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Travel Log:  The Baths of Caracalla

When I approached the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, I was struck by the beauty of the ruins. I found it incredible and fun to try to picture what this ancient site looked like in the past. Historian Cassius Dio described it like this: "open to the sky and are all surrounded by columns, and, in addition to having water tanks and baths that are cold, warm, and hot, they contain a swimming-pool." Using Cassius Dio's descriptions and the current remains of the baths I was able to admire the towering structures and intricate mosaics. Katherine M.D. Dunbabin is a scholar who has studied the architecture and more importantly the cultural significance of these baths. One thing that Dunbabin points out is that the Baths were more than a place where people bathe themselves, which can be seen in this quote by Katherine M.D. Dunbabin: "The Baths of Caracalla were not only a place for bathing but also served as centers of social activity, where Romans of all classes could come together to relax, exercise, and socialize." Baths of Caracalla and the lasting influence of the Roman Empire. The Baths I walked through had functioned as a hub to Roman people and served as the heart of the city that existed at the time. I wandered through the ruins of corridors and chambers. I could hear the past with the echoes of footsteps and whispers from conversations. Like other projects in ancient Rome the baths were a symbol that symbolizes not only the power but the prosperity of the empire. This was done while also prioritizing the well-being of its citizens. I understand that these baths played a role, in the region offering a sanctuary amidst chaos where individuals could unwind and recharge their spirits. When I said goodbye to the Baths of Caracalla it left me with admiration for Romes's creativity and grandeur. As I walked through these ruins it connected me to a time when buildings like these showed Romes's greatness. Remembering Cassius Dio's quote "Time reveals all truths. '' It's clear how the passage of time can reveal the beauty of the Baths of Caracalla and the lasting influence of the Roman Empire.

Cassius Dio. Roman History. 3rd century AD.

Dunbabin, Katherine M. D. The Roman Banquet: Images of Conviviality. 2003.

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Travel Log: The Circus Maximus

Standing in front of the Circus Maximus I had a number of different feelings. My strongest feeling was a deep sense of respect. My respect came from the fact that this historic venue had been a witness to countless thrilling events over the centuries. I gaze at the remnants of the chariot racing track, and I remember some of Tacitus word that described the location: "At the heart of the field there stood an island surrounded by structures… Nestled beneath the Palatine Hill lay the grand Circus Maximus." Delving into John H. Humphreys research shed light on the workings of chariot racing and the vital role that the Circus Maximus played in Roman culture. His words lingered in my thoughts as I envisioned the crowds and thundering chariots; "The Circus Maximus stood as Romes premier venue for chariot races boasting a capacity of up to 150,000 spectators." As I'm Strolling along the spina the central barrier of Circus Maximus, I'm able to hear the echoes of citizens cheering as chariots race past me at lightning speed. Tacitus's description of these brave people on chariots came to mind: "The charioteers of Circus Maximus were hailed as champions, their triumphs celebrated with displays of opulence and admiration." I ended up wandering through the remains of the starting gates and seating areas. Humphreys study revealed new insights and showed the political importance of chariot racing during Roman times: "The races held at the Circus Maximus were not for entertainment but also reflected the political dynamics of Roman society." This helped shed light when it comes to life in the capital city and the more intricate aspect that came from living in that time period. Surrounded by the remnants of Circus Maximus, I felt a connection to history that I hadn't experienced. I heard Tacitus words as they resonated within me: "The Circus Maximus stood as a symbol of power and prestige showcasing the grandeur and ambition of the imperial city." Walking away from Circus Maximus I carried with me an admiration for the tapestry that is Roman history. Within its weathered stones and faded splendor I discovered a link to an era past. An era where chariots thundered and empires thrived and declined. As Tacitus aptly stated, "History serves as a witness to time passing; it sheds light on reality invigorates memory offers guidance, in life and brings us tales from times."

Tacitus, Publius Cornelius. Annals. 1st century AD

Humphrey, John H. Roman Circuses: Arenas for Chariot Racing. 1986

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Travel Log: The Colosseum

I entered the Colosseum and felt the weight of almost two millennia. Flavius Josephus said that: "Titus Caesar initiated games and spectacles in memory of his father during the stages of mourning" Furthermore, Keith Hopkins' research praises the Colosseum's design by stating: "The Colosseum showcased engineering brilliance, designed to entertain vast audiences with various spectacles, from gladiatorial combat to wild animal hunts." As I Ventured into the passages of the Colosseum heared echoes of cheering crowds and clashing swords seemed to reverberate through time. Josephus vivid accounts stated that "Men faced off against beasts; virtuous men confronted wild creatures, and even women engaged with untamed beasts to satisfy the unpredictable desires of onlookers." Standing on the level, I looked down at the arena, picturing the events and sacrifices that once took place there. Josephus descriptions of the contests took on significance as I stood in the heart of the Colosseum: "Some fighters attempted to flee as they were being defeated, while others accepted their fate without resistance and passed away with their last breath." Leaving the Colosseum, I carried a sense of admiration for this symbol of Rome's magnificence and brutality. Among its stones and crumbling arches, I felt a link to history—a reminder of both human ambition and power and their dangers. Flavius Josephus once noted, "Nowhere else did people face death with such bravery as in Rome when it fell."

Flavius, Josephus. The Jewish War. Translated by G. A. Williamson, Book 4, Chapter 4, sections 70-81.

Hopkins, Keith. The Colosseum. Harvard University Press, 2004

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Travel Log: The Pantheon

The grand presence of the Pantheon in front of me evoked a feeling of reverence that seemed to transcend generations. As I drew closer, I could almost sense the lingering echoes of Vitruvius Pollio's words written over two thousand years ago hanging in the air: "Marcus Agrippa, son in law of Augustus and the first Emperor of the Romans built the Pantheon and dedicated it to the seven gods." I entered the hall which is where I first saw the oculus. An opening at the center of the dome that bathed everything in sunlight like. Vitruvius' detailed account came alive as I admired the brilliance: "The dome sits atop a wall and features an oculus at its peak through which one can glimpse into the sky." Tod A. Marder's book The Pantheon: From Antiquity to the Present had many observations, especially how each era had shaped and influenced the Pantheon. Marder's book states that "The Pantheons survival can be attributed, at least in part to its conversion into a Christian church in the 7th century which prevented its destruction." When I looked at the interior, I was amazed by the meticulous craftsmanship of the engineers. The creation of the dome is an incredible feat of engineering as the dome seems to defy gravity.  Vitruvius admiration for the Pantheons dome resonated within me; "The Pantheon stands as an example of architectural design conceived through human ingenuity." Leaving behind the Pantheon I carried with me a respect for this enduring symbol. The presence of the Pantheon is timeless. "The Pantheon stands as an example of architectural design conceived through human ingenuity" (Vitruvius).

Vitruvius Pollio, Marcus. De Architectura. 1st century BC.

Marder, Tod A. The Pantheon: From Antiquity to the Present. 2015.

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Travel Log: Gladiators

While observing the grandeur of the gladiator spectacles, travelers aren't just watching a showcase of strength. More importantly, they are watching a nuanced reflection of dynamics deeply rooted in ancient Roman traditions. In Tacitus' work "Annals," he delves into the essence of gladiators, which provides a valuable insight into their multifaceted roles within Roman culture. Edited by William Peterson and translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb this piece stands as a source for grasping the importance of gladiatorial contests. Tacitus beautifully expresses how "the audience sees the gladiator in his attire as a hero with their emotions tied to his fate of survival or demise" (Tacitus, "Annals," edited by William Peterson translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb, University of Chicago Press 2010). By drawing from Tacitus perspectives travelers develop an understanding of gladiators not as fighters but, as individuals navigating through intricate social norms and political complexities. Tacitus' observations offer glimpses into the lives of these combatants unveiling their challenges, ambitions and the harsh realities they confronted as performers and marginalized figures in society. Alan Baker's book "The Gladiator; The History of Rome's Warrior Slaves” deepens ones grasp by placing the gladiators in the historical context of ancient Rome. Baker explores the cultural importance of battles and he does this by shedding light on how these spectacles that mirrored Roman values, ambitions and power structures. Baker writes "Gladiatorial combat was not merely a spectacle of bloodshed, but a reflection of the societal norms and power dynamics of the time" (Baker, "The Gladiator: The Secret History of Rome's Warrior Slaves," University of Chicago Press, 2000)

Tacitus, Publius Cornelius. "Annals." Edited by William Peterson. Translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010.

Baker, Alan. The Gladiator: The Secret History of Rome's Warrior Slaves. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.