The Roman Forum: The Sacred Road of Julius Caesar

4 March 20252 July 2025

Strolling along the smooth, round stones of the Via Sacra, I am reminded that “all roads lead to Rome”. To imagine that I was standing at the epicenter of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations, was hardly a moment I would soon forget. The ancient ruins ahead were a myriad of fragments representing structures that had been constructed over a span of centuries. Other historical buildings remained intact, miraculously surviving the destruction of war and years of plunder.

During the height of its power, Roman streets would have been crowded like a modern day New York City. Religious temples and political basilicas co-mingled together at the heart of Rome’s Republic. Prominent partisan figures settled legal disputes and made daily decisions to keep order among its citizens. While public orators stood on street podiums shouting over the crowds to provide news-worthy updates, the populace remained informed.

The Sacra Via was the most important road of central Rome during the height of its rule. Over the years the Forum’s landscape would undergo several changes as the “sacred road” had to adapt to its reconstruction and restoration. Roman rulers left their mark within the Forum removing monuments and temples only to replace them with their own.

Our first introduction into Roman politics includes a stop at the Basilica of Constantine, also referred to as the Basilica Maxentius. Not to be confused with a place of worship, this Basilica, with its three large arches was considered ancient Rome’s judicial system. What remains is only about one-third of the size of the structure and another set of arches would have stood opposite along the Via Sacra. The space in between was a large hall that would have been as long as a football field made of marble and full of statues, including a gargantuan statue of Constantine, sitting on his throne at the west end of the basilica. The hand of Constantine shows the enormous size of the statue, which is on display in Rome’s Capitoline Museums.

Because the Romans believed that their gods played a major part in the ongoing success of Rome, temples were built to worship these deities to keep them happy. Each god represented an important facet of everyday life. For example, the god of Saturn provided oversight for wealth, agriculture, liberation and time. The Romans also believed that the Emperors of Rome became gods once they had died and temples were erected in their honor as well, such as the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina. The price they must have paid to guarantee their immortality.

When the temple was first erected, the tall, 50-foot Corinthian columns would have supported a triangular pediment displaying a number of brightly colored statues. An inscription on the lintel identifies Antoinus Pius and his wife, Faustina, “divo” and “divae”, representing the deification of the couple. During the medieval times, the structure was pillaged as evidenced by the diagonal marks on the marble pillars.

Since the 12^th century, the temple has been occupied by a church and the green door was once level with the street during the time of Michelangelo. It wasn’t until the 1800s, when the excavation of the site uncovered the long staircase which leads to the current Sacra Via.

The most sacred location in all of ancient Rome was undoubtedly the Temple of Vesta. Only three short columns remain of the circular temple dedicated to the Roman family, where an eternal flame once stood. This holy light was tended by a small group of priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins, who were responsible for keeping the torch lit at all times. Should the light go out, the virgin responsible for manning the flame would be flogged as punishment.

Nearby, located across from the Temple of Romulus, stands the remains of the Atrio delle Vestali (House of the Vestal Virgins). Once a beautiful two-story building, the House of the Vestal Virgins accommodated a small group of elite young ladies who dedicated the prime of their lives to the service of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and patron of the state.

Selected from the noble families of Rome before the age of ten, this revered organization of girls lived together for a period of thirty years, taking a vow of chastity. If the Vestal Virgin completed her term of service, she was offered a large dowry and could finally marry. However, if she did not adhere to the requirements of her role, she was buried alive.

Each emperor expanded his residence and added more space to his royal palaces. The Palaces of Caligula and Tiberius were initially built upon Palatine Hill, but over time, extended down the hill into the Roman Forum. Although very little remains of the Palace, the underground passageway still exists. Connecting the palace to the Clivus Paltinus Road and the Casa di Livia, this corridor may have well been the location where Caligula was stabbed to death in 41AD.

Our tour guide identified the various points of interest within the Forum to include several temples. All that remains of the prestigious Temple of Castor and Pollux are the three marble, Corinthian columns. Built in the fifth century BC, it is the oldest structure and most photographed site in the Forum. The Romans believed that Castor and Pollux, the sons of Jupiter appeared to water their horses at the Sacred Springs of Juturna and therefore a temple was built in their honor.

At the height of Rome’s power, the city exceeded one million residents. Living in tiny apartments or nearby tents, the area was busy, crowded and dangerous. In addition to crime, fires would break out, destroying the residential structures built mainly of wood.

One of the most popular locations, identified with flowers and cards is the Temple of Julius Caesar (Ara di Cesare). A modest structure with a metal roof marks the spot where Julius Caesar’s body was cremated after his assassination. The temple represents the deification of one of Rome’s most successful Emperors, making Caesar the first Roman leader to become a god.

Compared to the simple memorial for Julius Caesar, the Basilica Aemilia was anything but ordinary. Built in the 2^nd century BC, this meeting hall served as Rome’s local courts to settle a variety of civil disputes and civic matters and handled the enforcement of legal agreements. As a litigious city, it was no doubt the basilica required so much space.

Within close proximity to the Basilica Aemilia was the Curia (Senate House), a political meeting space where the elected Senators of Rome determined the laws of the land. First designed in the 7^th century BC, the Curia was the center of government when Rome became a Republic. The Senate’s President sat at one end while three tiers of wooden seats provided circular seating across from him where they conducted debates. The Comitium, located in front of the Curia is where the Popular Assembly met.

While Julius Caesar was murdered in the Senate House, it was not at this location. At the time of his death, a temporary meeting place had been established across town.

During Caesar’s funeral, it was Mark Antony who gave the eulogy on the elevated podium known as the Rostrum. Built for public announcements, the 10 foot high, 80 foot long platform was a place for citizens to exercise their freedom of speech, while political officials would publicly voice their opinions on a number of partisan issues.

Although the Arch of Septimus Severus is within view of the Rostrum, the structure was not completed until 203 AD, long after Julius Caesar had passed. The triple arch, standing six stories high, represented Severus’ conquest over the Parthians (modern Iran). I have always been fascinated with the arches of the Forum and the propaganda displayed through a series of reliefs and roundels. Etched into the marble, travertine and brick, the Emperors would document their victories forever in stone.

While the Romans loved to build temples in honor of their rulers, the sanctuaries to their gods were just as important to them. They believed that their prosperity and good fortune depended on the happiness of their gods, so they built many shrines to appease them. Many of the structures also served a dual purpose, such as the Temple of Saturn , first built in 495 BC which housed the Aerarium, the state treasury. The wealth and riches from Rome’s conquests would have been stored in the pedestal of the statue of Saturn. Eight Ionic columns and a section of the frieze remains of the entrance to the temple, which was the most honorable shrine in the Forum.

The last monument erected in the forum is a lonely Corinthian column to the left of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Column of Phocas. While the western empire ended in September of AD 476, Phocas became the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople until he was overthrown in AD 610. By the time the memorial was dedicated to Emperor Phocas in AD 608, the city of Rome was in decline and would eventually come to an end.

So, while our tour did not last as long as the Roman Empire, it too came to an end and we were offered the opportunity to roam the ruins for an additional thirty minutes. Before making our way towards the exit, our guide pointed out a set of brick ruins next to the Arch of Septimius Severus identified as the Umbilicus Urbis. She noted that it was the oldest set of ruins within the Forum and was considered to be the “center of the world”. It was from this point, that all distances from within the Roman Empire were measured. While Rome was once the most powerful epicenter of civilization, it was quickly abandoned in the 7^th century AD, It would take over 1,000 years for this ancient metropolis to be rediscovered and later still to become one of Rome’s most visited historical attractions.

What were your thoughts as you explored the Roman Forum? Do you have another ancient civilization that has inspired you? I would love to hear about your adventures if you would kindly leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my visits to the Roman Forum and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Roman Forum
Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone; +39 06 0608

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum.
Bus/Train Information: Buses 40, 44, 84, 780 and 810; Metro Station – Colosseo, line B- (blue)
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Roman Forum’s website: https://turisimoroma.it/cosa-fare/fori
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge)
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total
Tips for Your Visit: Your ticket to the Roman Forum includes The Colosseum and Palatine Hill. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but may be screened by metal detectors. Bags may also be opened and visually inspected by security. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Forum Roma
Via Tor de’ Conti, 25, 00184
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 67 92 446

We lucked out finding this gem of a hotel in the midst of ancient Rome. Make sure to stop by the Roof Garden Restaurant for spectacular views.

Where to Eat:

Iari the Vino
Via del Colosseo, 5
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6919 1069

I have to give Peter credit for finding this fabulous spot for lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the Calamari salad and he ordered the lasagna. Deliciouso!

Trattoria Da Enzo
Via dei Vascellari, 29,
00153, Roma, RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 581 2260

This restaurant is outstanding for its artichokes, carbonara dishes and Cacio e Pepe

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain

Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

17 December 20243 May 2025

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

The Baths of Miletus

19 September 202317 March 2025

Approaching the archaeological site of Miletus, it is obvious that there is a large influence of Roman architecture and tradition that once made an impact on this city. One of the more important customs was that of public bathing.

In the city of Miletus there were three bathing areas: the Capito Thermae, Humei Tope Thermae (in the north) and the Faustina Thermae operating in the south. During the First Century BC, Cnaeus Vergilius Capito donated the resources for a large building complex which would contain an exercise area and baths. An inscription located on the northern section of the Ionic Stoa, confirms his donation. Because baths were more of a social activity among the Romans, this compound was perfectly situated between the Delphinion and the Hellenistic Gymnasium. In the Palaestra, the exercise area, was a swimming pool. There were three sections to the baths (Thermae) which were the dressing rooms, the warm bath and the hot bath.

The Delphinion was built near the Harbour of Lions as a sanctuary of Apollo Delphinios who was the patron saint of sailors and ships. It was first constructed in the 6^th century BC, and went through several updates before it was destroyed in the 5^th century AD. The ruins clearly show the remains of a circular temple which was once protected by a roof and sheltered the altar where the residents brought their offerings. There were inscriptions found on the inner walls of the stoa and on the stelae indicating that this location was also once the city’s archive.

Many of the ancient ruins were not without a Nymphaem, which was one of the most important features of the city. This fountain was considered to be one of the most impressive of all of the Ionian cities. A three story structure with a façade that displayed Corinthian columns, it is said to have looked much like the façade of the Library of Celsius in Ephesus. You can find the Nymphaem on the western part of the city between the northern Capito Thermae and the southern North Agora and the Gymnasium of Eudemus. The structure also contained niches and pedestals on which statues would be displayed. The statues represented gods and demi-gods and it was estimated that there was a total of 27 throughout the building.

The South Gymnasium also known as the Gymnasium of Eudemis, was built on a north to south axis on the southern part of the city. On the esatern side of the Sacred way leading to the sanctuary of Didymia is an Ionic Stoa. It was quite long with seven steps leading up to the 36 columns supporting a beautifully decorated frieze. The original structure was built during the Flavian dynasty and further alterations were completed during the time of the Emperor Trajan.

Within close proximity to the theater were the Faustina Baths, which were built in the second century AD under the direction of Marcus Aurelius’ wife. These were the dressing rooms for the baths. At its height, the baths were an extensive complex with large fountains in various shapes such as the river god Meander, a small lion and other statues of the gods.

The building was a single story structure which included hot and cold baths, an area for physical exercizes and exquisite sculpture decoration. There were 13 rooms on each side which acted as changing rooms for the visitors. There were also beds provided in these rooms for the visitors in the event that they would want to rest.

While visiting Miletus, it is a bit difficult to imagine that this city was once a port town, situated on a peninsula, with three harbors on the west and one on the east. The harbors have since silted up to the point that the site now sits 5 miles inland. Today it is a popular shore excursion from the cruise lines that port in Kusadasi and is well worth the visit if you have an interest in ancient ruins, history and religion.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Miletus? What aspects of the ancient city did you find fascinating? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for escaping away with me to Miletus and I hope you have many Happy Travels in your near future!

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus

My Interview with Artist Jimi Jones, Leader of the NeoAncestral Movement

21 May 201615 September 2024

Interviewing Jimi Jones was, for me, the opportunity of a lifetime. I admired his latest collection at The Springfield Museum of Art in Ohio where he was the headline exhibitor at this Smithsonian-affiliated institution.

Arriving at Jimi’s studio in downtown Cincinnati, I was a bit jittery with excitement as this was not only my first interview, but a chance meeting with an artist I admired. Having recently written my amateur, artistic review of his work, I was more than elated when he contacted me through my website and suggested I meet him in person to weigh in on my thoughts. I had so many questions to ask him and looked forward to this opportunity.

Jimi Jones has mastered the ability to tell a story through his paintings. His artistry evokes thought-provoking debates and cleverly captivates the mind of his audience. The masterpieces that have been majestically displayed at numerous museums represent all aspects of human culture to include history, politics, philosophy and religion.

Providing his audience with a glimpse of history, Jones’ first painting on display at his Faces & Places exhibit was the “SS Turner”. Artist JMW Turner, with the ambition of making a political statement, painted his macabre work of art based on the horrific fate of the slave ship, Zong. It was his hope that it would encourage Britain to change its current pro-slavery beliefs. Taking inspiration from Turner’s historical art work titled “The Slave Ship”, Jones has also shown his passion for modern day public opinion, political issues and ethical concerns.

Jimi Jones’ ethereal “SS Turner” is also an anti-slavery piece, yet centered around the Civil War Era. Jones admired Turner’s powerful approach in exhibiting his view on the current politics of the day. It is through his paintings that Jones has found his calling in displaying his position in a subtle way that invokes both contemplation and conversation. It is his hope that he can create a masterpiece that “will make a difference [in one’s life] or even change a country’s thoughts.”

I felt privileged that Jimi would grant me the insight into the thought process of his artistic prowess. His art is thoroughly planned and deliberate long before he takes his first stroke upon the canvas. Studying “The Slave Ship”, he explained how selecting the color red for the soldier’s jacket represented bloodshed and that the ghostly blue was perfect for symbolizing death. I felt the intensity of pain through the graphic, diagonal lines as the slave ship lingered in the distance, while the innocence of the slave woman in the background tugged at my heartstrings. It was because of this painting, I wanted to learn more.

One of the most fascinating pieces of Jimi Jones’ exhibit was titled “Why These Cultures”. At first glance, I desperately wanted to understand the connection between the young African girl to the left of the painting and the Geisha girl towards the right. “Why These Cultures” perfectly exemplifies the societal differences between the Eastern and Western cultures, but how can they relate to one another?

As I studied the layers of complexity to this painting, I found myself more and more drawn to the intricate detail that only establishes Jones as one of the greatest artists of our time. His defined use of sepia and pression blue are hypnotizing, but the colorful elements of the costumed horses and the facial expressions of their riders are astonishing. I am afraid that if I stare too long or too closely, the characters will convince me to make their acquaintance. A quick jump into the painting and my life would be forever changed as my destiny would be decided between the cultures of the East or the traditions of the West.

Jimi Jones is a self-proclaimed Renaissance man and one of his favorite, artistic legends is Rembrandt. While many artists included their likenesses in their paintings or commission their own portraits, I found it interesting that Jones would paint a collection of friends and acquaintances to establish his own portraiture. It is a fascinating thought as he explains that “We are a reflection of the people we knew and the people that supported us.” We take on their habits, are influenced or challenged by their beliefs and model their behavior to make us who we are today.

One of Jones’ supporters and fellow artist is Thom Phelps. They came together to collaborate on an ideal that led them to the philosophy of “Neo Ancestralism”. Other influencers in his life include Carl Solway, Owen Findson, Aiden Sims, Catherine Marie Klenke, Courtney Hellebuyck who were honored in his 2016 Faces & Stories Exhibit. What a beautiful homage to the people that Jimi holds in high regard and credits for making the artist, storyteller, political influencer, historian and man he is today.

There are so many layers to Jimi Jones and the depth of his thoughts and processes make him bottomless, profound and all the more interesting. While his artwork is the result of years and years of painting, it is also a manifestation of his life experiences. A successful career in graphic design that provided him the ability to travel the world and an early passion for art, have laid the groundwork for Jones’ success and the foundation for continued greatness in the future. I anxiously await his next collection and anticipate the opportunity to be inspired, moved and encouraged to discover more.

Have you had the opportunity to see the artwork of Jimi Jones? Check out this link for samples of his exhibition pieces: http://jimijonesart.com/exhibitions/martyrs.html. I would love to hear about your thoughts and artistic opinions if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my experience learning more about Jimi Jones and his fabulous artwork,

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jimi Jones for sitting down with me to discuss his amazing artwork!

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