Spoleto Study Abroad 2013

Today we had a whirlwind day excursion in Rome! 

Arriving at 10:30 AM, students were face to face with ancient history as they viewed the Roman Colosseum. It is the most famous monument to have survived from the classical world and was built nearly two thousand years ago for the purpose of hosting violent gladiator games. Thousands of men and animals fought for their lives in the sandy arena, providing entertainment for eager Roman spectators.

The powerful associations and images evoked by the Roman Colosseum express both the majesty and might of the Roman empire. It dominates the space it occupies, towering above the surrounding Roman streets and buildings. It is a symbol of the imperial might and architectural ingenuity of the Roman empire that dominated the ancient Mediterranean world for centuries. The story of the amphitheater and its gladiator games from their origins to its decline and eventual fall provides a unique insight into the evolution and fall of the Roman empire itself.

Next, we headed to the nearby Roman Forum, a plaza surrounded by the ruins of several important archaic government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Students had ample time to walk these ancient streets and soak in the history. 

It was for centuries the center of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Here statues and monuments commemorated the city's great men. The teeming heart of ancient Rome, it has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history. Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, the Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archeological excavations attracting numerous sightseers.

The third visit was to the Basilica of San Clemente, a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Pope Clement I. Students and faculty were wowed by the three-tiered complex of buildings. All three levels can be visited and each level has something special to offer. The lowest level, dating to the 1st century A.D., was a marvelous source of information on architecture and building laws in early Imperial Rome. The intermediate layer, which dates to the 4th century, boasts one of Rome's older Christian churches and is mentioned by Saint Jerome in his letters. The church was also redecorated with fabulous frescoes in the 1100s, many of which can still be seen and appreciated. The top layer is fascinating, too, and was built just before the year 1100 during the height of the Middle Ages. The lower church had to be rebuilt and in the 1200s this new church took its place and covered it over. Although heavily rebuilt over the centuries, bits and pieces of the late Medieval basilica can still be admired. Perhaps the apse, enriched with mosaics from that century is one of Rome's loveliest.

After our visits, students had two additional hours to enjoy a Roman lunch, shop Via del Corso, and pop into numerous other attractions including Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.. We will be excited to share more pics of the students enjoying the trip tomorrow!

Buona Notte!