Restanten van zuilen op het Forum Romanum te Rome, Italië 1859 - 1866

Edmondo Behles captured the remains of the columns at the Roman Forum in this photograph. The column, a symbol of strength and stability, marked territories and commemorated victories. Here, the fragmented columns evoke a poignant sense of what has been lost, even as the column of Trajan stands tall amidst the ruins. I'm reminded of obelisks in ancient Egypt, towering structures meant to connect heaven and earth. Over time, the column evolved, shifting from sacred monument to architectural feature, yet it still retains echoes of its original symbolic power. Consider the psychological weight of these ruins. They act as a mirror, reflecting our mortality and the transience of human achievement. It engages us on a subconscious level, urging reflection on the cyclical nature of civilizations. It is a powerful force indeed.