The Roman antiquities, t. 3, Plate IV. Part of the great Wall, which surrounded the large area of `Ustrine. 

Giovanni Battista Piranesi created this engraving of Roman antiquities sometime before 1778. Piranesi was known for his detailed and dramatic depictions of Roman architecture, and he made these engravings during a period of growing interest in classical antiquity. This print documents a section of a wall which once surrounded an ancient cremation ground. More than a mere architectural record, this work invites us to consider the lives, deaths, and rituals of those who inhabited ancient Rome. The stark contrast between the meticulously rendered stonework and the encroaching vegetation evokes a sense of time's relentless passage and prompts reflection on the transient nature of human existence. The focus is on structure but consider, too, the labor and skill required to construct such a massive wall and its implications for social class and power. As you stand here, imagine the emotions, the sense of loss, and the cultural practices that once unfolded within these walls. The engraving serves as a window into a distant world, inviting us to contemplate our shared humanity across time and cultures.