Classical Civilization: Rome

Rome today is an amazing blend of old and new. On one corner is a place that has been there since ancient times, on another something from the Renaissance, and a little farther down the block you can find a modern retail store. After living there for 4 months while studying abroad I truly appreciate the uniqueness of this city. It is so baffling to me that people drive by the Colosseum on their way to work every day and have probably found its presence and age so commonplace. Whereas when we go and see it today it is an amazing place that has stood the test of time and witnessed so much history take place within it and around it.

This week I found it really interesting when we discussed how the Colosseum has been used as a model for sports stadiums since ancient time. It is amazing how little the structure has even changed through the years. Especially on the interior, sports stadiums continue to closely resemble the layout of the Colosseum.

I also really enjoyed learning more about the Pantheon. It is an amazing structure and the inside is awe-inspiring. All of the different colors, materials, images, and the different niches throughout are almost overwhelming when you first walk in. And it takes multiple visits to even begin to comprehend the intricacies it took to build that structure and the ingeniousness of the architect to make a structure that can support that concrete dome.

Modern Day 

Mosaics are still widely used today. These images are from bathrooms, but you can see mosaic tiles in kitchens, spas, lobbies, and numerous other places too. In the bottom example you can even see how ancient sculpture still plays a role in modern design as well. 

The Colosseum inspired this modern courthouse. Columns have been used and the architect also mimicked what the Colosseum looks to visitors from the outside. Modern materials have been used but a clear correlation can be seen between this structure and the structure from Ancient Rome.