When I first heard we were going to Cologne or Koln for a day trip way back at the beginning of the program, I knew I was in for a treat. Cologne was always a big city on the map of Germany, so I always figured there would be a lot to see. Upon leaving the HBF, I saw the massive cathedral towering above city; the two spires above all. Very quickly we made way into the cathedral, where Dr. Wasser gave a small tour through the church, pointing out noteworthy artifacts and memorable décor. I'm not sure if the 3 Magi were actually held within the gilded sarcophagus of the church, but I think it makes for good story regardless.
After the brief tour, we went to a museum that housed collected Roman artifacts found throughout the years. It was clear the Romans had always been good engineers and craftsmen, but the fact that some parts of their lives could last a thousand years and be discovered was mind-blowing. We saw the Dionysus mosaic, a massive tombstone for a wealthy soldier, and many small artifacts from the everyday lives of the Roman citizens. Then, Dr. Wasser asked us to find an item and report on it in this blog.
This is a tombstone reserved for cavalrymen who died during battle. It is supposed that the cavalry regiment this soldier belonged to was under Emperor Sulpicius Galba in AD 68 and was likely stationed near Cologne at the end of the first century. The name Biarta on the stone implies the soldier came from Thrace, know today as Bulgaria, a place known for their horsemen.
Afterwards, we took a more detailed tour of the Cologne Cathedral and got to go up in the spires and the roof of the building. We learned a great deal about the cathedrals lengthy construction and took many great pictures of the church and the surrounding landscape. It was a little sleek in places due to rainfall just prior to the tour, but only a few of us were terrified.
Overall, I'm glad for the opportunity to go to Cologne, I just wish I could have stayed longer.
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