Rome has proven itself time and again to be a place of great power, influence, and innovation, and to see the city and all that it has to offer in person has been unforgettable. Though I have always enjoyed history, I have come away from the trip with a newfound love and respect for the ancient world and how it has shaped society today, and this impact is particularly evident in Rome. As seen with the Etruscans, Roman ideas and architecture have been groundbreaking from its very start, and Rome only continued to grow its power and ideas as time passed. Major things that influence my daily life – the idea of a Republic, the spreading of Christianity, lasting architecture, incredible art – have stemmed from Rome, hundreds and thousands of years ag , and still have a hold on society today. From sewage systems to grand, domed cathedrals, Rome respects and holds onto its history while looking forward to the future.