The Day Before Christianity

Visiting the Roman Forum and Colloseum is always going to provoke a 'wow' factor. Is it the sheer size? Maybe the awe at the architectural and construction achievements. Perhaps walking on the same ground as those names we have heard from history. Is it the amazement at the science they had mastered, or maybe the complexities (and sometimes mysteries) of the lifestyle and social factors. I think that it involves the impact of all of these.

As we hear the commentary from our tour guide, our minds recreate scenes, but also there are questions and challenges. Some comparisons to current world and life events...It didn't end so well for The Roman Empire, so why would we still be repeating the behaviours? The missing treasures - some we have been told have been re-fashioned in The Vatican- just like the roof from The Pantheon. The religious and social intolerance. The division of class. The discrimination towards women. The power struggles and use of threat and intimidation. The obsessive collection of 'things'.  Ugghhh.

I asked a question towards the end- before Etruscan inhabitation - any ancient archeoligical finds like Australia's Indigenous history? Clearly this guide had never contemplated the existence of anything other than or before Rome. So, I am left contemplating the millions of tourists who are in awe of these relics every year and the comparative isolation and lack of  awareness of early Indigenous history - all countries!  What do we value? And maybe its a good thing that profiteering has left it alone.

Certainly every step you take in Rome reveals another view of amazement, so it is two very weary travellers who finally tramp home late that afternoon. Our roof terrace sunset is full of chat and we really are enjoying the food and ambience of a nearby Italian restaurant. Feels earthy and genuine - with seats filled with Italians, who seem likewise. Finally I am liking what I'm experiencing. It feels genuine.