to show how great Caesar was to the citizens. Caesar was a great influence on the people and had alot of power during his time of reign.

325 Rome Stories & Traditons

After a long plane ride and no sleep the trip to Rome was finally completo. My first thoughts when getting here were, "I can't believe I'm in Rome," and "Man I'm tired." However, we spent no time resting; which is a good thing since your only in Rome for so long. These first days have been very insightful and educational and I could go on, and on and on, about how great Italy is but, it's time for business.

First day of class was like no other class at Walsh, first the class was located outside which is a nice change, and second I learned more about Rome then I ever had before; and the class was only one hour.

The first assignment we had to do is if we were to write a book about our lives what would the first, middle, and last, sentence say in our autobiography. This was a great way to see how other people live and helps us open up to the world. This assignment really showed how different people can be just from town to town. So what I picked up from this was we only live so far from each other and our lives are completely different. So imagine how different Italians live, and they are pratically half a world away from us.

The knowledge I had before going to Rome really helped with what I want to call the "tourist stare." Instead of just being blown away by these magnificient structures, I was able to acknowledge how important they were in history; Something you can't do in a textbook. The information we received before heading to Rome is so useful because I feel as if I know something about these ruins before even seeing them. It also helps knowing something about the site we visit because it then allows me to ask questions that I may have. If I were to go to Rome without the knowledge we received, I would have barely learned anything, because I wouldn't have asked any questions;

The first day of class was one for the books, and like I said before, not like any other class offered at Walsh. A class were you can learn about a city and then actually visit the city has got to be one of the best classes offered. It really allows you to understand history and get a feel for different types of culture. I cannot put into words how great the city of Rome is, and how eductional this class is. I would have to say I have no regrets for signing up for this trip.

"Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think."

-Horace