From a Traveler- Rome

The silence was deafening.

Like the roar from the ancient crowds are still echoing through time. Vibrating the stone.

A building that was given to the masses as a gift from the emperor in 18 AD. One that was used to control and create a spectacle for entertainment. 

The Colosseum.

You could feel the loss, grief, and peace. The violent end to those who died in this arena for the pleasure of others. Some who were only subjected to this fate because of a God they believed in. Punished by animals, by fire, or crucifixion. 

Traveling to ancient places like the Colosseum was one of my favorite experiences while studying abroad all those years ago. Seeing the architecture that has lasted decades, centuries, or longer allowing a small glimpse into the past while standing in the present. 

(And people say time travel doesn't exist.)

The Roman Colosseum was one of the top experiences. 

Just being in Rome itself, you could feel the history, the opulence, the power. Then to walk into this huge arena structure. A marvel of architecture and entertainment. The biggest structure of its  time, taking 8 years to build. to see how time has eroded its full glory, and yet added to its story… is an intense experience, to put it lightly.

Walking through the arches and into the arena space, everything seemed to quiet. like we were walking into a sacred location. one filled with honor for the stories it held. for the witness of the lives taken. 

That was the loudest silence of all. Standing in the stands, looking down at the exposed cells under the arena floor, understanding that people died here. Were murdered here - as punishment and for entertainment. A pre-show before the gladiator battles. Many of them only dying horrifically because they believed in the Christian god, which was deemed a problem.

Being a Christian at the time, feeling that loss of my brothers and sisters in Christ…I was at a loss for words. Overwhelmed by the deafening silence. 

All I could do was stand and honor their deaths with my remembrance.
It brought on a consideration of life and death. Of our life’s journey and the natural cycles involved. All the people involved and/or forced to become entertainment in this monument of a structure knew that their life was coming to a close. Did they accept it? Did they fight it? Did fear override their peace in going to the afterlife?

Were they angry for this circumstance that only happened to some because of what religion, what god, they choose to believe in and follow?

And even though I no longer follow the same religious path I once did, I still recall - still feel the emotion. The honoring in silence of all those innocents who died there…all for others entertainment.

I think we sometimes forget that we aren’t passed this kind of behavior. Unfortunately we still shun, shame, hurt, and go after other people who are “different” from us.
Standing in the Colosseum made me realize that we are all human beings that deserve love and respect. We all deserve love, no matter what choices we make about our lives, lifestyles, bodies, etc.

Love.
Always Love.

From a Traveler.