Old vs Ancient

Walking into the courtyard of the Musée de Cluny, surrounded by 15^th century Gothic architecture, and seeing artifacts, which dated back to the Roman Empire up into the Gothic Era, thrilled me.  I was literally standing on ancient grounds. Exploring the different artifacts and monuments, which were all evidence of ancient cultures, allowed me to have a better understanding of how people from the 1^st century lived. Although we were not able to visit the frigidarium, the only Gallo-roman monument surviving in Paris, which dates back to the 1^st century, we were able to read about it and acknowledge that ancient Gallo-roman life was pretty advanced.

 After our visit to the Musée de Cluny, we took a walk to Les Arènes de Lutece, a stadium that was known to host deadly gladiator matches.  I have to admit that all this made me envious of Parisians.  They are very fortunate to have so many ancient historical jewels at their disposition, yet it seems that they take all this for granted.  I’m under the impression, that tourists appreciate these antiquities a little more than Parisians. All this is a norm for Parisians; it’s part of their daily lives.

Arènes de Lutece

Musée de Cluny and Les Arènes de Lutece are only two of many ancient jewels that the beautiful city of Paris posses. My perspective of ancient life has changed. I thought that people back then, were very primitive, but the Gallo-roman thermal baths, which were constructed in a highly advanced manner, are evidence that have proved me wrong. I always thought that old and ancient defined something that was old to the same degree, but now I know better. Ancient is way older than old.