The Urbanization of Rome

Happy Saint Peter and Paul Day! The U.S. might not celebrate it but Rome does as most of the stores were closed today (including the farmers market in the Campo). 

In Mona's class, we talked about the anthropological theories of Mauss, Strauss, Marx, Hyde, and Simmel. From talking about "rich foods" and how it is presented in honorary dinner parties by the host and is only brought up for special occasions to be shared. For Marx, we learned about fetishism, gratitude, and faithfulness. All theorists have very good arguments and has expanded my knowledge on the perspectives of the concept - gift giving.

Later in the afternoon, I gave my art history presentation on the urbanization of Rome by Pope Sixtus IV (the della Rovere family). My focus was on the urban renewal projects that the pope led after the papacy had been at Avignon and Rome had become a "broken city." I helped translate some inscriptions in the Campo de'Fiori and Ponte Sisto that attest for the pope's contribution. I then led the group to the Pointe Sisto (a bridge that shows up in a lot of movies) near the Tiber river. Here, I talked more about the urbanization of roads, buildings, and aqueducts. This bridge affects us now in that it connects the Campo to Trastevere's nightlife. Although it does have an unpleasant smell. The class day ended here as Alexandra's presentation was postponed. I hope Lisa feels better.

The night was a night of bonding as the Campo family and Baccina family (my apartment) met up to look around Rome. We ended up going to the Campo and then making a full turn to go to the Trevi Fountain (a total of 40 min. walking). Surprisingly, the other two groups were randomly there too so we hung out for a little bit and took pictures, witnessed a bride and groom taking some pictures, drinking from the small fountain next to the Trevi and going to get Giolitti's gelato. Tonight was definitely a good night.