Rome is somewhere that you realize history is not dead- it lives on in the present. Many of the great buildings in the heart of the Roman empire still stand tall today and the philosophies, technologies, and political systems of this civilization persist as the socioeconomic bedrock of modern society. With every step, you can feel a connection to the last 2000 years of human progress- from where we were to where are today. Romans were optimists; they boldly asked “Why not?” and forged ahead. The incredible architectural and aesthetic accomplishments throughout the city are a tangible testament to this spirit.