My time abroad truly changed my outlook on the world. I’ve never been to Europe before and for 5 weeks I was able to experience an entirely different culture, learn short phrases to communicate, and learn about Italian art over decades. I really didn’t expect my experience to change me this much, and I’m so happy I partook in this adventure. I’ll never forget the people I’ve met, my friends studying abroad, and my professors!
I truly gained a shift in perception, and feel capable of handling myself in new situations. I love the city of Rome and cannot wait to return!
Some of My Favorite Things I learned about:
| The Colosseum: During the Roman Empire period, was used for entertainment, Where Gladiators would fight, Christian executions, Neiro was the former owner of the land, during the Flavian dynasty, in an amphitheater setting |
| The Roman Forum: Where Roman Citizens would meet to exchange business and socialize, Has the Arch of Titus and the triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus |
| Cypta Balbi: Originally it was a huge courtyard annexed to the theatre built by Lucio Cornelio Balbo, an important man, close to the emperor Augustus, in the early first century A.D. Now the Crypta Balbi site shows us how Roman society and the urban landscape evolved from antiquity until modern times (water pipe to store water) |
| The Catacombs: Catacombs created in times of Christian persecution, was a “sleeping place” for Christians during the Roman Empire, had dedication to martyrs One of 62 Santa Medially miles of tunnels, 150k tombsFirst Christian Church of RomeEarly Christian Times and Medieval Age of Persecution (AD 69 – AD 313) |
| Saint Sabina basilica 7 hills of rome Stoned to death Rectangular style that inspired other churches Men practiced downstairs and women practiced upstairs · Stands on Aventino hill (one of 7)· Built on top of Sabina’s house (became a saint)· Recycled from pagan temples |
| Saint John of Lateran First legal church built Donated by Constantine in dedication to Christ the Savior Painting of pope holding over the city Represent the same traditions as today and use legacy as means of power Represents first festival of holy year with the holy door (every 25 years).. Calls for Catholics to get eternal grace Holy door = shortcut to heaven“Cathedra” Goes against typical 3 part basillica |
| Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere One of the oldest Churches in Rome Mosaic which was more realistic Jesus holding open scroll 200 years after Saint Cecilia Red, Green, white, and gold Passion of Christ, Hope of Resurrection, Faith and Presence of Gods Catacombs pieces on outside |
| Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Housed the Tombstone of Bernini… Largest catholic church dedicated to Mary Built on pagan temple (underground)…. Art is in Comic strips to display the story of Jesus Gold leaf ceilings – from King of Spain |
All Roads Lead to Rome 