Growing up we studied the Roman Empire numerous times through all of our history classes. Each and every time I was amazed and astonished at the ability of the Romans Empire. Their ability to build structures one hundred feet high with stones weighting multiple tons is incredible. However, when I looked at the Roman Empire after our conversation Monday morning, I began to question what the future would have been if the Roman Empire existed.
Monday morning we read a paragraph in The Smiles of Rome, which questioned the “creation of such works since greater ones have been destroyed by time.” Some may argue that the work of the Roman Empire was the greatest during its era and beyond, but the point is look at what might have been. What if the Romans had decided the construction of these structures were not worth their time?
Much of what the Roman Empire did was ingenious and could not be duplicated for centuries. For example, they created a sewer and water system, retractable covering of sails for the Colosseum, an arch design to help support the weight of the stones, and much more. So what would have been if the Empire had not existed. Not only would these inventions and ideas not exist, but it would have presented another challenge.
Today, we are continually restructuring, changing, or inventing new structures, buildings, electronic devices, etc. The advancement is usually based off of current objects with some imagination. Therefore, the proposition of the Roman Empire never existing could have changed the entire appearance of the city today and slowed technological development for centuries to come. The city might not consist of fountains, piazzas, columns, or obelisks along with other cities whose creation were based upon these structures. As far as the obelisk, this brings about the influence of the countries which the Roman Empire had conquered. With no empire obelisks would not have been brought to Rome along with any other idea or structure that came about from the spread of the empire.
On Monday, we also discussed the reading in The Italians. From the discussion, I took away how the author was going to paint us a beautiful picture of Rome while showing us its imperfections. Therefore, I tried to notice some of their imperfections or flaws because we all notice the beauty of it. When Laura discussed the battles that took place between Gladiators and/or animals and the number of slaves the empire had, you can sense how barbaric the people were in these times. Of course, this was the normal back then, but now we look back in astonishment. The fact that over a thousand animals were killed in a week is amazing or how they sent Gladiators out into battles with no weapons is shocking. Also, the fashion how people could vote for throats to be slit is jaw dropping. In terms of slaves, it is unimaginable how many the Roman Empire had. In a column I read, they said it took somewhere near a thousand people to help built and hoist the sails for the covering of the Coloseum. Now think about the number of slaves needed to build the roads, Coloseum, fountains, forums, temples, and columns. The Roman Empire was truly blessed with its creativity and intelligence but at the same time had no consideration for those who were not up to their standards.
Touching base on what would be today had the Romans not completed what they did is so important. They truly were the empire with the capabilities of both manpower and monetary power. Had they not done it, who would have and how far down the line in history would it have finally happened? Trying to picture what type of structures we would have now is a great perspective I had not thought of. I guess history really does make who we are in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI think it's funny how our building today can't stand for 100 years without getting "touch ups" or remodeled. However most of Rome can withstand fires, earthquakes, wars and the structures are still standing today. Maybe today's architect should take a page out of the Roman Empire and build buildings like they did and we wouldn't have the problem of remodeling every 5 or so years.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing and learning how it was all made, maybe we could live simpler too. We don't need all the different types of cars, houses, clothes, and others unnecessary choices to pick from. Why can't we live carefree like the Italians. We need to appreciate the simple things in life like they do.
I really have not stopped to think of what would have happened if these ancient ruins were not created. Looking at them now through your perspective really shows me how much influence these structures have made on us centuries later. We may not be conquering foreign nations or setting up an obelisk in triumph but we do incorporate foreign influences and other technology to add to our modern empires.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that through The Smiles of Rome we are able to see how the city is a combination of both beauty and pain. The ancient ruins are a mix of both happiness and suffering and I think everyone can relate to that in their own lives. I mean we may not be condemning people to death but we still have modern obstacles to overcome.