A $4.6-billion addition to Rome’s subway system, due for completion in 2015, has already turned up some interesting results.
Working on
the new 30-station subway line, workers have discovered medieval and Renaissance
period remains including: a sixth-century copper factory, Roman taverns, and
medieval kitchens still stocked with pots and pans. Archaeologists have since
been probing the depths of downtown Rome examining the findings.
“The archaeological investigations are needed only for stairwells and air ducts,
as the 24 kilometers of stations and tunnels will be dug at a depth of 24 to 30
meters - below the level of any past human habitation, experts said.” There may,
however, still be many surprises in store.
Beyond the rarity of some of these findings is the fact that right below our
feet lay the remains of once vibrant worlds.
How quickly, with the passage of time, memories are erased and structures are literally buried. Time makes quick work of the vanity and boastfulness of material pomp and spectacle.
What endures is the ineffable – the driving forces of societies and civilizations; the values and cherished ideals that can bring human beings and their surroundings to life in myriad special ways.
For who can bury the lights and lessons of love and
generosity, of wonder and wisdom? That which is lived in the heart will endure,
while all else will be buried with the passage of time.
