Wesley blinked as the world around him shimmered into existence. Standing amidst bustling streets, he was surrounded by columns and grand temples of white marble. The sun beat down on citizens as they went about their day, chariots clattering over the cobbled stones. ‘Is this Ancient Rome?’ he wondered.
He meandered through the Forum, his eyes wide with amazement. Orators spoke passionately to the crowd, their voices echoing with rhetoric. Wesley recognized the language – Latin – from his studies, realizing he could somehow understand them. They spoke of governance, of the Republic, and of daily news.
As he walked, the sense of historical significance weighed on his mind. These streets, once trod by the likes of Julius Caesar and Cicero, were alive with the echoes of decisions that shaped the Western world. Wesley felt a connection across time, standing there, a silent observer of history unfolding.
He chanced upon a slave market, a stark reminder of Rome’s reliance on servitude. His heart ached at the sight; families torn apart, lives bartered for coins. A woman wept as her son was led away – a scene that forced Wesley to confront the darker side of Ancient Rome's grandeur.
Wesley made his way to the Colosseum, an architectural marvel towering above him. Inside, the clamor of the crowd reached a fever pitch as gladiators prepared for combat below. It was a grand spectacle, yet beneath the surface lurked a morbid thirst for violence and blood.
A philosopher, noticing Wesley’s troubled expression, engaged him in conversation. They discussed Stoicism, the concept of living a life of virtue in accordance with nature, and of controlling one's reactions to external events.
The day turned into night, and Wesley found himself at a banquet. As he tasted exotic dishes, he listened to poets and watched performers. The night was alight with laughter and merry conversation, yet Wesley couldn't help but think of those who were not free to enjoy such pleasures.
Walking through the city the next day, Wesley was struck by the engineering prowess of the Romans. Aqueducts carried water across vast distances, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness that had built an empire.
He visited the Baths of Caracalla, where Romans socialized, relaxed, and conducted business. It was a hub of activity and conversation, energy palpable in the steam-filled air.
Wesley’s time in Rome was coming to an end. He had learned of their art, culture, politics, and seen their achievements. But he had also seen their failures, their injustices. Rome was human, all too human.
Just as swiftly as it had begun, Wesley’s journey through time faded, the marbles and stones of Rome dissolving into the mists of time, leaving him with a profound sense of gratitude and a host of unanswered questions.
Back in his own time, Wesley journaled his experiences, capturing his thoughts and feelings. He had traversed history, gathered insights and would carry these lessons with him forever – the past, informing the future.
Reflection Questions