walkingancientrome_2019 | Recent Entries

The recurring theme of this trip has consistently been the reuse of space. At all ancient sites it has been a key point to understanding the history of this city. From the Baths of Diocletian to the the Temple Jupiter Optimus Maximus we can see how creative people have been throughout the ages. Some sites were simply used as foundations for new structures, some were reduced to mere spolia for modern ornamentation, and others were simply inhabited for a new purpose. It makes me think of Rome as a hermit kingdom. Not a hermit kingdom in the sense of embracing isolationist policies but rather that with every passing century a new generation would ascend to take place of what was left behind. This physically happened with physical space all the time. As circumstances changed, priorities were shuffled and people made decisions accordingly. Imagine the city as an empty shell and posterity brings with it a new spirit to inhabit it. Rome on its own is hollow but it takes the spirit of the people to make it hallowed. Rome does not stand on its own but within the context of power, politics, and religion. This hermitage did not only include the buildings of Rome but to the power structures. As the Etruscans declined, the Romans ascended, as the kings declined, the republic ascended, as the roman empire declined Catholicism ascended. This pattern of power structures declining and ascending is well reflected in the reuse of space by the Roman people;temples became churches, palaces became museums, baths became ruins, basilicas became basilicas. Depending on who held power and influence the buildings would change and so would the city. We may not have the emperors of old but we have the popes, we may not have the senators of old but we have the prime ministers, we may not have the Rome of yore but we have Rome nonetheless. People have come to Rome for millennia for their own ascension; personal, political, spiritual, or what have you. They come to experience a heightened experience of human existence. Today even I partook in this ascension. As I climbed the Holy Stairs on my knees I reflected on the innumerable pilgrims that had come before. People of every color, tongue, nation, and even creed have flocked to this very sight to experience something greater than themselves. The potential unity of all humanity is very represented in Rome. Maybe that's the current spirit of Rome. To call the world to a place where anyone can enjoy. Whether one takes pleasure in art, music, history, politics, spirituality, people, or food they will find a place in Rome. Perhaps ascension is not enough to explain this but rather transcendence. To transcend our human coil that is bound by fear and ignorance and become enlightened by our common humanity and our common pleasures. Whether this spirit of Rome shall remain or again make a turn over remains to be seen. All I know is Rome gives me hope for the world and all who inhabit it. I love this hermit kingdom and our common ascension... our common transcendence.

sarcar

What is a forum?
Forums were centers, both physically and metaphorically, of Roman towns. Forums were public areas that were used for a variety of purposes, including religious, economic, political, legal, and social activities. Forums could have government offices, temples, shops or markets, monuments and/or statues for gods or other notable figures (such as emperors), and more. Structurally, many were similar, generally being a colonnaded rectangle with a temple to a deity at one end though forums could have a variety of significant architectural differences.

Who was Julius Caesar?
Julius Caesar was a leader of the Roman Republic until his assassination in 44 BCE. Born July 12th or 13th 100 BCE, Caesar was involved in the military and politics from a young age. Allegedly a descendant of Aeneas, Caesar first became a soldier while fleeing the then-dictator Sulla, who opposed Caesar's marriage. Throughout his life and career, Caesar held a variety of government positions throughout his career, including governor and consul of Spain, and gained a reputation with the military for his service, particularly in the Gallic Wars. Worked closely with Pompey the Great in the First Triumvirate, though eventually, the two became opponents resulting in a civil war. After Pompey's death, Caesar was made dictator of the Roman Republic. After becoming dictator, Caesar instituted a number of reforms, including creating a new calendar, forgiving debt, and reorganizing local governments. These reforms made him popular with the populace, but unpopular with the Senate. In spite of this, Caesar was appointed dictator-for-life by the Senate in early 44 BCE. On March 15th, 44 BCE a group of senators stabbed Caesar to death. After his death, Caesar was deified, the first Roman to have been.

What was the Forum of Caesar?
Also known as Forum Iulium and Forum Caesaris, money and land collection began in 54 BCE. According to Suetonius, the cost of the forum cost over one million gold pieces. Construction of the forum began in 51 BCE at the base of Capitoline Hill. However, due to Caesar’s assassination and the following civil war, the forum was not completed until 29 BCE under the emperor Augustus, Caesar’s adopted son, great-grandnephew, and appointed successor. Though reports on the size of the forum differ, there is thought it was 124 meters long and 45 meters wide. The forum was also connected to the Curia Julia (Senate House), which Caesar also began construction of before his death. The forum had porticoes for the long sides which had offices for government business to be conducted. Since part of the Capitoline Hill had to be removed to make space for the forum, the porticoes were two-leveled, and the upper level would have connected to the hill. Beyond the porticoes were also large, barrel-vaulted rooms. The forum contained two statues of Caesar, one of him sitting upon Alexander the Great’s horse Bucephalus, another of him in military armor. Additionally, a statue of Caesar’s horse was in the forum, with the forefeet having allegedly looking like human feet.

The purpose of the forum was to expand on the Forum Romanum and to be a business center for the government. In addition, the forum also served to remind people of Caesar’s descendancy from the gods. At the Battle of Pharsalus, where Caesar fought and defeated the army of Pompey, Caesar swore a temple to the goddess Venus Genetrix (or Venus Victrix, some accounts say that he swore one to Venus Victrix, but Pompey dedicated a temple to the goddess before Caesar could, so Caesar instead built a temple to Venus Genetrix), whom Caesar’s family traced their ancestry to through Aeneas. This temple was erected in the Forum of Caesar and was partially built into the Capitoline Hill. Made from marble, the temple sat on a tall podium and had columns that were almost 13 meters in height. The temple was decorated with cherubs. The temple is believed to have contained a statue of Venus Genetrix, two paintings by Timomachus (one of Ajax, another of Medea), a gold gilded statue of Cleopatra, and collections of engraved gems. In front of the temple was a fountain of nymphs.

What happened to the Forum of Caesar?
In 113 CE, emperor Trajan reconstructed the temple. This may have been the result of Trajan’s construction of his own forum, which had caused the Temple of Venus Genetrix to be partially destroyed, or Trajan may have been putting the finishing touches on a reconstruction by the former emperor Domitian. Trajan likely added the Basilica Argentaria (not actually a basilica, instead being a portico with basilica-like qualities), which was connected to the western corner of the Forum of Caesar. The Basilica Argentina is thought to have connected Caesar’s forum to Trajan’s forum, in addition to being market and school at certain points. After the forum’s completion in 29 BCE, it is thought that a variety of fires caused damage to the forum, though the number is debated. After one of these fires in 283 BCE, the emperor Diocletian reconstructed the forum, which included the construction of a wall along the north/northwestern wall behind the Temple of Venus Genetrix with arches as passageways through the wall. A granite colonnade was added in the 4th or 5th century, but it is not known by who or precisely when it was constructed.

Though it is not known when the Forum of Caesar fell out of use, it is thought to have been relatively early. The materials of the forum were taken for reuse, and by the 9th and 10th centuries, the land had been converted to a small village. In the 1930s, an excavation was conducted, which revealed the ruins of the Temple of Venus Genetrix and the western corner. The columns of the temple that remain are thought to have been part of Trajan’s reconstruction.

Why was the Forum of Caesar important?
The Forum of Caesar was the first forum built by a leader in Rome and began the tradition of leaders building forums that would be emulated by emperors such as Augustus, Nerva, and Trajan. It also had significance in that is influence how these emperors would approach building their forums as they wanted to emulate the methods of those who came before them, including Caesar.

isanor21

The past few days have been awesome! I can't believe its only been 4 days in Rome and we have already seen so much of the city. Yesterday we went to the Forum and the Colosseum. The monuments seemed at the same time, somehow bigger than I expected but also smaller; and it was surreal standing in the places that I had dreamed about standing many times before but was now finally doing it. I am so grateful not only for the opportunity to be here, but also the wonderful experiences I am having. I'm trying to stay in the moment so that nothing slips past, but everything becomes a long and present memory that will not easily go away. I am still awestruck that I get to wake up every morning and walk out my door to the streets of Rome. Awestruck that I get to walk through them to go to a class where I get to learning about them with people I know and admire. The food has still been great! Ever time I get a cappuccino I marvel at how good it tastes, I probably look crazy but this is the first time in my life that I have been able to truly appreciate coffee. I love Euros, I think this is the first time in my life that I have found use in coins other than paying for printing at Morris. A cappuccino is around 1.10 euro and a cornetto is around 1 euro, I don't think I have ever had as much joy surrounding money as I have had putting down 1 and 2 Euro coins (Which I understand sounds weird, but too bad because I like it). The streets are better than I ever hoped they could be. I have seen already around 3 trucks carrying busloads of flowers in the back, they look strait out of a movie and I want to take a picture every time.

Today we went to Tarquinia a town I have never heard of with a history I didn't really know. It is an adorable town by the sea, with breathtaking views of the bay and farmland surrounding it. Streets and alleys lined with stone houses and fruit markets. We learned about the tombs of the people that lived in those same rolling hills thousands of years before the stone houses were ever built. There is not much known about the people that lived their except that they came before the Romans, loved Greek culture (almost as much as I do) and that they built great tombs to bury their dead. Ornate and sophisticated they have lasted through the ages, grave robbers and civilizations that have risen and fallen around them. Truly a testament to craftsmanship, knowledge and skill the tombs, carved stone caskets and various burial objects, have survived to be viewed by us. I have recently found an interest in stone work from a video I stumbled on about medieval castle building and stone masonry; and it was fun to use that knowledge to help understand how the things we saw today were made. Although Rome is the main focus on my trip here, I was so excited to get out of the city for the day see a little more of Italy and learn more about the surrounding history and it's connection to Rome!

Current Mood: nostalgic

jairpeltier

What a wonderful time it has been. Thus far I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip. Today we went to Tarquinia. I was very much enchanted. The little city had everything one would ever need... especially if one were, to say, need a five liter jug o' wine. Yet again we see the reuse of space. As I approached the Cardinal's chapel I felt a sense of connection to the old palace. Not only was this place a modern museum for the ancient people who lived here but at one point it was the home of prince of the church; my church, the Catholic church. I was both delighted and humbled to enjoy such a place.
At the church down the street(the name escapes me at this time) I made a genuine connection to the man at his post. This man need only give tours of the church but at the very end he beguiled us with his rendition of one of my favorite songs; "That's Amore" alla Dino Martini. As he started strumming his guitar I immediately understood the chords and joined in the song. As the lyrics go "hearts will play... tippy tippy tay." My heart indeed played likewise. Genuine human connections as such are what I live and breath for. It's not enough for me to say "hey I went to Tranquinia once" but it's more than enough to say "I sang a meaningful song with a Tranquinian man guarding a church."
As I explored the tombs of the necropolis with my dear friends I felt(yet again) another sense of my own mortality. Many people shy away from such topics but I embrace them. I rather enjoy visiting the dead and pondering my own existence. At the end of the day what more can we do? The tombs were elaborately decorated and reflected a common hope that I believe all humans have; the hope of a life after death. These ancient peoples did not simply chuck their dead at the end of it all but in their own spirituality found meaning in it all. They took up the task of decorating elaborate tombs and indeed visited them on an annual basis. They took it upon themselves to ensure their loved ones would be guaranteed a comfortable afterlife. Whether or not there is a life after death one cannot help but admire the genuine love these people had for their dead and the genuine faith they had that everything would be alright. As the day winds down(as well as my jug of wine depletes) I look forward, yet again, to an evening in Roma.

thislittlebird

So I figured it out. How to say it. Ya know based off my last blog entry, there was stuff I hadn't yet figured out how to put in words, but here it is now: Being in Rome and seeing the Forum Romanum is like traveling to a 5th dimension. It's seeing the world as it is and was, and always will be.

If you don't know what the fifth dimension is, watch Interstellar. But to be kind, haha, basically it means you can experience time, not in the singular one-direction way that we humans are bound to, but all at once. You can see the ruins, then the dirt that was piled on top of that, and the churches built around the ruins and now the ruins re-excavated, but also, simply, as a valley with hills on each side. Through all these different versions of the space, meaning was there for whoever found it and used it. A valley, a forum, a cow pasture, a church, a valley.

Today, separate from me having a lot of time on a bus to think about all the known dimensions in the world, I experienced many emotions and feelings. Excitement, exhaustion, peace, joy, hunger, life, death, and that satisfying feeling after a good meal. Also at times, I felt like crying, and others I felt like jumping out of my seat with excitement. I found comfort in the friendliness of those around me that I've gotten to know, and hurt but things I didn't see coming.

But overall I am glad for this amazing day in Rome and Tarquinia. Looking forward to tomorrow, seeing new sights, and experiencing new things.

Also, something I've learned I'm quite fond of doing is waking up at 7 am and getting ready for the day (showering, picking out fun clothes to wear, making myself a small breakfast of bread, mascarpone, and black cherry jam), then heading out to the street to sit at a nearby cafe bar and order a cappuccino to sip and drink merrily as the passerby's pass by :)

In Vino Veritas
I write this as I'm finishing the first bottle of wine I bought in Italy. It's been one of those days.

Ciao! -Megan Ellingboe

Day:4 Cappuccino:5

bertabecca09

Colosseum (80AD):A Grand Amphitheater. Measuring some 620 by 513 feet (190 by 155 meters), the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world

On day three we visited the Colosseum. We had an amazing tour guide who taught us a lot of amazing things so I will relay her knowledge to the best of my ability through this blog post.

The Colosseum was constructed to occupy the attention and time of others from Rome or nearby cities. A lot of people went to see gladiator fights, which meant that they were not in the streets causing trouble. So it was a good way to draw everyone’s attention and bring in a lot of people from different areas. There is about 60,000 Jewish slaves who built the Colosseum. The Colosseum is four stories high and has about 80 ground level entrances. Because it was four stories high which meant that the poor people and females would sit at the very top, that would be because they didn’t get the best view of what was happening on the ground level. Then there would be selected women and people who got chosen to sit in the Emperor’s box with him. Sitting with the Emperor meant you were of good connections and high class. People could move up to the higher seats but people at the top couldn’t move closer down.

One of the things that people do not know about the Colosseum is out there is records of there being naval battles. That is shocking information because just the thought of how much water the ground level can contain there without it leaking out of there is really shocking. That meant the stone work was really great and the stone was compacted. Historians still don't know how exactly these sea battles were organized, but the ships used at the arena were likely smaller replicas of real Roman ships. One last thing that we learned at the beginning of the tour, was at the Colosseum is actually build on top of a former week.

Lastly one of the interesting things about the people that died which was about a .5 million men that died. The emperor chose if the opponent died or not. There was a good gladiator that was responsible to put on a good show frequently. But that didn’t necessarily mean that he would die, because there would be another person who would fight against him to put on a good show. If the emperor thought that the other man had suffered enough to the point where it was a good show, he would not die, by giving a thumbs up. If the emperor did not like the show, he would give a thumbs down in that moment that a man had to get killed. It was a stressful time for the people to be fighting in the ground level because an emperor could decide the fate of a man.

The Colosseum contains a lot of history, which is not known to a lot of people, however, we had an amazing tour guide who was able to make it interactive lesson throughout the tour of the great Colosseum.

sarahlavoy

During the last two days, the class has explored the church of San Nicola in Carcere, the Forum Boarium, the Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, and the Flavian Amphitheater (better known today as the Colosseum). While exploring and learning about these places, we have learned about one of our favorite things as Morris-ites…. recycling and reusing! This post will seek to summarize a few ways in which the histories of some of the sites listed above have been affected by the practices of reusing and recycling in the classical, medieval, and modern times.

As a result of the 64 AD great fire of Rome, about two-thirds of the city had been burned to the ground. Around this same time, the emperor Nero decided that the large area near the Roman Forum that had been burned should be the location of his new and extravagant palace, the Domus Aurea (the Golden House). The Domus Aurea, which was located on the slopes of the Palatine, the Esquiline, the Oppian, and the Caelian hills, was completed in 68 BCE. According to Suetonius (in his Life of Nero), “when the edifice was finished … and he (Nero) dedicated it, he deigned to say nothing more in the way of approval than that he had at last begun to live like a human being.” The boldness and cruelty of Nero were controversial, to say the least, and after his death, the Flavians sought to reclaim the space that was used to house the Domus Aurea and to give it back to the public. As a result, the Flavian Amphitheater was erected. Because of this history of how the Flavian Amphitheater came to be (and came to be located), the monument is a great example of the reuse of space during the Roman empire.

The Flavian Amphitheatre also provides us with another example of reusing and recycling. During the Middle Ages when trade routes were weakened, it was easier to take the metals that were used in the monuments around them and melting them down to reuse and repurpose, perhaps to make utensils or weapons. This is exactly what happened to the Flavian Amphitheater. During the Middle Ages, people began to take out the iron used to reinforce the marble structure of the Amphitheater and melted those pieces down for repurposing.

The Flavian Amphitheater does not provide us with the only examples of how medieval and ancient Romans reused space and materials. For example, the church of San Nicola in Carcere, which was built in the 6th century, was actually constructed in and using the ruins of Forum Holitorium and its temples, which date to the 3rd century BC. The spolia, the repurposed building stones, from the earlier monuments can still be observed in the church that survives (and functions!) today.

In addition to the Flavian Amphitheater and the church of San Nicola in Carcere, the reuse of space can be seen in another MODERN (but simultaneously ancient) example. The Circus Maximus, dating from the 6th century BC, is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and mass entertainment venue, is located in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine Hills. The Circus Maximus was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire, as it could accommodate over 150,000 spectators (for reference, the US Bank Stadium has the capacity to hold up to 66,655 people). After the 6th century AD when it no longer held events, the Circus fell into decay and was quarried for building materials (reduce, reuse, recycle!). Today, the space that was the location of the Circus has been put to reuse; today it serves as a public park.

(Let me know if anyone knows anything about Roman composting!)

thislittlebird

Ciao!
Today was pretty crazy. Some would say enchanting, others mesmerizing. I, however, don't really have the words to say exactly how what I saw made me feel/think! It starts with hearing others' presentations to explain the scene of what we are about to experience. Then we are on the actual sites of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum, and I, simply, am experiencing something that I can only experience in very few places in the world. I am seeing a valley, in its modern form, but also I am seeing more. I am imagining different worlds, spaces, and realms, that have all existed before me. Where peoples lives and stories, a reality that ceases to exist, still reverberates through time in a way I can only describe as being truly classical. It makes me think of how much can change in so little a time, but also how much never changes at all. And that is something I have yet to know how to concisely explain.

Cappuccino count:4 Day:3

Also, I am more confident with my bus navigating skills and I definitely am enjoying getting to talk to everyone on the trip more!

Ciao!

jairpeltier

What could I say about Rome which has not been said. For millennia poets, historians, theologians, royalty, and clergy alike have spoken of la citta eterna and have never fully captured her spirit. Likewise, though I shall fall short... here is my journal entry. My first impression of the city, in my traveling fog, was that of child wondering home. I literally traveled by plane, train, and automobile(not in that order) to get here. I recall the old adage "all roads lead to Rome". I suppose that extends to modern means of transportation. As a Roman Catholic Rome has a special place in my heart. Rome is my Mecca. The apex of my religious journey. For years Rome has been a personal point of study. Rome has been the seat of political, spiritual, and temporal power. This power can be felt to this day. The ancient temples reflect the glory of a bygone era. The medieval churches reflect an ever evolving spirit. Even the modern buildings reflect a desire to recapture that sense of glory. Though Rome seems to be eternal, humanity is not. Regime change, constitutional turmoil, economic disaster have all been the cause of drastic change. At the time of the ancient Roman republic people thought that that institution would remain forever. It eventually fell to the dust pan of history. We can take this as a lesson in itself. We imagine the United States to be an indefectible institution but as history has shown we should not be so naive. I am excited to see how this trip unfolds; to understand moreso the ancient Romans attempts at eternal life. As they say, we as humans die twice. First when we physically die and then when our name is uttered for the last time. In that sense the Caesars and the Saints are indeed still with us. I look forward to exploring the city with them.

thislittlebird

Wow, can I just start with how I love Rome, haha. Everything is exactly what I expected and more but also not what I expected at all. It's like a perfect juxtaposition of ideas and places and realms and food and people. Rome is everything I imagined it was: this perfect, classic place with beautiful buildings and art and rich history everywhere, and it is! But there is also graffiti everywhere and trash on the side of the streets and even in a place as regal as Rome there are still really cheesy side street stores that sell like silly machines or toys or things made for kids to make them laugh; basically a tourist trap. There is a sense of richness and worth and meaning and wisdom with every turn of the corner, but then at the same time I feel like I'm reminding myself that I really have no idea what I'm looking at and I'm always questioning is this place real or authentic or is it again, a tourist trap. Secondly, I'm totally a tourist, but there's also like people that just live here. Like this isn't universal studios where they remade Diagon Ally and its not just for show. These are real people, again, who LIVE here, have a job here, have a life, have a family, have friends, have a purpose and are an integral part of the city. Not just to learn about history or humanities or to go on a trip to see really really ancient ruins. That kinda blows my mind. Also, Rome is one of the oldest cities in the entire world! The way it's been run and governed has changed so many times I probably can't even imagine, so I'm stuck wondering, now, how this city just works. It's like the bee movie when the bee's cross the street and all the cars just perfectly drive around them at an insanely quick speed. I just get this feeling of harmony within the chaos. Everyone is exactly where they should be, but I just want to see it all so I never feel like I can stop moving. Then the food! Wow, it's all so amazing, right? Like, everyone said the food would be good, and I can definitely agree, but the crazy part is: it's also so simple? Like I just had a sandwich today and it was just meat and cheese and spinach toasted between to white slices of bread... so simple? right? but again something about it was so good. I guess it comes down to the quality. Italy is basically a whole new way of living (duh). Everything I've noticed so far has amazed me. I'm just stuck trying to make sense of something I know it would take years for me if ever, to understand. But already after only being here two days, I love it, and I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be right now. Ok, I'm done. Arrivederci! -Megan Ellingboe

Cappuccino count: 3. Day:2.

isanor21

Last night I woke up a few times but the sleep honestly wasn't that bad; and it's hard to get mad when the view out of your window is an adorable court yard. As expected I woke up way before my alarm, at like 4:30 am and 5:00 am but I was determined to stay in bed until I needed to get up so I would have energy for today. Our apartment people left at a couple of different times, so and Sarah left at around 7:50 to try and get coffee and a pastry before we meet up with the rest of our people for class. I was a little intimidated by walking around Prati and not knowing exactly how long it was going to take to reach the metro stop. But we got there fine and it was really cool seeing all the people walking around heading to class or work ex. I ordered a cappuccino for the first time and even though it was a mixture of English and Italian no one laughed or made fun of me, which for some reason is an expectation of mine that I have, because I am so bad at Italian. But I also like saying the little I know, it makes me feel more connected to the city and the people in it. The cappuccino was very, very good! Taking the bus was also easier than I expected and it was cool passing the Vatican and other historical sites on the way to our 'class room' for the morning. We visited the Forum Boaium Temples, Saint. Nicola in Carcere, and Circus Maximus. The history of those spots was interesting in accordance to the ever changing and moving Rome. The fact that those spots have stayed their, despite the environment of when they were built, but also permanence in an ever changing city. After class we walked around a lot ... a lot. We had lunch, which was really nice, getting to know more of the people on this trip. Then we made our way back to the accent center, which I was surprised at how much closer things are, I mean obviously it's still a lot of walking but, It was really manageable to get from basically the bottom of the heart of Rome all the way to the middle of Prati. We are back in the apartment now chilling after a long morning of walking. And will go get some groceries after a long deserved nap.

bertabecca09

Who is Caecilia Metella?
She was the daughter of Quintus Caecilius Metellus. He greatly improved the prestige of the family because of his victory in conquering Crete. Her family was one of the most powerful families in Roman politics. There is limited information about Caecilia because she lived long ago, where there was hardly an documentation of anything. On her tomb there is a plaque that states this woman was the daughter of Quintus Metellus and wife of Licinius Crassus. Marcus Licinius Carassus was apart of another power family and had a connection with Julius Caesar.
Brief history:
After the tomb was out of the control of the Metella family, a church took over the tomb and land around it. Then came along the Caetani family, they were becoming a very powerful family in Rome and bought the land surrounding the tomb, then took ownership of the tomb. They added to the structure of the tomb, to make it into a castle. The castle was used as a defense tower and since the structure was along the Via Appia, they collected tolls. The tolls were collected for those passing the street.
Where and what is the tomb of Caecilia Metella?
Outside of Rome, along the Via Appia rises an imposing structure identified as the tomb of Caecilia Metalla. The tomb overlooks the city of Rome. The Via Appia was the first road projected and built by the Romans in 312 BC. The Romans have known the road as the Refina Viarum, the queen of streets, because of its importance.
When and why was the tomb constructed?
The tomb is an important archaeological monument that has been studied for centuries and various aspects. However, there is no archaeological documentation available that answers the truth why it was built and who built the tomb. It is noted that the tomb remained in good condition because family member kept it up. This missing information has caused problems surrounding the tomb. There are proposed dates of the tomb which ranges from 67BC to the end of the reign of Augustus. The reason comes about how the tomb is in a circular shape and that is the same way the structures were built for Augustus.
How is the site relevant to nearby sites?
Some other sites nearby the Tomb of Caecilia Metella are the Catacombs of Rome, Baths of Caracalla, and Palatine Hill.
The Catacombs of Rome are ancient underground burial places that began to take place around the second century. I compared the Catacombs to the tomb in how someone of nobility received a large tomb and other commoners received underground burials.
The Baths of Caracalla were the second largest Roman public baths and they took place during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla. The baths of Caracalla, in my presentation was compared in structure to the tomb. After the Caetani family took over the tomb, they added more sections to create a castle. The castle resembles the Baths of Caracalla.
Palatine Hill was another site that I compared and contrasted with the tomb. The hill is one of the most ancient parts of the Rome and has been called the "first nucleus of the Roman Empire." Excavations performed on the hill in 1907 and 1948 revealed a collection of huts believed to have been used for funerary purposes between the 9th and 7th century BC. (I go more into detail about these sites in my presentation).
Vocabulary used in presentation:
Sarcophagus: stone coffin
Sepulchral: gloomy, somber, melancholy

Works Cited:
Cipriani, G. (2014, March 07). Ancient Rome: No country for Women. The story of Cecilia Metella. Retrieved from http://talesofrome.com/ancient-rome-no-country-for-women-the-story-of-cecilia-metella/

Gerding, H. (2002). The tomb of Caecilia Metella: tumulus, tropaeum and thymele. Lund.

Tomb of Cecilia Metella - Useful Information - Rome & Vatican Museums. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rome-museum.com/tomb-of-cecilia-metella.php