kareenahh

[kareenahh]

Today I finally arrived in Rome, as I walked thought the busy streets filled with traders, citizens, and travelers from all corners of the Roman Empire. The first place on the agenda I will be visiting is the Library of Celsus. Immediately I was struck by the monumental facade, the building is made of smooth, pale limestone. The columns stood tall and majestic reaching towards the sky. As I passed through the entrance, I noticed a statue of Celsus. His full name was Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, his son Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus ordered the library to be built to honor his late father. His image meticulously carved in marble stands proudly in a niche, watching over the library as if presiding over the pursuit of knowledge. The walls were lined with niches used for storage of the scrolls, there must have been around 12,000 scrolls! I grabbed one it was about Greek and roman literature the scrolls were long, a sheet of papyrus rolled up on a wooden rod. I asked if I could borrow the scroll to continue reading it later that day but unfortunately, they were meant to stay at the library, only a few privileged people could borrow them. 

[kareenahh]

As I step inside the Pantheon in 600 AD, I am struck by the overwhelming sense of both history and change. The massive Corinthian columns and the monumental bronze doors lead into a vast, cool interior, dominated by the dome with its oculus. When you looked up through the eye it felt like you were looking to the heavens. The floor is a mosaic of intricate patterns, with marble from across the Empire. Light streams through the oculus, casting moving beams across the space, and the air is filled with incense, the scent of flowers, and the quiet murmur of prayers. Inside, people from all over gathered around. Pilgrims offering prayers, philosophers debating, and merchants discussing trade. I overhear an elderly man mourning the decline of Rome. The Pantheon is no longer just a pagan temple; it is a place where Rome’s religious and cultural transformation is visible. Statues of gods and deified emperors still stand in their niches. As I reflect on the space, it strikes me that the Pantheon, like the Empire, is in a moment of transition. 

[kareenahh]

After visiting the Pantheon later that evening I decided to visit the colosseum to watch a gladiator fight. As I sit in the crowded Colosseum, the sun is setting, casting an orange glow over the massive stone walls rising high into the air, with arches all around the structure. The Colosseum is a giant oval-shaped building, with many levels of seats above me, all filled with people excited for the fight. The arena below is dusty, and torches are lit, flickering in the growing darkness. The roar of the crowd grows louder as two gladiators’ step into the arena, their swords drawn, ready to fight. The sound of clashing metal echoes as they circle each other, their faces tense with focus. The crowd cheers and chants, urging the fighters on. The emperor sits in a special box above us, watching closely. It's thrilling and brutal, the energy of the crowd and the intensity of the fight creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The evening is alive with excitement, as the gladiators battle for survival under the watchful eyes of the Romans. 

[kareenahh]

Today, I visited the grand Mausoleum of Hadrian, located by the Tiber River. This impressive structure was built to be the burial site for Emperor Hadrian, his family, and future emperors. The tomb is huge, 21 meters tall and 64 meters wide and has a circular shape, standing on a square base. It's unlike any other building I’ve seen in Rome. The size and design of the mausoleum show the power and importance of the emperor. Inside, I walked around the grand courtyard and admired the architecture. The Tiber River flows nearby, giving the tomb a peaceful yet powerful feeling. Though I didn’t go inside the tomb itself, I learned that it holds Hadrian’s remains and those of his family, with room for future emperors. It feels like a place that not only honors the dead but also represents the strength of the Roman Empire. As I left, I thought about how this monument will stand for generations, reminding future Romans of Hadrian’s reign. This mausoleum isn’t just a tomb, but a symbol of Rome’s power, meant to last long after we’re gone. It's an incredible display of Roman engineering and ambition. 

[kareenahh]

Later that day I decided to go to Saint Peter's Basilica which was still under construction, I crossed the Tiber Rive and stood in front of St. Peter's Basilica, which is going to be the largest and most amazing church ever built. The Pope, Julius II, has decided to tear down the old church and build something much bigger and more magnificent. The work has just begun, and the excitement is palpable. The famous architect Bramante is in charge, and he has a bold design in mind. The church will be shaped like a Greek cross, with a giant dome in the center, higher than any building in Rome. I can already see how the massive piers are being built to support the dome, and I can only imagine how incredible it will look when it’s finished. Though much of the church is still under construction, the size and plan are already clear. The design will let light pour into the building, making it feel alive. I can feel how important this project is not just for the Church, but for all of Rome. It will be a symbol of faith, power, and human creativity. I wonder if I will live to see the church completed, but it’s clear I’m here at the start of something truly special. 

[kareenahh]

It’s early morning in Pompeii, and I’m at a thermopolium, a food stall where locals gather to eat breakfast. The air smells of sizzling meat, fresh bread, and spices, with a hint of garum, a strong fish sauce used in Roman cooking. Behind the stone counter, jars filled with hot food are ready to serve. I ordered a bowl of puls, a thick porridge made from barley, with some warm bread on the side and a cup of watered down wine, a typical breakfast drink. People around me are of all kinds workers, wealthy patrons, and a mother with her child all enjoying their meal. The stall is more than just a place to eat; it’s a social spot where people chat and catch up while having breakfast. I enjoy my food as the sounds of the busy city fill the air, and it’s clear that the thermopolium is a key part of daily life in Pompeii. 

[kareenahh]

I decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the Forum Baths. The building is big and beautiful, with tall columns and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Inside, people are chatting and soaking in the warm, steamy water. I join them, first in the hot bath, where the water feels soothing on my skin, then move to a cooler bath to rest. People are talking about the upcoming festival and the latest gossip from Rome. The warm water and calm surroundings help me relax and reflect on my time here in Rome. It’s the perfect way to end my trip, peaceful, relaxing, and a reminder that sometimes, it’s nice to just sit and enjoy the moment before heading home. 

[kareenahh]

Word Cited

Cartwright, Mark. “Library of Celsus.” World History Encyclopedia, November 26, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Celsus/.   

“Colosseum.” Britannica, November 23, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Colosseum.   

kjw2. “Baths & Bathing as an Ancient Roman.” View page: Baths & Bathing as an ancient roman. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://depts.washington.edu/hrome/Authors/kjw2/BathsBathinginAncientRome/245/pub_zbpage_view.html. 

Moore, Stan. “St. Peter’s Basilica.” St. Peter ’s Basilica. Accessed November 27, 2024. 

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232828448.pdf.

Roberts, Canon. “Titus Livius (Livy), the History of Rome, Book 1 Rev. Canon Roberts, Ed.” Titus Livius (Livy), The History of Rome, Book 1, chapter pr. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0026. 

Simkin, John. “The Roman Games.” Spartacus Educational. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://spartacus-educational.com/ROMgames.htm. 

Sullivan, Mary Ann. “Mausoleum of Hadrian.” Images of the mausoleum of hadrian (or Castel Sant’Angelo), 135-39 C. E., Rome. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://homepages.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/castelsa/castelsa.html. 

“Terme Del Foro - Planet Pompeii.” www.planetpompeii.com. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://www.planetpompeii.com/en/map/forum-baths.html.   

“Thermopolia: The Street Food of Ancient Pompeii.” Pompeii Archaeological Park, January 5, 2024. https://pompeiiarchaeologicalpark.com/thermopolia-street-food/. 

“Thermopolium.” Pompeii Sites, October 31, 2023. https://pompeiisites.org/en/archaeological-site/thermopolium/.