The “Allegory of science” and “Clio – The Muse of History”, are two figures located in front of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Nikolaiviertel in Berlin. The two 3m high bronze figures were moved to the Nikolai Quarter in 1987. The “Allegory of science” represents a thoughtful man who braces reading a great book with the right hand against his thigh. With his left hand he holds a globe on the other leg. Another figure which was part of the original ensemble, “Genius of Science”, is now at the Heinrich-von-Kleist Park in Schöneberg.

The Colosseum

A postcard illustration of the Colosseum in Rome, from my recent holiday to the city of Rome in 2015.

It was constructed in 72AD by the Emperor Vespasian and his successor Emperor Titus. It could hold an estimated 50000-80000 spectators.

This impressive colossus, despite undergoing a series of restorations, never fails to astound me with it’s sheer presence and absolute magnificence. What’s harder to believe that there’s as much of it still standing, despite being nearly 2000 years old.

Nothing else represents the utter descent into an absolutely decadent lifestyle like the Colosseum, as visitors would pour in from all corners of the empire to witness bloody gladiatorial tournaments, animal hunts, public executions, simulated naval battles, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas from classical mythology.