Author: May

An Ode to Elephants

An Ode to Elephants

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First introduced by Alexander the Great

For their size and power, elephants were used in war 

Some armies surrendered or accepted their fate

Because war elephants could kill 10,000 or more 

However, this military technology was not embraced by all

The Romans refused to use elephants in any way

A free republic would never play in a monarch’s game

Unfortunately, the men in the Roman army did fall

Their men were trampled as they ran away

But out of the darkness and bloodshed, honor became the republic’s name

How Art Defied Borders

How Art Defied Borders

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On March 23, I attended Eva Hoffman’s lecture called “Mobility and Exchange: Framing a Global Mediterranean”. Throughout her hour-long talk, she discussed cultural mobility, art archeology, and the role that the Mediterranean played in both categories. I am most interested when Hoffman said “mobility and exchange are at the heart of global history”. Upon reflection, I remembered all the different times I went to art museums with family and friends. The art museums were sectioned off by artists, geographical regions, and time periods. Although it never came to mind before this lecture, I am now left wondering about the interconnections between the different artists, geographical regions and time periods. One of the major separating categories in art is the distinction between East and West. However, in Hoffman’s lecture, she took the time to show works of art that contradict this distinction. She showed how Syrian glass was traded and shipped to other countries and empires in and beyond the Mediterranean. There is a unique history to the movement and mobility of ancient artwork because it had the ability to cross social, political, and physical boundaries. More specifically, Hoffman talked about The Eleanor Vase, which is currently being held at the Louvre Art Museum in Paris, France. This vase was passed between Muslims and Christians at a noble wedding. The trading of expensive artwork was common between wealthy and noble individuals. 

Although I enjoyed the broad topics of this lecture, I did find some of the specific information to be slightly dry. My family loves going to different art museums for hours, but I like to move more quickly through art museums while still admiring the artwork and history. I believe the topic of Eva Hoffman’s lecture was very interesting, and many people did enjoy every part of her presentation. However, there were moments when I forgot the overall message because she began talking about the specific stitchwork pattern on a specific piece of art. Despite the in-depth analysis of a vase or cloth, I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture, and I learned a lot. Most importantly, I continued to think about the broad topic of the talk after I left.   

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“Rome”: Topics from CSTS 121 to HBO Max

“Rome”: Topics from CSTS 121 to HBO Max

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I began watching the first season of Rome, which is streaming on HBO Max. In this historical drama, Lucius Vorenus (played by Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pollo (played by Ray Stevenson) navigate an ever changing ancient Rome while fighting in the Roman army. Rome takes place during the downfall of the Roman republic and the uprising of the Roman empire. In the first episode, Caesar and Pompey are co-consuls of Rome and dear friends to one another. However, by the end of the episode, Caesar and Pompey are enemies. As Caesar returns from Gaul, a war between himself and Pompey becomes frighteningly realistic. 

I enjoyed watching Rome for many reasons. The main reason is because the tv show helps me to remember Roman historical figures and their contributions to Roman society. Sometimes, it is difficult to retain all the different Romans and their connections to one another through only readings. Although they are actors, the tv show also helps by connecting the names to faces. Additionally, I loved the set and costume design. To my knowledge, the costumes were accurate and reflective of the time period. The sets were highly detailed and engaging to the audience. It was especially fascinating to see aspects of Roman life in the show that I learned in class. In week six, we discussed Roman friendship. In the first episode, Pompey and Caesar both use the word “friend” to describe each other. However, their definition of “friend” is not the same definition used in modern practice. Pompey and Caesar call each other “friend” as a form of loyalty and allyship. However, once that loyalty is broken, so is their friendship. In the following episodes, Pompey and Caesar are not friends anymore. 

I did not enjoy watching the high degree of violence portrayed in the show. However, I do understand there was a purpose behind the depiction of all the bloodshed. Romans were not afraid to use violence against an enemy or as a punishment for citizens who have broken the law. In one scene, Vorenus uses torture to obtain information from people in Gaul. He uses the method of nailing people to a cross until they disclose useful information. I was not prepared for the vivid imagery of violent actions.

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