Great post.
“..[H]ow did those Romans around the time of Christ build such elaborate, ageless structures in concrete as seen on the skyline of Rome?”
I have wondered the same thing so many times during my visits to Rome.
I was in the Pantheon 3 weeks ago. It is such an amazing piece of work. I dig the convex marble floor (which is quite noticable as you walk around the open interior) that drains away rainwater coming through the hole in the roof.
The best thing was, the McDonalds is gone! Yes, there was a McDonalds on the East side of the Pantheon for some years. One “M” sign remains, indicating 50 meters to the McDonalds. But the store itself is gone, thank goodness.
What do mean “thank goodness”? It was a great place for a burger on the patio while at the same time enjoying the Pantheon!
In Roman times, pork was a popular meat, but wasn’t always affordable. When the Games were running, disreputable wholesalers (whatever they were called then) would render human flesh to vendors who would then sell it as pork. The flavor is indistinguishable.
I guess now no one wants to come to my cookout...