First Day Trip!

Today we took the train out to Ostia Antica to see one of the most well preserved cities from the Roman Empire. It was incredible to see the ruins of a once thriving trade city, and try to imagine what it looked like at its peak. Walking around the park I was amazed by the intricate mosaics that covered the floors of the houses, baths, even the apartments for those of moderate income, and how well they've lasted over the years. Restoration has been going on to preserve the mosaics, but as Matt said it's a never ending cycle in order to protect the ruins from the elements, the vegetation in particular. Overall it's been incredible to constantly be surrounded by such a vast extent of history, and to continually be discovering and learning about the architecture and culture of such an advanced civilization. Exploring Ostia was the perfect way to sum up a week of touring the early churches of Rome and be able to see how the layout of their houses directly correlated into the designs of their churches and temples.  I think it's incredible to see how they allowed the architecture to convey their religious beliefs and create experiences within spaces. Scott discussed the importance architecture had to the Romans at the end of our last tour with him, and how this art form has diminished ever since. I think it will be interesting to continue to learn and see examples of the strong relationship between religion and architecture over the course of this trip, and how it evolved during the reign of the Roman Empire. Now if only this weather would catch up to my excitement...