This week’s theme at Gothic Arches is “History”, which immediately inspired me to work on a piece of artwork reflecting the fall of Rome.

For the background, I selected a map of the Roman Empire at it’s most expansive that was taken from an ancient history book which has been handed down through my family. The poor book is falling to pieces from use so I need to research how to properly glue back the leather spine that came off during this project. (Any tips would be greatly appreciated!)

The other main element of design is the peacock, which is the symbolic animal for Juno, the goddess Protector and special counselor of the Roman state. Quite fitting, don’t you agree?

While I could easily write a good, long post pointing out the similarities in the current issues facing the US in comparison to Rome, I’ll spare you. If you pay attention to current events, you can see the writing on the wall, and while it may never happen in our lifetime, the question is…will we learn from history or simply repeat it once more?