Colossal Lessons From Roman Relics
We just got back from 13 days in Italy. Have you ever been? It’s been at least 20 years since we were last there and the amazing thing is … it hasn’t changed much. In fact, Rome looked exactly the way it did the first time we went there in 1978.
Living in North America we are so used to new developments. Tearing down “old” buildings to put up something new. New housing developments popping up where there used to be farm fields. In many parts of the US, “heritage” buildings are barely 100 years old.
Italy … not so much. Where we were staying in Tuscany, you aren’t allowed to build new foundations. So, if you want to build a house, you have to find the foundation of a previous dwelling and then you can build on that spot.
And, old structures. Let’s look at probably the most impressive building in Rome, The Colosseum. About six months ago they started guided tours down into the bowels of the structure. We walked on the floor where 2000 years ago thousands of gladiators and prisoners were held, waiting to go into the arena. We stood on the very top where the plebian Roman women sat to watch the games. It’s so high up that the people and animals in the arena looked like miniatures. These were truly the ‘nosebleed’ seats. We saw the underground water system that was used to flood the arena for reenactments of famous ship battles.
Here are some of the things we learned on the tour.
- The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater after the founder of the Flavian dynasty, Emperor Vespasian. The name ‘Colosseum’ is derived from the Latin word ‘colosseus’ meaning colossal. This was in reference to the gigantic 120 foot bronze statue of the Emperor Nero which had been previously erected near the site of the Colosseum.
- This elliptical building is 1,788 ft. in circumference, 187 ft. high, 615 ft. long and 510 ft. wide. It has 80 entrances and can accommodate between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators.
- Construction was started in AD 72 and was completed a mere 8 years later in AD 80.
- Above the ground are four stories, the upper story contained seating for women. The lowest story, which, like our stadiums were the best seats, was preserved for prominent citizens. Below ground were rooms with mechanical devices and cages containing wild animals. The cages could be hoisted, enabling the animals to appear in the middle of the arena.
- The Colosseum was the first covered stadium. It was covered with an enormous awning known as the velarium. This protected the spectators from the sun. It was attached to large poles on top of the Colosseum and anchored to the ground by large ropes. A team of some 1,000 men was used to install the awning.
A view of the Colleseum from below
There is much to be learned from old cultures and old things and there are a huge number of interesting facts about the Colosseum (click here if you’re interested) but some thoughts that came to us as we toured this amazing structure and other parts of the city were:
- If the Romans could build the Colosseum in a mere 8 years, what could we achieve if we really focused? Admittedly the labor was provided by slaves but the project management, the infrastructure, the innovative technology and craftsmanship needed to raise this structure are a testament to focus and determination.
- The foundations and innovations of ancient societies include many things that we use and practice today. Democracy, architecture, philosophy, building and construction innovations, art, literature, city planning, language, medicine, military configurations, and astronomy are just a few of the areas that we take for granted today that were directly influenced by the Greek and Roman worlds.
- There are “striking similarities” between America’s current situation and the factors that brought down Rome; history’s only other absolute superpower. In Rome, as in America today, we are stuck in an expensive and unpopular war in the Middle East that we cannot win on our terms. We have a debt and mortgage crisis as bad as what Rome had and any solution to this problem is hindered by bitter partisan politics. In Rome, the two political parties were so bitterly hateful of one another that they would rather see the freedom of Rome perish than one or other of the parties triumph.
A look at the nose bleed sections.
Each of us have within ourselves the ability and opportunity to focus our attention towards a positive and uplifting future; both for ourselves and our families and our nations … let’s do that!
Great article, Lori. I always love it when people take real world experience that would be interesting regardless and then add a twist of personal development to it.
I’ve never been to Italy, but I’d love to go. There’s a lot to be learned from the past, lest history repeat itself.
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True words Fred. I find it interesting when we can make modern connections to historical facts. It’s even better when we can apply them in our personal lives.
Bryce
Wonderful pictures, Lori. I have to say I’m a bit jealous. I love history, especially ancient Greek and Roman history. Seeing these pictures were such a delight.
The later part of your post really got me thinking. We all have the potential and the ability to do something great. It’s just a matter of believing and doing our part.
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Thanks for the comment Adeline. What a great point about doing our part. We have the potential, we just have to do something with it.
Bryce
Hi Lori,
Loved your pictures of Italy and the lessons you took away from your trip. The comparisons are a bit startling, but so true and hopefully we can all learn a bit from history so as to not make the same mistakes.
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Well said Cathy. No point in learning about history, only to repeat the same mistakes.
Bryce
Beautiful pics and post, Lori! I Love Greek and Roman history, too. But, I miss Europe in general, (which is where I grew up) and really enjoy the old buildings, cobblestone streets, and integrated living with past and present one can find there.
Thanks so much for sharing!
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That’s something we really don’t get much of living in the U.S. What a great experience it must have been being able to live in an area where the past was just as much a part of the present.
Bryce
Hi Lori, Great article, insightful perspective. When visiting ancient cities such as Rome and Athens, it makes the US culture seem so new and transitory. I agree, it’s easy to see how the US may not be the dominant super power for long. I imagine when the Holy Roman Empire was the dominant super power, people found it difficult to believe that Rome could ever fall.
But visiting ancient cities also provides a sense of permanence.
Thank you for sharing your amazing pictures and brilliant perspective with us!
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Hi Carolyn,
I’m from Gen Y and growing up in the 90′s it was hard to believe the U.S. could ever not be the dominant super power. This last decade has really opened some eyes to how fragile we actually can be.
The connection to Rome is quite appropriate. Hopefully we can make the changes that are needed to be more responsible and innovative so that we can remain a positive influence for other countries.
Bryce
That’s some amazing scenery and larger than life.
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Hii Bryce,
I am very excited to see these pics as I was in Rome in year 2001, just for two days( can you imagine). I was with a colleague of mine. We both worked in SAP Germany and flew from there.
.
I loved every inch of Rome and I thoroughly enjoyed walking the streets of Rome. I think we covered pretty much all of central Rome by foot and Metro in two days. Your pics brought some memories
There are plenty of things to learn from the Good things the ancient civilizations did and to shun the bad things. All civilizations have a expiry date after which they cease to be great or large. Seeing the ruins of so many buildings in Rome can tell us that.
The good thing is that now world is connected and it is possible to separate facts from politics even though it is not easy. Use of Facebook in ME protest is a great example.
I think we are living in exciting and challenging times because of internet . It will be a defining force in the future as well
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HI Lori,
I apologize, I addressed my previous post to Bryce( a case of ADD I think
) . It was addressed to both of you.
Thanks
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Thanks for the AMAZING comment. Really insightful.
In our days now, the borders between countries are becoming smaller and smaller. We are connected so closely that the positives of one country spill out into the others as well as the negatives.
I think this connectivity is a good thing. It makes it easier for great minds to work together to solve the problems we face.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Bryce
We’ve learnt so much from the Romans but one thing stands head and sholuders above the rest for me Bryce – they built things that were meant to last. If we could but learn and replicate that in the modern world with economies, relationships, construction, and getting along, boy people would be talking about it thousands of years from now like they do the Colosseum today. If only, hey?
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Hello Lori,
I read your post with great interest. Enjoyed the pictures as well. I have been to Italy like some 20 years ago too. It is nice to know that it has not changed much. I would like to take reading your post as a sign that I should consider visiting the beautiful city again!
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That’s amazing you got to go twice. I’m 31 and still haven’t even left Canada! Don’t get me wrong I love Canada but maybe it’s time to see a little more of our amazing planet. Ironically I wasn’t even born when you first visited hehe!
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Nothing wrong with sticking around Canada. Lori and Jim are from Canada. I made my first visit about a year ago. Saw Whistler and Vancouver. Such a beautiful area.
Bryce
That is really great Lori. Have never been there, but you sure have explained things. Now i want to see it for myself.
When you talk about the USA and Rome, I do see what you see and believe it is very scary and we need to all work together to keep this country great.
We need to concentrate on helping each other instead of money and power or who is right and who is wrong. A few building lessons from the Romans wouldn’t hurt.
Thank you Bryce and Lori for sharing your journey. Loved it.
Blessing,
Debbie
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Great comment Debbie,
We have been fortunate to live through a period of time where our country has had a major influence on the others. It would feel strange to have that not be the case or for us to no longer be the dominant superpower.
However, it’s not hard to see how it could possibly change, if we don’t make certain changes.
Bryce
Hi Lori,
Great article and Wonderful pics. Greek and Roman architecture always fascinates!. Also, authorities has created a nice concept at Tuscany, about new building or foundations. True. Real way to preserve the history marks. I believe, this should be implemented to all historical places at worldwide.
I had a little chance to work at Ireland. Cork during 2003 for about six months and what a wonderful place. Can clearly understand the old civilizations by seeing the forts and old castles. Only ancient places and constructions can bring out harmonious and heart pounding feelings when you see at your eyes.
Thanks for sharing the magnificent pics and insightful article.
Sounds like you had a great experience. Having a chance to see the buildings and landmarks that have been around for ages really gives you a sense of appreciation and wonder.
Bryce
Hi Lorie,
Nice photos of Italy. I haven’t been there yet, but will one day.
Enjoyed reading about your experience there Lorie. Thanks for sharing
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Hi Lori,
Your trip and pictures reminded me of my only trip to Italy about 6 years ago. Like you, I went to all the major places of interest with the Colosseum being the star. I remembered touring the arena but not going under ground to see all the secret dungeons and so on where the gladiators and animals were held. It was something to behold, seeing such a huge stadium that was build more than 2000 years ago.
I like the fact that you compared ancient Rome with modern America and the modern world. Somethings just do not change don’t they. History is a great teacher but its seems that people in power never learn. I wonder why really. If we only study and apply the lessons from yester years than I think we would not be facing the global difficulties today. At the end of the day, I feel that it all boils down to a form of self interest. People are more interested in looking out for themselves than seeing the possibility of goodness for all mankind.
Thanks for this nice touring piece with its valuable lessons.
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Thanks for the very thoughtful comment.
We really do look out for ourselves more than the goodness of mankind. With the way we are all connected now through internet and technology, the bad doesn’t just effect one country these days.
I hope we can find more good in this world.
Thanks,
Bryce
Very informative post Lori. I loved the images as well. It sounds like you really had an amazing time in Italy. I had the privilege of visiting Naples once when I was in the Navy on a six month cruise, and you’re right it’s a beautiful country. I would love to live there!
There’s so much that we can learn from history, but it seems we as a country are more concern in making our own mark on the world. Which is fine, but there are some things in our history that we definitely need to cling too.
Something that you mentioned that I didn’t know about Italy, but that I find quite fascinating; is that they don’t allow their citizens to build new structures other than on older foundations. That’s awesome.
Really enjoyed the post. Thanks for sharing.
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I love your comment. It’s important to recognize the good things we can cling on to from history. We sometimes set aside the past because it is out of context to our current situations, but there are some amazing lessons in the history of our planet.
I’ll be checking out your new site soon Deeone.
Thanks for the comment.
Bryce
Thanks Bryce!
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Sure, stick the ladies in the nosebleed section! Your similarities between the fall of Rome and our own country are daunting at best. What a frightening situation we find ourselves in. I hope we do choose this opportunity for greatness and positive outcomes. Thanks for a look at a place I’ve never been. I love the photos and your thoughts and information! ~Suerae
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