You could hear the chitter chatter of excitement as we drove through Southern France—speckled with olive trees hundreds of years old and splashed with Mediterranean influences. As we crunched through the stone filled path, I stopped to take in Pont du Gard, the notable ancient bridge—an aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River in Southern France. It was quite an architectural success and seems to stand as it was just built – major credit to the Romans. One has to think how such a feat was constructed without lime stone, cement or any modern materials. It was completed in 50 years! I wondered what it would be like to grow up with something so amazing in your “backyard.” People were swimming in the river and sunbathing in giant wooden crates. The Tour Guide even mentioned that major rock concerts were played here during the summer. To think what the ancient Romans would say after listening to an Indie Rock band like The Kills or a major DJ play under the bridge.
After spending some time walking around Pont Du Gard, we traveled to Nimes—a popular city in the South of France known for its’ rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. We learned that veterans of the Roman legions who had served Julius Caesar were sometimes given plots of land here. As if Roman architecture cannot get any more impressive, our group walked right up to a coliseum—the Arena of Nimes—pretty much still intact. Equipped with “whispers,” we were able to take a self-guided tour, envisioning early Roman gladiators and matador bullfights. I immediately had the urge to re-watch the movie Gladiator with Russell Crowe (and I am sure most participants felt the same). The whispers talked about where which classes sat in which seats and rows. Those in the front had to behave properly as they are representatives of Caesar. While those in the back and the top (the nosebleed section) were rowdy. I could envision loud banter and bets taking place while the drinks flowed openly. After a first act of volunteers seeking honor and fame by fighting animals and other easy prey, came the prisoners and criminals. They were cruelly either tied up or forced on to poles without any way of defending themselves. Then, the wild, exotic animals such as lions were released. This was considered “boring” to the French. The seats would be empty with people seizing the moment to grab some food or talk amongst themselves—boast about their status. Then the final act would arrive—the moment between gladiator and gladiator. They were glorified heroes and entertainers—risking legal and social standing—and most of all their lives in the arena.
The Pont Du Gard. The Arena of Nimes. These two architectural structures took my breath away. I actually traveled back in time as I walked around the very location where Louis XIV had once been with his court during a visit to the Gardon River. I touched the stone benches of the Arena where Roman spectators had once sat down to watch gladiators fight.
The chitter chatter died down as we drove back to our hotel, but the excitement was still there. As I looked around the bus, I saw tired yet glowing eyes still soaking in everything it had seen. People were looking through the photos they had taken, reliving the breathtaking moments. I, myself, closed my eyes and saw Russell Crowe fighting away as I sat on the stone bench.
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