The Capitoline Museum had many awe inspiring artifacts that were all interesting in their own way whether it was silly like “porkulese”- the baby faced teenage Hercules (it makes sense when you see it), emotional like the heart wrenched old woman clinging to a casket of wine, or riveting like the dying Gaul. But I found that many of these artifacts paled in comparison with the beauty and connection I felt witnessing the view in the Tabularium overlooking the Roman forum. Standing in a place where the mighty empire kept their records overlooking the remnants of where people used to walk - and modern people still did, I felt very grounded into what time travel felt of. I feel as though no picture can capture the feeling of the wind on my face and the sheer proximity to something of such antiquity - I dare say it was one of the closest things my atheist self has ever felt to a religious experience. Being so close to the world we studied from afar for so many years, it was unreal. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit but I felt myself tearing up at the view and the connection to history and humanity I felt then. If the rest of the trip is anything similar to that experience I had today then I can say with certainty I will have a wonderful next 9 days.
Blog reflection by Estelle
Photos by Kelli
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