Author: DarrenBlack | Major: History and Classical Studies | Semester: Summer 2024
Taking a nice nap in an Etruscan tomb in Tarquinia
To quote the laughably inaccurate film, Gladiator, “There once was a dream that was Rome”. This dream has been in my mind for as long as I can remember, carefully nurtured throughout my years as I learned more about the titan of antiquity that was Rome. It seemed so far off in time and space, yet it never left my mind. When Dr. Muntz informed me that he was leading a five-week program in Rome during the first summer intercession of 2024, I knew I had to go on that trip. While I cannot go back to the days of the Roman Empire, with this trip, I could visit what it left behind.
The trip itself consisted of a few lectures and numerous site visits. While the content of the lectures was not unlike a typical class lecture at the University of Arkansas, it became all the more real when we visited the places we could only speak of back home.
I cannot put into words the emotions I felt upon standing where Julius Caesar was assassinated, which hilariously is now in front of the largest cat sanctuary in Rome. This trip remedied one of the most challenging aspects of studying history: the need for tangibility. While other disciplines are dedicated to studying the world as it is, history alone boasts of studying it as it was. It is easy to see the past as just a collection of interesting stories from within a classroom, but once you step into the ruins, everything becomes real. I am very fortunate to have had Dr. Muntz as the faculty leader for the trip. His knowledge of Rome is unmatched, and with his guidance, I learned many things and visited many sites that I would have easily overlooked had I gone on my own.
Of the site visits, two stand out above the rest. Castel Saint Angelo was a favorite of mine, not only due to its historical significance but also because it offers one of the most incredible views of Rome. Once the Mausoleum of Hadrian, Castel Saint Angelo is constructed in layers, each from a different period in the city’s history. In a conventional classroom, we may see pictures of the levels of the fort, but climbing up the stairs and seeing the architecture and materials change in real time is a much deeper experience. Reaching the top and being rewarded with a fantastic view of the city and a great sense of understanding of the value of the fortress’s
position that could never be understood from merely reading about it on slides in a classroom.
The other site that deeply resonated with me was Piazza Navona. I was assigned to give an oral report on Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers within the Piazza. While I had given another oral report on the Circus Maximus earlier in the trip, this one was unique because the Fountain of the Four Rivers embodied everything I learned on the journey. It’s an excellent microcosm of the city, ripe with classical and early modern symbolism. The oral report was enjoyable because I led the group around the monument, pointing at the specific elements I
referenced instead of simply showing pictures. I found the on-site reports to be one of the greatest strengths of the trip, allowing us to stand before something that could feel so distant within a classroom setting.
Beyond the academic aspects of the trip, it also presented me with an excellent opportunity to travel across Italy. My roommates and I took numerous weekend trips, including Naples, Venice, Ravenna, Pompeii, and Florence. Each of these cities offered a unique experience, allowing me to experience Italy beyond the monolith of Rome. Of these cities, I enjoyed Ravenna the most. Ravenna is a hidden gem filled with friendly people and beautiful
mosaics. It also lacks the crowds of the other cities, making it a winner in my book. Before the trip, I knew about the cultural differences in different Italian regions, but visiting them in person allowed me to understand the contention between Northern and Southern Italy. I recommend Northern Italy, as the south, especially Naples, is not for the faint of heart.
Throughout Italy, I experienced a culture shock. The air conditioning was considerably weaker, and it was quite hot. The food was lovely, and I especially enjoyed the pasta in Rome. The food culture is quite different than ours, with breakfast generally lacking protein and dinner much later in the day. I loved the walkability of the cities, and I had no issues getting around, thanks to reliable public transport. One of the things I disliked about my stay was the small washing machine and lack of dryers. It becomes a logistical challenge when six people need to do laundry in a machine half the size of the average American washing machine. Combine that with the delays of air drying clothes on a drying rack, and you get quite the headache.
Despite the occasional laundry headache, my study abroad experience was transformative. It opened my eyes to new cultures, broadened my understanding of history, and allowed me to form lasting friendships. I highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who may be interested in it. It’s not just a trip but a life-changing experience that will shape your perspective and future. While it may seem daunting initially, I promise the trip is worth the investment. Seeing more of the world allowed me to appreciate what I have in Arkansas in ways I would have never expected. Overall, I loved my time abroad and would highly recommend studying abroad to anyone on the fence, as you will gain a greater appreciation for the world’s beauty, both at home and abroad.